2015/2016 Brochure
Gertrude Lederman Family Continuing Education
Welcome 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 going to www.nssbethel.org/Continuing-Education. Please contact Ali Drumm, Director of Informal Education, with any questions at adrumm@nssbethel.org or 847-432-8126.
CLASSES AT A GLANCE Sunday
Wednesday
Monday
Thursday
Prayerbook Reading Made Easy Prayerbook Hebrew Fluency Torah Cantillation Foundations of Jewish Family Living (Florence Melton School of Adult Jewish Learning) Open Conversational Hebrew
Judaism 101
Tuesday
Talmud: Tractate Brachot Conservative Judaism Looks at Modern Issues Parshat HaShavua through Midrash Intermediate Conversational Hebrew Shemot I: From Slavery to Sinai (Florence Melton School of Adult Jewish Learning)
Jewish Laws of Daily Living Book of Daniel Advanced Conversational Hebrew Children of Abraham: Historical Origins of Judaism, Christianity and Islam Srugim: Israeli Television Series
Conversational Hebrew Study in the Loop/Suburbs Shalom Hartman Institute Discussion Series: The 'Other' in Jewish Tradition
Shabbat Sisterhood Torah Fund Book Club
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 Spring (April–June).
•Trimester Fee: $90 per trimester; Beth El Member Discount Fee: $60 per trimester. •Pay for one trimester class and additional classes during the same trimester are included at no extra cost. •For NSS Beth El members, tuition will be charged to your synagogue account; non-members will receive a bill. •For Sisterhood Torah Fund classes, there is a required minimum annual donation of $36, 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
Irving and Janet Robbin Scholar in Residence Professor Steven M. Cohen October 30 –November 1, 2015 United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism Central District Scholar Rabbi Chaya Rowen Baker Shabbat, November 21, 2015 D'var Torah and Post-Kiddush Lecture Spertus One Book One Community Author Event Lev Golinkin Sunday, December 6, 2015
Beth El Shabbaton Shabbat, January 23, 2016 Field Lecture Chancellor Arnold Eisen Sunday, February 28, 2016 Sisterhood Torah Fund Author Event David Liss Shabbat, April 9, 2016 Tikkun Layl Shavuot/Rabbi Philip Lipis Memorial Lecture followed by All-Night Study and Sunrise Shacharit Professor Rachel Havrelock Saturday, June 11, 2016
HEBREW LANGUAGE Prayerbook Reading Made Easy: Beginning Hebrew 101 Ma'ayan Avidov Sundays, begins September 20 9:15 –10:30am This class focuses on attaining a level of comfort with Hebrew reading utilizing the text of the siddur and the various prayer services. Fall and Winter Trimesters; class may continue into the Spring Trimester, depending on registration – $180; $120 for Beth El members.
Conversational Hebrew (Sisterhood Torah Fund Class) Alicia Gejman Thursdays, begins October 15 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.
Prayerbook Fluency: Beginning Hebrew 201 Ma'ayan Avidov Sundays, begins September 20 10:45am–Noon This class focuses on learners who already feel comfortable with basic Hebrew reading, and want to improve their fluency and understanding of the prayers in the siddur. Fall and Winter Trimesters; class may continue into the Spring Trimester, depending on registration – $180; $120 for Beth El members.
Open Conversational Hebrew Sundays (ongoing) 10:00 –11:00am Practice Hebrew conversation and reading informally with other participants. Free. For information, contact Judy Farby at judyfarby@yahoo.com or 847-372-1700.
Intermediate Conversational Hebrew Edith Belkind Tuesdays, begins October 13 6:30– 7:30pm Improve your conversational and reading Hebrew skills. New students are always welcome! Fall, Winter, and Spring Trimesters – $270; $180 for Beth El members. Advanced Conversational Hebrew Edith Belkind Wednesdays, begins October 7 6:30– 7:30pm Strengthen and retain your Hebrew skills from Intermediate Conversational Hebrew. Fall, Winter, and Spring Trimesters – $270; $180 for Beth El members.
CLASSIC JEWISH TEXT Judaism 101 Rabbi Michael Schwab Mondays, begins October 19; 9:00–10:00am 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 Trimester. Conservative Judaism Looks at Modern Issues (Sisterhood Torah Fund) Rabbi Vernon Kurtz Tuesdays, begins October 13; 10:00– 11:00am 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. Parshat HaShavua through Midrash (Sisterhood Torah Fund) Rabbi Michael Schwab Tuesdays, begins October 13; 11:00am – Noon 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. Talmud: Tractate Berachot Rabbi Vernon Kurtz Tuesdays, begins October 13; 8:30 – 9:30am Study Jewish law in the original text. Discussion and commentary are in English. This year's study will begin with Perek (Chapter) VIII which is concerned with the laws of Kiddush and Havdalah. New participants are always welcome! Fall and Winter Trimesters – $180; $120 for Beth El members. Jewish Laws of Daily Living Rabbi Michael Schwab Wednesdays; 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. This free class meets year-round. Book of Daniel Aaron Klein Wednesdays, begins October 14; 10:30am This year the Book of Daniel is the subject of Aaron Klein's popular Bible with Commentary class. Join us in study to gain an understanding of this example of apocalyptic literature which recounts the trials and triumphs of Daniel and his three companions. Fall, Winter, and Spring Trimesters – $270; $180 for Beth El members. Torah Cantillation Hazzan Ben Tisser Sundays (6 sessions), begins January 24; 11:00am Students learn the history and function of cantillation (trope) and how to recognize, sing and apply the cantillations to Torah text. Students prepare a Torah portion for chanting. Winter Trimester - $90; $60 for Beth El members. Study in the Loop / Study in the Suburbs Rabbi Vernon Kurtz Thursdays (Dates TBD); Noon Loop Location: The Illinois Decalogue Society, 134 N. LaSalle #1430 Chicago (3 sessions) Suburbs Location: Board of Jewish Education, 3320 Dundee Rd, 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 "Other" In Jewish Tradition: Challenges and Opportunities Rabbi Vernon Kurtz Once a month, beginning in January 7:00pm A series of lectures presented by Hartman Institute scholars led by Rabbi Dr. Donniel Hartman. This series explores the challenge of Jewish identity in a contemporary context and describes how engagement with the changing definitions of who is a Jew can shape the future and strengthen the Jewish people. The lectures will look at the way "others" – women, minorities, non-Jews – have been treated (and mistreated) in Jewish texts and traditions. For most of history, Jews were the outsiders in every society in which they lived. Today the question of Jewish relations with others has been transformed in light of the power and influence Jews enjoy in Israel and in the Diaspora. We now face the challenge of creating an ethic of membership that simultaneously acknowledges the importance of communal strength and also the unique Jewish sensitivity to the rights and needs of those who are outside of our community. Fee for this class, which includes the course sourcebook is $110. Beth El member discounted fee is $80. Sisterhood Torah Fund Book Club Rachel Kamin Saturday afternoons, October 3, December 5, April 9, and other dates to be determined. Stay after Shabbat Kiddush and discuss books selected by the Director of the Gray Cultural and Learning Center. See page 9 for a detailed description. Jewish Parenting Havurah Ali Drumm, Rachel Kamin, Rabbi Michael Schwab These seminar sessions will explore the challenges of modern parenting from a Jewish perspective. Our exploration will be grounded in secular and Jewish texts and parenting trends but will also include group discussion. Sessions will be hosted in students' homes to further the goal of building community among the families of Beth El. For more information, contact Ali Drumm at adrumm@nssbethel.org or 847-432-8126.
Children of Abraham: Historical Origins of Judaism, Christianity and Islam Cheryl Banks Wednesdays, begins October 21 8:00pm This course explores the beginnings of Judaism, and the historical framework in which the Jewish people evolved; the beginnings of Christianity, focusing on the Roman and Jewish culture in which it began; the Jewish influences on Islam; a comparison of God, Allah, and Jesus; and a comparison of the great Holy Books. Fall Trimester – $90; $60 for Beth El members. Srugim: Israeli Television Series Hazzan Ben Tisser Wednesdays, begins January 13 8:00pm Join Hazzan Tisser as he guides us through the first season of Srugim (in Hebrew with English subtitles), an Israeli television drama depicting the lives of five orthodox single men and women who reside in Jerusalem. The title is a reference to the crocheted kipot worn by the young men. Screenings of individual episodes will be followed by analysis and discussion. Winter Trimester - $90; $60 for Beth El members.
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 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. Come be part of the Melton School and discover a world-class curriculum created by scholars at Hebrew University that gives you a chance to explore Jewish thought and text. The Rachel Wasserman Scholars Curriculum The Scholars Curriculum presents classic and modern texts that have shaped Jewish perspectives for thousands of years, and invites students to lend their voices to the ageless pursuit of Jewish wisdom. Shemot I: From Slavery to Sinai Rabbi Michael Schwab Tuesdays (10 sessions); begins October 20 8:00pm This course brings us the Egyptian narrative of our people from "Pharaoh's Paranoia" and "Moshe's CV" to the dramatic story of our rescue, and survival in the wilderness during "Into the Sea" and "Manna from Heaven." Leadership, bravery, faith, and doubt define some of the critical moments in these texts and offer us a rich backdrop for challenging our own assumptions. Tuition: $80, including sourcebook, for Beth El members, $245 for Melton Consortium Site members, $295 for non-Consortium students.
Foundations of Jewish Family Living Ali Drumm Sundays (10 sessions); begins September 20 (no class November 15, November 22, and November 29) 9:15–10:45am This rich learning experience will create a thoughtprovoking 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: $40 for Beth El member new students, $60 for Beth El member returning students, and $145 for non-Beth El students. For registration information, scholarships available through the Marcia Fischer Webb Adult Education Fund, and to see where Melton classes are being offered during the day and evenings at other locations in the Chicago area, go to the "Florence Melton School" page under the "Melton" tab of the BJE website (www.bjechicago.org) or contact Rolly Cohen at 847-291-7788 x1304 or rolly@bjechicago.org.
Please note: Beth El members must register for Melton courses online at www.bjechicago.org and pay the full Consortium Site member fee. Once registration is complete, Beth El will reimburse our members so that the actual costs will be $80 for Shemot I, $40 for new Foundations students, and $60 for returning Foundations students.
Learning Opportunities through the Joseph and Mae Gray Cultural & Learning Center Afternoon @ the Movies
Sisterhood Torah Fund Book Club
The first event of this series takes place on Thursday, August 20 at 2:00pm when the CLC and the HAZAK Senior Life Committee will host Deli Man. This freshly made documentary by Erik Greenberg Anjou tells the story of more than 160 years of tradition served up by the Jewish deli owners, operators, and fanatics who are keeping hot pastrami hot – and a culinary must. All are welcome – open to the community! A light "deli nosh" will be served after the film for $5/person. Please RSVP to: Marcie Eskin at meskin@nssbethel.org or 847-926-7903.
The Sisterhood Torah Fund Book Club will kick off its 7th season on Saturday, October 3, after Shabbat Kiddush. Complete book selections will be announced soon. All book club participants are asked to make a minimum $36 annual contribution to the Sisterhood Torah Fund.
The series continues on Thursday, October 8 with part-two of The Prime Ministers. Based on Ambassador Yehuda Avner's best-selling book, The Prime Ministers: Soldiers and Peacemakers examines Avner's experiences with Prime Ministers Yitzhat Rabin, Menachem Begin, and Shimon Peres as well as his service as Israel's Ambassador to England. Weaving a rich tapestry of history and personal testimonies, The Prime Ministers brings some of the most important events of the 20th and 21st centuries to life. The film stars the voices of Michael Douglas as Yitzhak Rabin and Christoph Waltz as Menachem Begin. Watch your email for information on additional Afternoon @ the Movies events throughout the year. Rissman Family Kol Ami Museum Participants in NSS Beth El's Artists' Beit Midrash will showcase their creations in a museum exhibit this winter.
On Saturday, December 5 the Book Club will discuss A Backpack, a Bear, and Eight Crates of Vodka: A Memoir by Lev Golinkin, the 2015 Spertus One Book, One Community selection. NSS Beth El will host the author on Sunday, December 6 at 10:30am. On Saturday, April 9 the Book Club will discuss The Day of Atonement with author David Liss. 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 847-432-8900 x242 for more information and to be added to the mailing list.
Community Learning Opportunities Board of Jewish Education of Metropolitan Chicago, 3320 Dundee Road, Northbrook Kol Isha: Jewish Women's Voices Then and Now Join a journey of learning and discover our Jewish heritage through the prism of women's lives. Regardless of age or background, you are invited to study ancient and modern texts with Fran Alpert and Dr. Betsy Dolgin Katz and search for their deeper meaning in the context of when they were written and life today. This year there are two class tracks to choose from during each of the five weeks we meet. Classes meet Mondays from 10:00am–12:15pm. (5 sessions in the fall, beginning October 12; 5 sessions in the spring, beginning March 21) • Track A Women's Voices in Genesis (10:00– 11:00am) Women of the Enlightenment (11:15am – 12:15pm) • Track B Women of the Enlightenment (10:00– 11:00am) Hasidic Women (11:15am– 12:15pm) Contact Rolly Cohen for more information at 847-291-7788 x1304 or rolly@bjechicago.org. Chicago Festival of Israeli Cinema Sunday, November 8 at 1:30pm AMC Northbrook Court NSS Beth El will sponsor Encirclements, a film by Lee Gilat, as part of the 2015 Chicago Festival of Israeli Cinema. The movie stars three of Israel's brightest lights – Lior Ashkenazi (Walk on Water, Footnote), Assi Levi (Aviva My Love, The World is Funny) and Uri Gabriel (Ballad of the Weeping Spring, The Dove Flyer). Reserved tickets are available 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, 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 2015 Conference Saturday evening and Sunday, November 7-8, 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 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, non-denominational, 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. For further information, go to www.orotcenter.org.
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 (www.nssbethel.org/Continuing-Education).
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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 Spring (April–June). Trimester Classes – $90 per trimester; Beth El Member Discount Fee: $60 per trimester. 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 annual 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.