Start 2013 off with some learning! Did you know that more Americans start a new class in January than any other month of the year? Including September. It is a time for fresh starts. I’m going to start listing the class options so you can find one near you. Check back to see what’s been added. Also, send me any classes you think should be on this list.
Foundations of Judaism – Holidays
Taught by Rabbi George Schlesinger
Tour the Jewish world through an investigation of the holiday cycle. Beginning with the fall High Holy Days, continuing through the 3 Pilgrimage Festivals (Passover, Shavuot, and Sukkot), looking at Chanukah, and concluding with the minor holidays of the Jewish Calendar, this course will investigate the what, how, and why of each holiday.
Dates: Sundays, January 6 – February 17
Time: 10 to 11am
Place: Kol Emeth, 4175 Manuella, Palo Alto
There is an $18 fee for non-members.
Please bring a check made out to Congregation Kol Emeth to the first class.
www.kolemeth.org
Introduction to the Jewish Experience: Israel and Texts
The land of Israel has been central to Jewish history, both ancient and modern. Even during the years of galut (exile) the Jewish heart was “in the east,” in the words of medieval poet Yehudah HaLevy. This class will examine the history ancient Israel, the beginnings of rabbinic Judaism, and the modern return to the land. With that history as a backdrop, we will learn about the great texts of Judaism: Tanach (Bible), Midrash, Talmud, the Prayer Book, and the Codes of Jewish Law.
Dates: Wednesdays, January 16 – March 6 (8 sessions)
Time: 7:30 to 9pm
Place: Beth El, 1301 Oxford Street, Berkeley
Cost: $95 public and $80 for Beth El members
Register here: http://bit.ly/Xchm8y
Exploring Jewish Beliefs & Practices: An Introduction to Judaism
Explore the basics of Jewish thought and practice. Engage in a mix of study, discussion and hands-on experiences. Topics include:
• Jewish beliefs & values
• Holidays & the Jewish calendar
• Prayer & liturgy
• Lifecycle events
Dates: Sundays, Jan. 27, Feb. 3, 10, March 3, 10, 17, 21
Time: 10am to noon
Place: Sherith Israel, 2266 California St., San Francisco
Cost: The class is free but there is a materials fee of $5 and the text for the class, Living Judaism by Rabbi Wayne Dosick, will be available for purchase at the first class for $15.
Taught by Rabbi Larry Raphael, Rabbi Julie Saxe-Taller and Lisa Erdberg.
For information and registration contact Eric Drucker at 415-346-1720 x24 or email him at edrucker@sherithisrael.org
More Jewish Experience
Prayer: Erev Shabbat
There is an internal logic to the order in which Jews say the prayers in the service, but it is not always easy to see. Have you ever wished that you understood what we are doing in the service? This class will examine the Friday evening Erev Shabbat service as well as some of the key prayers. No Hebrew is required.
More Jewish Experience is a new series, designed to expand one’s Jewish knowledge beyond the basics in the areas of Jewish prayer, Jewish texts, and Jewish ethics. While it is designed as a follow-up to Introduction to the Jewish Experience, all interested students are welcome.
Dates: Thursdays, February 7 – February 28 (4 sessions)
Time: 7:30 to 9pm
Place: Temple Sinai, 2808 Summit St., Oakland
Cost: $50 public and $40 for members of Temple Sinai
Register here: http://bit.ly/UNLXsI