EVELYN RUBENSTEIN JCC HOUSTON
THE FLORENCE MELTON SCHOOL OF ADULT JEWISH LEARNING NO HOMEWORK. NO GRADES. KNOW JUDAISM.
2015-2016 Courses
erjcchouston.org/melton
MELTON CORE PROGRAM | 2015–2016 “Being a Melton student for over twenty years has deeply enriched my Jewish life and practice. I love learning as an adult, when I can really appreciate our religion.” –Gayle R. The Melton Core Program consists of four courses which participants take over two years. Year One includes Rhythms of Jewish Living and Purposes of Jewish Living. Year Two includes Ethics of Jewish Living and Crossroads of Jewish History.
YEAR ONE
YEAR TWO
Rhythms of Jewish Living What is meant by the phrase “living a Jewish life?” What ideas, beliefs, and practices are involved? This course explores the holidays, rites of passage, and daily rituals of Jewish tradition.
Crossroads of Jewish History This course defines periods in Jewish history and provides an understanding of how these crossroads have shaped Judaism and Jewish identity as we know it today.
Purposes of Jewish Living Why do Jews believe and behave as they do? What are the big questions of life and how do Jewish thinkers answer these questions? This course clarifies what’s distinctively “Jewish” about Judaism. Themes include Creation, Leadership, Prayer, and the Chosen People.
Ethics of Jewish Living Can Judaism shed light on contemporary problems such as the environment, gender rights and stem cell research? What do Jewish thinkers—from our ancient sages to today’s commentators—tell us about conducting ourselves in the world?
Core Year One OR Year Two $445 Member $625 Public
Payment plans available. Contact Nomi Barancik at nbarancik@erjcchouston.org or 713.729.3200 ext. 3288.
TAKE $40 OFF for Early Bird Registration* June 1 – 30!
*Applicable to Core Years One and Two ONLY. Scholars courses not included.
Classes begin the week of October 12 and run through May 26, with breaks for holidays. Visit erjcchouston.org/melton for a complete schedule.
TIME
LOCATION
COURSE
INSTRUCTOR
CORE YEAR ONE | 2015-16 Thursday Mornings – Merfish Teen Center 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM 10:45 AM – 11:45 AM
Evelyn Rubenstein JCC (Braeswood)
Purposes of Jewish Living & Rhythms of Jewish Living
Rabbi Samantha Safran Rabbi Jill Levy
CORE YEAR TWO | 2015-16 OPTION 1 – Tuesday Evenings 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM 8:15 PM – 9:15 PM
Evelyn Rubenstein JCC (Braeswood)
Crossroads of Jewish History & Ethics of Jewish Living
Cantor Mark Levine Rabbi Dan Gordon
OPTION 2 – Tuesday Mornings 9:15 AM – 10:15 AM 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM 2
Temple Sinai/ Cong. Or Ami
Ethics of Jewish Living & Crossroads of Jewish History
Rabbi Annie Belford Rabbi Gideon Estes
MELTON SCHOLARS PROGRAM | 2015–2016 The Melton Scholars Program features semester-long courses that focus on specific topics. These courses can be taken independently, but also complement the strong background one receives in the Core Curriculum. The Scholars courses include classes developed by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem as well as classes developed by local faculty. Classes developed by the Melton School in conjunction with Hebrew University are indicated with an *. Four Scholars Courses $445 Member | $625 Public Individual Scholars Courses $190 Member | $275 Public Payment plans available. Contact Nomi Barancik at nbarancik@erjcchouston.org or 713.729.3200 ext. 3288.
TAKE $40 OFF tuition by referring a friend for the Core Program through October 1.
(Discount applies ONLY after the referred friend is registered and paid in full.)
TIME
FALL COURSE
INSTRUCTOR
SPRING COURSE
INSTRUCTOR
MONDAY MORNINGS – CONGREGATION EMANU EL 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Beyond Borders, Part 1*
Dr. Melissa Weininger
Beyond Borders, Part 2*
Dr. Melissa Weininger
Scroll of Esther
Ms. Mindeleah Pollak
Jewish Women In Their Own Words
Dr. Bernice Heilbrunn-Potvin
TUESDAY MORNINGS – EVELYN RUBENSTEIN JCC 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Book of Numbers*
Ms. Mindeleah Pollak
10:15 AM – 11:15 AM
TUESDAY EVENINGS - EVELYN RUBENSTEIN JCC 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Even More Modern Jewish Authors
Ms. Nada Chandler
Songs of the Bible
Rabbi Samantha Safran
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Getting It Right (and Wrong)
Rabbi Dr. Danny Horowitz
Jewish Theology
Rabbi Steve Morgen
The Jews In Spain
Mr. Aaron Howard
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
8:15 PM – 9:15 PM
Beyond Borders, Part 1*
Dr. Melissa Weininger
Beyond Borders, Part 2*
Dr. Melissa Weininger
8:15 PM – 9:15 PM
From God’s Mouth to Our Ears
Rabbi Jill Levy
From Sinai to Seinfeld*
Cantor Mark Levine
THURSDAY MORNINGS – MERFISH TEEN CENTER 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM
The Thought of Rabbi Soloveitchik
Rabbi Barry Gelman
Advanced Learning Seminar
Rabbi Jill Levy
9:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Even More Modern Jewish Authors
Ms. Nada Chandler
Pirkei Avot
Rabbi Dr. Danny Horwitz
10:45 AM – 11:45 AM
Jewish Theology
Rabbi Steve Morgen
Jews and the Civil War
Dr. Joshua Furman
10:45 AM – 11:45 AM
Jewish Parody
Rabbi Kenny Weiss
From Sinai to Seinfeld*
Rabbi Kenny Weiss 3
Beit Midrash: Advanced Learning Seminar
Instructor: Rabbi Jill Levy 14 Thursdays | February 18 – May 26 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM This class is designed for students who have been in the program for a minimum of five years or have advanced permission from the instructor. The focus will be on sections of the Talmud and Mishna. The class will be half paired (chevrutah) learning and half class discussion.
*Beyond Borders: The History of the Arab-Israeli Conflict
Instructor: Dr. Melissa Weininger 28 Mondays | October 12 – May 23 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM ALT. LOCATION: Congregation Emanu El Or 28 Tuesdays | October 13 – May 24 8:15 PM – 9:15 PM Evelyn Rubenstein JCC
Students will grapple with the complex issues of religion, culture, history, politics, economics, identity and survival—all reflected through primary sources. The course will provide new tools for understanding and critiquing texts and events in order to appreciate the basis of the conflicting historical claims made by all sides in the conflict.
Lerner, and David Besmozgis are more than likely candidates for inclusion. No prerequisite to enroll.
From God’s Mouth to Our Ears: Torah Interpretation Through the Ages Instructor: Rabbi Jill Levy 14 Tuesdays | October 13 – February 2 8:15 PM – 9:15 PM
This course will be a survey of biblical commentary starting with the Midrash, moving to medieval commentators, and then modern scholars. We will examine well-known biblical stories, such as Cain and Abel and the binding of Isaac, to see how they have been interpreted by our sages over the span of time.
*From Sinai to Seinfeld: The History of Jewish Humor
Instructor: Cantor Mark Levine 14 Tuesdays | February 16 – May 24 8:15 PM – 9:15 PM Or Instructor: Rabbi Kenny Weiss 14 Thursdays, February 18 – May 26 10:45 AM – 11:45 AM A treasure of irresistible jokes provides the organizing principle for a presentation of ten major themes in Jewish history—from the Israelite relationship with God to the growing divide between cultural and religious Judaism in the early 21st century. This course demonstrates that the most resonant Jewish jokes are deeply revealing sign posts along our Jewish journey.
Even More Modern Jewish Authors!
Instructor: Ms. Nada Chandler 14 Tuesdays | October 13 – February 2 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM Or 14 Thursdays | October 15 – February 4 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM We are fortunate each year to have even more authors to become acquainted with and their books to explore and discuss. Although the final list has yet to be determined as of this publication, Joshua Ferris, Boris Fishman, Ben 4
Getting It Right (and Wrong): Sin and Teshuvah
Instructor: Rabbi Dr. Danny Horwitz 14 Tuesdays | October 13 – February 2 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM Following the High Holidays, this course will use biblical, Talmudic, medieval, and modern sources (Kook, Soloveitchik, Heschel, Fackenheim, Petuchowski) to examine the questions around sin and teshuvah (repentance).
The Jews In Spain: From Golden Age to Expulsion
Instructor: Mr. Aaron Howard 14 Tuesdays | February 16 – May 24 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM During the 12th century, nine out of every ten Jews in the world were Sephardic and living on the Iberian Peninsula. Discover what their daily life was like under Muslim and then Christian rule. Explore how the Reconquista (re-emergence of Christian rule) led to the problem of the Conversos, the Inquisition and the expulsion of Jews from Spain. Consider the story of the Jews in Spain in the broader context of Diaspora history.
Jewish Parody and Self Deprecation Instructor: Rabbi Kenny Weiss 14 Thursdays October 15 – February 4 10:45 AM – 11:45 AM
Discover the myriad ways that Jews engage in self-referential jokes, parody and other forms of self-deprecation. This course will feature in-depth profiles of post World War II American Jewish Allan Sherman personalities such as Allan Sherman, Sid Caesar, Mel Brooks, and Lenny Bruce. Through television, film, and internet we will consider how a particular generation’s historical context informs their sense of humor and explore what different generations find funny (or offensive) and why.
course will address some of the major questions we as Jews ask about the nature of God. Utilizing a variety of Jewish texts, we will explore this complex subject and attempt to gain a more nuanced understanding of Jewish theology.
Jewish Women In Their Own Words Instructor: Dr. Bernice Heilbrunn-Potvin 14 Tuesdays February 16 – May 24 10:15 AM – 11:15 AM
This course promises to engage students with Jewish women across time and space. Sources will be Jewish women’s writings and film. Readings from 17th century Glückel of Hameln to 20th century Ruby Daniel of Cochin reveal surprising leadership, resilience, and Jewish commitment that spans centuries and continents.
Majesty and Humility: The Thought of Rabbi Soloveitchik
Instructor: Rabbi Barry Gelman 14 Thursdays | October 15 – February 4 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM Using the book of the same title, this course will explore the thought of the great Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik, one of the most influential rabbis of the 20th century. His blend of mastery over all aspects of Jewish learning and Western thought made him a unique figure on the American scene. In this class, we will study some of Rabbi Soloveitchik’s best known essays as well as his position on numerous issues including Community, Zionism, Jewish Holidays, Christianity and more.
Jewish Theology
Instructor: Rabbi Steve Morgen 14 Tuesdays | February 16 – May 24 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM 14 Thursdays | October 15 – February 4 10:45 AM – 11:45 AM Does God communicate with us? Can God hear our prayers? Is there an afterlife in Judaism? Why do bad things happen to good people? This 5
*Numbers: Leadership Defied and Defended
Instructor: Ms. Mindeleah Pollak 14 Tuesdays | October 13 – February 2 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM This course will survey the dramatic events of the fourth book of the Torah, Sefer BeMidbar, the Book of Numbers, through analysis of biblical texts, artwork and related commentaries. As students explore the narratives describing forty years of wandering in the wilderness, they will be surprised to note the timeless nature of those stories.
Pirkei Avot: What The Rabbis Wanted Us To Remember
Instructor: Rabbi Dr. Danny Horwitz 14 Thursdays | February 18 – May 26 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM What do the sages of antiquity have to say about how to live and how to understand life? And what should we moderns take away from their directives? We will consider selections from Pirkei Avot, the most popular and most widely quoted rabbinic text, along with a variety of traditional and modern commentators.
The Scroll Of Esther
Instructor: Ms. Mindeleah Pollak 14 Tuesdays | February 16 – May 24 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM Who was this unassuming, secretive woman who won the heart of the powerful king? Was she just a simple wallflower
or did she blossom into a sharp monarch? Was she selfish or selfless? Join us on this discovery journey as we read excerpts from the Purim story as well as various commentaries on it. Let’s explore how Esther became the most powerful queen in the world.
Songs of the Bible
Instructor: Rabbi Samantha Safran 14 Tuesdays | February 16 – May 24 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM There are ten “songs” or “poems” in the Hebrew Bible, each of which corresponds to a significant event or figure in Jewish history. We will utilize classic and contemporary sources to explore the songs one by one and help us find meaning in these verses. Songs include the Song of the Sea, the Song of Devorah, and the Song of Songs, among others.
Trial By Fire: American Jews and the Civil War
Instructor: Dr. Joshua Furman 14 Thursdays | February 18 – May 26 10:45 AM – 11:45 AM The Civil War provided an important opportunity for Jewish immigrants to prove their patriotism. It also forced them to confront the institution of slavery and to try to reconcile their moral leanings with biblical teachings. Sermons, diaries, letters and other primary sources will reveal how American Jews debated the issue of slavery, how they experienced the war on the battlefield and at home, and how they resisted discrimination and fought for their own freedoms.
*Foundations of Jewish Family Living
Instructor: Nancy Pryzant Picus 10 Tuesdays | 1:45 PM – 3:00 PM September 1 – December 8 | The Shlenker School | $95 Or Instructor: Rabbi Samantha Kahn 10 Thursdays | 9:15 AM – 10:30 AM | October 1 – December 10 Becker Early Childhood Center at Congregation Emanu El | $95 What are the Jewish values you want to teach your child? Foundations is a learning opportunity that gives parents the confidence to teach and practice the core values of Judaism at home with their families. For more information, contact Nomi Barancik at nbarancik@erjcchouston.org or 713.729.3200, ext. 3288. 6
THE FLORENCE MELTON SCHOOL OF ADULT JEWISH LEARNING Enrollment Opens: Core— June 1; Scholars — July 1
Please return to Nomi Barancik at the Evelyn Rubenstein JCC, 5601 S. Braeswood Blvd. You may also email nbarancik@erjcchouston.org or call 713.729.3200, ext. 3288. To register online, visit erjcchouston.org/melton.
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FULL PROGRAM (4 COURSES OR CORE YEAR 1 OR 2)
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$445 $405 for Core registrants by June 30 $625 $585 for Core Registrants by June 30 $250
$190 $275 $100
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Please note that registration is not considered complete until payment is received. If students register less than two weeks before the start date of the fall and spring semesters, an $18 surcharge will apply.
Melton Tuition Refund Policy The Houston Melton program budgets for a full fiscal year, which entails faculty and administrative commitments. In consequence, the following tuition refund policy applies to all registered Melton students: If circumstances necessitate withdrawal after October 1 and through the first class meeting, refunds will be issued less a service fee of $50 per course. Up until the third class, one-half of tuition is refundable. No refund will be issued after completion of the third class. If tuition has been paid in full and a student is unable to continue a course, partial credit valid for up to one year may be issued. I have read the Tuition Refund Policy above and agree to pay the full amount of my yearly tuition due, regardless of whether I do or do not remain a Melton student for the entire year.
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EVELYN RUBENSTEIN JCC OF HOUSTON 5601 S. Braeswood | Houston, TX 77096 erjcchouston.org
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A P RO J E C T O F T H E H E B R E W U N I V E RS IT Y O F J E RU SA L E M
ABOUT MELTON What is Melton? Melton is a sophisticated, text-based Jewish literacy program developed by the Melton Centre at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, whose curriculum consists of four courses taken over two years. Melton explores centuries of Jewish traditions, history, theological concepts and ethical issues, in an exciting, pluralistic and thought-provoking environment. The Melton School can fill in the gaps of your Jewish education and add meaning and perspective to your Jewish life and identity. There are more than sixty Melton schools worldwide.
Is Melton for you? Melton is a structured program where you can learn, discuss and debate with others from across the Jewish spectrum in a stimulating and non-judgmental setting. The curriculum is designed for all levels of Jewish knowledge and is entirely classroom based, with no preparatory work required. Whether you are looking to deepen your own Jewish experience or become Jewishly literate for your children or grandchildren, the Melton school will provide you with the tools to do so.
Who will teach me? The Melton faculty offers university quality teaching. Melton’s name and reputation attract the highest caliber of teachers in the community. The teaching style is informal and inclusive. Our Houston school features rabbis, cantors, Ph.D.s and Jewish professionals from a variety of denominations and backgrounds.
Visit erjcchouston.org/melton for more information.