Adult Education Academy
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Temple
Emanu-El
Adult Education Academy
Winter/Spring 5767
Click to listen to any of our
past Adult Education Academy Classes! 
The Prophets II
Rabbi Benjamin
Sharff
This
class is a continuation of the fall class "The Prophets". Our
discussion will pick up with the latter prophets including Isaiah, Jeremiah,
Ezekiel as well as look into the lives and prophecies of the 12 Minor
Prophets. We will look at who these prophets were, when they lived, and the
messages they sought to spread to the Israelites. Our conversations will also
include a focus on what messages they continue to share with us to this day.
There are no prerequisites for this class. Abraham Joshua Heschel’s book
"The Prophets" is recommended reading.
Registration
fee $40 members; $55 non-members
Mondays, 12:00 - 1:30 pm, Feb. 11, 18, 25, March 3, 10,
17, and 24
The Hidden Holocaust:
The Jews of Nazi Occupied USSR
Dr. Carol E. Garrard
Two weeks before Baby Yar, the same Nazi killing squad
perfected its technique at Berdichev, a small city in Southwestern Ukraine, by
murdering over 20,000 Jews September 15-16th, 1941. Carol Garrard is the
co-author with her husband, John, Professor of Russian Studies at the
University of Arizona, of The Bones of Berdichev: the Life and Fate of
Vasily Grossman, which uses captured German and Soviet documents to trace
the murder of the Jews of Berdichev. This class will focus on the Holocaust in
the Ukraine and Nazi activities in the former USSR.
What of the mood in today’s Ukraine? The class also
includes the premier of a new documentary, funded by the Shoah Foundation, of
the current rise in Anti-Semitism in Berdichev-Zhitomir-Kiev. The documentary
was filmed by Daniel Reynolds, a former Peace Corps volunteer to Ukraine, who
was inspired by The Bones of Berdichev (1996) to bring the story up to
the moment. This documentary will have its premier during the class. Join us
to achieve a small victory in the war against forgetting.
Registration fee $40 members; $55 non-members
Mondays, 12:00 noon - 1:30 pm, March 31, April 14, 21, and 28
Rabbinic Lunch and Learn with The Torah: A
Women’s Commentary
Rabbi Benjamin Sharff
This monthly class will continue to look at the
Torah from the perspective of women using The Torah: A Women’s Commentary as
well as other select materials. Sponsored by the Women for Reform Judaism
(WRJ), bring a lunch and join us as we continue the conversation on the roles
women and gender relations played in Israelite society.
There is no fee for
this class.
Mondays, 12:00 noon - 1:30 pm, April 7, May 5, and June 2
Talmud Study
Eliot Barron
The Talmud is a treasure trove of Jewish lore, legend and
wisdom. Its pages have been closed and foreign to most of us, now, they are
accessible. Our group meets Wednesdays from 10:00 am to 11:30 am at Temple.
Study excerpts are from the excellent Hebrew-English Talmud of Rabbi Adin
Steinsaltz. The discussion and learning together is a special experience. The
group is open to all. No prior Talmud or Hebrew knowledge is necessary. There
is no fee. If interested, call Eliot Barron at (520) 297-0354.
There
is no fee for Talmud Study and no need to register.
Wednesdays, 10:00 am continuing through April 9th.
Contemporary Jewish Literature: The Wednesday
Sefer Book Club,
A Monthly Coffeehouse
Rabbi Samuel M. Cohon
Join us for reading, discussion, insight,
stimulating argument and good coffee at this monthly colloquium, led by Rabbi
Samuel M. Cohon, examining important modern Jewish literature. The books for
this term are:
January 30: The Bomb in the Basement by Michael
Karpin
February 13: The Dialogues of Time and Entropy by Aryeh Lev
Stollman
March 12: Einstein by Walter Isaacson
April 9: The Yiddish Policeman’s Union by Michael Chabon
May 14: The Genizah at the House of Shepher by Tamar Yellin
You may
attend an individual book discussion for a $6 fee. Annual registration in the
Sefer Club is valid for the entire year.
Wednesdays, 7:30 pm
A New Way To Look at Biblical Women- The Torah:
A Women’s Commentary
Dr. Beth Alpert Nakhai
In December 2007, Women of Reform Judaism
issued an extraordinary new publication, The Torah: A Women’s Commentary.
This book takes a new look at the Torah, from the perspective of women. Each
parshah is analyzed with respect to what it teaches us about the many roles of
women in Biblical Israel. Additional shorter commentaries then provide
alternate contemporary insights into this ancient material.
This class will look at women in the Bible, using The
Torah: A Women’s Commentary as its primary resource. On the first day, we
will choose a series of parashot to be discussed during the subsequent class
sessions. These discussions will focus on individual women in the Torah, as
well as on roles played by women and on gender relations within Israelite
society. We will also use Women in Scripture: A Dictionary of Named and
Unnamed Women in the Hebrew Bible, the Apocryphal/Deuterocanonical Books and
the New Testament by Carol L. Meyers, Toni Craven, and Ross S. Kraemer. It
will be intriguing to compare these resources with the more traditional The
Torah: A Modern Commentary (rev. ed.) by W. Gunter Plaut and Dave E. S. Stein’s,
which is used by our congregation.
Beth Nakhai’s contributions to The Torah: A Women’s
Commentary include the major commentary on "Parashat Re’eh: Deuteronomy
11:26-16:17," as well as "Another View: B’haalot’cha," and
"Another View: Tazria." Dr. Nakhai is a professor of Judaic Studies
at the University of Arizona.
Registration fee
$40 members/$55 non-members
Wednesdays, 7:00 - 8:30 pm, January 23, 30, February 6, 13, 20, 27
Paint the World Jewish: Basic Watercolor
Techniques on Jewish Themes
Ann Lapidus
Why should our children have all the fun! Ann Lapidus, our
Temple Emanu-El Sunday school art teacher, will guide you through the basics
of watercolor painting. Create your own watercolor paintings and gain a better
understanding on color and how to paint with watercolors. You will be learning
painting fundamentals while exploring Jewish themes.
This hands-on class will include painting materials. Enroll
early so that enough supplies will be available at the first class. No
experience necessary.
Ann has taught adult painting classes in a number of venues in
Tucson.
Registration fee
includes cost of painting supplies, $85 members/$95 non-members
Wednesdays, 6:30- 8:15 January 23, 30, February 6, 13, 20, and 27
The Zohar, Soul-text of Kabbalah
Rabbi Samuel M. Cohon
The Zohar is the great medieval compendium of mysticism, myth,
and esoteric teaching. One of the most important bodies of religious texts of
all times and places, it is also a lush literary celebration of love,
expressed in sensuous religious language. The Zohar’s secret universe serves
as the basis of Kabbalistic faith and is, at heart, a work of sacred
fantasy.
This remarkable work is explored using the new translation by
Danny Matt, which enables even novice students of the Kabbalah to approach and
understand the pivotal text. In a guided exploration of this seminal work of
mysticism, Rabbi Cohon helps open the "locked garden" of the Zohar
in an interactive discussion class using both intellectual and meditation
techniques.
Registration fee $40 for members/$55
non-members
Regular Course,
Thursdays, 11:45 am – 1:00 pm
Session I : Jan. 17, 24, 31, Feb. 7, 14, 28, March 6, and 13
Session II: March 20, 27, April 3, 10, 17, May 1, 8, and 15
Survey of Jewish History: From the Beginning
through the Middle Ages
Steve Werlin
This course will be a brief overview of Jewish history, covering material
from the traditional roots of Judaism in the period of the Israelites, right
up into the medieval world. The topics will include the origins of the Jewish
religion and culture, the First and Second Temple periods, the rise of
rabbinic Judaism, and the reshaping of Judaism in the Diaspora. We will
consider particularly the multiplicity of Jewish traditions and beliefs. While
the course assumes no prior knowledge, the material will challenge old
assumptions and preconceived notions of what Judaism is and who its people
are."
Registration fee $40
members/$55 non-members
Thursdays, 7:00-8:15 pm April 10, 17, 24, May 1, 8, 15
Basic Judaism
Rabbi Benjamin Sharff
This year-long class presents a thematic introduction to
Jewish ideas, texts, theology, history, and culture taught in an interactive
discussion style. Judaism is a complex and magnificent religion and culture.
Learn all the basics in this interactive, interesting, comprehensive
introductory class. We will explore the most important texts of Jewish
tradition: Torah, Prophets, Writings, Mishna, Gemara, Midrash, Codes,
Philosophy and Liturgy. The process of group study of Torah will be cultivated
in this interactive, participatory class.
This class is a prerequisite for the Adult Bat/Bar Mitzvah
program, adult confirmation, and for all conversion students. Course fees
include textbook.
Registration
fee is $60 for the second semester for members, $95 for non-members (for new
students only)
Thursdays, 7:00 - 8:15 pm, Jan. 10, 17, 24, 31 Feb. 7, 14, 28 March 6, 13, 27
April 10, 17, May 1, 8, 15
Intermediate Judaism
Rabbi Samuel M. Cohon
This course is more advanced than Basic Judaism. It is a
year-long study of the ideas, practices, and connections that make Judaism a
vital and evolving religion. As a comprehensive exploration of the reality of
today’s Judaism, Intermediate Judaism focuses on the great ideas and trends
of modern and contemporary Judaism – the origins and development of Reform,
Conservative, and Modern Orthodox Judaism, Reconstructionist ideas, and other
movements within modern Judaism. The course will focus on themes of current
importance and debate.
Registration
fee is $60 for the second semester for members, $95 for non-members (for new
students only)
Thursdays, 7:00 - 8:15 pm, Jan. 17, 24, 31 Feb. 7, 14, 28, March 6, 13, 27
April 10, 17, May 1, 8, 15
Adult Confirmation 2007-2009
Temple Emanu-El’s Adult Confirmation Program provides the
adult Jewish learner with the opportunity for directed education at an
advanced level. A two-year program with significant prerequisites and
substantive ongoing requirements, it offers an exciting and challenging
approach to creating heightened Jewish knowledge, awareness, comprehension,
and creativity. Classes emphasize an interactive seminar format with some
outside reading and writing.
The framework for course study is "Moments of
Revolution in Judaism". Each block is organized around one such central
moment in Jewish history, with all of its implications for the development of
Judaism and with a full exploration of its relevance today.
• Spring 2008: Advanced class in Jewish History on the
theme of The Rabbinic Revolution
• Fall 2008: Classes for the first semester of the second
year focus on the theme of Rashi and the Rediscovery of
Torah & the Birth of Jewish Philosophy
• Spring 2009: Classes for the final semester focus on
the theme of Emancipation, Modernity, Ideologies, and Me
The class will reach completion with a confirmation
ceremony and a service led by the confirmation students in the spring of 2009.
Adult Confirmands will also lead the Tikun Leil Shavu’ot study session for
the 5769 year.
Handouts with specific prerequisites & course
requirements are available at the Temple office. The Adult Confirmation
Program is only available to members of Temple Emanu-El. Please contact Rabbi
Samuel M. Cohon or Ruth Dickstein with your interest in the Adult Confirmation
Program. Rabbi Cohon: 327-4501 or ruthd@email.arizona.edu.
Registration
fee for the Adult Confirmation Program is $150 for the 5768 year FOR MEMBERS
ONLY.
Thursdays, 8:15 – 9:30 pm, Jan. 17, 31, Feb. 7, 28, March 6, 27, April 10,
May 1, and 15
Two-Year Adult B’nai Mitzvah Program
Rabbi Samuel M. Cohon and Staff
A two-year program that prepares
participants for a group Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah service, this is a wonderful
opportunity to deepen Jewish knowledge and commitment. The required courses in
the first year include completion of a Hebrew Marathon and a follow-up
Beginning Hebrew class, as well as completion of the Basic Judaism course. The
second year course is direct preparation for a group Bat/Bar Mitzvah.
Adult B’nai Mitzvah Class
Rabbi Samuel M. Cohon and Staff
The second-year course in the Temple Emanu-El Adult Bar/Bat
Mitzvah Program is an eight-month-long course leading to a group Bar/Bat
Mitzvah service. Students gain familiarity and comfort leading the liturgy for
both the Friday night and Saturday morning services, as well as the ability to
chant from the Torah and Haftarah. In addition, a fundamental understanding of
Jewish prayer and study concepts and techniques are taught.
This class culminates with a group Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremony on
May 17, 2008, with class members chanting from the Torah and Haftarah. Please
note that Hebrew reading comfort is a requirement; check with Rabbi Cohon to
confirm eligibility.
Registration
fee for the Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah Course is $275 for the 5768 year FOR MEMBERS
ONLY.
Sundays, 10:00 am, Jan. 20, 27, Feb. 3, 10, 17, March 2, 9, 23, April 6, 13,
27 , May 4
Adult B’nai Mitzvah service on Saturday, May 17, 2008.
Jewish Home and Family
Rabbi Benjamin Sharff
In order to have a fulfilling Jewish life,
it helps to know how! In this monthly class you will learn the pragmatic
details of the holidays, Shabbat, and the Jewish life cycle. Explore all the
ways, large and small, to have a Jewish home and raise Jewish children.
Many secular Jews, Jews-by-Choice, and non-Jewish partners of
Jews have come into the synagogue community in recent years, bringing great
energy, talent, creativity, and enthusiasm but not much practical knowledge of
how to live Jewishly. Jewish Home and Family will make you more comfortable
and knowledgeable in a Jewish home, as a Jew, or as a Jewish parent or
grandparent.
Registration
fee $40 members; $55 non-members Fees include all materials, tapes, handouts,
recipes, and noshes.
Sundays, 9:30 – 11:00 am, January 6, February 10, March 9, April 6, May 4
Hebrew Marathon
Cantorial Soloist Marjorie Hochberg
Learn to read Hebrew in two fun sessions! Guaranteed to
teach you to read Hebrew in just 7 1/2 hours. This year, read along with the
prayers at services, and make Hebrew a language you know.
Over 300 people have taken our fast, enjoyable Hebrew
Marathons, and learned to read Hebrew. Many have gone on to Hebrew mastery and
comfort. You can, too!
Registration fee $40 members; $55 non-members
Sunday, January 6, 1:00 pm; Monday, January 7, 6:00 pm
Beginning Prayerbook Hebrew
Steve Werlin
A class in reading and comprehension skills
for Jewish ritual participation, prayer, and vocabulary. This class is a
natural follow-up class for anyone who has taken the Hebrew Marathon, or has a
basic knowledge of the Hebrew alphabet, vowels, and pronunciation.
Registration fee $40 members; $55 non-members
Sundays, 10:15 -11:15 am; Jan. 20, 27, Feb. 3, 10, 17, March 2, 9, April 6,
13, 27
Intermediate Prayerbook Hebrew
Cantorial Soloist Marjorie Hochberg
A
continuation of reading, grammar, and basic vocabulary,
with an emphasis on reading and understanding the prayers for services. This
class is strongly recommended for students enrolled in the adult Bar/Bat
Mitzvah program.
Registration fee $40 members; $55 non-members
Sundays, 9:00 - 10:00 am, Jan. 27, Feb. 3, 10, 17, March 2, 9,
April 6, 13, 27
Sunday & Other Nights at the Jewish Movies
Rabbi Samuel M. Cohon, Rabbi Benjamin Sharff & Friends
A Jewish movie-of-the-month group of film, refreshments, and
talk. See the most interesting Jewish movies on a big screen with theater sound
in air-conditioned comfort, and join in the vibrant discussion over coffee with
Rabbi Samuel M. Cohon, Rabbi Benjamin Sharff and special guests. Popcorn, candy,
refreshments, and film introductions are provided for these viewings of the most
dynamic of contemporary cinema.
All movies begin at 7:00 pm
Sunday, January 27: Fateless
Sunday, February 17: Free Zone
Tuesday, March 25: One Night With the King
Tuesday, April 29: Paradise Now
Sunday, May 18: Broadway Danny Rose
Registration fee is valid for the entire year - $40 for members,
$55 for non-members. You may attend individual films by paying a refreshment
charge of $6. This fee will be waived once the equivalent of the registration
fee has been paid.
Conversion Group
Want to find out what it really means to be Jewish? These
classes are offered once every three months for all who are interested in
converting to Judaism, are already in the conversion process, or who want to
learn more about becoming a Jew and living a Jewish life. Led by Rabbis Cohon
and Sharff; bring all your questions! Free & open to all; call Mila Anderson
at 327-4501.
Sunday, February 10, 1:00 pm
Tuesday, May 20, 7:00 pm
Classes are $40 for
Temple members/$55 for non-members - unless otherwise noted.
For more information,
call the Temple office at
(520) 327-4501
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