Mercaz Evening Classes What you Need to Know about Judaism Monday evenings, 7-8 pm November 19, 2018 - February 11, 2019 Spector Boardroom Rabbi Eli Yoggev will teach a 13-week crash-course for beginners on the basics of Judaism—from the laws of blessings and the kosher dietary guidelines to belief in the Messiah and fundamentals of Jewish lifecycles.
The Choreography of Prayer Monday evenings, 7 pm February 25–April 9, 2019 Spector Boardroom Join Rabbanit Bracha Jaffe as she explores the choreography of our prayer services for weekday, Shabbat and Holiday davening: When do we sit down? When do we stand up? What about rising up on our toes and kneeling? What does the chazzan say and why? There will also be a special session on Kaddish. Before Pesach there will be sessions on the Haggadah and how to run a Seder. All are welcome!
Tanach Class Tuesday evenings, 7-8 pm November 20, 2018 – Pesach break Spector Boardroom Rabbi Chai Posner’s weekly class will focus on the book of Joshua this year. Open to men and women, no prior knowledge necessary.
Introduction to Kabbalah Tuesday evenings 7 pm April 30-June 4, 2019 Spector Boardroom In this six-part course, Rabbi Eli Yoggev will explore the following questions: What makes the Kabbalah unique? How can it enhance our lives? What are its primary texts? What are some of its more interesting concepts? We will also discuss the evolution of Kabbalah—from the Zohar and the Ariz”al to the Sabbatanean movement and the rise of Hasidism.
Israeli Dance Wednesday evenings 8-10 pm Beginning November 14, 2018 Auditorium Join markidim (dance leaders) Josh Rosenthal and Carol Rubin for great music and dancing at a weekly, co-ed Israeli dance session. All are welcome: beginners, intermediate and advanced dancers. $5 per session, contact RikudBaltimore@gmail.com
Mishmar Just when you’re fighting the cold in the winter, come thaw out for three weeks with some warm food and warmer Torah in traditional Thursday night Mishmar style. January 17, 31, February 7 • 7-8:30 pm
Bereavement Circles Holidays can be an especially emotional time when we are missing our loved ones. Please join Rabbanit Bracha Jaffe for reflection and support as holidays draw near. The Bereavement Circle will be held in the Weiner Boardroom after evening services. All are welcome; registration recommended with Mercaz. Pre-Rosh Hashanah: Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2018 The Bitter and the Sweet Pre-Chanukah: Monday, November 26, 2018 When the Lights Go Out Pre-Pesach: Monday, April 15 2019 Empty Seat at the Seder
Shabbat Classes Halacha in Everyday Life Join Rabbi Chaim Wecker before services as he teaches various laws that apply to our everyday life.
Shabbat Scholars in Residence Rabbi Dr. Adam Ferziger
Joint Sisterhood & Mercaz Programs Preventing Elder Abuse
December 14-15, 2018 We welcome Rabbi Professor Adam Ferziger, head of Bar Ilan University’s new Impact Center for Research on Judaism in Israel and North America (RJIN). This center aims to bridge the gap between Jews in Israel and in the Diaspora. Rabbi Dr. Ferziger is a noted historian who believes in bringing to the table what we know from the past to analyze the present and to look for ways to develop more effective models for the future. Rabbi Dr. Ferziger will speak Friday night following dinner, deliver the sermon in the main sanctuary and teach the Shabbat afternoon class.
Yonah Jeremy Bob May 3-4 2019 Our very own Yonah Jeremy Bob ‘96 is the Jerusalem Post’s intelligence and legal analyst and a proud alum of BT. He writes about war, international law, the Israel justice system and major terror, constitutional and criminal cases in the US and Israel. Yonah has appeared on TV and radio programs on CNN, BBC, Sky News, Reuters and more. He lives lives in Modi’in, Israel with his family.
October 23, 2018 • 7:30 pm As the number of older adults increases, so does the incidence of elder abuse. Please join us as we host Jacke Schroeder, Director of SAFE (Stop Abuse of Elders), a program of CHANA. Her presentation will focus on healthy and unhealthy relationships and provide tips for taking care of yourself and loved ones to prevent abuse and financial exploitation. A wine and cheese reception will follow. The program is free and open to the general public. Please contact Anita Knisbacher at 443-798-8888 or ladylingo@verizon.net to reserve your seat.
Passover Cooking Demonstration March 25, 2019 • 7-9 pm Please join us for a wonderful evening with Ora Imanoel as she demonstrates some of her delicious Pesach recipes. We will observe her cooking techniques and will have the opportunity to savor a sample of each dish. Copies of her recipes will be available. Last year’s Pesach demonstration was overwhelmingly attended so don’t miss out on this year’s event!
Shabbat Morning: 8:10-8:35 am, right outside the Dahan Sanctuary.
Mercaz Office
$5 pre-registration; $8 at the door.
Torah Study
Director: Rabbanit Bracha Jaffe Administrative Assistant: Sheera Zaidman Shar
For any questions, please contact Cheryl King at chewcat1@verizon.net or mercaz@btfiloh.org.
Join Rabbi Chai Posner Shabbat mornings for a half hour of Torah study to start your day right.
410-413-2321 / mercaz@btfiloh.org bethtfiloh.com/mercaz
Shabbat Morning: 8:45-9:15 am in the Weiner Boardroom.
MERCAZ COMMITTEE Co-chairs: Shelley Kaye & Anne Pfeffer Terry Alpert Sonia Maltinsky
Parshah Insights (women only) Join Rabbanit Bracha Jaffe as she explores themes from the weekly Parshah and finds relevance in our own lives.
Louis Baer
Sheila Mentz
Shabbat Morning: 10-10:15 am in the Spector Boardroom.
Sandy Dobres
Ellen Miller
Teri Gitlitz
Searle Mitnick
Cass Gottlieb
Rena Polun
Stanley Haas
Steven Pruce
Cheryl King
Rena Rank
Norm LaCholter
Betty Reichenberg
Marcia Leavey
Josef Rosenblatt
Loryn Lesser
Eve Steinberg
Shirley Littman
Holly Venick
Shabbat Afternoon Class Rabbi Yoggev offers his weekly class on a range of current and trending topics related to Parshah, Jewish thought, and contemporary Halacha. Guest speakers will present from time to time. 50 minutes before Mincha in the Epstein Chapel
Lunch Bunch The BT Sisterhood is joining Mercaz in continuing our wonderful Lunch Bunch programs, each followed by a delicious lunch. $8 for BT members, $10 for non-members Festive Chanukah Musical Puppet Show: Tuesday, November 27, 2018 • 11:30 am Join us for a special adult (funny!) Chanukah puppet show with old and favorite songs and Chanukah singalong. Summer Klezmer Celebration: Summer 2019 Stay tuned for more details.
MERCAZ DAHAN
Center for Jewish Life & Learning 2018-2019/5779
PROGRAM GUIDE
BT in the AM
• Shulchan Aruch & Mishnah Berurah • Responsa: Rabbi Moshe Feinstein & Rav Ovadia Yosef
Expand and deepen your knowledge through courses rich with ideas and text study. Enrollment is open to men and women from all backgrounds and learning levels. This premier Jewish learning program consists of three sessions with a choice of outstanding classes.
For over 40 years, Rabbi Mitchell Wohlberg has been the spiritual leader of Beth Tfiloh Congregation and Dr. Zipora Schorr has been Director of Education of Beth Tfiloh Dahan Community School.
2018: October 8, 15, 22, 29; November 5, 12, 19, 26; December 3, 10, 17 2019: January 7, 14, 28; February 4, 11, 25; March 4, 11, 18, 25; April 1, 8, 15, 29; May 6, 13 (luncheon), 20 (preview) Fee required; complimentary if attending Yaffe Scholars
9:15 – 10:15 am Writings (Ketuvim): Chana Slavaticki We will study Writings, part three of the Bible. Proverbs (Mishlei) will help us explore the contemporary relevance of the ancient wisdom of King Solomon on topics such as friendship, humility, education, anger, happiness, femininity, wealth and wisdom. We will address tragedy and theology in the books of Lamentations (Eichah) and Job (Iyov), and discuss purposeful living in the book of Ecclesiastes (Kohelet). Chana Slavaticki teaches Judaic Studies at Beth Tfiloh Dahan Community High School.
Talmudic Tales: Rabbanit Bracha Jaffe The Talmud is chock-full of stories (aggadeta) about our Sages and their lives. “Ta Shma”: Come and Learn about prostitutes and captives, witches and demons, heretics and believers. Rabbanit Bracha Jaffe is Beth Tfiloh’s Community Educator and Director of Mercaz.
10:20 – 11:20 am The Books That Make Us a People: Rabbi Mitchell Wohlberg, Dr. Zipora Schorr Jews have long been noted for their literacy and emphasis on learning. What we learned earned us the title of “People of the Book.” What are the books that make us who we are? Come and study a page of text from each of the following books: Torah, Prophets, Later Writings • Mishnah & Gemara • Midrash • Rav Saadia Gaon • Rashi • Maimonides
11:25 am – 12:25 pm Fact or Myth: Rabbi Chai Posner, Daniel Steiner In this class, we will uncover the truth regarding commonly held misconceptions about Torah, Israel, and Jewish Life. It is time to “get in the know”! Rabbi Chai Posner is a member of the Beth Tfiloh rabbinic team and Daniel Steiner is our visiting Shaliach from Israel.
Current Events: Phil Jacobs Phil Jacobs will be teaching in the true spirit of “Last Week Tonight” with John Oliver and the former “That Was the Week That Was” with David Frost. This adults-only “Current Events” course will cover everything and anything that tops the 24-hour news cycle. Phil Jacobs teaches Jewish History at Beth Tfiloh Dahan Community High School and is former Executive Editor of the “Baltimore Jewish Times.”
Yaffe Scholars Full Circle: A Look at Jewish Lifecycle Events Join us to explore the meaning, history and background of Jewish lifecycle events. The course will include extensive text and source study as well as a close look at the rituals themselves — from shalom zachar to brit milah and zeved habit, to pidyon haben, to Bar/Bat Mitzvah, to weddings, divorce, death and burial, and everything in between. Fee required. Schedule: Wednesday evenings at 6:30 pm for dinner (beginning 11/14), followed by the shiur from 7-8:30 pm. The Seymour Yaffe Scholars Program for Advanced Jewish Learning is named for Seymour “Siggy” Yaffe. He was a past president of Beth Tfiloh Congregation and a most beloved and respected member of Beth Tfiloh.
Register for all Mercaz classes at bethtfiloh.com/register
Penn Lecture featuring Mohammed Al Samawi October 10, 2018 • 7:30 pm
Monthly Classes Monthly Mercaz Book Club: Halaine Steinberg
Mintzes Theatre This remarkable man is the author of The Fox Hunt: A Refugee’s Memoir of Coming to America, soon to be made into a movie. The Fox Hunt tells one young man’s unforgettable story of war, unlikely friendships, and his harrowing escape from Yemen’s brutal civil war. The escape was made possible by a daring plan engineered on social media by a small group of interfaith activists in the West. As a Muslim who has developed a very close relationship with the Jewish community, Mohammad’s story reminds us that goodness and decency can triumph in the darkest circumstances.
Mercaz Fall Semester Come join us for a remarkable Fall Semester on four Wednesday evenings: October 17, 24, 31; November 7 Fee required: $35 BT members | $50 non-members - Complimentary if attending any other paid Mercaz event.
Session 1: 7–8 pm What We’ve Learned After 40 Years: Rabbi Mitchell Wohlberg & Dr. Zipora Schorr The Jews wandered in the wilderness for 40 years. Yochanan ben Zakkai and Rabbi Akiva started their rabbinical careers at the age of 40. Forty marks a period of change. Rabbi Mitchell Wohlberg and Dr. Zipora Schorr have been at Beth Tfiloh for 40 years. What has changed in their Jewish outlook? Come and hear them dialogue on their old/new perspective regarding: God, prayer, the “ultras” in Judaism, why bad things happen to good people, the role of women, and the future of American Jewry.
Session 2: 8–9 pm The Magical, Mythical and Extraterrestrial in Jewish Tradition: Rabbi Eli Yoggev Do unicorns exist? What do angels look like? Does Judaism believe in life on other planets? Did the Golem story really happen? Join us as we explore Judaism’s answers to these questions and more in our four-part lecture series on: The Golem; Angels, Spirits and Demons; Mythical Beasts; Extraterrestrial Beings. Rabbi Eli Yoggev is a member of the Beth Tfiloh rabbinic team. He recently submitted his doctoral dissertation in Kabbalah and Hasidism to Bar Ilan University on the worldview of Rabbi Mordechai Leiner, the Izbitser Rebbe.
The Many Faces of Israeli Women: Ayelet Koren-Steiner What roles do women play in Israel as soldiers, politicians, mothers and wives? What are some of the challenges that Israeli women face today? What religious trends are being influenced by women within Israeli society? Ayelet Koren-Steiner is our BT Shalicha. She served in the IDF as a commander and teacher. Ayelet is passionate about feminist issues as well as coaching, specializing in healthy family dynamics.
Learn Hebrew: Elana Vogel Feel more comfortable in shul with this crash course in Hebrew reading. By the end of five weeks you will be reading Hebrew! (Co-sponsored by the National Jewish Outreach Program). Elana Vogel chairs the Hebrew Department at Beth Tfiloh Dahan Community High School. She is a master language teacher and also gives language classes at the Baltimore Zionist District.
Israeli Dance: Mona Atkinson (8-9:30 pm) Have fun, get exercise, and enjoy a welcoming community! This is a four-week program. There will be a mix of teaching new dances and revisiting familiar ones. Open to the community with no prior experience necessary. Mona Atkinson, an avid dancer and teacher, has many years of experience teaching Israeli dance to various demographics around the world.
Women’s Initiatives Simchat Torah
The Book Club facilitated by Halaine Steinberg will feature an impressive selection of books of Jewish interest. Read and discuss the season’s best, most thought-provoking books.
Separate women’s leyning with four leyning stations!
Halaine Steinberg is beginning her 21st year at Beth Tfiloh. She is the Director of College Guidance and 12th grade teacher of Honors College Writing.
Body & Soul: Women’s Health Night
2018: October 29, 31; November 26, 28; December 17, 19 2019: January 28, 30; February 25, 27; March 25, 27; April 29; May 1, 20, 22 Time: Mondays: 12:30–1:45 pm (including lunch) Wednesdays: 10:30–11:30 am Fee required: $35 BT members | $50 non-members Complimentary if attending any other paid Mercaz event.
Living Room Learning: Phil Jacobs A study group facilitated by Phil Jacobs meets monthly on Sunday evenings at the homes of group members for engaging and lively discussion. We are kicking off the year on October 21 at Beth Tfiloh. Please contact the Mercaz Office for future host details.
Purim Women and girls read Megilat Esther – the megillah where the heroine is a woman!
November 4, 2018 Facilitator: Dr. Schorr
Chanukah | Rosh Chodesh: Spirited and Spiritual Sunday, December 9, 2018 Women’s leyning from a Sefer Torah + musical Hallel, refreshments and song. Time: 10 am-12 pm
Pre-Pesach Women’s Night Sunday, April 7, 2019 Get in the zone for your Pesach preparation! Join Dr. Zipora Schorr and Rabbanit Bracha Jaffe as they give you tips and ideas for your Pesach Seder.
Phil Jacobs teaches Jewish History at Beth Tfiloh Dahan Community High School and is former Executive Editor of the “Baltimore Jewish Times.”
2018: October 21; November 18; December 16 2019: January 20; February 24; March 31; May 5; June 2 Time: 7:30 pm
Challa-luya: The Joys of Challah Challah Baking 101: Learn the basics of Challah making, kneading and braiding. Dr. Zipora Schorr will walk us through the importance of challah in our tradition and the mitzvah of taking challah. Specialty challot include: whole wheat, gluten-free, egg-free and sesame-free. Bonus: Dress up your challah with toppings from Morah Faigy’s Toppings Bar! Thursday, Jan. 10, 2018 • 7-9 pm Ages: 3rd grade and up Facilitators: Dr. Schorr, Mrs. Faigy Freidman, Shelley Kaye (Fee required; discount for Bnei Mitzvah)
BT in the AM
• Shulchan Aruch & Mishnah Berurah • Responsa: Rabbi Moshe Feinstein & Rav Ovadia Yosef
Expand and deepen your knowledge through courses rich with ideas and text study. Enrollment is open to men and women from all backgrounds and learning levels. This premier Jewish learning program consists of three sessions with a choice of outstanding classes.
For over 40 years, Rabbi Mitchell Wohlberg has been the spiritual leader of Beth Tfiloh Congregation and Dr. Zipora Schorr has been Director of Education of Beth Tfiloh Dahan Community School.
2018: October 8, 15, 22, 29; November 5, 12, 19, 26; December 3, 10, 17 2019: January 7, 14, 28; February 4, 11, 25; March 4, 11, 18, 25; April 1, 8, 15, 29; May 6, 13 (luncheon), 20 (preview) Fee required; complimentary if attending Yaffe Scholars
9:15 – 10:15 am Writings (Ketuvim): Chana Slavaticki We will study Writings, part three of the Bible. Proverbs (Mishlei) will help us explore the contemporary relevance of the ancient wisdom of King Solomon on topics such as friendship, humility, education, anger, happiness, femininity, wealth and wisdom. We will address tragedy and theology in the books of Lamentations (Eichah) and Job (Iyov), and discuss purposeful living in the book of Ecclesiastes (Kohelet). Chana Slavaticki teaches Judaic Studies at Beth Tfiloh Dahan Community High School.
Talmudic Tales: Rabbanit Bracha Jaffe The Talmud is chock-full of stories (aggadeta) about our Sages and their lives. “Ta Shma”: Come and Learn about prostitutes and captives, witches and demons, heretics and believers. Rabbanit Bracha Jaffe is Beth Tfiloh’s Community Educator and Director of Mercaz.
10:20 – 11:20 am The Books That Make Us a People: Rabbi Mitchell Wohlberg, Dr. Zipora Schorr Jews have long been noted for their literacy and emphasis on learning. What we learned earned us the title of “People of the Book.” What are the books that make us who we are? Come and study a page of text from each of the following books: Torah, Prophets, Later Writings • Mishnah & Gemara • Midrash • Rav Saadia Gaon • Rashi • Maimonides
11:25 am – 12:25 pm Fact or Myth: Rabbi Chai Posner, Daniel Steiner In this class, we will uncover the truth regarding commonly held misconceptions about Torah, Israel, and Jewish Life. It is time to “get in the know”! Rabbi Chai Posner is a member of the Beth Tfiloh rabbinic team and Daniel Steiner is our visiting Shaliach from Israel.
Current Events: Phil Jacobs Phil Jacobs will be teaching in the true spirit of “Last Week Tonight” with John Oliver and the former “That Was the Week That Was” with David Frost. This adults-only “Current Events” course will cover everything and anything that tops the 24-hour news cycle. Phil Jacobs teaches Jewish History at Beth Tfiloh Dahan Community High School and is former Executive Editor of the “Baltimore Jewish Times.”
Yaffe Scholars Full Circle: A Look at Jewish Lifecycle Events Join us to explore the meaning, history and background of Jewish lifecycle events. The course will include extensive text and source study as well as a close look at the rituals themselves — from shalom zachar to brit milah and zeved habit, to pidyon haben, to Bar/Bat Mitzvah, to weddings, divorce, death and burial, and everything in between. Fee required. Schedule: Wednesday evenings at 6:30 pm for dinner (beginning 11/14), followed by the shiur from 7-8:30 pm. The Seymour Yaffe Scholars Program for Advanced Jewish Learning is named for Seymour “Siggy” Yaffe. He was a past president of Beth Tfiloh Congregation and a most beloved and respected member of Beth Tfiloh.
Register for all Mercaz classes at bethtfiloh.com/register
Penn Lecture featuring Mohammed Al Samawi October 10, 2018 • 7:30 pm
Monthly Classes Monthly Mercaz Book Club: Halaine Steinberg
Mintzes Theatre This remarkable man is the author of The Fox Hunt: A Refugee’s Memoir of Coming to America, soon to be made into a movie. The Fox Hunt tells one young man’s unforgettable story of war, unlikely friendships, and his harrowing escape from Yemen’s brutal civil war. The escape was made possible by a daring plan engineered on social media by a small group of interfaith activists in the West. As a Muslim who has developed a very close relationship with the Jewish community, Mohammad’s story reminds us that goodness and decency can triumph in the darkest circumstances.
Mercaz Fall Semester Come join us for a remarkable Fall Semester on four Wednesday evenings: October 17, 24, 31; November 7 Fee required: $35 BT members | $50 non-members - Complimentary if attending any other paid Mercaz event.
Session 1: 7–8 pm What We’ve Learned After 40 Years: Rabbi Mitchell Wohlberg & Dr. Zipora Schorr The Jews wandered in the wilderness for 40 years. Yochanan ben Zakkai and Rabbi Akiva started their rabbinical careers at the age of 40. Forty marks a period of change. Rabbi Mitchell Wohlberg and Dr. Zipora Schorr have been at Beth Tfiloh for 40 years. What has changed in their Jewish outlook? Come and hear them dialogue on their old/new perspective regarding: God, prayer, the “ultras” in Judaism, why bad things happen to good people, the role of women, and the future of American Jewry.
Session 2: 8–9 pm The Magical, Mythical and Extraterrestrial in Jewish Tradition: Rabbi Eli Yoggev Do unicorns exist? What do angels look like? Does Judaism believe in life on other planets? Did the Golem story really happen? Join us as we explore Judaism’s answers to these questions and more in our four-part lecture series on: The Golem; Angels, Spirits and Demons; Mythical Beasts; Extraterrestrial Beings. Rabbi Eli Yoggev is a member of the Beth Tfiloh rabbinic team. He recently submitted his doctoral dissertation in Kabbalah and Hasidism to Bar Ilan University on the worldview of Rabbi Mordechai Leiner, the Izbitser Rebbe.
The Many Faces of Israeli Women: Ayelet Koren-Steiner What roles do women play in Israel as soldiers, politicians, mothers and wives? What are some of the challenges that Israeli women face today? What religious trends are being influenced by women within Israeli society? Ayelet Koren-Steiner is our BT Shalicha. She served in the IDF as a commander and teacher. Ayelet is passionate about feminist issues as well as coaching, specializing in healthy family dynamics.
Learn Hebrew: Elana Vogel Feel more comfortable in shul with this crash course in Hebrew reading. By the end of five weeks you will be reading Hebrew! (Co-sponsored by the National Jewish Outreach Program). Elana Vogel chairs the Hebrew Department at Beth Tfiloh Dahan Community High School. She is a master language teacher and also gives language classes at the Baltimore Zionist District.
Israeli Dance: Mona Atkinson (8-9:30 pm) Have fun, get exercise, and enjoy a welcoming community! This is a four-week program. There will be a mix of teaching new dances and revisiting familiar ones. Open to the community with no prior experience necessary. Mona Atkinson, an avid dancer and teacher, has many years of experience teaching Israeli dance to various demographics around the world.
Women’s Initiatives Simchat Torah
The Book Club facilitated by Halaine Steinberg will feature an impressive selection of books of Jewish interest. Read and discuss the season’s best, most thought-provoking books.
Separate women’s leyning with four leyning stations!
Halaine Steinberg is beginning her 21st year at Beth Tfiloh. She is the Director of College Guidance and 12th grade teacher of Honors College Writing.
Body & Soul: Women’s Health Night
2018: October 29, 31; November 26, 28; December 17, 19 2019: January 28, 30; February 25, 27; March 25, 27; April 29; May 1, 20, 22 Time: Mondays: 12:30–1:45 pm (including lunch) Wednesdays: 10:30–11:30 am Fee required: $35 BT members | $50 non-members Complimentary if attending any other paid Mercaz event.
Living Room Learning: Phil Jacobs A study group facilitated by Phil Jacobs meets monthly on Sunday evenings at the homes of group members for engaging and lively discussion. We are kicking off the year on October 21 at Beth Tfiloh. Please contact the Mercaz Office for future host details.
Purim Women and girls read Megilat Esther – the megillah where the heroine is a woman!
November 4, 2018 Facilitator: Dr. Schorr
Chanukah | Rosh Chodesh: Spirited and Spiritual Sunday, December 9, 2018 Women’s leyning from a Sefer Torah + musical Hallel, refreshments and song. Time: 10 am-12 pm
Pre-Pesach Women’s Night Sunday, April 7, 2019 Get in the zone for your Pesach preparation! Join Dr. Zipora Schorr and Rabbanit Bracha Jaffe as they give you tips and ideas for your Pesach Seder.
Phil Jacobs teaches Jewish History at Beth Tfiloh Dahan Community High School and is former Executive Editor of the “Baltimore Jewish Times.”
2018: October 21; November 18; December 16 2019: January 20; February 24; March 31; May 5; June 2 Time: 7:30 pm
Challa-luya: The Joys of Challah Challah Baking 101: Learn the basics of Challah making, kneading and braiding. Dr. Zipora Schorr will walk us through the importance of challah in our tradition and the mitzvah of taking challah. Specialty challot include: whole wheat, gluten-free, egg-free and sesame-free. Bonus: Dress up your challah with toppings from Morah Faigy’s Toppings Bar! Thursday, Jan. 10, 2018 • 7-9 pm Ages: 3rd grade and up Facilitators: Dr. Schorr, Mrs. Faigy Freidman, Shelley Kaye (Fee required; discount for Bnei Mitzvah)
BT in the AM
• Shulchan Aruch & Mishnah Berurah • Responsa: Rabbi Moshe Feinstein & Rav Ovadia Yosef
Expand and deepen your knowledge through courses rich with ideas and text study. Enrollment is open to men and women from all backgrounds and learning levels. This premier Jewish learning program consists of three sessions with a choice of outstanding classes.
For over 40 years, Rabbi Mitchell Wohlberg has been the spiritual leader of Beth Tfiloh Congregation and Dr. Zipora Schorr has been Director of Education of Beth Tfiloh Dahan Community School.
2018: October 8, 15, 22, 29; November 5, 12, 19, 26; December 3, 10, 17 2019: January 7, 14, 28; February 4, 11, 25; March 4, 11, 18, 25; April 1, 8, 15, 29; May 6, 13 (luncheon), 20 (preview) Fee required; complimentary if attending Yaffe Scholars
9:15 – 10:15 am Writings (Ketuvim): Chana Slavaticki We will study Writings, part three of the Bible. Proverbs (Mishlei) will help us explore the contemporary relevance of the ancient wisdom of King Solomon on topics such as friendship, humility, education, anger, happiness, femininity, wealth and wisdom. We will address tragedy and theology in the books of Lamentations (Eichah) and Job (Iyov), and discuss purposeful living in the book of Ecclesiastes (Kohelet). Chana Slavaticki teaches Judaic Studies at Beth Tfiloh Dahan Community High School.
Talmudic Tales: Rabbanit Bracha Jaffe The Talmud is chock-full of stories (aggadeta) about our Sages and their lives. “Ta Shma”: Come and Learn about prostitutes and captives, witches and demons, heretics and believers. Rabbanit Bracha Jaffe is Beth Tfiloh’s Community Educator and Director of Mercaz.
10:20 – 11:20 am The Books That Make Us a People: Rabbi Mitchell Wohlberg, Dr. Zipora Schorr Jews have long been noted for their literacy and emphasis on learning. What we learned earned us the title of “People of the Book.” What are the books that make us who we are? Come and study a page of text from each of the following books: Torah, Prophets, Later Writings • Mishnah & Gemara • Midrash • Rav Saadia Gaon • Rashi • Maimonides
11:25 am – 12:25 pm Fact or Myth: Rabbi Chai Posner, Daniel Steiner In this class, we will uncover the truth regarding commonly held misconceptions about Torah, Israel, and Jewish Life. It is time to “get in the know”! Rabbi Chai Posner is a member of the Beth Tfiloh rabbinic team and Daniel Steiner is our visiting Shaliach from Israel.
Current Events: Phil Jacobs Phil Jacobs will be teaching in the true spirit of “Last Week Tonight” with John Oliver and the former “That Was the Week That Was” with David Frost. This adults-only “Current Events” course will cover everything and anything that tops the 24-hour news cycle. Phil Jacobs teaches Jewish History at Beth Tfiloh Dahan Community High School and is former Executive Editor of the “Baltimore Jewish Times.”
Yaffe Scholars Full Circle: A Look at Jewish Lifecycle Events Join us to explore the meaning, history and background of Jewish lifecycle events. The course will include extensive text and source study as well as a close look at the rituals themselves — from shalom zachar to brit milah and zeved habit, to pidyon haben, to Bar/Bat Mitzvah, to weddings, divorce, death and burial, and everything in between. Fee required. Schedule: Wednesday evenings at 6:30 pm for dinner (beginning 11/14), followed by the shiur from 7-8:30 pm. The Seymour Yaffe Scholars Program for Advanced Jewish Learning is named for Seymour “Siggy” Yaffe. He was a past president of Beth Tfiloh Congregation and a most beloved and respected member of Beth Tfiloh.
Register for all Mercaz classes at bethtfiloh.com/register
Penn Lecture featuring Mohammed Al Samawi October 10, 2018 • 7:30 pm
Monthly Classes Monthly Mercaz Book Club: Halaine Steinberg
Mintzes Theatre This remarkable man is the author of The Fox Hunt: A Refugee’s Memoir of Coming to America, soon to be made into a movie. The Fox Hunt tells one young man’s unforgettable story of war, unlikely friendships, and his harrowing escape from Yemen’s brutal civil war. The escape was made possible by a daring plan engineered on social media by a small group of interfaith activists in the West. As a Muslim who has developed a very close relationship with the Jewish community, Mohammad’s story reminds us that goodness and decency can triumph in the darkest circumstances.
Mercaz Fall Semester Come join us for a remarkable Fall Semester on four Wednesday evenings: October 17, 24, 31; November 7 Fee required: $35 BT members | $50 non-members - Complimentary if attending any other paid Mercaz event.
Session 1: 7–8 pm What We’ve Learned After 40 Years: Rabbi Mitchell Wohlberg & Dr. Zipora Schorr The Jews wandered in the wilderness for 40 years. Yochanan ben Zakkai and Rabbi Akiva started their rabbinical careers at the age of 40. Forty marks a period of change. Rabbi Mitchell Wohlberg and Dr. Zipora Schorr have been at Beth Tfiloh for 40 years. What has changed in their Jewish outlook? Come and hear them dialogue on their old/new perspective regarding: God, prayer, the “ultras” in Judaism, why bad things happen to good people, the role of women, and the future of American Jewry.
Session 2: 8–9 pm The Magical, Mythical and Extraterrestrial in Jewish Tradition: Rabbi Eli Yoggev Do unicorns exist? What do angels look like? Does Judaism believe in life on other planets? Did the Golem story really happen? Join us as we explore Judaism’s answers to these questions and more in our four-part lecture series on: The Golem; Angels, Spirits and Demons; Mythical Beasts; Extraterrestrial Beings. Rabbi Eli Yoggev is a member of the Beth Tfiloh rabbinic team. He recently submitted his doctoral dissertation in Kabbalah and Hasidism to Bar Ilan University on the worldview of Rabbi Mordechai Leiner, the Izbitser Rebbe.
The Many Faces of Israeli Women: Ayelet Koren-Steiner What roles do women play in Israel as soldiers, politicians, mothers and wives? What are some of the challenges that Israeli women face today? What religious trends are being influenced by women within Israeli society? Ayelet Koren-Steiner is our BT Shalicha. She served in the IDF as a commander and teacher. Ayelet is passionate about feminist issues as well as coaching, specializing in healthy family dynamics.
Learn Hebrew: Elana Vogel Feel more comfortable in shul with this crash course in Hebrew reading. By the end of five weeks you will be reading Hebrew! (Co-sponsored by the National Jewish Outreach Program). Elana Vogel chairs the Hebrew Department at Beth Tfiloh Dahan Community High School. She is a master language teacher and also gives language classes at the Baltimore Zionist District.
Israeli Dance: Mona Atkinson (8-9:30 pm) Have fun, get exercise, and enjoy a welcoming community! This is a four-week program. There will be a mix of teaching new dances and revisiting familiar ones. Open to the community with no prior experience necessary. Mona Atkinson, an avid dancer and teacher, has many years of experience teaching Israeli dance to various demographics around the world.
Women’s Initiatives Simchat Torah
The Book Club facilitated by Halaine Steinberg will feature an impressive selection of books of Jewish interest. Read and discuss the season’s best, most thought-provoking books.
Separate women’s leyning with four leyning stations!
Halaine Steinberg is beginning her 21st year at Beth Tfiloh. She is the Director of College Guidance and 12th grade teacher of Honors College Writing.
Body & Soul: Women’s Health Night
2018: October 29, 31; November 26, 28; December 17, 19 2019: January 28, 30; February 25, 27; March 25, 27; April 29; May 1, 20, 22 Time: Mondays: 12:30–1:45 pm (including lunch) Wednesdays: 10:30–11:30 am Fee required: $35 BT members | $50 non-members Complimentary if attending any other paid Mercaz event.
Living Room Learning: Phil Jacobs A study group facilitated by Phil Jacobs meets monthly on Sunday evenings at the homes of group members for engaging and lively discussion. We are kicking off the year on October 21 at Beth Tfiloh. Please contact the Mercaz Office for future host details.
Purim Women and girls read Megilat Esther – the megillah where the heroine is a woman!
November 4, 2018 Facilitator: Dr. Schorr
Chanukah | Rosh Chodesh: Spirited and Spiritual Sunday, December 9, 2018 Women’s leyning from a Sefer Torah + musical Hallel, refreshments and song. Time: 10 am-12 pm
Pre-Pesach Women’s Night Sunday, April 7, 2019 Get in the zone for your Pesach preparation! Join Dr. Zipora Schorr and Rabbanit Bracha Jaffe as they give you tips and ideas for your Pesach Seder.
Phil Jacobs teaches Jewish History at Beth Tfiloh Dahan Community High School and is former Executive Editor of the “Baltimore Jewish Times.”
2018: October 21; November 18; December 16 2019: January 20; February 24; March 31; May 5; June 2 Time: 7:30 pm
Challa-luya: The Joys of Challah Challah Baking 101: Learn the basics of Challah making, kneading and braiding. Dr. Zipora Schorr will walk us through the importance of challah in our tradition and the mitzvah of taking challah. Specialty challot include: whole wheat, gluten-free, egg-free and sesame-free. Bonus: Dress up your challah with toppings from Morah Faigy’s Toppings Bar! Thursday, Jan. 10, 2018 • 7-9 pm Ages: 3rd grade and up Facilitators: Dr. Schorr, Mrs. Faigy Freidman, Shelley Kaye (Fee required; discount for Bnei Mitzvah)
Mercaz Evening Classes What you Need to Know about Judaism Monday evenings, 7-8 pm November 19, 2018 - February 11, 2019 Spector Boardroom Rabbi Eli Yoggev will teach a 13-week crash-course for beginners on the basics of Judaism—from the laws of blessings and the kosher dietary guidelines to belief in the Messiah and fundamentals of Jewish lifecycles.
The Choreography of Prayer Monday evenings, 7 pm February 25–April 9, 2019 Spector Boardroom Join Rabbanit Bracha Jaffe as she explores the choreography of our prayer services for weekday, Shabbat and Holiday davening: When do we sit down? When do we stand up? What about rising up on our toes and kneeling? What does the chazzan say and why? There will also be a special session on Kaddish. Before Pesach there will be sessions on the Haggadah and how to run a Seder. All are welcome!
Tanach Class Tuesday evenings, 7-8 pm November 20, 2018 – Pesach break Spector Boardroom Rabbi Chai Posner’s weekly class will focus on the book of Joshua this year. Open to men and women, no prior knowledge necessary.
Introduction to Kabbalah Tuesday evenings 7 pm April 30-June 4, 2019 Spector Boardroom In this six-part course, Rabbi Eli Yoggev will explore the following questions: What makes the Kabbalah unique? How can it enhance our lives? What are its primary texts? What are some of its more interesting concepts? We will also discuss the evolution of Kabbalah—from the Zohar and the Ariz”al to the Sabbatanean movement and the rise of Hasidism.
Israeli Dance Wednesday evenings 8-10 pm Beginning November 14, 2018 Auditorium Join markidim (dance leaders) Josh Rosenthal and Carol Rubin for great music and dancing at a weekly, co-ed Israeli dance session. All are welcome: beginners, intermediate and advanced dancers. $5 per session, contact RikudBaltimore@gmail.com
Mishmar Just when you’re fighting the cold in the winter, come thaw out for three weeks with some warm food and warmer Torah in traditional Thursday night Mishmar style. January 17, 31, February 7 • 7-8:30 pm
Bereavement Circles Holidays can be an especially emotional time when we are missing our loved ones. Please join Rabbanit Bracha Jaffe for reflection and support as holidays draw near. The Bereavement Circle will be held in the Weiner Boardroom after evening services. All are welcome; registration recommended with Mercaz. Pre-Rosh Hashanah: Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2018 The Bitter and the Sweet Pre-Chanukah: Monday, November 26, 2018 When the Lights Go Out Pre-Pesach: Monday, April 15 2019 Empty Seat at the Seder
Shabbat Classes Halacha in Everyday Life Join Rabbi Chaim Wecker before services as he teaches various laws that apply to our everyday life.
Shabbat Scholars in Residence Rabbi Dr. Adam Ferziger
Joint Sisterhood & Mercaz Programs Preventing Elder Abuse
December 14-15, 2018 We welcome Rabbi Professor Adam Ferziger, head of Bar Ilan University’s new Impact Center for Research on Judaism in Israel and North America (RJIN). This center aims to bridge the gap between Jews in Israel and in the Diaspora. Rabbi Dr. Ferziger is a noted historian who believes in bringing to the table what we know from the past to analyze the present and to look for ways to develop more effective models for the future. Rabbi Dr. Ferziger will speak Friday night following dinner, deliver the sermon in the main sanctuary and teach the Shabbat afternoon class.
Yonah Jeremy Bob May 3-4 2019 Our very own Yonah Jeremy Bob ‘96 is the Jerusalem Post’s intelligence and legal analyst and a proud alum of BT. He writes about war, international law, the Israel justice system and major terror, constitutional and criminal cases in the US and Israel. Yonah has appeared on TV and radio programs on CNN, BBC, Sky News, Reuters and more. He lives lives in Modi’in, Israel with his family.
October 23, 2018 • 7:30 pm As the number of older adults increases, so does the incidence of elder abuse. Please join us as we host Jacke Schroeder, Director of SAFE (Stop Abuse of Elders), a program of CHANA. Her presentation will focus on healthy and unhealthy relationships and provide tips for taking care of yourself and loved ones to prevent abuse and financial exploitation. A wine and cheese reception will follow. The program is free and open to the general public. Please contact Anita Knisbacher at 443-798-8888 or ladylingo@verizon.net to reserve your seat.
Passover Cooking Demonstration March 25, 2019 • 7-9 pm Please join us for a wonderful evening with Ora Imanoel as she demonstrates some of her delicious Pesach recipes. We will observe her cooking techniques and will have the opportunity to savor a sample of each dish. Copies of her recipes will be available. Last year’s Pesach demonstration was overwhelmingly attended so don’t miss out on this year’s event!
Shabbat Morning: 8:10-8:35 am, right outside the Dahan Sanctuary.
Mercaz Office
$5 pre-registration; $8 at the door.
Torah Study
Director: Rabbanit Bracha Jaffe Administrative Assistant: Sheera Zaidman Shar
For any questions, please contact Cheryl King at chewcat1@verizon.net or mercaz@btfiloh.org.
Join Rabbi Chai Posner Shabbat mornings for a half hour of Torah study to start your day right.
410-413-2321 / mercaz@btfiloh.org bethtfiloh.com/mercaz
Shabbat Morning: 8:45-9:15 am in the Weiner Boardroom.
MERCAZ COMMITTEE Co-chairs: Shelley Kaye & Anne Pfeffer Terry Alpert Sonia Maltinsky
Parshah Insights (women only) Join Rabbanit Bracha Jaffe as she explores themes from the weekly Parshah and finds relevance in our own lives.
Louis Baer
Sheila Mentz
Shabbat Morning: 10-10:15 am in the Spector Boardroom.
Sandy Dobres
Ellen Miller
Teri Gitlitz
Searle Mitnick
Cass Gottlieb
Rena Polun
Stanley Haas
Steven Pruce
Cheryl King
Rena Rank
Norm LaCholter
Betty Reichenberg
Marcia Leavey
Josef Rosenblatt
Loryn Lesser
Eve Steinberg
Shirley Littman
Holly Venick
Shabbat Afternoon Class Rabbi Yoggev offers his weekly class on a range of current and trending topics related to Parshah, Jewish thought, and contemporary Halacha. Guest speakers will present from time to time. 50 minutes before Mincha in the Epstein Chapel
Lunch Bunch The BT Sisterhood is joining Mercaz in continuing our wonderful Lunch Bunch programs, each followed by a delicious lunch. $8 for BT members, $10 for non-members Festive Chanukah Musical Puppet Show: Tuesday, November 27, 2018 • 11:30 am Join us for a special adult (funny!) Chanukah puppet show with old and favorite songs and Chanukah singalong. Summer Klezmer Celebration: Summer 2019 Stay tuned for more details.
MERCAZ DAHAN
Center for Jewish Life & Learning 2018-2019/5779
PROGRAM GUIDE
Mercaz Evening Classes What you Need to Know about Judaism Monday evenings, 7-8 pm November 19, 2018 - February 11, 2019 Spector Boardroom Rabbi Eli Yoggev will teach a 13-week crash-course for beginners on the basics of Judaism—from the laws of blessings and the kosher dietary guidelines to belief in the Messiah and fundamentals of Jewish lifecycles.
The Choreography of Prayer Monday evenings, 7 pm February 25–April 9, 2019 Spector Boardroom Join Rabbanit Bracha Jaffe as she explores the choreography of our prayer services for weekday, Shabbat and Holiday davening: When do we sit down? When do we stand up? What about rising up on our toes and kneeling? What does the chazzan say and why? There will also be a special session on Kaddish. Before Pesach there will be sessions on the Haggadah and how to run a Seder. All are welcome!
Tanach Class Tuesday evenings, 7-8 pm November 20, 2018 – Pesach break Spector Boardroom Rabbi Chai Posner’s weekly class will focus on the book of Joshua this year. Open to men and women, no prior knowledge necessary.
Introduction to Kabbalah Tuesday evenings 7 pm April 30-June 4, 2019 Spector Boardroom In this six-part course, Rabbi Eli Yoggev will explore the following questions: What makes the Kabbalah unique? How can it enhance our lives? What are its primary texts? What are some of its more interesting concepts? We will also discuss the evolution of Kabbalah—from the Zohar and the Ariz”al to the Sabbatanean movement and the rise of Hasidism.
Israeli Dance Wednesday evenings 8-10 pm Beginning November 14, 2018 Auditorium Join markidim (dance leaders) Josh Rosenthal and Carol Rubin for great music and dancing at a weekly, co-ed Israeli dance session. All are welcome: beginners, intermediate and advanced dancers. $5 per session, contact RikudBaltimore@gmail.com
Mishmar Just when you’re fighting the cold in the winter, come thaw out for three weeks with some warm food and warmer Torah in traditional Thursday night Mishmar style. January 17, 31, February 7 • 7-8:30 pm
Bereavement Circles Holidays can be an especially emotional time when we are missing our loved ones. Please join Rabbanit Bracha Jaffe for reflection and support as holidays draw near. The Bereavement Circle will be held in the Weiner Boardroom after evening services. All are welcome; registration recommended with Mercaz. Pre-Rosh Hashanah: Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2018 The Bitter and the Sweet Pre-Chanukah: Monday, November 26, 2018 When the Lights Go Out Pre-Pesach: Monday, April 15 2019 Empty Seat at the Seder
Shabbat Classes Halacha in Everyday Life Join Rabbi Chaim Wecker before services as he teaches various laws that apply to our everyday life.
Shabbat Scholars in Residence Rabbi Dr. Adam Ferziger
Joint Sisterhood & Mercaz Programs Preventing Elder Abuse
December 14-15, 2018 We welcome Rabbi Professor Adam Ferziger, award-winning author and head of Bar Ilan University’s new Impact Center for Research on Judaism in Israel and North America (RJIN). This center aims to bridge the gap between Jews in Israel and in the Diaspora. Rabbi Dr. Ferziger is a noted historian and author of Beyond Sectarianism: The Realignment of American Orthodox Judaism, winner of the National Jewish Book Award. Rabbi Dr. Ferziger will speak Friday night following dinner, deliver the sermon in the Dahan Sanctuary and teach the Shabbat afternoon class.
Yonah Jeremy Bob May 3-4 2019 Our very own Yonah Jeremy Bob ‘96 is the Jerusalem Post’s intelligence and legal analyst and a proud alum of BT. He writes about war, international law, the Israel justice system and major terror, constitutional and criminal cases in the US and Israel. Yonah has appeared on TV and radio programs on CNN, BBC, Sky News, Reuters and more. He lives lives in Modi’in, Israel with his family.
October 23, 2018 • 7:30 pm As the number of older adults increases, so does the incidence of elder abuse. Please join us as we host Jacke Schroeder, Director of SAFE (Stop Abuse of Elders), a program of CHANA. Her presentation will focus on healthy and unhealthy relationships and provide tips for taking care of yourself and loved ones to prevent abuse and financial exploitation. A wine and cheese reception will follow. The program is free and open to the general public. Please contact Anita Knisbacher at 443-798-8888 or ladylingo@verizon.net to reserve your seat.
Passover Cooking Demonstration March 25, 2019 • 7-9 pm Please join us for a wonderful evening with Ora Imanoel as she demonstrates some of her delicious Pesach recipes. We will observe her cooking techniques and will have the opportunity to savor a sample of each dish. Copies of her recipes will be available. Last year’s Pesach demonstration was overwhelmingly attended so don’t miss out on this year’s event!
Shabbat Morning: 8:10-8:35 am, right outside the Dahan Sanctuary.
Mercaz Office
$5 pre-registration; $8 at the door.
Torah Study
Director: Rabbanit Bracha Jaffe Administrative Assistant: Sheera Zaidman Shar
For any questions, please contact Cheryl King at chewcat1@verizon.net or mercaz@btfiloh.org.
Join Rabbi Chai Posner Shabbat mornings for a half hour of Torah study to start your day right.
410-413-2321 / mercaz@btfiloh.org bethtfiloh.com/mercaz
Shabbat Morning: 8:45-9:15 am in the Weiner Boardroom.
MERCAZ COMMITTEE Co-chairs: Shelley Kaye & Anne Pfeffer
Parshah Insights (women only)
Lunch Bunch
Join Rabbanit Bracha Jaffe as she explores themes from the weekly Parshah and finds relevance in our own lives.
Terry Alpert
Loryn Lesser
Eve Steinberg
Louis Baer
Shirley Littman
Howard Ungar
Shabbat Morning: 10-10:15 am in the Spector Boardroom.
Sandy Dobres
Sonia Maltinsky
Holly Venick
Teri Gitlitz
Sheila Mentz Ellen
Cass Gottlieb
Miller Searle
Stanley Haas
Mitnick Rena
Cheryl King
Polun Steven
Shabbat Afternoon Class Rabbi Yoggev offers his weekly class on a range of current and trending topics related to Parshah, Jewish thought, and contemporary Halacha. Guest speakers will present from time to time. 50 minutes before Mincha in the Epstein Chapel
Norm LaCholter Pruce Rena Rank Marcia Leavey
Betty Reichenberg
Loryn Lesser
Josef Rosenblatt
The BT Sisterhood is joining Mercaz in continuing our wonderful Lunch Bunch programs, each followed by a delicious lunch. $8 for BT members, $10 for non-members Festive Chanukah Musical Puppet Show: Tuesday, November 27, 2018 • 11:30 am Join us for a special adult (funny!) Chanukah puppet show with old and favorite songs and Chanukah singalong. Summer Klezmer Celebration: Summer 2019 Stay tuned for more details.
MERCAZ DAHAN
Center for Jewish Life & Learning 2018-2019/5779
PROGRAM GUIDE