"be educated" Spiritually - Fall Semester at Judaism University Has Begun!

Judaism asks each of us to set aside a fixed time in order to study, learn and engage our tradition, and so it is with pride and pleasure that we open the doors of Congregation B’nai Emunah’s Judaism University for the fall session. Registration is open to all; contact the office for more information.

Please note that course donation prices, where indicated, are for all course sessions, not individual sessions.

Intermediate Talmud: Lighting Up Our Lives
Instructor: Hayley DeLugach
Time: Wednesdays, 7 – 9 p.m., Nov. 11 & 18, Dec. 2, 9, 16 & 23, Jan. 6 & 13
Donation: $18

Join Hayley DeLugach for a deeper exploration of the Talmud. Over eight sessions we will learn what the Talmud has to say about Hanukkah (found in chapter 2 of tractate Shabbat), looking in-depth at the few pages that address the holiday. The Hebrew text will be studied using chevruta (traditional pair study), but an English translation will be provided. The class will assume a basic understanding of the context and format of the Talmud, building on last year’s class, but is open to everyone.

Musar: Jewish Spiritual Discipline and More True Joy for Our Daily Lives
Instructor: Rabbi Mark Melamut
Time: Thursdays, 7 – 9 p.m., Nov. 12 & 19, Dec. 3, 10, 17 & 24, January 7 & 14
Donation: $36

Back by popular demand, Rabbi Mark Melamut continues his investigation of the spiritual discipline of Musar. Introduction to Musar will be short, as we resume our practice, discussion and study of the middot (values) that can help guide our daily lives, such as order, humility, gratitude and patience. In addition, we will introduce new components: Meeting with a chevruta/study partner outside of class, working on a new mitzvah, journal keeping, and study to implement personal practice. All of the above are means to the end of bringing more true joy into our lives and into the world.

Jewish Cooking: Nosh and Naches -- Food and Joy
Instructor: Frank Kurtz
Time: Mondays, 7 – 9 p.m., Nov. 23 & 30, Dec. 14 & 21, Jan. 4 & 11
Donation: $36

Explore the world of Jewish cooking with Frank Kurtz. We will have the opportunity to learn how dietary laws, culinary traditions and new understandings of healthy cuisine intersect in a Jewish context. Each session will focus on a unique recipe that will reflect how our people have experienced the food that brings us together as families and community. Plus, you get to eat the homework!

Exploring Some Portals into Contemporary Jewish Thought
Instructor: Rabbi Mark Melamut
Time: Shabbat afternoons (after oneg, 1ish – 2:30ish), Dec. 5, Jan. 16 and other dates TBA in Spring 2010
Donation: Free!

We will discuss, read and learn a different Jewish thinker on each Shabbat, to provide us with various lenses through which we can view Judaism and our own personal practice. Rabbi Mark will bring texts and help facilitate discussion.

Challah and Havdallah

Instructor: Rabbi Mark Melamut
Time: Saturday, Dec. 26, 7 – 10 p.m. (if you miss this one, look for another date in the spring)
Donation: $18

We’ll say good-bye to Shabbat together, and then not let a minute go by as we begin to prepare for the following week’s Shabbat. Learn the art and science of baking challah and enjoy a warm and wholesome evening of bread making with Rabbi Mark

Yoga: Cultivating Body and Soul
Instructor: Linda Wertheim
Time: Sundays, 3 – 4:30 p.m., Dec. 20 & 27, Jan. 3, 17, 24 & 31
Donation: $18

Linda Wertheim brings back her very popular yoga sessions as we learn the Eastern path to integrating physical health and spiritual well-being.

Watch for announcements of the following classes for the Spring semester (February – May 2010):

Jewish Spiritual Direction with Rabbi Mark
Introduction to Judaism with Rabbi Mark
Your Jewish History with David Goldstein
Hebrew Grammar with Jeff Dielle
Israeli Dance with Sharon Bleviss
Jewish Thought with Rabbi Mark
Challah and Havdallah with Rabbi Mark