Jewish Journeys Adult Learning at Beth El
2015•16 5776
Dear Learner:
Message from the Rabbi
Welcome to our Beth El Adult Education program, Jewish Journeys: Adult Learning at Beth El. You’ll notice a number of new classes, new styles of learning, and new instructors, along with the traditional courses we’ve always offered. This year, we’ve characterized each course and speaker, dividing everything into four categories: Eye on Israel; Text and Spirituality; History and Culture; and Learning and Doing. We have also added information on our new Without Walls programs and on programming from Chai 20s & 30s and Women’s Connection. Some courses overlap, but the idea is to be more specific in how we present our courses, and allow you to choose wisely. Jewish learning remains the most important Jewish spiritual activity. As our rabbis claimed, Talmud Torah k’neged kulam – “Torah study supersedes everything.” Not because we should study Torah to the exclusion of every other activity, but because study leads to passionate engagement with the world. We won’t find ourselves, our way with God, our true vocations in life without the serious reflection that Torah study offers. A healthy, questing inner life is the key to a full, active embrace of our beautiful world. So do yourself a favor this year, and take advantage of this excellent program. At Beth El, we study Torah literally every day of the week, and often several times a day. We study morning, afternoon, and evening – weekdays, weekends, and holidays. We learn from rabbis, professors, educated lay people, therapists, community leaders, and mostly, each other. Learn with us, and enter the exciting community of Torah Study. If not now, when? Shanah Tovah, Rabbi Philip Graubart Senior Rabbi
Table of
Contents Text & Spirituality. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Daily Minyan and Study.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Study of Jewish Law. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Talmud Class. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Torah Study. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Shabbat Morning Torah Study. . . . . . . . . . 4 Introduction to Judaism I. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Introduction to Judaism II.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Encounters: Different Opinions on Jews, Judaism, God, Torah, and Israel. . . . . . 4 Scholar in Residence: Rabbi Shefa Gold. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Lunch N’ Learn: Mystical Teachings on The Torah Readings.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Parshat Hashavua. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Weaving Judaism through a Pediatric Medical Practice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Coherent Judaism. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 The Wealth of Your Life: A Three Part Workshop on Estate, Financial, and Legacy Planning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Couplehood as a Spiritual Path.. . . . . . . . . 7 History & Culture. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Shirenu Chorus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Encounters: Different Opinions on Jews, Judaism, God, Torah, and Israel. . . . . . . 7 Women and the Kibbutz. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Short Stories. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Eye on Israel.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 iEngage - Jewish Values and the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict. . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Women and the Kibbutz. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Ritual: Learning and Doing. . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Tefillah Challenge & Learners Minyan.. 9 Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Shabbat Schmooze. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Beth El Without Walls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hikes.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bikes.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Beach Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shabbat B’Bayit.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shabbat in the Park.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tacos & Torah. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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Women’s Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 1 Rosh Chodesh Gatherings.. . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 1 Festival Art Series. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 1 Chai 20s & 30s. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 1 2nd Saturday. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 1 JED Talks: Jewish Expressions & Dialogue.. . . . . . 1 1 Shavuot All Nighter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 1 Teacher Bios.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Classes at a Glance.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Spirituality Text &
Text & Spirituality DAILY MINYAN AND STUDY
Join us for our Daily Minyan and Study and enjoy a bagel, cream cheese, and coffee at no cost. Not only will we be able to fulfill the important mitzvah of helping others recite the Mourner’s Kaddish, it is also a wonderful way to open our hearts and minds, allowing God’s presence into our lives. Beit Midrash Monday – Friday 7:30-8:00am Sunday 9:00am
Study of Jewish Law
Taught by Rabbi Avi Libman Join us as we study Jewish Law. We use the Shulchan Aruch as a beginning point for our conversation. Mondays & Tuesdays, 8:00-8:30am Beit Midrash
Talmud Class
Taught by Rabbi Philip Graubart Join the 2000 year old conversation with ancient rabbis on how to live a just and holy life. This year we’ll begin with the Talmud’s insights on how employers should treat employees. Wednesdays, 8:00-8:30am Beit Midrash
Watch Rabbi Graubart’s Talmud class online any time: www.cbe.org/rabbis-video-classes.html
Torah Study
Taught by Prof. Irvin Jacobs Join us on Thursday as volunteers lead the Torah study discussion with a chance for questions and further dialogue. Thursdays, 8:00-8:30am Beit Midrash
Shabbat Morning Torah Study
Taught by Rabbi Philip Graubart or Rabbi Avi Libman We will gather together before Shabbat morning services to study the weekly Torah Reading. Each week, Rabbi Philip Graubart or Rabbi Avi Libman will lead a discussion based on traditional commentary, contemporary issues, and other insights participants may bring to the discussion. This will not be a lecture or a sermon, but a fully interactive, participatory study session. Saturdays, 9:00-9:30am Jacobs Family Community Hall Drop-ins welcome
INTRODUCTION TO JUDAISM I
Taught by Rabbi Avi Libman Join us for an educational journey for Jews and non-Jews interested in gaining knowledge of Jewish history, life and culture. In this course, we will cover topics like Jewish history, theology and philosophy, as well as holidays and life-cycle events, practices and rituals, and an introduction to Hebrew. The course is geared to anyone who wants to learn more about Judaism, in addition to those considering conversion. 7:00-8:30pm November 9, 16, 30; December 7, 14, 21 Beit Midrash $30 members/$50 non-members
Online Registration Required
INTRODUCTION TO JUDAISM II
Taught by Rabbi Avi Libman Join us for the second part of an educational journey for Jews and non-Jews interested in gaining knowledge of Jewish history, life and culture. In this course, we will discuss topics like Jewish History, Mitzvoth (Commandments) How and when the Torah was written, prayer and modern understandings of God. The course is geared to anyone who wants to learn more about Judaism, in addition to those considering conversion. 7:00-8:30pm February 22, 29; March 7, 14, 21, 28 Beit Midrash $30 members/$50 non-members
Online Registration Required
ENCOUNTERS: DIFFERENT OPINIONS ON JEWS, JUDAISM, GOD, TORAH, AND ISRAEL
Taught by Rabbi Philip Graubart In this course we’ll study conflicting opinions on issues very near and dear to us. We’ll learn how to approach disagreement in a Jewish context. We’ll learn how to balance a Torah which encourages open minds and disagreement, with a Torah that insists we stick to our guns on important matters. We’ll learn how ancient and modern rabbis handled disagreement, within the community and without. Mostly, Rabbi Graubart will be interviewing 5 leaders with whom he respectfully disagrees, on matters of religion, Judaism, and Israel. The final five sessions – the interviews – will be open to the public, but only registered participants will be able to ask questions of the guests. The guests will include: 1. Imam Taha, an Islamic cleric 2. An Orthodox Rabbi TBD 3. A right-wing, pro-settler Israeli TBD 4. A fundamentalist Christian minister TBD 5. Dr. Jonathan Graubart, a representative of Jewish Voices for Peace 7:00-8:30pm November 5, December 3, 2015; January 7, February 4, March 3, April 7, May 5, June 2, 2016 Beit Midrash Online Registration $40 members/$64 non-members Required
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Register at www.cbe.org
Online Registration Required
SCHOLAR IN RESIDENCE: RABBI SHEFA GOLD A Shabbat of Gratitude
ADULT BAR/BAT MITZVAH
An Exploration of Gratefulness Gratefulness is the foundation of our spiritual practice. Our liturgy teaches us that the very first words uttered each morning are to be words of thanksgiving. Our morning prayer of gratefulness is designed to open our hearts and energize us to step onto the path of Holiness. Yet so often we get caught in the habits of complaint. We lose sight of the miracle of each moment. Our enthusiasm, inspiration, receptivity, and generosity are eclipsed by the stresses of life. When we fall prey to the cynicism and jadedness of the dominant culture, we lose the opened-eyed innocence and radical amazement that is necessary for the Life of Gratefulness. Together we will explore this quality in our lives and learn practices that cultivate, nurture, and refine our ability to feel and express gratefulness. The Magic of Hebrew Chant: Healing the Spirit, Transforming the Mind, Deepening Love We all need to find ways to sustain ourselves and connect up to the Source on a daily basis. We all need a spiritual practice that can inspire us. Hebrew Chant is a practice that not only can sustain and inspire us; it can open the treasure-house of sacred text. It turns out that the magic words of creation, transformation, healing, and the expression of our infinite depths have been hidden in plain sight in the words of our inheritance – words that lie sleeping on the page, just waiting for our love to arouse them. So many words, buried in books, seem all but dead. When I find the divine breath within me and resuscitate those words, they come alive and become a vehicle of power and healing. They become incantations. In this workshop, we will explore the power and magic of Hebrew Chant as we transform the words of prayer into spiritual practice. November 13 & 14 6:15pm - Friday Night Services: Traditional Service, with some chants, led by Rabbi Gold 7:30-8:30pm - Presentation at Dinner “An Exploration of Gratefulness” 9:30am - Saturday services: a D’var Torah 12:30-1:30pm - Saturday Lunch, “The Magic of Hebrew Chant” $25 Dinner and Lecture after Services $25 Lunch and Lecture after Services
Online Registration Required
See page 11 for Women’s Connection program with Rabbi Shefa Gold.
Taught by Rabbi Philip Graubart If you never celebrated your Bar or Bat Mitzvah, or if you were unsatisfied with the experience as a child, join our new Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah group – a communal spiritual experience culminating in a group Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremony sometime in the Spring of 2017. The 20-month program includes: ■ A lively Introduction to Torah Study section, taught by Rabbi Philip Graubart, where we will learn to read the bible closely; study classic biblical commentators; and apply the Torah’s lessons to important issues in our lives. Rabbi Graubart will also teach how to chant the entire Shabbat morning service ■ A Synagogue Skills course where we will learn Torah and Haftarah trope ■ Teachings on the meaning and significance of most Jewish prayers ■ Attendance at various services, group meals, and special lectures ■ An Introduction to Hebrew, if you can’t yet read Hebrew phonetically Prerequisites: Ability to read Hebrew phonetically, or a commitment to learn within the first six months of the course (we’ll provide the means to learn). Also, a commitment to participate in the group ceremony. 10:30-11:45am, Rabbi Graubart’s Office Sundays beginning October 25, most Sundays, approximately 3 Sundays a month Online $275 for entire 20-month course Registration Required Cost includes all materials
LUNCH N’ LEARN: MYSTICAL TEACHINGS ON THE TORAH READINGS
Taught by Rabbi Philip Graubart In this class, we’ll study the teachings of the famous Hasidic mystic and master, the Maggid of Mezrich, with a commentary and translation by modern mystic Dr. Art Green. Rabbi Graubart will briefly summarize the reading, and then we’ll dive together into the Maggid’s teachings, which emphasize the deep, personal meanings which flow from every word of Torah. This is an exciting and accessible way to study Jewish mysticism and for Torah to come alive in each of our hearts, every week. Bring your own lunch! 12:00pm October 21, 28; November 4, 11, 18; December 2, 9, 16 Beit Midrash Online Registration No Cost Required
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Spirituality Text &
PARSHAT HASHAVUA
Taught by Rabbi Avi Libman Come and explore ways in which the weekly Torah reading can speak to our lives. In addition, we will discuss paths towards engaging our children in the weekly Torah stories. 9:30-10:15 am January 31, February 7, 21 Stone Family Sanctuary No Cost
WEAVING JUDAISM THROUGH A PEDIATRIC MEDICAL PRACTICE
Taught by Dr. Ran Anbar In this course, Dr. Anbar will describe clinical scenarios that arose as part of his medical practice and how his Jewish background and knowledge helped guide his patient care. Participants will be encouraged to share their thoughts regarding how they might have approached dilemmas in medical practice based on their own experiences. Titles of the specific talks: 1. A Choice Between Life and Death (Deut. 30:15-20) 2. Keeping Life in Perspective (Gen. 45:5-7) 3. How We are Guided through Life (Gen. 37:15-17) 7:00-8:30pm January 11, 25; February 1 Beit Midrash $15 members/$24 non-members
Online Registration Required
COHERENT JUDAISM
Taught by Rabbi Shai Cherry This 8-session class is primarily historical but with one foot in the present. We’ll look at previous “systems” of Judaism to help us envision a contemporary Judaism that maximally coheres with our traditions AND with what we believe about reality. Beginning with the Judaism of animal sacrifices and going through the philosophy of Maimonides, we will uncover worldviews that are both coherent in themselves yet mutually exclusive with one another. Conservative Judaism uses the image of being a “big tent.” That’s also a good metaphor for the traditional Judaism of the ancient rabbis. But, is it a good image for the Judaism of the future? How must Conservative Judaism change in order to have a future? This course is designed for people with familiarity with Judaism and is not recommended as an introductory class. 7:00-8:30pm October 20, 27; November 3, 10, 17; December 1, 8, 15* Children’s Shul *Dec. 15 Beit Midrash $40 members/$64 non-members
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Online Registration Required
Register at www.cbe.org
Online Registration Required
Online Registration Required
THE WEALTH OF YOUR LIFE: A THREE PART WORKSHOP ON ESTATE, FINANCIAL AND LEGACY PLANNING
Taught by Matt Rinkey and Maya Pinchman Workshop 1: A Guide to Financial Life Decisions The most loving gift you can give your family is to put your affairs in order before a disaster or medical emergency. Many families experience a significant change in their financial situation as a result of someone’s illness or death. Meeting short-term expenses and long-term commitments while achieving a sense of security may become problematic without the proper financial life planning. This workshop will focus on practical advanced planning that can help you effectively manage your financial affairs during and at the end of life. You will learn: ■ What you need to do to organize your financial life ■ How to develop a plan for paying for care ■ The best way to access financial resources and manage your financial affairs ■ Underutilized income tax deductions to ease the burden of paying for care Workshop 2: Estate and Long Term Care Planning Often individuals wait too long to put together their estate planning documents and there comes a time when it’s too late. The most crucial step, when dealing with an aging and ailing spouse, parent, or other family member, is to make sure their estate planning documents are up to date and include the necessary long term care planning provisions which enable the preservation of such individual’s estate in a medical disaster situation. This workshop will focus on the necessary estate planning and long term care planning for the aging population that can help you preserve your estate during and at the end of life. You will learn: ■ What an estate plan should include ■ What an estate plan with a focus towards long term care planning should include ■ How such long term care provisions will assist in a medical emergency situation ■ When Medi-Cal is necessary and what can be done to preserve your estate and qualify for Medi-Cal Workshop 3: Consciously Transmitting Intangible Wealth There’s a Jewish tradition that dates back to the 12th Century that has the power to leverage your intangible assets to those who are most dear to you. Your will and estate planning documents do the job of passing on your tangible wealth and legacy, but behind the barren language of those documents often lies a wealth of history and a
6:30-8:00pm January 13, 27; February 10 Beit Midrash No Cost
Online Registration Required
COUPLEHOOD AS A SPIRITUAL PATH
Craig Lambert and Nicole Kahn This 6-week educational program takes an in-depth look at the psychological and spiritual workings of intimate relationships. Participants will explore the truth about love and conflict and uncover how couplehood is one of God’s instruments for healing people and transforming the world. All couples, ranging from those who are newly partnered to those who have been together for many years, are welcome. Workshop leaders Craig Lambert, LCSW, and Nicole Kahn, LMFT, are seasoned therapists who combine their clinical skills and spiritual practices to help create conscious relationships. During this workshop, you and your partner will: • Learn a new way to talk and a new way to listen • Co-create a relationship vision and acquire the skills to manifest this vision • Discover the uniqueness of one another • Uncover the opportunities for emotional healing and personal growth
SHIRENU CHORUS
Taught by Cheri Weiss If you love to sing Jewish and liturgical music, we invite you to join our adult mixed voice chorus. Rehearsals will begin with a brief vocal training lesson. We will learn new melodies to traditional Jewish prayers and sing choral versions of familiar Hebrew and English songs. We will integrate our pieces into the Shabbat Shirenu service, which takes place on the fourth Friday of each month. Our chorus will also perform at Jewish venues in the community. The Shirenu Chorus will be conducted by Cheri Weiss, who is a former vocal instructor at Palomar College and a current Cantorial candidate at the Academy for Jewish Religion in Los Angeles, Cheri is also serving as our Cantorial Intern. 6:30-8:30pm October 14, 28, November 4, 18, December 9, 23, January 13, 27, February 10, 24, March 9, 23, April 13, 27, May 11, 25, June 8, 22 Online Stone Family Sanctuary Registration Required No Cost
ENCOUNTERS: DIFFERENT OPINIONS ON JEWS, JUDAISM, GOD, TORAH, AND ISRAEL Taught by Rabbi Philip Graubart See full description on page 4
7:00-8:30pm November 5, December 3, January 7, February 4, March 3, April 7, May 5, June 2 Online Beit Midrash Registration Required $40 members/$64 non-members
WOMEN AND THE KIBBUTZ Taught by Deborah Hertz See full description on page 8
7:00-8:30pm October 27, November 3 & 10 Beit Midrash $15 members/$24 non-members
Online Registration Required
Culture
You will learn: ■ What is an ethical will and how it fits in to your estate, financial, and legacy planning ■ How an ethical will can increase the value of your life and family’s inheritance ■ The three steps you can take to start your own ethical will ■ What topics can be included in your ethical will
History & Culture
History &
multigenerational trove of stories, traditions, and information; a web of sustaining values; a set of ideas and intentions, flowing from your particular vision for the future. This back-story and rich human context is your intangible wealth and can be transmitted to your loved ones with the use of an ethical will. This presentation will give you the tools to create an ethical will that can help you give voice to the “intangibles” and create an enduring message for your loved ones.
SHORT STORIES
Why Should We Take This Workshop? • To protect and strengthen your relationship • To learn how to use conflict as a conduit for deeper intimacy • To maintain a passionate and fulfilling connection for years to come
Led by Mo Gold Join Mo for lively and interactive discussions of short stories from America and I and The Shocken Book of Modern Sephardic Literature. Stories discussed each week will be sent to participants in advance.
7:00-9:00pm October 22, 29; November 5, 12, 19; December 3 Children’s Shul Online Registration $225 per couple, max 10 couples Required
10:30am-12:00pm October 11, November 15, December 6, January 31, February 21, March 20, April 17, May 15, June 19 Beit Midrash No Cost
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Israel Eye on
Eye on Israel iENGAGE - JEWISH VALUES AND THE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN CONFLICT A Program from Shalom Hartman Institute
Taught by Ray Fink This course aims to change and shape the way we think about politics and the way we talk about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Participants are invited to engage with the ideas and values that animate different attitudes to the conflict. Focusing on the values and ideas that lie at the foundation of our politics will aid in fostering greater understanding and respect for each other without whitewashing differences. The course is comprised of 12 separate units: Unit 1: Talking about Israel: Foundations for Values Discourse Unit 2: The Current Discourse: Living with Difference Unit 3: The Israel We Imagine Unit 4: Jewish Narratives of Peace Unit 5: Attitudes Toward the Land-Perspectives from Within Israel Unit 6: Attitudes Towards Land-Perspectives from Outside the Land Unit 7: Justice Unit 8: Justice: X Happened Unit 9 : Self-Preservation Unit 10: Compromise Unit 11: A Light Unto the Nations: The Idea of Exceptionalism Unit 12: Living with Competing Unit 13: From Values to Policy Each unit will consist of didactive and text study, videos from the Hartman faculty including Rabbi Donniel Hartman, Dr. Yehuda Kertzer, Dr. Tal Becker, Yossi Klein Halevi, Dr. Marcie Lenk, Dr. Elana Stein Hain, Professor Susan Last Stone and Professor Daniel Statman and interactive discussion. 6:30-8:30pm January 12, 26; February 2, 16; March 1, 15, 29; April 12, 19; May 10, 24, 31 Jacobs Family Community Hall Online Registration $75 members/$108 non-members Required
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Register at www.cbe.org
Online Registration Required
WOMEN AND THE KIBBUTZ
Taught by Deborah Hertz In this three-session class we will explore women’s participation in the Israeli agricultural communes known as kibbutzim. We will begin in 1908 and continue through the generations of kibbutz women up to the present. We will trace the rationale for establishing communal children’s homes, the gendered work roles on the kibbutz, and sexual practices in kibbutz society. We will seek to evaluate whether life on kibbutzim made women happy in ways that was impossible either in urban Israeli society or in feminist or leftist movements in Europe at the same time. Our text for the class (which is optional) is the new edition of The Plough Woman: Records of Pioneer Women of Palestine: A Critical Edition, edited by Mark Raider and Miriam Raider-Roth (Brandeis University Press, 2002), available for sale on Amazon. We will watch sections of two films, Pioneer Women and Children of the Sun. Class will meet for the first time on October 27th at 7:00pm, but it is hoped we can arrange to move the second and third sessions of the class to a late afternoon time slot. 7:00-8:30pm October 27; November 3, 10 Beit Midrash $15 members/$24 non-members
Online Registration Required
TEFILLAH CHALLENGE
Taught by Jane Conners Prayer is challenging. Services can be challenging: there’s the order of prayer, the meaning of prayer, the “music” of prayer, not to mention the meaning and purpose of individual prayers, and sections of a particular service. This course is designed to help you meet these challenges. This course may be useful for anyone, whether you are a regular “minyanaire,” a b’nei mitzvah parent, or just desirous of learning more so you can participate in Shabbat Services. Over the course of the year we’ll cover the Friday Evening Service and the complete Shabbat Morning Service. Classes meet every other Wednesday and participation in the weekly Learner’s Minyan on Shabbat mornings is a key component of the class. We’ll also have the opportunity to lead portions of the Friday Evening and Shabbat Morning Services individually and in small groups. We will also have online resources including text and audio. 7:00- 8:30pm • Session 1: Shabbat at Night: (Kabbalat Shabbat/ Ma’ariv/Havdalah) Oct. 7, 21; Nov. 4, 18; Dec. 2, 16 • Session 2: Shabbat Morning 1: (Prelim Blessings/ Psalms, Shacharit) Jan. 6, 20; Feb. 3,17; Mar. 2, 16 • Session 3: Shabbat Morning 2: (Hallel, Torah Service, Rosh Chodesh, Musaf) Mar. 30; Apr. 13; May 14, 18; Jun. 1, 15 $36 each session
Taught by Rabbi Graubart See full description on page 5
10:30 -11:45am Sundays beginning October 25, most Sundays, approximately 3 Sundays a month Rabbi Graubart’s Office $275 for entire 20-month course Online Registration Cost includes all materials Required
SHABBAT SCHMOOZE
This program provides an opportunity for our congregants to enjoy the company of their friends following Shabbat Services. Through the presentation of interesting topics, participants learn and schmooze with each other and topic leaders while enjoying a light lunch. You can enrich your Shabbat experience within the walls of your community home. • October 17: Barry Edelstein, Artistic Director for the Old Globe • March 19: Gary Jacobs on High Tech High School • June 4: TBD Immediately following Shabbat Services Jacobs Family Community Hall No Cost Donations welcome with registration
Online Registration Required
Doing
Learner’s Minyan* Shabbat Mornings 9:00 - 9:30am Beit Midrash
ADULT BAR/BAT MITZVAH
Ritual Learning &
Ritual: Learning and Doing
Online Registration Required
* The Learner’s Minyan is open to anyone, whether enrolled in the class or not.
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Without Walls Beth El 10
BEACH SERVICES
Bring family and friends and a dairy or vegetarian picnic dish to share and join us for Shabbat Services at the beach. 6:15pm First Friday of the month, June-September Playa Pacifica in Mission Bay Park
SHABBAT B’BAYIT
Experience Shabbat B’Bayit Dinners Enjoy a meaningful Shabbat including a delicious meal in a warm home environment, creating lasting memories and friendships. Adult dinner 7:45pm Family dinner 6:30pm $10 per adult and $5.00 per child Location varies each month
Beth El Without Walls
Online Registration Required
SHABBAT IN THE PARK
HIKES
Led by Brian Cohen Mission Trails Regional Park (Oak Canyon) The walk starts past the Old Mission Dam (a nationally registered historic landmark) and follows a streambed rimmed by Coast Live Oaks. We will use a foot bridge to cross over the San Diego River and into the grasslands, where we will explore grinding holes left by the original Californians.
Join us for a unique Shabbat experience at local parks. Our Cantorial Intern and Choir Director Cheri Weiss will lead us through a brief spirited singing Shabbat service. Dan Weiss will play guitar. Followed by a pot-luck Shabbat dinner on the lawn (we’ll take care of the wine and challah). Bring your best recipes, musical instruments, blankets and lawn furniture. We’ll do it this year, and see if catches on! For all ages. Look for the Beth El sign.
Saturday, October 24 Difficulty: Easy Distance: 4 miles Elevation Change: up to 500 feet
6:15pm August 21, 2015: Nobel Park, 8810 Judicial April 16, 2016: Havdalah in the Park, Location TBA June 10, 2016: Standley Park, 3585 Governor Drive
Online Registration Required
Blue Sky Ecological Reserve The 700-acre reserve in Poway protects one of the finer examples of riparian (streamside) vegetation in Southern California. We will follow an easy path just north of Lake Poway along a stream and a woodland canyon of large oaks. The tracks of wild animals and the sounds of frogs’ serenades attest to the habitats protected by the reserve. If the winter rains come, we have a chance to see some of the 100+ wildflowers that grow in this region. Saturday, April 9 Difficulty: Easy Distance: 5 miles Elevation Change: 800 feet
Online Registration Required
BIKES Led by Nancy Dosick and Victor Zavala There will be 2 groups riding: Beginners and non-beginners. Bring water and your bike. 9:30am November 7, March 19, April 2 Meet in the Beth El parking lot
Register at www.cbe.org
Online Registration Required
Online Registration Required
TACOS & TORAH With Rabbi Philip Graubart Join Beth El as we take our learning outside the Beth El walls. We will venture to Quantum Brewing in Kearny Mesa for Tacos and Torah. Rabbi Graubart will initiate a discussion on Animals, Machines, Humans: What’s the Difference? while you chow down. The cost includes two fish tacos, rice and beans, chips and salsa, and one of Quantum’s fine beers. Additional beers will be available for purchase at a discount. Non-alcoholic beverages will also be served. Space is limited. 6:00pm Wednesday, November 18, 2015 Quantum Brewing, Kearny Mesa $20 Register by Sunday, November 15, 2015
Online Registration Required
ROSH CHODESH GATHERINGS
Sponsored by Women’s Connection Karen Bohrer, Coordinator Join with us for our third year of monthly Gatherings to celebrate the New Moon, New Friends, and New Spiritual Connections! Over the past two years more than 100 women of all ages have joined us for these monthly gatherings of sharing in large and small group discussions, learning, Torah study, meditation, dancing, prayer, presentations on international Jewish communities, a wonderful pot luck, and more! Special Gatherings for this coming year include:
Chai @ Beth El provides spiritual, educational, and cultural programming for adults in their 20s and 30s. Below are highlights of our educational programming in 2015-2016. For more information and details, please visit the Chai page on www.cbe.org or contact Elana Kobernick, chai@cbe.org.
2ND SATURDAY
On the 2nd Saturday of each month we bring in a Jewish educator or expert in a particular field to lead a discussion over Shabbat lunch. October 10, November 14, December 12, 2015; January 9, February 13, March 12, April 9, 2016 Location and time varies
JED TALKS: JEWISH EXPRESSIONS & DIALOGUE
An evening of stories worth sharing and conversations worth having. Each evening begins with a cocktail hour followed by our speakers’ presentations and a dialogue with the audience. November 4, 2015; February 17, May 11, 2016
SHAVUOT ALL NIGHTER
6:00-8:30pm August 13, October 13, November 12, December 10, 2015; January 11, February 8, March 9, April 10, May 9, June 6, July 6, August 4, August 31, 2016. Jacobs Family Community Hall
A full night of peer-led learning sessions and dairy treats. Each session will be led by someone in our community and you’ll decide which sessions you’d like to attend. It’ll be a choose-your-own-adventure of Jewish learning…plus ice cream!
FESTIVAL ART SERIES
8:00pm June 11, 2016 Location TBD
Sponsored by Women’s Connection Karen Bohrer, Coordinator Learn new art techniques and explore your creative side during our second series of sessions in conjunction with our festival celebrations led by award-winning artists. Last year we created Paintings Celebrating Sukkot with Keri Goldsmid and Miriam’s and Elijah’s Cups for Pesach with Varda Levram-Ellisman. During this next year they will return, along with Jacqueline Jacobs and others, as we create such projects as Mezuzot with Clay, challah covers with paint on silk, books, and more. Projects and artist dates to be confirmed. Sukkot session: October 4, Sukkah Purim session: March 13, Jacobs Family Community Hall Pesach session: April 10, Jacobs Family Community Hall There is a charge for each session based on cost of materials. Special pricing for those who just want to watch! Food is included. For information and to RSVP visit the Women’s Connection page at http://www.cbe.org/womens-connection.html, contact Karen Bohrer at kbohrer@usa.net or call Beth El at 858-452-1734.
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/Chai 20s & 30s
Preparing for the High Holy Days and Elul with Rabbi Susan Freeman - Thursday, Aug. 13, 2015 This will be our 2nd annual Elul Gathering when Rabbi Freeman will guide us through special interpretations of prayers and reflections as we end 5775 and move toward 5776. ■ Hebrew Chant and Gratitude Reflections with Rabbi Shefa Gold Thursday, Nov. 12, 2015 Our Beth El Scholar-in-Residence Rabbi Gold will join us for a special session Thursday evening, to begin her Shabbat weekend, introducing, leading, and inspiring us as we celebrate the New Month. ■
Chai 20s & 30s
Women’s Connection
Women’s Connection
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Bios Teacher
Meet our Faculty Rabbi Philip Graubart is the Senior Rabbi of Congregation Beth El, in La Jolla, CA. In 2012, Congregation Beth El honored him on his ten years at the synagogue. Before coming to Beth El, he served congregations in New York City and Northampton, MA. He was also senior vice president of the National Yiddish Book Center in Amherst Massachusetts. Rabbi Graubart has had leadership volunteer positions in many organizations including the Rabbinical Assembly, the United Synagogue, the San Diego Rabbinic Association, Hillel, the United Jewish Federation, the San Diego Jewish Academy, and Jewish Family Service. Rabbi Graubart received his rabbinic degree from the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York. He also studied at Northwestern University and the University of Judaism. Rabbi Graubart also holds a master’s degree in International Relations from Hebrew University. Rabbi Graubart is an accomplished author. He’s had regular columns in The Jerusalem Report, the Jerusalem Post, the San Diego Jewish Journal, and the Jewish Journal of Western Massachusetts. His columns have won Jewish journalism awards. Rabbi Graubart currently blogs at timesofisrael.com and cbe.org. He has published five books, My Dinner with Michael Jackson, Planet of the Jews, My Mother’s Song, A Suicide Note, and his latest Rabbis and Gangsters. He’s married to Rabbi Susan Freeman. They have two sons. Rabbi Avi Libman currently serves as the Associate Rabbi and Director of Education of Congregation Beth El in La Jolla. Ordained by the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies in Los Angeles, he served for two years as the Rabbinic Intern for Congregation Ner Tamid in Palos Verdes, and two years as the Student Rabbi for Hillel at the University of Texas. He holds a BA in Political Science from Clark University, and an MBA in non-profit management from the University of Judaism. Rabbi Libman also served as a Chaplain in the United States Navy.
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Online Registration Required
Dr. Ran D. Anbar is a pediatric pulmonologist who just relocated from Syracuse, NY, to La Jolla, where he has opened a full-time practice in pediatric medical hypnosis and counseling. In Syracuse, Dr. Anbar served as Director of the Pediatric Pulmonary and Cystic Fibrosis Center at SUNY Upstate Medical University for 21 years, where he was Professor of Pediatrics and Medicine. Since he attended college at UC San Diego in the late 1970s, Dr. Anbar has been involved with Torah reading and Jewish education, which was inspired by the Torah reader at Temple Beth El in the late 1970s. Dr. Anbar and his wife directed the Bar Mitzvah program for Germantown Jewish Centre in Philadelphia, PA, from 1990-1994, and the Torah reading program at Temple Adath Yeshurun in Syracuse from 1994-2015. He has written D’var Torahs on a regular basis for the Jewish Observer in Central New York. Rabbi Shai Cherry holds a doctorate in Jewish Thought and Theology from Brandeis University (2001) and was subsequently ordained as a Conservative Rabbi by the Ziegler School (2009). Shai wrote the first user-friendly textbook on Jewish biblical commentary, Torah Through Time: Understanding Bible Commentary from the Rabbinic Period to Modern Times and he is the featured lecturer for The Teaching Company’s “Introduction to Judaism.” He spent four years as an assistant professor of Jewish Thought at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, and four years as a lecturer at UCLA. Rav Shai is now the director of Shaar Hamayim, a center for Jewish learning. By day, Brian Cohen manages the nationally recognized Orthopedic and Spine Center at Palomar Medical Center. But often you can find this husband and father of two young daughters scaling slippery mountains with his ice ax, swinging from ropes over dangerous cliffs, or scouring desert and forest floors searching for human tracks. These skills are put to use in his 12-year role as a member of the San Diego Mountain Rescue Team. Brian is a medically certified Wilderness First Responder. As an Operations Leader, he dons his yellow helmet and takes his team into the unknown to locate, treat, stabilize, and transport adults, youths, and children who wander off course or stray from their homes into some of the region’s most geographically foreboding areas. Brian also serves as training leader, classroom instructor, and supports the 80+ member team in earning their annual California Regional Accreditation for the National Mountain Rescue Association.
Rabbi Shefa Gold is a leader in Aleph: the Alliance for Jewish Renewal and received her ordination both from the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College and from Rabbi Zalman SchachterShalomi. She is the director of C-DEEP The Center for Devotional, Energy and Ecstatic Practice in Jemez Springs, New Mexico. Rsabbi Gold composes and performs spiritual music. She has produced ten albums and her liturgies have been published in several new prayer books. She teaches workshops and retreats on the theory and art of Chanting, Devotional Healing, Spiritual Community Building, Meditation, and trains Chant Leaders in Kol Zimra, a two year program for Rabbis, Cantors and lay leaders. She is a resource faculty for the Institute for Jewish Spirituality and a fellow for CLAL’s Rabbis without Borders. She was recently named “One of the 33 most Inspiring Rabbis in America,” by The Jewish Forward. Rabbi Gold combines her grounding in Judaism with a background in Buddhist, Christian, Islamic, and Native American spiritual traditions to make her uniquely qualified as a spiritual bridge celebrating the shared path of devotion. She is the author of Torah Journeys: The Inner Path to the Promised Land, and In the Fever of Love: An Illumination of the Song of Songs published by Ben Yehuda Press, and The Magic of Hebrew Chant: Healing the Spirit, Transforming the Mind, Deepening Love published by Jewish Lights.
Maya M. Pinchman, Attorney at Ratner & Pinchman, APLC, specializes in estate planning, trust administration, special needs trust, probate, and elder law matters. Maya graduated from University of California San Diego in 2006 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. She received her J.D. degree in 2010 from California Western School of Law, graduating magna cum laude. Ms. Pinchman is Member at Large of the Elder Law Section of the San Diego County Bar Association as well as a member of the Trust and Estates Committee of the State Bar of California Trust and Estates Section. Additionally, Ms. Pinchman was a volunteer for the Jewish Family Services Bikkur Holim Friendly Visitor Program for over a year, until the birth of her daughter in 2013.
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Bios
Mo Gold recently celebrated the 70th Anniversary of his Bar Mitzvah at Beth El. From a young age, as was typical of the times, in addition to his secular studies, he was intensively involved in Jewish studies at the Yeshiva in Chicago. Mo has always been a person steeped in an active Jewish life. His involvement in synagogue life, religious practice, exposure to Jewish books, and connection to Rabbis and teachers in the greater Jewish world have only fostered his desire to search and learn more about Judaism and its multi-faceted dimensions. Mo has been married to Phyllis for 58 years. They have three children, Sari, Karen, and Steven and their families include seven grandchildren. They all give Mo great joy in their love.
Deborah Hertz was born in Saint Paul, Minnesota, in 1949 and graduated from Highland Park Senior High School in 1967. She attended New York University for two years and studied at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem for her junior year abroad in 1969–70. She then returned to the United States and graduated with a major in humanities, summa cum laude, from the University of Minnesota in 1971. She remained at the University of Minnesota and received her PhD in German history in 1979. After a year of teaching at Pittsburg State University in Kansas, she moved to the State University of New York at Binghamton in 1979 and remained there until 1996. In that year she accepted a position at Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville, NY. In 2003, Hertz was offered the Wouk Chair in Modern Jewish Studies at the University of California, San Diego, and began teaching at UC San Diego in January 2004. Hertz has held visiting appointments at Hebrew University, Tel Aviv University, University of Haifa, and two visiting professorships at Harvard University. Her husband, Martin Bunzl, is a professor of philosophy at Rutgers University. Deborah Hertz and Martin Bunzl have two grown children.
Teacher
Jane Conners is a business strategist and former attorney, pursuing a Master’s degree in Jewish Education at Jewish Theological Seminary with a focus on non-profit and communal leadership. She has taught classes in liturgy, midrash, Torah study, and Adult B’nei Mitzvah preparation. Along with Terry Miller, Jane taught liturgy and synagogue skills to last year’s Women’s Connection Shabbat Shirah service leaders, with several Tefillah Challenge learning sessions leading up to the event.
Register at www.cbe.org
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Bios Teacher 14
Matt Rinkey, Founder & President of Illumination Wealth Management, is committed to empowering people to live their best financial lives. His clients retain him as a personal CFO to give them the collaborative, comprehensive, and coordinated financial life management they need. Matt graduated from the University of Wisconsin - Madison with a B.B.A. in Finance, Investment, and Banking. Prior to founding Illumination Wealth Management, Matt spent six years as a Senior Analyst managing money for high net worth individuals at Kellogg Capital Group and Millennium Partners, a multibillion dollar hedge fund headquartered in New York City. Matt has a penchant for teaching others and believes that it is equally important to educate the community about personal financial strategies. He devotes time throughout the year providing complimentary “continuing financial education” across Southern California. He teaches the principles of personal finance and investing based on academic evidence and sensible real life experience. Cheri Weiss is currently serving as Beth El’s Cantorial Intern and is studying for the Cantorate at the Academy for Jewish Religion in Los Angeles. She holds Bachelors and Masters degrees in Vocal Performance from CSU Northridge and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Wesleyan University in Connecticut. Cheri served as Adjunct Professor of Music at Palomar College and taught private voice lessons. She has performed at numerous venues throughout San Diego County including the Lyceum Theater, Poway Center for the Performing Arts, the JCC, as well as many Synagogues including Temple Ner Tamid, where she served as Cantorial Soloist for 9 years. She performed the Israel premier of her original song cycle, “Shirim L’Emma” (Songs for Emma) at the Haifa Museum and lived in Israel for 6 years. Cheri is looking forward to expanding Beth El’s musical programming with continuing the Shirenu Chorus as well as the Shabbat Shirenu Service, which takes place on the 4th Friday of every month.
Register at www.cbe.org
Online Registration Required
Classes at a Glance CLASS TITLE
INSTRUCTOR
DATES
TIME/PLACE
FEE
Intro to Judaism I, pg. 4
Rabbi Avi Libman
Mondays: Nov. 9, 16, 30; Dec. 7, 14, 21, 2015
Intro to Judaism II, pg. 4
Rabbi Avi Libman
Mondays: Feb. 22, 29; Mar. 7, 14, 21, 28, 2016
7:00-8:30pm Beit Midrash 7:00-8:30pm Beit Midrash
$30 members $50 nonmembers $30 members $50 nonmembers
Encounters: Different Opinions on Jews, Judaism, God, Torah and Israel, pg. 4
Rabbi Philip Graubart
Thursdays: Nov. 5, Dec. 3, 2015; Jan. 7, Feb. 4, Mar. 3, Apr. 7, May 5, Jun. 2, 2016
7:00-8:30pm Beit Midrash
$40 members $64 nonmembers
Scholar in Residence: Shefa Gold, pg. 5
Rabbi Shefa Gold
November 13-14, 2015
JFCH
$25 Dinner $25 Lunch
Weekly Talmud Class, pg. 4
Rabbi Philip Graubart
Wednesdays Available on www.cbe.org
8:00-8:30am Beit Midrash
No Cost
Shabbat Morning Torah Study, Rabbi Philip Graubart pg. 4 Rabbi Avi Libman
Saturdays
9:00-9:30am Beit Midrash
No Cost
Torah Study, pg. 4
Prof. Irvin Jacobs
Thursdays
Adult B’nei MItzvah, pg. 5
Rabbi Philip Graubart
Sundays beginning October 25
Lunch N’ Learn: Mystical Teachings on The Torah Readings, pg. 5
Rabbi Philip Graubart
Oct. 21, 28; Nov. 4, 11, 18; Dec. 2, 9, 16, 2015
12:00-1:00pm Beit Midrash
No Cost
Parashat Hashavua, pg. 6
Rabbi Avi Libman
Sundays: Jan. 3; Feb. 7, 21, 2016
9:30-10:15am SFS
No Cost
Weaving Judaism through a Pediatric Medical Practice, pg. 6
Dr. Ran Ambar
Mondays: Jan. 11, 25; Feb, 1, 2016
7:00-8:30pm Beit Midrash
$15 members $24 nonmembers
Coherent Judaism, pg. 6
Rav Shai Cherry
Oct. 20, 27; Nov. 3, 10, 17; Dec. 1, 8, 15*, 2015 *Beit Midrash
7:00-8:30pm Children’s Shul
$40 members $64 nonmembers
The Wealth of Your Life: A Three Part Workshop on Estate, Financial and Legacy Planning, pg. 6
Matt Rinkey Maya Pinchman
Wednesdays: Jan. 13, 27; Feb. 10, 2016
6:30-8:30pm Beit Midrash
No Cost
Couplehood as a Spiritual Path, pg. 7
Craig Lambert Nicole Kahn
Thursdays: Oct. 22, 29; Nov. 5, 12, 19; Dec. 3, 2015
7:00-9:00pm Children’s Shul
$225/couple Max. 10 couples
iEngage - Jewish Values and the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, pg. 8
Ray Fink
Tuesdays: Jan. 12, 26; Feb. 2, 16; Mar. 1, 15, 29; Apr. 12, 19; May 10, 24, 31, 2016
6:30-8:30pm JFCH
$75 members $108 nonmembers
Tuesdays: Oct. 27; Nov. 3, 10, 2015
7:00-8:30pm Beit Midrash
$15 members $24 nonmembers
6:30-8:30pm SFS
No Cost
Women and the Kibbutz, pg. 8 Deborah Hertz Shirenu Chorus, pg. 7
Cheri Weiss
Short Stories, pg. 7
Mo Gold
Tefillah Challenge, pg. 9
Jane Conners
Shabbat Schmooze, pg. 9
Varies
Torah & Tacos, pg. 10
Rabbi Philip Graubart
Wednesdays: Oct. 14, 28; Nov. 4, 18; Dec. 9, 23; Jan. 13, 27; Feb. 10, 24; Mar. 9, 23; Apr. 13, 27; May 11, 25; Jun. 8, 22, 2016 Sundays: Oct. 11, Nov. 15, Dec. 6, 2015; Jan. 31, Feb. 21, Mar. 20, Apr. 17, May 15, Jun. 19, 2016 Wednesdays: Oct. 7, 21; Nov. 4, 18; Dec. 2, 16, 2015; Jan. 6, 20; Feb. 3, 17; Mar. 2, 16, 30; Apr. 13; May 4, 18; Jun. 1, 15, 2016
8:00-8:30am Beit Midrash 10:30-11:45am Rabbi’s Office
No Cost $275
10:30am-12:00pm No Cost Beit Midrash 7:00-8:30pm Beit Midrash
$36
Saturdays: Oct. 17, 2015; Mar. 19, Jun. 4, 2016
After Services JFCH
Donations
Wednesday, November 18
6:00pm Offsite
$20
Congregation Beth El of La Jolla 8660 Gilman Drive La Jolla, CA 92037 Tel. (858) 452-1734 Fax (858) 452-5578 shalom@cbe.org www.cbe.org
Online Registration Required
NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. Postage Paid San Diego, CA Permit No. 925