2014/2015 Brochure
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GERTRUDE LEDERMAN FAMILY CONTINUING EDUCATION
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elcome to a new year of learning with the Gertrude Lederman Family Continuing Education Program! Continuing Education classes at North Suburban Synagogue Beth El offer a wonderful chance to deepen your understanding of Jewish thought, culture, and identity. Check out all our classes and events by clicking on “Continuing Education” on the synagogue website at www.nssbethel.org. Please contact Ali Drumm, Director of Informal Education, with any questions at adrumm@nssbethel.org or 847-432-8126.
CLASSES AT A GLANCE Shabbat
Wednesday
Sisterhood Torah Fund Book Club
Hebrew Reading Crash Course Jewish Laws of Daily Living Florence Melton Core Curriculum Year 2 David: Warrior, Poet, King Beginning Prayerbook Hebrew Advanced Conversational Hebrew Shalom Hartman Institute Discussion Series: The Tribes of Israel Torah Cantillation World War I: How It Created the Modern Middle East
Sunday Florence Melton Foundations of Jewish Family Living Open Conversational Hebrew
Monday Judaism 101 Intermediate Conversational Hebrew
Tuesday Exploring the Mazhor and High Holiday Rituals Islam and Judaism: The Roots of a Relationship Talmud: Tractate Brachot Conservative Judaism Looks at Modern Issues Midrash for the Modern World The Wisdom of Jewish Tradition Jewish Literacy
Thursday Opening the Inner Gates of the Days of Awe Florence Melton Scholars Series: Beyond Borders: The History of the Arab/Israeli Conflict Conversational Hebrew Study in the Loop/Suburbs
TUITION AND PAYMENT INFORMATION The following represents regular Continuing Education classes, but not special workshops and programming. Classes are offered in three trimesters–Fall (October–December), Winter (January–March), and Summer (April–June). •Trimester Fee: $60 for members each trimester; $90 for non-members •Pay for one trimester class and come to other trimester classes that same trimester at no extra cost. •Tuition will be billed as part of the regular synagogue bill for members and to the home for non-members. •For Sisterhood Torah Fund classes, there is a required donation of at least $36 for the entire year, made payable to Sisterhood Torah Fund. For registration and further information, contact Linda Gottlieb, Torah Fund Vice-President at 847-835-3101 or lbgmom@comcast.net.
SCHOLARS AND SPECIAL PROGRAMS The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism Central District Scholar Rabbi Peretz Rodman Shabbat, November 8, 2014 D'var Torah and Post-Kiddush Lecture Beth El Shabbaton/Havdalah, Dinner and a Movie Shabbat, January 25, 2015
Rabbi Irving and Amy Frankel Scholar Sunday, April 19, 2015 Tikkun Layl Shavuot/Rabbi Phillip Lipis Memorial Lecture followed by all-night study and sunrise Shacharit Saturday, May 23, 2015
HIGH HOLIDAY BOOT CAMP Prepare for the High Holidays with Beth El. Come explore the keva (routine) and kavanah (intention) of Jewish practice for these holidays with three different courses to help you refresh your knowledge of Hebrew, the mahzor (High Holiday prayerbook), and to help you enter into the proper mindset for this reflective time in Judaism. Suggested donation for the High Holiday Boot Camp series is $36/person. Hebrew Reading Crash Course Dov Kahana Wednesdays, 8/20, 8/27, 9/3, 9/10, 9/17 8:00pm With the High Holidays approaching, take the opportunity to feel more comfortable with the prayerbook and service by learning to read Hebrew in 5 easy lessons. Opening the Inner Gates of the Days of Awe Rabbi Jordan Bendat Thursdays, 8/21, 8/28, and 9/18 8:00pm In this series, we will look at primarily Chassidic texts related to the holidays, and explore how they might illuminate an inner process of introspection and growth. We will seek to open up the season of the Yamim Nora'im so that they might offer a practice for living with a renewed sense of meaning, dedication and holiness. With Full and Open Hearts: Exploring the Mazhor (High Holiday Prayerbook) and High Holiday Rituals Aaron Klein Wednesdays, 9/3, 9/10, and 9/17 8:00pm Delve into the meaning of the upcoming High Holidays with an exploration of the prayerbook and rituals. Learn the biblical and historic roots of how we celebrate Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur and Sukkot. No special knowledge of Hebrew or text required to enjoy this class.
HEBREW LANGUAGE Hebrew Reading Crash Course Dov Kahana Wednesdays, 8/20, 8/27, 9/3, 9/10, 9/17 8:00pm With the High Holidays approaching, take the opportunity to feel more comfortable with the prayerbook and service by learning to read Hebrew in 5 easy lessons. This class is part of the High Holiday Boot Camp. Beginning Prayerbook Hebrew Dov Kahana Wednesdays, begins October 22 8:00pm Students will gain an understanding of Hebrew grammar and vocabulary; emphasis in this class is on learning how to read and understand prayers. Fall, Winter, and Summer Trimesters – $180 for members, $270 for non-members. Intermediate Conversational Hebrew Edith Belkind Mondays, begins October 6 6:15–7:30pm Improve your conversational and reading Hebrew skills. New students are always welcome! Fall, Winter, and Summer Trimesters – $180 for members, $270 for non-members. Advanced Conversational Hebrew Edith Belkind Wednesdays, begins October 22, 6:15–7:30pm Strengthen and retain your Hebrew skills from Intermediate Conversational Hebrew. Fall, Winter, and Summer Trimesters – $180 for members, $270 for non-members.
Conversational Hebrew (Sisterhood Torah Fund Class) Alicia Gejman Thursdays, Year Round beginning September 11. 10:00 –11:00am This class is designed for adults who have basic fluency in reading and writing Hebrew. The focus of the class is to engage students in simple conversation using real life situations. Classes include the use of props, songs, dialogues, and readings. Open Conversational Hebrew Sundays when school is in session, begins September 7 10:00 –11:00am Practice Hebrew conversation and reading informally with other participants. Free.
CLASSIC JEWISH TEXT Judaism 101 Rabbi Michael Schwab Mondays, begins October 20 9:00am Join this lively discussion on our prayers, services, holidays and other topics you wish to "ask the rabbi" each week. This free class meets Fall and Winter Trimesters.
Talmud: Tractate Brachot Rabbi Vernon Kurtz Tuesdays, begins October 21 8:30am Study Jewish law in the original text. Discussion and commentary are in English. New participants are always welcome! Fall and Winter Trimesters – $120 for members, $180 for non-members.
Conservative Judaism Looks at Modern Issues (Sisterhood Torah Fund) Rabbi Vernon Kurtz Tuesdays, begins October 21 10:00am Join a discussion of the principles of Conservative Judaism, its interpretation of Jewish law, and its response to modern issues, including ritual, ethics, sex and politics.
Jewish Laws of Daily Living Rabbi Michael Schwab Wednesdays, Year-round. 8:00–8:30am Join us for breakfast and study of the Shulhan Arukh – the basic code of Jewish law. Each week we read and translate a short chapter, exploring its impact on our lives and on the way we, as Conservative Jews, interpret it for our time. This is an ongoing class, but no experience is required and new members are welcome at any session. Free.
Midrash for the Modern World (Sisterhood Torah Fund) Rabbi Michael Schwab Tuesdays, begins October 21 11:00am Explore the depth of meaning in passages of the Torah via beautiful interpretations and engaging stories created by the rabbis, speaking to the core values of Judaism. Learn the text and discuss its meaning and relevance to us today. The Wisdom of Jewish Tradition Rabbi Michael Schwab Tuesdays, begins October 21 8:00pm Come learn from one of the greatest books of our tradition, Pirkei Avot - The Wisdom of Our Ancestors! In this incredible and accesible ancient text we can discover relevent and meaningful lessons for how to live life today. No background or previous experience necessary. This text study class will be dynamic and interactive, including discussion. Fall Trimester – $60 for members, $90 for non-members.
David: Warrior, Poet, King Aaron Klein Wednesdays, begins October 22 10:30am Aaron Klein's popular Bible with Commentary class focuses on the life and legacy of the Biblical figure of David. Follow his rise from shepherd boy to warrior to King of Israel through a study of the books of Samuel and Psalms. Deepen your understanding of this Biblical larger-than-life figure. Fall, Winter, and Summer Trimesters – $180 for members, $270 for non-members. Torah Cantillation Hazzan Larry Goller Wednesdays, begins October 22 7:50pm Students learn the history and function of cantillation (trope), how to recognize, sing and apply them to Torah text. Students prepare a Torah portion for chanting. Fall Trimester – $60 for members, $90 for non-members. (continued on next page)
Study in the Loop/ Study in the Suburbs Rabbi Vernon Kurtz Thursdays (Dates TBD) Noon Loop Location: The Illinois Decalogue Society, Chicago (3 sessions) Suburbs Location: Board of Jewish Education, Northbrook (3 sessions) Each of the three study sessions is centered around the ethical issues of our lives. Relying on source material from biblical and rabbinic texts, there will be discussion of the principles and interpretation of
Jewish law over the centuries and how to apply these responsa to contemporary dilemmas. * Advance reservations are necessary; lunch is provided for a nominal fee. Please contact Lennie Kay at 847432-8900 x221 or LKay@nssbethel.org.
JEWISH LIFE AND CULTURE Shalom Hartman Institute Beit Midrash Discussion Series: The Tribes of Israel Rabbi Vernon Kurtz Once a month (9 sessions), begins Tuesday, October 21 7:00pm A series of nine lectures presented by Hartman Institute scholars led by Rabbi Dr. Donniel Hartman. The Zionist aspiration to create a homeland for the Jewish people imagined Israel as a great unifying force. The paradox of and disappointment with the current discourse around Israel is that the dilemmas of Jewish statehood are increasingly becoming sources of fragmentation and alienation. The project of Israel requires redefining the relationship between the Jewish people as a collective and the individual "tribes" which comprise it. The fee for this class is $70 for members and $100 for non-members, which includes the course sourcebook. Jewish Literacy: A Survey of Judaism from the Bible to Beth El Rabbi Michael Schwab Tuesdays (7 sessions), begins February 3 8:00pm Come explore our rich Jewish heritage in a meaningful and accessible way! This engaging course covers Jewish tradition, belief, and history in broad strokes in order to provide the context needed to further appreciate our great religion. This course will advance one's understanding of our people and our texts and give you the tools to dig even deeper. Open to students of all levels. Winter Trimester – $60 for members, $90 for non-members.
Islam and Judaism: The Roots of a Relationship Cheryl Banks Tuesdays, begins October 28 8:00pm This class will present an overview of the religion of Islam, exploring its origin, tenets and evolution. We will reference the Qur'an and modern Muslim writings. Our focus will be normative Islam, as well as the differences in the Sunni and Shi'a sects. We will examine the complex relationships between Muslims, Jews and Christians and how their origins might predict the ways in which the Abrahamic faiths and cultures could live in harmony. Fall Trimester – $60 for members, $90 for non-members. World War I: How It Created the Modern Middle East Joyce Witt Tuesdays (4 sessions; Dates TBD) 8:00pm As we mark the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of World War I, join us for an in-depth study of the causes and outcomes of the war and the reconfiguration of the Middle East. Summer Trimester – $60 for members, $90 for non-members. Sisterhood Torah Fund Book Club Rachel Kamin Saturday afternoons, September 6, October 25, December 6, January 10, February 14, April 18, and June 6 12:30pm Stay after Shabbat Kiddush and discuss books selected by the Director of the Gray Cultural and Learning Center. See the CLC page for a detailed description of the first Book Club selection.
Florence Melton School Of
Adult Jewish Learning Sponsored by the Board of Jewish Education of Metropolitan Chicago Note from Rabbi Kurtz: I want to recommend this wonderful opportunity for Continuing Education in our community. We are very proud to be part of a consortium sponsoring the Florence Melton Adult School. We are pleased that so many members of our Congregation have graduated from this program of serious on-going Jewish study. It has made them more knowledgeable and involved Jews. If you have not already signed up, I encourage you to do so and make Continuing Education a priority in your life. You will gain from the experience and be pleased with the results. Choose either the Core classes (second year of a two-year curriculum), Scholars Curriculum class, or Foundations class. Core Curriculum Year 2: Ethics of Jewish Living; Dramas of Jewish Living Wednesdays, at North Shore Congregation Israel (fall) and NSS Beth El (spring); begins September 10 (28-30 sessions) 9:30 –11:45 am Ethics addresses the relationship between Jewish life and ethical behavior. The focus is on how Jewish tradition shapes our relationship with other human beings. Dramas presents significant moments that have shaped Jewish history from the biblical period through the formation of the modern State of Israel. Tuition: $560 for the year for NSSBE and Melton Consortium Site members, $660 for nonConsortium students. The Rachel Wasserman Scholars Curriculum Beyond Borders: The History of the Arab-Israeli Conflict Carl Schrag Thursdays, at NSS Beth El; begins October 23 (20 sessions) 9:15–10:30am Provides a strong, text-based historical overview from the late nineteenth century through today. Course material is designed to encourage
discussion and debate, and to challenge students to appreciate the basis of the conflicting historical claims made by all sides in the conflict. The complexity of the conflict forces students to grapple with issues of religion, culture, history, politics, economics, identity and survival– all reflected through primary sources. Tuition: $290 for NSSBE and Melton Consortium Site members, $340 for non-Consortium students. NEW THIS YEAR Foundations of Jewish Family Living Ali Drumm Alternate Sundays at NSS Beth El. Join us for a free “Taste of” Foundations of Jewish Family Living on Sept. 21; the course will begin on October 12 (5 sessions) 9:15–10:30am This rich learning experience will create a thought-provoking encounter with the core values of Judaism and an opportunity to bring the conversation home to share with your family. The goal is to provide parents and grandparents with the learning, language, and confidence to be teachers to their own children. Tuition for Foundations: $40 for NSSBE members. Free babysitting will be provided from 9:00–11:00am during Foundations classes. Registration for the Core Curriculum and Scholars Curriculum must be accompanied by a minimum deposit of $100 per person with checks payable to BJE. For further information, including scholarships available through the Marcia Fisher Webb Adult Education Fund, contact Rolly Cohen at 847-2917788 x1304 or rolly@bjechicago.org. To see where additional Core and Scholars classes are being offered during the day and evenings at other locations in the Chicago area, go to www.bjechicago.org.
Learning Opportunities through the Joseph and Mae Gray Cultural & Learning Center Afternoon @ the Movies The first event of this series takes place on Tuesday, August 12 at 2:00pm when the CLC and the Senior Life Committee will host the Chicago area premier of The Sturgeon Queens. All are welcome – open to the community! A light "fish buffet" including bagels, lox, herring and other delicacies will be served after the film for $5/person. Please RSVP to: Marcie Eskin at meskin@nssbethel.org or 847-926-7903. The series continues with Stephen Fry: Wagner and Me (Tuesday, December 16), Der Purimshpiler (Thursday, February 26), and The Prime Ministers (Tuesday, May 12). Sisterhood Torah Fund Book Club The Sisterhood Torah Fund Book Club will kick-off its 6th season on Saturday, September 6, after Shabbat morning Kiddush, with a discussion of Fugitive Colors by Lisa Barr, facilitated by CLC Director Rachel Kamin. New members welcome! A minimum $36 annual contribution to the Sisterhood Torah Fund is encouraged. The Book Club will also meet on October 25, December 6, January 10, February 14, April 18, and June 6. Sukkah City: Film Screening and Resource Fair Sunday, September 7, 9:30am. Join us for the Chicago area premier of the new film chronicling the architecture competition that created a temporary exhibition of 12 radically designed sukkahs in the heart of New York City. After the film, various presenters will provide information and resources to help you get pumped and excited for Sukkot. Being a Mensch in Marriage: What Neuroscience & Relationship Science Can Teach Us about Nurturing Long-Term Love Monday, September 15, 7:00pm dessert and book signing followed by 8:00pm presentation. Based on her new book, Loving with the Brain in Mind, Dr. Mona Fishbane will share insights from neurobiology that are reflected in wisdom from the Jewish tradition.
Evening Book Club: Global Justice Monday, November 17; Monday, January 26; and Monday, March 9. In conjunction with the American Jewish World Service, we will meet to discuss fiction and non-fiction works that relate to AJWS's mission to promote human rights and end poverty in the developing world. Each book will inspire a rich discussion about current events and global justice issues. Writer's Beit Midrash Every other Wednesday morning in the Maxwell Abbell Library; 9:30– 11:00am. The NSS Beth El Writer's Beit Midrash continues to meet year round. All fiction, non-fiction, poetry, memoir, and essay writers (published or not yet published) are welcome for discussions, exercises, camaraderie, and critique. Contact Rachel Kamin at rkamin@nssbethel.org or 847-4328900 x242 for more information and to be added to the mailing list. Spertus One Book | One Community Event hosted by NSS Beth El Introduction to Jewish Genealogy Sunday, November 16 at 2:00 pm A question often asked is “Why is genealogy important to me?” After understanding the personal value of connecting with our roots, presenter Mike Karsen will explore what is unique about Jewish genealogy, what information to look for, and how to get started. For further details about the 2014 One Book | One Community selection – The Family by David Laskin – and related events, visit www.spertus.edu.
Community Learning Opportunities Board of Jewish Education of Metropolitan Chicago, 3320 Dundee Road, Northbrook Kol Isha: Jewish Women’s Voices Then and Now Join us to meet with women from our past – Sarah, Hannah, Bruriah and so many more who have remained silent. Hear their voices and add yours to our chain of tradition. Study with Fran Alpert and Dr. Betsy Dolgin Katz as they teach Year 1 & Year 2 of Kol Isha: Jewish Women's Voices Then and Now. It will be an eye-opening examination of the lives of Jewish women and their relationship to Jewish life and law. • Year 1 begins Monday, Sept. 29 First Semester: Voices of Women in Genesis ($125 for 5 sessions) Second Semester: Voices of Women in the Bible ($125 for 5 sessions) • Year 2 begins Monday, Sept. 29 First Semester: Voices of Women from Our Oral Tradition ($125 for 5 sessions) Second Semester: Voices of Women in the Emerging Muslim and Christian World ($125 for 5 sessions) Contact Rolly Cohen for more information at 847-291-7788 x1304 or rolly@bjechicago.org. Chicago Festival of Israeli Cinema NSS Beth El will sponsor A Place in Heaven, a film by Yossi Madmoni, director of Restoration and The Barbecue People, on Saturday, November 1 at 7:30pm at AMC Northbrook Court as part of the 2014 Chicago Festival of Israeli Cinema. Reserved tickets are available for $12/each and can be purchased from Marcie Eskin or Rachel Kamin in the CLC. The Chicago Festival of Israeli Cinema is an annual event that aims to share a love and appreciation of Israeli culture with the Jewish community and the community at large. Screenings take place at various venues in the Chicago area, October 29 –November 9, and showcase Israel's most current, internationally award-winning feature films, documentaries, shorts and TV shows, with guest appearances by Israeli filmmakers, film scholars, film critics and other film experts. For a complete schedule visit www.israelifilmchi.org. Limmud Chicago 2014 Conference Saturday evening and Sunday, November 15-16, at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel in Skokie. Limmud Chicago is an independent, volunteer-driven organization dedicated to the creation of engaging opportunities to experience and celebrate Jewish learning and culture. For further information, go to www.limmudchicago.org. Orot: Center for New Jewish Learning Faculty: Rebecca Minkus-Lieberman, Jane Shapiro, Rabbi Jordan Bendat-Appell, Rabbi Josh Feigelson, Rabbi Sam Feinsmith email: orotchicago@gmail.com website: www.orotcenter.org Orot: Center for New Jewish Learning provides opportunities for immersive, reflective, and transformative Jewish learning and practice for young adults and adults in a pluralistic, nondenominational, and open environment. We offer multiple entry points into the richness of our Jewish tradition, from traditional gemara shiurim, hevruta text study, exploration of Tanach, its commentaries and midrashim, as well as classes in hasidut, meditation and mindfulness, music and arts.
NSS Beth El Continuing Education Registration Form Complete this registration form and return it to the synagogue office. If you have any questions about registration, please contact Marcie Eskin, Informal Education Coordinator, at meskin@nssbethel.org or 847-926-7903. You may also register online by clicking on the Registration link on the Lederman Continuing Education page of the synagogue website.
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Beth El Member? Yes No Tuition: The following represents regular Continuing Education classes, but not special workshops and programming. Classes are offered in three trimesters – Fall (October–December), Winter (January–March), and Summer (April–June). Trimester Classes – $60 for members each trimester; $90 for non-members. Pay for one trimester class and come to other trimester classes that same trimester at no extra cost. Sisterhood Torah Fund Classes – There is a required donation of at least $36 for the entire year, made payable to Sisterhood Torah Fund. For registration and further information, contact Linda Gottlieb, Torah Fund Vice-President at 847-835-3101 or lbgmom@comcast.net.
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North Suburban Synagogue Beth El's Continuing Education program is made possible through the generous gift of the estate of Gertrude Lederman. The value she placed on Jewish education became the cornerstone of her legacy of lifelong learning in our congregation.