September 07, 2010   28 Elul 5770
 
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The Hermene Zweiback Center for Lifelong Jewish Learning  

Founded in 1999, by Dr. Eugene Zweiback in memory of his wife Hermene, the Center provides an array of learning opportunities at many different levels of Jewish literacy.  Each year, the Adult Education Committee selects a focus theme and determines class offerings and scholars to bring in for weekend programs.   Beyond the theme, we offer Torah study, parenting workshops, Holocaust education, occasional book groups, beginning Hebrew or adult B’nai Mitzvah and much more.  

Adult Education Committee:  Paul Rabinovitz, Chair, Ron Brodkey, Scott Goodman, Michael Halsted, Todd Hutton, Jennifer Miller, Leslie Norman, Silvia Roffman, Susan Rothholz, Kathy Simon, Jeremy Wright, Debbi Zweiback, and Speedy Zweiback

To register for classes, contact Program Director Wendy Goldberg, 556-6536.  You are welcome to preview the first session of a class before registering.  Reduced class fees are available by contacting Executive Director Dennis DePorte.
Scholars  

Judith Shulevitz is a journalist, editor and literary critic. She graduated from Yale College in 1986. Shulevitz was the founding culture editor of Slate. Shulevitz also worked as deputy editor of New York Magazine, and was a columnist for the New York Times Book Review. Her articles have appeared in The New Yorker, The New Republic, and elsewhere. She is the author of The Sabbath World: Glimpses of a Different Order of Time.

 

The History of the American Sabbath
Friday, October 29, 6 p.m.
Religion is the source of most forms of transcendence in our mostly very mundane lives, whether or not we now pray or believe. Religion has given us storytelling, poetry, music, art and theater; it has occasioned the founding of universities; it has been responsible for great advances in architecture. There’s no reason not to let religion lend us one of its most powerful social ideas- the Sabbath- as well. Judith Shulevitz will weave together histories of the Jewish and Christian sabbaths, speculations on the nature of time and a rueful account of her personal struggle with the day. A congregational Shabbat dinner will follow services.

 

An Intergenerational RetreatThe Sabbath World: Glimpses of a Different Order of Time

Saturday, October 30, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

FIVE STEPS TO DETERMINE IF THIS RETREAT IS FOR YOU:

• How many times have you vowed to build more downtime into your weekend schedule?

• How often have you done it?

• Do things get in the way -- deadlines, emails, children, and chores?

• Does the idea of exploring the value of the custom of people passing the Sabbath day in one another’s company and taking walks or drives or meals together sound appealing?

• Are you ready to acknowledge our choices about how to spend time off and recognize that those choices deprive us of something too?


Judith Shulevitz will lead an intergenerational retreat with a focus on true rest as a group activity, not a solitary one. Shulevitz notes that we rest best when others rest with us, keep us company and give us something fun to do, as well as offer moral reinforcement against the fear we will fall behind. Together, we will celebrate our ability to stop and celebrate the Sabbath while the world around us hums with activity. Family or individual fee: $25 for members, $50 for non-members, free for Family School participants.

 

Making Room for the Shabbat

Sunday, October 31, 10 a.m. - Noon
Judith Shulevitz notes that the Talmud lists 39 categories of work that observant Jews are not allowed to perform on the Sabbath, including baking, plowing and shearing wool. She says the rules have been updated for modern times, but the basic principle uniting all of these rules, she says, is about acknowledging that humans do not exert mastery over the world. “For one day a week, you let the world be as it is,” she says. “And you can be in it, and not try to dominate it.”

Rabbi Elijah of Vilna put it this way: “We could let the world wind us up and set us to marching, like mechanical dolls that go and go until they fall over, because they don’t have a mechanism that allows them to pause. But that would make us less than human. We have to remember to stop because we have to stop to remember. “ Come consider the rich tradition of the day of rest.

 

 

Dennis Prager is an American syndicated radio talk show host, syndicated columnist, author and public speaker. Prager is the author of several books including Nine Questions People Ask About Judaism with Rabbi Joseph Telushkin. He has lectured in 46 states, on six continents, and traveled in 98 countries and the 50 U.S. states. An avid classical music lover, he periodically conducts orchestras in Southern California.

 
Happiness is a mitzvah – Not a feeling

Friday, November 19

Wine and Cheese Oneg, 5:30 p.m.

Shabbat Worship and D’var by Dennis Prager, 6 p.m. Happiness — or at least acting happy, or at the very least not inflicting one’s unhappiness on others — is no less important in making the world better than any other human trait. To dramatize his point, Dennis Prager uses the religious language of altruism. If the Torah commands us to look beyond ourselves and consider the welfare of others, what better way than to act happy around others and elevate their own happiness? It’s a worthy sacrifice, not to allow one’s negative feelings to bring others down. His thesis, which he expounds on in a book, Happiness Is a Serious Problem, is that happiness isn’t a selfish act at all, but might be, in fact, the ultimate mitzvah.

Why the Torah is My Guide

Saturday, November 20, 9 -10:15 a.m.

Can the Torah give us what our heart cannot - wisdom? Studied properly, there is no guide more relevant and nothing as positively life transforming. Dennis Prager advocates for using the Torah as an operator’s guide for life. Prager and our clergy will uncover specific examples to help us get the best results with our holy book.

 

Can You be an Observant Jew Without being an Orthodox Jew?

Saturday, November 20, 7 p.m., JCC

Contrary to what one might expect from this yeshiva-trained political and social conservative and champion of ethical monotheism, that does not mean Prager thinks all Jews should become Orthodox. “You merely have to want to be deeper, lead a richer and holier life, and become a serious Jew.” Prager continues, “If Orthodox Jews judged fellow Jews solely by their ethical behavior and not by their ritual behavior, both Orthodoxy and Jewry would be much better off.” Dennis Prager will offer practical daily advice for keeping the Sabbath holy and incorporating God while living a secular life. After his presentation, there will be a panel discussion between Prager and clergy from our community congregations. A dessert reception will follow. There is no charge for this event, and it is open to the entire Jewish community.

 

Judaism’s Five Greatest Lessons Sunday, November 21, 10 a.m. - Noon

Join Dennis Prager as he schools us in how to incorporate Judaism into your life, to be both a better and a happier human being. Prager will outline valuable lessons and a roadmap to support his belief that “Judaism will give you — to the extent you choose — God, membership in the most ancient and arguably the most influential group in history, and a lifelong and life-filling purpose.”


Rebecca Goldstein attended Barnard and Princeton University, where she earned a Ph.D. in philosophy. She returned to Barnard, where she taught for ten years. Her award-winning books include the novels The Mind-Body Problem, Properties of Light, and Mazel, and nonfiction studies of Kurt Godel and Baruch Spinoza. She has received a MacArthur Foundation Fellowship and Guggenheim and Radcliffe fellowships, and was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2005. She lives in Massachusetts.

 

Rebecca Goldstein Book Club with Rabbi Linder
Wednesdays, January 26 - February 9, 6:30 - 8 p.m.
In preparation for Rebecca Goldstein’s visit to Temple Israel, we will examine her books, rich with philosophical issues and artful skill of narrative storytelling. Together, we will use Goldstein’s text to navigate the connections between modern life, religiosity, introspection, desire and a quest for meaning.

 

36 Arguments for the Existence of God: A Work of Fiction
Wednesday, February 16, 6:30 - 8 p.m.
Rebecca Goldstein will plunge into the great debate of our day- the clash between faith and reason. Her hilarious novel about people’s existential agonies ignites a passion to understand religion, wrestle with the great moral issues of today.
Sunday Mornings at Temple  

To register contact Program Director Wendy Goldberg 

Attend the Sunday morning prayer assembly with your children or grandchildren prior to each workshop. Stay for conversation, fresh bagels, juice and coffee.

 

Revitalizing the Festivals: Chanukah
Sunday, November 7, 10:30 a.m.- Noon
Chanukah, meaning “dedication” in Hebrew, refers to the joyous eight-day celebration during which Jews commemorate the victory of the Macabees over the armies of Syria in 165 B.C.E., and the subsequent liberation and “re-dedication” of the Temple in Jerusalem. The modern home celebration of Chanukah centers around the lighting of the Chanukiah, a special menorah for Chanukah; unique foods, latkes and jelly doughnuts; and special songs and games. Join Rabbi Azriel and explore ideas for celebrating Chanukah at home and at Temple Israel.

 

Revitalizing the Festivals: Shabbat
Sunday, January 9, 10:30 a.m.- Noon
Whether you’re just getting started with a Shabbat observance and need to know where to begin, or you want to enrich your knowledge and enliven your celebration... or you are looking for adult study resources, guidance for your interfaith family, activities to engage children in Shabbat, or great music and recipes... this is the session for you. Join Cantor Shermet to reflect on how to make Shabbat a meaningful and rich tradition for you and your loved ones.

 

Revitalizing the Festivals: Passover
Sunday, March 6, 10:30 a.m.- Noon
Passover is a unique holiday, blending our communal past with your personal future. Freedom is not only a historical memory, it is part of our personal experiences. How does Egypt manifest itself in our lives? Who is Pharoah? Why was Moses chosen (and was he!)? Join Rabbi Linder to explore these questions and others as we bridge the gap between Jewish memory and personal experience.
Wednesday Nights at Temple  

Join Family School parents studying with their student in both the Judaica and Hebrew classes or map your own course of study from the adult learning opportunities.  Newcomers welcome.  Fee:  $18 for members, $25 for non-members, free for Family School parents.

 

Approaching the Season of Atonement
Wednesday, September 15, 6:30 - 8 p.m.
As fall approaches, Jews throughout the world begin to prepare for a ten-day period of prayer, self-examination, fasting and repentance. Rabbi Azriel will provide some tactics on preparing for the Days of Awe, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.

 

Hebrew 101
Wednesdays, October 6 - November 10, 6:30 - 8 p.m.

Wednesdays, January 26 - February 9, 6:30 - 8 p.m.
Mor Sheinbein will teach a course with a focus on letters, grammar and pronunciation.

 

Temple Mitzvah Corp
Wednesdays, October 20, November 10, and January 12, 6:30 - 8 p.m.
Temple’s Adult Mitzvah Corps will participate in hands-on volunteer work, focused on Jewish social and ethical issues, in our community where energy is needed.

 

613 Mitzvot with Rabbi Azriel

Wednesdays, December 1-15, 6:30 - 8 p.m.

Sefer ha-Chinuch, “Book of Education,” is a work which systematically discusses the 613 commandments of the Torah, both from a legal and a moral perspective. Rabbi Azriel will address the philosophical underpinnings of the commandments, practical Jewish law governing its observance and a summary as to the commandments’ applicability. Come discover some most intriguing and fundamental precepts of Judaism.

 

Rebecca Goldstein Book Club with Rabbi Linder
Wednesdays, January 26 - February 9, 6:30 - 8 p.m.

In preparation for Rebecca Goldstein’s visit to Temple Israel, we will examine her books, rich with philosophical issues and the artful skill of narrative storytelling. Together, we will use Rebecca Goldstein’s text to navigate the connections between modern life, religiosity, introspection, desire and a quest for meaningfulness.

 

36 Arguments for the Existence of God: A Work of Fiction

Wednesday, February 16, 6:30 - 8 p.m.

Rebecca Goldstein will plunge into the great debate of our day- the clash between faith and reason. Her hilarious novel about people’s existential agonies ignites a passion to understand religion, wrestle with the great moral issues of today, and ultimately realize that the religious impulse spills over into our daily life.

 

Introduction to Jewish Tradition, Rituals and Belief: Death and Mourning with Rabbi Linder and Cantor Shermet

Wednesdays, March 2 and 9, 6:30 - 8 p.m.

This course will cover the entire end-of-life cycle from before death through the end of formal mourning rituals. We will discuss questions such as: When is a person considered no longer alive? What happens to us after our death? What are the Jewish traditions and rituals for preparing a body for burial? What happens at a Jewish funeral? What are the stages of Jewish mourning? What kinds of Jewish decisions might I face when a loved one dies? We will also discuss contemporary questions such as cremation, organ donation, assisted suicide and the ecology of burial.

 

So the Torah Is a Parenting Guide?

Wednesday, March 30, 6:30 - 8 p.m

.Join Dr. Guy Matalon to look at everyday parenting challenges through the lens of the Torah and the Talmud. Examine the value of Jewish tradition as a philosophy and springboard for positive Jewish parenting.

 

Navigating the Prayer Service with Cantor Shermet

Wednesdays, April 13 and 27, 6:30 - 8 p.m.

A two-week crash course on the structure and mechanics of a synagogue prayer service - Shabbat and daily services included. Learn to feel more comfortable in a synagogue!

 
Ongoing Programs  

To register contact Program Director Wendy Goldberg

Sparks Beneath the Surface

Saturdays, 9:15 - 10:15 a.m., Milder Center. Shabbat Worship follows, 10:30 a.m.

Study the Torah portion of the week over fresh bagels, juice and coffee. Sessions led by Rabbi Aryeh Azriel, Rabbi Eric Linder and Cantor Wendy Shermet. Newcomers welcome.

 

 

 

Adult Study with the Clergy

Thursday, 10-11:30 a.m., Milder Center
Weekly study session is a chance to get to know our clergy on a more personal basis while enhancing your knowledge of Judaism. Fee: $45 for members, $55 for non-members.

 

Orientation

Thursday, October 7

 

The History of Judaism in England with Cantor Shermet

Thursdays, October 14 - January 13

From the first known community of Jews invited by William the Conqueror in the 11th century to today, there is much to explore and learn about the history and culture of Judaism in England, Ireland and Scotland. We have learned about our Eastern European roots; here is an opportunity to learn about Judaism in the countries whose language we inherited.

 

Pop Theology with Rabbi Linder

Thursdays, January 20 - March 24

Feature films and friends meet up with fundamental concepts in Jewish thought as we screen segments of well known movies and television programs, discussing Jewish themes and concepts they suggest. Fun and educational – there is more to Hollywood than you realize! This seminar promises to be lively and eye opening for all. Bring a friend! Bring popcorn!

 

Psalms with Rabbi Azriel

Thursdays, March 31 - June 2

The Book of Psalms is a revealing document of faith that opens a window through which we may peer into the soul-life of ancient Israel. It portrays the inner spiritual struggles of ordinary people as they grapple with adversity, bare their souls, display their anxieties, admit their doubts, rail against injustice, revel in joy, and proclaim their thankfulness. Its ideas and concepts, its varying moods, and its penetrating insights into the human condition imbue this Biblical book with eternal relevance.

 
Adult B'nai Mitzvah  
 

Adult B’nai Mitzvah

Tuesdays, October 5- May 10, 6:30-8 p.m.Adult B’nai Mitzvah Ceremony Friday, May 13, 6 p.m.

with Na’ama Artzi with Rabbi Azriel, Rabbi Linder and Cantor Shermet

Fee: $250 per individual, $450 per couple. Confidential scholarships are available; contact Executive Director Dennis DePorte. To learn more or to register, contact Program Director Wendy Goldberg.

 

What is Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah?

Bar or Bat Mitzvah means subject to the Mitzvot, or one who takes responsibility for the holy tasks. An Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah wants to mark his/her spiritual identification and discern for himself/herself what it is that uniquely defines him/her as the Jew that he/she is now—and that he/she is becoming. Together the group will celebrate this moment co-leading a service.

By the end of the Adult B’nai Mitzvah class, students will:

• be able to read Hebrew and have mastery of common vocabulary

• be able to recite and understand a worship service

• chant at least three lines of Torah

• write a D’var Torah about the parasha and one’s personal Jewish journey

• be able to discuss the Torah, the Prophets and Nevi’im

• have some familiarity and facility with Trope

• have a deeper understanding of the liturgy, including the history and meaning of the prayers

• be well-versed in the tenets of Reform Judaism

• experience Shabbat morning worship in the Reform, Conservative and Orthodox traditions

During this year of study, students are expected to do the following:

• study independently

• attend Shabbat worship services at Temple Israel with some regularity

• attend the class field trips to Beth El and Beth Israel Synagogues

• participate in at least one social action project sponsored by Temple Israel

• contribute to the class tzedakah project


Choosing Judaism  

The process of choosing Judaism is unique to each person who takes the journey.  Some may choose to become Jewish through the experience of falling in love with a Jewish person and deciding to join their lives in marriage.  Some may choose Judaism as they raise Jewish children.  Some who have no other connection to the Jewish community seem to know they were meant to be Jewish all along.  

Temple Israel clergy are available to meet with those who wish to convert to Judaism and guide their Jewish studies. Priority will be given to Temple members but others are welcome to inquire.  If you have questions about converting to Judaism, please contact the clergy.

Derech Torah: Judaism 101
Mondays, October 4 - March 21, 7:30 – 8:30 p.m., Kripke Jewish Federation Library
Derech Torah provides a brief survey of Jewish history, Jewish theology, life and yearly cycle explanations and world views. Fee $200 per individual, $350 per couple plus textbooks. Sponsored by the Center for Jewish Education. Confidential scholarships are available, contact Executive Director Dennis DePorte, 556-6536.
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