Adult Education Academy
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Temple
Emanu-El
Adult Education Academy
Fall 5769
Click to listen to any of our
past Adult Education Academy Classes! 
Our
Calendar: The Why and the How
Rabbi
Baruch J. Cohon
Mondays, September 22nd & October 6th
7:00 to 8:30 pm
Why does Rosh
Hashana coincide with a different civil date every year? How can we calculate
a Yortzite? If I don't have a printed Jewish calendar, how do I know
when to make Havdalah? If you have ever combated calendar
confusion, come and find out why! Learn from Talmudic astronomers like Shmuel,
who "knew the orbits of the planets as well as he knew the streets of his
home town Nehardea." Follow the development of calendar science, from
eye-witness testimony of 1,000 years ago to globally adjusted calculations, to
printed calendars that span the next 1,000 years. Registration
Fees: $20 members; $30 non-members
The Torah: A
History of Interpretation
Rabbi Benjamin Sharff
Mondays, October 27, November 3, 10, 17, 24, December 1
12:00 noon to 1:15 pm
This course will
examine the history of Biblical Interpretation from ancient days through
modern, scholarly approaches. Beginning with the earliest interpreters as far
back as the Second Commonwealth and earlier, we will see how these
interpretations transformed over time, and how our predecessors often had
insights into the Torah comparable to our own. In the class, we will
look at narratives from the Torah, such as Cain and Abel, Noah and the Flood,
the Binding of Isaac, and the Exodus, in order to understand how our ancestors
interpreted our Sacred Texts. This will enlighten us as to how we can still
make these same texts relevant in our own lives. Registration
Fees: $40 members; $55 non-members
The
Art of Visiting the Sick
Rabbi Richard Safran
Tuesdays, September 9, 16, 23
11:45 am to 1:15 pm
It is a mitzvah
to visit the sick, but there is a right and wrong way to attempt to fulfill
this commandment. This class will aid you in the "art" of Bikkur
Cholim (visiting the sick) so that you may bring support, respect and
dignity to the ill person. We will also gain insights into dealing with the
ongoing changes in our own health status. There
is no fee for this class.
Henry
Ford: Modern Anti-Semitism & Jewish Response
Evyn Rubin
Tuesdays, October 28, November 4, 11, 18
12:30 pm to 2:00 pm
Henry Ford was a major
accomplice in the development of anti-Semitism in the early Twentieth Century.
His influence still lingers today, in both crude and slick versions. We will
examine his treachery as well as the heartening and instructive Jewish
response, including the boycott of Ford vehicles, libels suits, and sermons.
We will come into the present tense to sample diverse interpretations and
responses to anti-Semitism from the broad spectrum of the Jewish community.
Registration Fees: $40 members; $55 non-members.
A
Brief History of Jews
Rabbi Samuel M. Cohon
Wednesday, August 6, 13, 20
7:00 to 9:00 pm
How did Judaism evolve from a narrow faith of the ancient
world to an expansive peoplehood of the early modern one? In short, what
happened to Jews from the 2nd century to the 16th century? In this sweeping
three-class survey of Jewish history, religion, law, belief, and culture, we
will explore Jewish life, development, and transformation from the end of the
Bar Cochba Revolt in 137 CE to the Expulsion from Spain and Portugal in 1492
and 1496.
Share the story of the
dramatic migrations, adaptations, and re-creations that led from the creation
of the Mishnah and Gemarah in Israel and Babylon to Byzantine
times and the Islamic Revolution. Follow the Jewish people to new centers of
scholarship and creativity in Spain and the Rhineland of Germany, and then to
exceptional new places of learning and endeavor in Central and Eastern Europe
and the Ottoman Empire. Registration Fees: $40
members; $55 non-members
Jewish
Genealogy, Genetics and Origins
Dr. Michael Hammer
Wednesdays, September 10, 17, 24
7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
This course will cover
an introduction to genealogy, genetics, tracing the Jewish diaspora, Jewish
diseases, the origin of Cohanim, and the DNA Shoah Project. It will feature
guest speaker, Matthew Kaplan, Staff Scientist at the University of Arizona
and Genographic Project Lead of the National Geographic Genographic Project,
who will provide an introduction to DNA, inheritance and mutation. A
background in genetics is not required. Registration
Fees: $40 members; $55 non-members
Contemporary
Jewish Literature: The Wednesday Sefer Book Club
A Monthly Coffeehouse
Rabbi Samuel M. Cohon
Wednesdays from 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm (NEW TIME!)
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.
At a new time - BYOL (bring your own lunch)! Great coffee
will be provided. The books for the series are:
August 27: The Great Escape: Nine Jews Who Fled Hitler
and Changed the World by Kati Marton
September 24: Abraham’s Children, by John Entine
or Jacob’s Legacy, by David Goldstein (read either or both)
November 5: The Gravedigger’s Daughter by Joyce
Carol Oates
December 3: Flowers of Perhaps by Ra’hel
January 7: A Spectacle of Corruption by David Liss
February 4: My Holocaust, by Tova Reich
March 4: The Lost Ark of the Covenant, by Tudor
Parfitt
April 1: Out of Line by Tina Grimberg
May 6: The Lemon Tree by Sandy Tolan
Registration Fees:
For the entire 2008-09 series, $40 members; $55 non-members. You may attend an
individual book discussion for a $5 fee. Registration in the Sefer Club is
valid for the entire year.
Seeking
Truth: Everything You Wanted to Know About Judaism & Christianity But Were
Afraid to Ask
Rabbi Samuel M. Cohon & Reverend John Kitagawa
Wednesdays, October 22, 29, November 5, 12
7:30 pm to 9:00 pm
An exploration of Jewish and Christian teachings, beliefs,
practices, and trends in four important areas. The who, what, where, when,
why, and how of Judaism and Christianity, with discussion, questions and
answers will be covered. How are we similar? Where do we differ? And which
direction is it all heading? Registration Fees: $40 members of Temple
Emanu-El and St. Philip’s in the Hills Episcopal Church; $55
non-members
Please note that this class will be held at two different
locations:
At Temple Emanu-El: October 22nd and 29th
At St. Philip’s in the Hills Episcopal Church: November 5th and 12th
Temple Emanu-El is
located at 225 North Country Club Road (just north of Broadway Boulevard); St.
Philip’s in the Hills is located at 4440 North Campbell Avenue (northeast
corner of Campbell Avenue and River Road).
Talmud Study
Dr. Eliot Barron
Wednesdays, starting October 29, 2008
10:00 am to 11:30 am
The Talmud
is a treasure trove of Jewish lore, legend and wisdom. Its pages have been
closed and foreign to most of us, but now, they are accessible. Study excerpts
are from the excellent Hebrew-English Talmud of Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz.
The discussion and learning together is a special experience. No prior Talmud
or Hebrew knowledge is necessary. Free and
open to all. There is no fee for Talmud Study. If interested, contact Eliot
Barron at videlibar1@comcast.net.
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.
Introductory Class: Welcome to the Zohar - Thursdays from
11:45 am to 1:00 pm on August 7, 14
Registration Fees: $20 members; $30 non-members
Regular Course: The Zohar, Soul-text of Kabbalah - Thursdays
from 11:45 am to 1:00 pm
Session I: August 21, 28; and Sept. 4, 11, 18, 25
Registration Fees: $40 members; $55 non-members
Session II: Oct. 16,
23, 30; Nov. 6, 13, 20; and Dec. 4, 11
Registration Fees: $40 members; $55 non-members
Basic Judaism
Rabbi Benjamin Sharff
Thursdays, October 23, 30; November 6, 13, 20; and December 4, 11, 18;
January 15, 22, 29; February 5, 12, 19; March 12, 19, 26; April 2, 23, 30; and
May 7, 14
from 7:00 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.
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 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 participatory class. This
class is a prerequisite for the Adult B’nai Mitzvah Program, Adult
Confirmation, and for all conversion students. Course fees include
textbook.
Registration
Fees: For new students for the entire year, $95 for members, $130 for
non-members
Intermediate
Judaism
Rabbi Samuel M. Cohon
Thursdays, October 23, 30, November 6, 13, 20, and December 4, 11, 18, January
22, 29, February 5, 12, 19, March 5, 12, 19, 26, April 2, 23, 30, and May 7,
14
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
Fees: For new students for the entire year, $95 for members, $130 for
non-members
Adult Confirmation
2007-2009
Rabbi Samuel M. Cohon
Thursdays from 8:15 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
October 23, November 6, 20, December 4, 18, January 15, 29, February 12, March
5, 19, April 2, 23, and May 7; other dates to be arranged. Confirmation
Ceremony on May 30, 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 now in its second year, it offers an
exciting and challenging approach to creating heightened Jewish knowledge,
awareness, comprehension, and creativity. The framework for course study is
"Moments of Revolution in Judaism."
• Fall 2007: Introduction to the program. The theme is Ezra
and the Scribes Create "Judaism."
• Spring 2008: Advanced class in Jewish history on the theme
of The Rabbinic Revolution.
• Fall 2008: Themes are Rashi and the Rediscovery of Torah
and 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 on May 29, 2009. Adult Confirmands will also lead the Tikun Leil
Shavu’ot study session for the 5769 year. Registration fee for the Adult
Confirmation Program is $150 for the 5769 year. This class is FOR MEMBERS
ONLY.
On
Wings of Awe: Understanding & Enjoying the High Holy Days
Rabbi Samuel M. Cohon & Rabbi Benjamin Sharff
Sundays, September 14, 21
10:00 to 11:45 am
A mini-class for everyone who has ever struggled through a
long Days-of-Awe service and wondered why he or she was there. This is a
two-part exploration of the great themes of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur
prayer, including an introduction to the music of the best-attended─and
perhaps least understood─of all Jewish temple events. Make Rosh Hashanah
and Yom Kippur matter this time around! Two sessions with honey cake, tea, and
coffee at the break. Fun, informative, entertaining, and different.
Registration Fees:
$20 members; $30 non-members (includes an audiotape or CD of holiday melodies,
service supplements, and all other materials)
Jewish Home and
Family
Rabbi Benjamin Sharff
Sundays, October 12, November 2, December 7, January 11, February 1, March 8,
April 5, and May 3
9:30 to 11:00 am
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. Free childcare is
provided for this class! Registration
Fees: $40 members; $55 non-members. Fees include all materials, tapes,
handouts, recipes, and noshes.
Taste II, Another
Bite: Jewish in America
Rabbi Benjamin Sharff
Sundays, October 12, 19 and 26
1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
This three-part class will help those who have a modest
knowledge of Jewish life to better understand Judaism as practiced in America.
This is a broad-based presentation of three major themes in American Judaism,
a fun, upbeat but intelligent approach to getting a better handle on just what
today’s version of our ancient religion is all about.
Taught in the same
energetic, interactive style as the hugely popular Taste of Judaism series,
the classes include "Jews in America – Movements (Reform, Conservative,
Orthodox & More), Assimilation & Creativity," "From Davening
to Rock? A Jewish Way to Pray" and "American-Israeli
Relations." Includes delicious "tastes" of traditional Jewish
foods. Registration Fee: $25 members and non-members (includes snacks
and two CDs of Jewish music)
Two-Year Adult B’nai
Mitzvah Program
Rabbi Samuel M. Cohon and Staff
A two-year program preparing 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 Basic
Judaism, Hebrew Marathon, and a follow-up Beginning Prayerbook Hebrew class.
The second-year course is direct preparation for a group B’nai Mitzvah.
Adult B’nai Mitzvah Class
Rabbi Samuel M. Cohon and Staff
Sundays from 10:00 am to 11:15 am
Oct. 12, 19, 26; Nov. 2, 9, 16, 23; Dec. 7, 14; Jan. 11, 18, 25; Feb. 1, 8,
15; Mar. 8; Apr. 5, 19
Adult B’nai Mitzvah service on Saturday, May 9, 2009
The second-year course
in the Adult B’nai Mitzvah Program is an eight-month class leading to a
group B’nai Mitzvah. Students gain familiarity and comfort leading the
liturgy for Friday Evening and Saturday Morning Services, as well as the
ability to chant from the Torah and Haftarah. In addition, fundamental Jewish
prayer and study concepts and techniques are taught. The course culminates
with a group B’nai Mitzvah ceremony on May 9, 2009. Please note that Hebrew
reading comfort is a requirement; check with Rabbi Cohon to confirm
eligibility. Registration Fee: Adult B’nai Mitzvah Class is $275
for the 5769 year. This class is FOR MEMBERS ONLY.
Hebrew
Marathon
Cantorial Soloist Marjorie Hochberg
Learn to read Hebrew in two fun sessions─just
seven hours─guaranteed! 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 many have gone on to Hebrew mastery and
comfort. You can, too! Registration
Fees: $40 members; $55 non-members
August 2008: Sunday,
Aug. 24; 1:00 - 5:00 p m
and Monday, Aug. 25; 6:00 - 9:00 pm
October 2008: Sunday, Oct. 26; 1:00 - 5:00 pm and Monday, Oct. 27; 6:00 - 9:00
pm
January 2009: Sunday, Jan. 11; 1:00 - 5:00 pm and Monday, Jan. 12; 6:00 - 9:00
pm
Beginning
Prayerbook Hebrew
Cantorial Soloist Marjorie Hochberg
Sundays, November 2, 9, 16, 23, December 7, 14, January 25,
February 1, 8, 15, March 1, 8, 22; and April 5
10:15 am to 11:15 am
Learn
reading and comprehension skills for Jewish ritual participation, prayer, and
vocabulary. This class is a natural follow-up for anyone who has taken Hebrew
Marathon or has a basic knowledge of the Hebrew alphabet, vowels, and
pronunciation. Registration
Fees: $40 members; $55 non-members
Intermediate
Prayerbook Hebrew
Cantorial Soloist Marjorie Hochberg
Sundays, November 2, 9, 16, 23, December 7, 14, January 25, February 1, 8, 15,
March 1, 8, 22, and April 5
9:00 am to 10:00 am
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 B’nai Mitzvah Program.
Registration Fees: $40 members; $55
non-members
Sunday
Night at the Jewish Movies
Rabbi Benjamin Sharff, Rabbi Samuel M. Cohon & Friends
A Jewish movie-of-the-month group of film, refreshments,
and talk. See the most interesting Jewish movies and join in the vibrant
discussion over coffee, popcorn, candy, and refreshments. Film introductions
are provided for these viewings of the most dynamic of contemporary cinema.
Fall 2008
Sunday, August 17: Protocols of Zion
Saturday, September 20, Selichot: A Mighty Heart
Sunday, October 19: The Band’s Visit
Sunday, November 23: Simon Magus
Wednesday, December 24: The Counterfeiters
Spring 2009
Sunday, January 25: Rosenstrasse
Sunday, February 15: Constantine’s Sword
Sunday, March 22: The Ritchie Boys
Sunday, April 19: Refusenik
Sunday, May 24: Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed
The refreshment fee is $6 per movie for both
members and non-members, with the exception of A Mighty Heart on
September 20th (Selichot), which is free of charge; and The Counterfeiters
on Wednesday, December 24th, which has a fee of $10 for a light Chinese meal.
All movies begin at
7:00 p.m. except for A Mighty Heart on Saturday, September 20th, which
begins at 8:00 p.m. and includes a special Selichot study session.
Real
Life. Real Talk.® Sex Ed for ParentsSM
Taught by Trained Facilitator from Planned Parenthood with Introductory
Remarks by Rabbi Benjamin Sharff
Sunday, November 9th from 9:30 am to 11:30 am
Real Life. Real
Talk. ® is a two-hour course offering
parents expert advice on establishing open lines of communication between
themselves and their teenagers on the topic of sex and intimate relationships.
This program was initiated by Planned Parenthood Federation of America and a
diverse group of organizations that aim to combat the way sex is treated as a
product in the media. It is a wonderful opportunity to learn about different
ways to start a conversation about the subject of sex, the challenging
realities facing your children, how to pass on your values, and how to enable
your child to make healthy sexual choices. The presentation will be preceded
by introductory remarks on Jewish values in sexuality by Rabbi Benjamin
Sharff. Registration Fee: $5 for members and
non-members
Conversion
Group
Rabbi Samuel M. Cohon and Rabbi Benjamin Sharff
Sunday, August 17, 2008; 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm
Wednesday, November 5, 2008; 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm
Want to find out what it really means to be Jewish? These
classes are offered 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. Bring all your
questions! Free and open to all!
If you are interested, call Mila Anderson, Program
Coordinator, at Temple Emanu-El at (520) 327-4501.
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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