Spring courses begin in February (many at our new location!).

The Spring course brochure is mailed in January; if you're not on our mailing list, or didn't receive your copy, contact us.

You can now register on-line for courses.

 

 

 

ALEPH BET GIMMEL
For all levels
Courses with no prerequisites, designed for those who wish to get a more basic survey of a given subject, or for those who seek a general overview.
Courses designed for those with some background in basic Judaism and who are familiar with general Jewish concepts. Some courses have prerequisites. Designed for those with a strong background in general Judaica and previous text study experience. Some courses have Hebrew reading prerequisites.

Schedule @ a Glance

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY
  THORNHILL:
Intro to Text
9:30 - 11:00 a.m.
DOWNTOWN:
Sex, Money and Power
12:00 noon - 1:00 p.m.
The Art of Torah Study
9:30 - 11:00 a.m.
Shmot
6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Holiday Haftarot
8:00 - 9:30 p.m.
Blessing, Prayers and Rituals
8:00 - 9:30 p.m.
Intro to Talmud
6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Biblical Men in Crisis 7:45 - 9:30 p.m.
Women & Gender Roles
7:45 - 9:30 p.m.
Opening the Haggadah
7:30-9:00 p.m. Jewish Belief
7:30 - 9:00 p.m.

Doing Jewish (Basic Judaism)
7:30 - 9:30 p.m.
Intro to Texts
7:30 - 9:30 p.m.

THORNHILL:
Contemporary Issues
8:00 - 9:30 p.m.

MONDAY

Shmot
6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Feb. 21 - May 1 (skip Mar. 20) (10 weeks)
Instructor: Rabbi Elyse Goldstein

An ongoing Torah study of the book of Exodus in Hebrew with traditional
commentaries from Rashi, Ibn Ezra and others, also studied in Hebrew. Using
close analytical reading we slowly and systematically approach familiar and
not-so-familiar narratives. All texts are studied in Hebrew. New students
welcome.
Prerequisite: Good Hebrew reading skills and previous high-level text study.
$75, Students $40, Book fee $15

The Holiday Haftarot
8:00 - 9:30 p.m. Feb. 21 - May 1 (skip Mar. 20) (10 weeks)
Instructor Rabbi Elyse Goldstein

Each holiday throughout the Jewish year has a specially assigned, thematic
haftarah reading. We will analyze both the haftarah and its connection to
that holiday's Torah portion through its historical context, textual meaning
in both Hebrew and English, and spiritual message. Prerequisite: Previous
high-level text study. Students must bring a Chumash with Haftarot or the
Plaut Haftarah Commentary to class each week.
$125, Students $65.

Blessing, Prayers and Rituals for Everyday Living

8:00 - 9:30 p.m. Feb. 21 - May 1 (skip Mar. 20) (10 weeks)
Instructor: Rabbi Neal Loevinger

In this course, we will consider texts from the Siddur intended for everyday
living at home and on the road, looking at traditional prayers, psalms, and
blessings which bring spiritual awareness into our daily lives. Both the
Biblical and rabbinic roots of the siddur, as well as some modern additions
to our liturgical repertoire will be considered. Some familiarity with the
prayerbook and Jewish practice required. Students are required to bring a
traditional siddur to class, and will receive home prayer booklets.
$125, Students 65. Materials fee. $10

TUESDAY

Introduction to Talmud: Mishna Brachot
6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Feb. 22 - May 9 (skip Mar. 21, Apr. 25) (10 weeks)
Instructor: Rabbi Neal Loevinger

The first semester of an ongoing Talmud class, introducing rabbinic
vocabulary, historical background, and important concepts. The Talmud will
be studied in translation, but reference will be made to the Hebrew text.
Prerequisite: Hebrew reading skills.
Students are required to obtain a copy of Mishnah Brachot with both Hebrew
and English.
$75, Student $40

Biblical Men in Crisis
7:45 - 9:30 p.m. Feb. 22 - May 9 (skip Mar. 21, Apr. 25) (10 weeks)
Instructor: Rabbi Neal Loevinger

How does the Bible portray men dealing with urgent and profound problems,
and how can we connect these stories to our lives today? Whether these
crises were spiritual, emotional, personal, or political, men in the Bible
reacted in ways that were both "typically male," and yet also profoundly
different from contemporary stereotypes and cultural norms. Classic Biblical
commentaries and other Jewish spiritual texts will add to our exploration of
how men experience life's difficulties, and what Judaism has to say about
it. Participants must bring a Bible to class each week.
$125, Students $65

Women & Gender Roles in ANCIENT Israel

7:45 - 9:30 p.m. Feb 8 - Apr 11 (skip Feb. 15) (9 weeks)
Instructor: Professor Adele Reinhartz

One of the hallmarks of modern women's experience is role conflict, that is,
the competing demands between the roles of wife, mother, and daughter,
between professional, family and community responsibilities, between doing
what women wish for themselves and doing what others ask of them. Our
sources show that role conflict has been an issue for Jewish women since the
very beginning. In this course, we will study a number of biblical women,
some famous, some obscure, who were caught up in the competing demands of
their gender roles in Israelite society. Students must bring a Bible (Hebrew
and/or English) to each class.
$115. Students $60

WEDNESDAY

Opening the Haggadah; Opening the Seder
7:30-9:00 p.m. Feb. 23 - May 3 (skip Apr. 19, 26) (9 weeks)
Instructor: Baruch Sienna
Learn how to make this year's Seder interactive and meaningful as we analyze
the structure of the Haggadah together and create our own composition to
share at Passover. We will study the origins of this springtime holiday and
examine examples of old and new Haggadot. Make your Seder the best ever.
$115, Students $60

Jewish Belief: From Bible to Buber
7:30 - 9:00 p.m. Feb. 23 - May 10 (skip Apr. 19 & 26) (10 weeks)
Instructor Rabbi Paul Golomb

Modern secular culture lays down a challenge to the existence of a Supreme
Being. But Judaism assumes it. This course will be a survey and study of
Jewish texts from the Hebrew Bible through contemporary Jewish thought
regarding belief in the God of Israel, and the issues regarding God's
existence that have been raised in every age.
$125. Students $65.

THURSDAY

The Art of Torah Study
9:30 - 11:00 a.m. Feb. 24 - May 11 (skip Apr. 20, 27) (10 weeks)
Instructor: Baruch Sienna

Start with the basics - the what, when and how of the Jewish Bible. Students
will acquire the tools necessary to penetrate the layers of meaning in the
Biblical narrative and will have an opportunity to apply these skills in a
traditional model utilizing Rabbinical commentaries. The goal of this course
is general familiarity with the contents and context of the Torah and an
increased ability to study Torah independently or in a class. All texts are
studied in English.
$125, Students $65
Free childcare available by preregistration.


Introduction to Sacred Jewish Texts
7:30 - 9:30 p.m. Feb. 24 - May 11 (skip Apr. 20, 27) (10 weeks)
Instructor: Rabbi Elyse Goldstein

We are the People of the Book. There are many kinds of books Jews study.
Explore the history and structure of traditional Jewish texts, and study a
sample page from the Torah, Talmud, Midrash, Siddur, Zohar, and more. The
goal of the course is basic familiarity with a wide range of what are
considered sacred Jewish texts.
$125, Students $65

Doing Jewish (Basic Judaism)

7:30 - 9:30 p.m. Feb. 10 - May 11 (skip Apr. 20, 27) (12 weeks)
Instructor: Arliene Botnick

This class is for those searching for an entry point to a modern and
meaningful Jewish life, or for those who wish to enhance their present
Jewish observance. We will explore the practices of Jewish life from a
liberal perspective: the holidays and life cycles, basic Jewish philosophy,
creating a Jewish home and more. Class includes field trips to a Jewish
funeral home, mikvah, synagogue, and a Shabbat dinner.
$150, Students $75, second person $100. Book fee $25

Lunch & Learn Downtown


The Sages on Sex, Money and Power

Wednesday, 12:00 noon - 1:00 p.m.
Feb. 23 - May 10 (skip Apr. 19 & 26) (10 weeks)
Instructor: Rabbi Neal Loevinger

What do sex, money, and power have in common? Judaism has something to say
about them all. The rabbis of the era of the Talmud were keenly aware of
human psychology, and couched their insights in stories, law, and ethical
maxims. This course will be discussion-oriented, and no previous experience
or knowledge of Talmud is required.
Location: Borden & Elliot, Scotia Plaza, 40 King St. W. 42nd Floor
$75, Students $40

Thornhill Classes

Introduction to Sacred Jewish Texts

Tuesday, 9:30 - 11:00 a.m.
Feb. 22 - May 2 (skip Mar. 21) (10 weeks)
Instructor: Rabbi Elyse Goldstein

We are 3the People of the Book.2 There are many kinds of books Jews study.
Explore the history and structure of traditional Jewish texts, and study a
sample page from the Torah, Talmud, Midrash, Siddur, Zohar, and more. The
goal of the course is basic familiarity with a wide range of what are
considered sacred Jewish texts.
Location: CCRJ, Leo Baeck Day School, 36 Atkinson Avenue, Boardroom
$125, Students $65

Contemporary Issues Through Traditional Texts
Thursday, 8:00 - 9:30 p.m.
Feb. 17 - Apr. 27 (skip Mar. 30 and Apr. 20) (9 weeks)
Instructor: Rabbi Daniel Komito Gottlieb

Exploring how Judaism, rooted in tradition and responding to modernity,
confronts today's perplexing ethical challenges, including abortion,
homosexuality, business ethics, reproductive technology, social welfare,
end-of-life issues, and more.
Location: Temple Kol Ami, Leo Baeck Day School,
36 Atkinson Avenue, Boardroom
$115, Students $60
Cosponsored with Temple Kol Ami

and coming in May- our popular mini-mester: 6 weeks classes

 

 

last update: January 2000

 

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Kolel: The Adult Centre for Liberal Jewish Learning