2016/ 2017 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. Please contact Ali Drumm, Director of Informal Education, with any questions at adrumm@nssbethel.org or 847-432-8126. 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 lifelong learning in our congregation.
CLASSES AT A GLANCE Sunday
Open Conversational Hebrew Melton Core Program
Tuesday
Talmud: Tractate Berachot Conservative Judaism Looks at Modern Issues Parshat HaShavua through Midrash Intermediate Conversational Hebrew Exodus: From Revelation to Revolution
Wednesday
Jewish Laws of Daily Living Minor Prophets; Major Losses Mysteries of the Bible Advanced Conversational Hebrew Srugim: Israeli Television Series Is It Good for the Jews? Current Events Discussion The Art of the Cantor Shalom Hartman Institute Discussion Series
Thursday
Artists Beit Midrash Conversational Hebrew Study in the Loop/Suburbs
Friday After Abel: Reimagining the Stories of the Bible
Shabbat Sisterhood Torah Fund Book Club
Ongoing Throughout the Year
Synagogue Skills Beginning Hebrew Jewish Parenting Jewish Grandparenting
REGISTRATION, TUITION & PAYMENT INFORMATION Check out all our classes and events by going to www.nssbethel.org/Continuing-Education, and register online by clicking on the Registration link. You may also register by contacting Marcie Eskin, Informal Education Coordinator, at meskin@ nssbethel.org or 847-926-7903. Classes are offered in three trimesters – Fall, Winter, and Spring. The following fee structure represents regular Continuing Education trimester classes, but not special workshops and programming. •Trimester Fee: $90 per trimester; NSSBE 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 NSSBE members, tuition will be charged to your synagogue account; non-members will receive a bill. • Sisterhood Torah Fund classes require a minimum annual donation of $36, made payable to Sisterhood Torah Fund. For registration and further information, contact Linda Gottlieb, Torah Fund Vice-President at lbgmom@comcast.net or 847835-3101.
SCHOLARS AND SPECIAL PROGRAMS Scholar in Residence Dr. Joshua Kulp Shabbat, October 8, 2016 Beth El AIPAC Israel Speaker Rabbi Donniel Hartman Sunday, October 30, 2016 United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism Scholar Rabbi David Ebstein Shabbat, November 11–12, 2016 NSS Beth El Shabbaton Shabbat, February 10–11, 2016 Save the Date!
Rabbi Irving and Amy Frankel Memorial Lecture Fran and Bernie Alpert April 30, 2017 Tikkun Layl Shavuot/Rabbi Philip Lipis Memorial Lecture Rabbi Josh Feigelson Tuesday, May 30, 2017 JTS Field Family Lecture Sunday, June 4, 2017 Save the Date!
HEBREW LANGUAGE Beginning Hebrew Looking to improve your Hebrew - either conversational, reading, or prayer? Let us help to evaluate your skills and find appropriate tutoring. Contact Ali Drumm at adrumm@nssbethel.org or call 847-432-8126. Intermediate Conversational Hebrew Edith Belkind Tuesdays, 6:15–7:30pm, begins September 6 (We welcome students at any point, fees prorated.) Build your conversational and reading Hebrew skills. New students are always welcome! Fall, Winter, and Spring Trimesters ($270; $180 for NSSBE members) Advanced Conversational Hebrew Edith Belkind Wednesdays, 6:15–7:30pm, begins September 7 (We welcome students at any point, fees prorated.) Strengthen and retain your Hebrew skills from Intermediate Conversational Hebrew. Fall, Winter, and Spring Trimesters ($270; $180 for NSSBE members)
Conversational Hebrew (Sisterhood Torah Fund) Dr. Alicia Gejman Thursdays, 10:00 – 11:00am, begins September 8 (We welcome students at any point.) Designed for adults who have basic fluency in reading and writing Hebrew. 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.
CLASSIC JEWISH TEXT Conservative Judaism Looks at Modern Issues (Sisterhood Torah Fund) Rabbi Vernon Kurtz Tuesdays, 10:00– 11:00am, begins September 13 (We welcome students at any point.) 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, 11:00am – Noon, begins September 13 (We welcome students at any point.) 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, 8:30 – 9:30am, begins September 13 (We welcome students at any point, fees prorated.) Study Jewish law in the original text. Discussion and commentary are in English. This year's study will begin with Perek (Chapter) VII which is concerned with the laws of Birkat HaMazon, (Grace After Meals). New participants are always welcome! Fall and Winter Trimesters ($180; $120 for NSSBE 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.
Minor Prophets; Major Losses Aaron Klein Wednesdays, 10:30 – 11:30am, begins September 7 (We welcome students at any point, fees prorated.) Learn about the trials and tribulations of our ancestors and how they survived from before the Common Era (B.C.E.) to the destruction of the Second Temple. Study how each prophet assisted our people to remain strong and resolute during their troubled times. Fall and Winter Trimesters ($180; $120 for NSSBE members) Mysteries of the Bible Aaron Klein Wednesdays, 8:00 – 9:00pm, begins March 15 Explore our ancient texts and read between the lines to understand how the writings are relevant to our day and age. We will also study the mystics, Kabbalah, and their interpretation of the Divine and cosmos. Spring Trimester ($90; $60 for NSSBE members) Torah Cantillation Hazzan Ben Tisser Are you ready to improve your skills in prayer leading or Torah reading? Hazzan Ben Tisser will help you to evaluate your abilities and craft a training program designed to fit your needs at no charge. Contact Hazzan Tisser at btisser@nssbethel.org. Study in the Loop/Study in the Suburbs Rabbi Vernon Kurtz Thursdays, Noon – 1:30pm Loop Location: The Illinois Decalogue Society, 134 N. LaSalle #1430 Chicago November 17, January 19, and March 16 Suburbs Location: Board of Jewish Education, 3320 Dundee Rd, Northbrook March 2, April 5, and May 4 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. Fee: $12 per session to cover lunch. To register, contact Lennie Kay at 847-432-8900 x221 or LKay@nssbethel.org.
JEWISH LIFE AND CULTURE Shalom Hartman Institute Beit Midrash Discussion Series Rabbi Vernon Kurtz Wednesdays, 7:00pm January 11, February 8, March 8, April 5, May 10, and June 7. Rabbi Kurtz will begin a new iEngage curriculum, Jewish Values and the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict. Through the study of Jewish narratives about Israel and the unpacking of the complex meanings of peace in Jewish tradition, participants are invited to explore the ideas and values that animate different attitudes toward the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and how these values shape their own political understandings. Though a common political platform may not be attainable, this course strives to achieve a shared respect for our differences. Tuition including Sourcebook: $110; $80 for NSSBE members. Srugim: Israeli Television Series Hazzan Ben Tisser Wednesdays, 7:45pm, begins September 7 (We welcome students at any point, fees prorated.) Join Hazzan Tisser as he guides us through the later seasons 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. Fall Trimester ($90; $60 for NSSBE members) The Art of the Cantor (Sisterhood Torah Fund) Hazzan Ben Tisser Wednesdays, 8:00-9:15pm, begins January 18 Rosenblatt, Hershman, Karniol, Oysher – Who Are These Guys?! Join Hazzan Tisser as we explore over a century of the American Cantorate and learn what shaped the Cantorate into what it is today. We will explore the great tenors and baritones, showmen and opera singers, men and even women, who brought this beautiful art form from Europe and watch its evolution to modern times.
After Abel: Reimagining the Stories of the Bible Ali Drumm and Rachel Kamin Fridays, 10:00–11:30am October 14, 21, 28 and December 2, 9 and 16. Author Michal Lemberger joins us on January 13! The rich tradition of reimagining the stories in the Bible started with the Midrash and has continued without pause for two millennia. After Abel and Other Stories by Michal Lemberger is an example of modern midrash. Join us as we examine the original biblical text alongside Lemberger's contemporary interpretations, reclaiming these ancient characters and the important lessons they teach us today. Fall Trimester ($90; $60 for NSSBE members) ** The cost of the class includes a copy of the book. Is It Good for the Jews? An Exploration of Current Events Cheryl Banks Wednesdays, 8:00pm, begins September 28 Israel, anti-Semitism, politics – we are overloaded with headlines every day. In these weekly sessions, we will try to keep up with the news, both secular and Jewish, and put events into context, with background and nuance. The consequences for the Jewish community worldwide will be emphasized. Fall Trimester ($90; $60 for NSSBE members) Jewish Parenting Ali Drumm, Rachel Kamin, Rabbi Michael Schwab Our kickoff event this year is on Thursday morning November 3 with Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg, talking about her new book Nurture the Wow: Finding Spirituality in the Frustration, Boredom, Tears, Poop, Desperation, Wonder, and Radical Amazement of Parenting. For more information, contact Ali Drumm at adrumm@nssbethel. org or 847-432-8126.
JEWISH LIFE AND CULTURE Jewish Grandparenting Ali Drumm These free seminar sessions co-sponsored by HAZAK Senior Life will explore topics of interest to grandparents. Grounded in secular and Jewish texts, our exploration will include group discussion of topics such as imparting a legacy of Jewish values to your grandchildren. For more information, contact Ali Drumm at adrumm@nssbethel. org or 847-432-8126.
Artists Beit Midrash Dr. Jane Shapiro and Judith Joseph Thursdays, 9:30–11:30am, beginning Summer 2017 Students explore Jewish sources thematically (no Hebrew knowledge required) in six sessions taught by master educator Dr. Jane Shapiro and artist-educator Judith Joseph. Artists of all skill levels and working with any type of media – sculpture, oils, watercolors, photographs, fabrics, poetry, music, theater and dance – are invited. Spring Trimester ($90; $60 for NSSBE members)
Florence Melton School Of
Adult Jewish Learning 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 ongoing Jewish study. It has made them more knowledgeable and involved Jews. This year NSS Beth El and the Board of Jewish Education of Metropolitan Chicago are pleased to offer these two Melton courses created by scholars at Hebrew University: The Book of Exodus: Revelation and Revolution Rabbi Michael Schwab Tuesdays, 8:00–9:30pm at NSS Beth El, begins September 13 (We welcome students at any point.) This course follows the development of the emerging Jewish nation from their awe-inspiring encounter at Mount Sinai through the building of the tabernacle in the wilderness. The high points of divine revelation in "Ten Commandments," "Encountering God," and "Face to Face with God" are sharply contrasted with the low points of the "Golden Calf: Revolt or Reversion." The text addresses some of the specific laws and regulations that were to become part of Jewish living as well as the meaning, purpose, and relevance to our lives today. Tuition including Sourcebook: $80 for NSSBE members, $245 for Melton Consortium members and $345 for non-Consortium members.
Melton Core Year 1: Purposes of Jewish Living Ali Drumm Sundays, 9:15–10:15am at NSS Beth El, begins September 18 (We welcome students at any point.) Why do Jews believe as they do? What are the big questions of life and how do Jewish thinkers answer these questions? This course explores ancient and modern sources in pursuit of answers to many of the major issues of Jewish thought and theology. Tuition including Sourcebook: $100 for NSSBE members, $240 for Melton Consortium members and $340 for nonConsortium members. Couples who sign up together will receive an additional $20 subsidy for the second partner's registration. To register, contact Rolly Cohen at 847-291-7788 x1304 or rolly@bjechicago.org.
Learning Opportunities through the Joseph and Mae Gray Cultural & Learning Center Afternoon @ the Movies November 17, March 23 and May 4 The Joseph and Mae Gray Cultural & Learning Center and the Hazak Senior Life Committee will host three special film screenings this year on Thursday at 2:00pm. • Join Hazzan Ben Tisser on November 17, 2016 for a special screening of A Cantor's Tale, a documentary about his teacher and mentor Hazzan Jacob Mendelson. • On March 23, 2017 Afternoon @ the Movies will present Streit's: Matzo and the American Dream. Since 1925 the Streit's matzo factory has sat in a lowslung tenement building on Manhattan's Lower East Side. While other matzo companies have modernized, Streit's remained a piece of living history, churning out 40 percent of the nation's unleavened bread on pre-War machinery as old as the factory itself. Filmmaker Michael Levine captures the Streit's saga and how it echoes the American Dream. • Our feature on May 4, 2017 will be In Search of Israeli Cuisine, a portrait of the Israeli people told through food. Of course, Israeli snacks will be served! Contact Marcie Eskin at meskin@nssbethel.org or 847-926-7903 for more information and to RSVP to these and other afternoon events which will be publicized throughout the year. Sisterhood Torah Fund Book Club Join Rachel Kamin and the Sisterhood Torah Fund Book Club, after Shabbat Kiddush, on a journey through Jewish literature and history. We will be travelling to many different places and time periods this year – from biblical times, 18th century Russia, 19th century France, and Jerusalem before, during and after the War of Independence to Baltimore at the turn of the 20th century, the Galapagos Islands before World War II, and 1950's Brooklyn. October 22 – The Beauty Queen of Jerusalem by Sarit Yishai-Levi Sunday, November 6 – The Hired Girl by Laura Amy Schlitz (with members of Kadima and BEANS USY) December 10 – The Imperial Wife by Irina Reyn (Part of the One Book, One Community program sponsored by Spertus) January 14 – After Abel and Other Stories by Michal Lemberger (facilitated by the author) February 25 – An Officer and a Spy by Robert Harris April 29 – The Two-Family House by Lynda Cohen Loigman June 10 – Enchanted Islands by Allison Amend Sisterhood Torah Fund classes require a minimum annual donation of $36. Copies of the books are available in the Maxwell Abbell Library and from public libraries, as well as at local and online bookstores. Contact Rachel Kamin at rkamin@nssbethel.org or 847-926-7902 for more information.
Writer's Beit Midrash The NSS Beth El Writer's Beit Midrash meets every other Wednesday from 9:30–11:00am, in the Maxwell Abbell Library. All fiction, non-fiction, poetry, memoir, and essay writers (published or not yet published) are welcome for discussions, exercises, camaraderie, and critique. Open to the community. Free. Contact Rachel Kamin at rkamin@nssbethel.org or 847-926-7902 for more information and to be added to the mailing list.
North Suburban Synagogue Beth El 1175 Sheridan Road Highland Park, IL 60035
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Community Learning Opportunities
Chicago Festival of Israeli Cinema Saturday, November 5, 2016 at 7:30pm ArcLight Cinemas NSS Beth El is sponsoring the film On the Map at the Chicago Festival of Israeli Cinema, this year at the ArcLight Cinemas in Glenview. Reserved tickets will be for sale at Beth El in October. Dani Menkin tells the story of how the Maccabi Tel Aviv basketball team put Israel "on the map" in 1977 when it toppled the four-time defending European Champions, the Soviet Red Army team from Moscow, en route to winning the European Cup Basketball Championship. For more information, contact Rachel Kamin at rkamin@nssbethel.org or 847-926-7902.
Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership Website: www.spertus.edu Spertus offers dynamic learning opportunities, rooted in Jewish wisdom and culture and open to all. These opportunities are designed to enable personal growth, train future leaders, and engage individuals in exploration of Jewish life. Public programs – including films, speakers, seminars, concerts, and exhibits – are offered at the Institute's Michigan Avenue facility, in the Chicago suburbs, and online.
Orot: Center for New Jewish Learning Faculty: Rebecca MinkusLieberman, Rabbi Jordan BendatAppell, Rabbi Sam Feinsmith, Dr. Jane Shapiro 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, 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.
BJE Florence Melton School of Adult Jewish Learning/Center for Jewish Teacher Education Website: www.bjechicago.org The BJE administers Florence Melton courses – a world class curriculum created by scholars at Hebrew University – in numerous locations throughout the Chicago area. Participating in a Melton class provides a chance to explore Jewish thought and text with an outstanding faculty and a wonderful community of learners. In addition, through its Center for Jewish Teacher Education, the BJE offers several other adult learning opportunities.