Jewish Learning Project Catalog

Congregation Beth Yeshurun

THE JEWISH LEARNING PROJECT 2018-2019

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welcome to this year’s jewish learning project The Jewish Learning Project (JLP) is Congregation Beth Yeshurun's Adult Learning Program. Our JLP sessions offer a variety of spiritual, intellectual, and stimulating topics for you to choose from. Sessions are held mostly on Sunday mornings and are open to the public and free* of charge. *Some classes may have materials fees.

All classes and events will take place at Congregation Beth Yeshurun except where noted.

If a class has already started or you miss one, come anyway!

EVERYONE IS WELCOME!

Wisdom of Torah with Rabbi Brian Strauss Tuesday Mornings, 8:00am

Together, over breakfast, we will explore the ancient wisdom of Torah and how it can be applied in today’s modern world. All are welcome!

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table of contents Sunday Jewniversity........................................ 4 Special Holiday Programs............................... 8 Conversion Program....................................... 9 Adult B’nai Mitzvah....................................... 10 Shabbat Learning............................................ 11 Chai Mitzvah.................................................. 12 Online Learning............................................. 13 100JM.............................................................. 15 Scholars in Residence..................................... 16 Interfaith Dialog Program.............................. 18 Yom Limmud.................................................. 19 World Wide Wrap.......................................... 19 Adult Learning at the ERJCC........................ 20 Meet the Teachers........................................... 21 “Who is wise? One who learns from all men.” – Avot 4:1

Contact Us Rabbi Brian Strauss bstrauss@bethyeshurun.org Rabbi Steve Morgen smorgen@bethyeshurun.org Rabbi Sarah Fort sfort@bethyeshurun.org Cantor Meir Finkelstein mfinkelstein@bethyeshurun.org Rabbi David Rosen drosen@bethyeshurun.org Rabbi Danny Horwitz rabbidanny@aol.com For questions or more information email Rabbi Steven Morgen at smorgen@bethyeshurun.org or call at 713.666.1881 Check out our website for updates and additional learning opportunitiees www.bethyeshurun.org 3

Sunday Jewniversity 9:00-10:00am Classes

Siddur Hebrew Skills

with cantor diane dorf

9:00am-10:00am | Year-Long Class, Begins October 7 Learn the skills necessary to read the prayers and sing along with our services at Beth Yeshrun. This class is designed for the Adult B’nai Mitzvah program, however anyone is able to join.

10:00-11:00am Classes

Beginning Hebrew For Adults with cantor diane dorf

10:00am-11:00am | Year-Long Class, Begins October 7 Learn to read Hebrew and recognize essential prayer vocabulary.

No prior knowledge is necessary. This course is open to everyone, but is a requirement for Introduction to Judaism students.

Book of Genesis

with nahum footnick

10:00am-11:00am | Year-Long Class, Begins October 7 An ongoing class dedicated to learning valuable lessons from the Torah verse by verse.

Five Jewish Spiritual Figures with rabbi danny horwitz

10:00am-11:00am | October 7, 14, 21, 28; November 4 Learn about some of the most inspiring teachers in Jewish spirituality, the challenges they faced, and how they impacted their followers and others. Meet Levi Yitzhak of Berditchev, Nachman of Bratslav, Menachem Mendel Morgenstern (the Kotzker Rebbe), Abraham Joshua Heschel, and Menachem Mendel Schneerson (the seventh Chabad rebbe).

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Sunday Jewniversity 10:00-11:00am Classes

Elder Care and Beyond

with houston jewish funerals

10:00am-11:00am | October 7; November 4; December. 2; January 6; February 3; March 10; April 14; May 5 Houston Jewish Funerals is proud to sponsor this 8-week series. Our focus will be to provide education by professionals on various topics to include; Elder law issues, Pre-planning guidance, Spirituality, Hospice, and several other topics.

Women and War in Israeli Culture with dr. melissa weininger 10:00am-11:00am | October 28

Five Types of Rabbinic Literature with rabbi danny horwitz

10:00am-11:00am | November 11, 18; December 2, 9, 16 What do we mean when we refer to different kinds of Jewish teachings? Learn what we mean by Mishnah, Gemara, Midrash, Responsa, and Codes.

Israeli Poetry and Politics with dr. melissa weininger 10:00am-11:00am | November 11

A foolish student says, “Who can possibly learn the entire Torah … ?” A wise student says, “I will learn two laws today, and two tomorrow, until I have mastered the entire Torah.”

– Song of Songs Rabbah, 5:11 5

Sunday Jewniversity 10:00-11:00am Classes

Insights in Jewish Prayer

with rabbi danny horwitz

10:00am-11:00am | January 6, 13, 20; February 10 In-depth study of key prayers you know: Kiddush and Havdalah, the Torah service, Eyn Keloheinu and Aleinu, and early morning blessings (Birkot Hashahar).

Deborah, Delilah, and Beyond: Women in the Book of Judges with dr. caryn tamber-rosenau

10:00am-11:00am | February 24; March 3

Three More Figures in Jewish Spiritual Life with rabbi danny horwitz

10:00am-11:00am | February 24; March 3, 10 Learn about the Maharal of Prague, Isaac Luria (the Ari), and the Ba’al Shem Tov (founder of Chassidism).

Exploring the Beth Yeshurun Collection with dr. joshua furman 10:00am-11:00am | April 28; May 5

Dr. Furman will reveal several of the treasures from Beth Yeshurun’s history now collected and stored safely in Rice University’s Houston Jewish History Archive.

“These are the things to which there is no set limit: … the study of Torah. These are the things of which the fruits are enjoyed in this world while the capital remains for the World to Come: … but the study of Torah is equal to them all.”

– Mishnah Peah 1:1 6

Sunday Jewniversity 11:00am-12:00pm Classes “Provide yourself with a teacher and get for yourself a friend.”

– Avot 1:6

From Moses to Moses: Maimonides, the Greatest Jewish Thinker with rabbi danny horwitz

11:00am-12:00pm | October 7, 14, 21, 28; November 4 This class will discuss: (1) an overview of Maimonides’ life and work, (2) his 13 principles of faith, (3) his struggle to teach the law, (4) his philosophical teachings, and (5) his personal challenges

Five Conflics and Crises in Judaism with rabbi david rosen

11:00am-12:00pm | October 14, 21; November 4, 11, 18 Rabbi Rosen will take us through several critical moments in our past and demonstrate how they shaped the course of Jewish history.

Jewish Mindfulness Findamentals Part I with rabbi ariel sholklapper

11:00am-12:00pm | October 21, 28; November 4, 11, 18 Mindfulness is the simple yet powerful practice of learning to pay attention to the present moment, thereby reducing anxiety and stress while improving our sense of well-being. Come learn about and practice mindfulness through a Jewish lens.

Five Great Jewish Concepts with rabbi danny horwitz

11:00am-12:00pm | November 11, 18; December 2, 9, 16 Learn some of the great ideas which formed Jewish hearts and attitudes: Yirah (fear or awe), Kiddush ha-Shem (sanctifying God’s Name), Neshamah (the soul), Tikkun Olam (repairing the world), and Derekh Eretz (proper behavior).

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Sunday Jewniversity 11:00am-12:00pm Classes

Rebuilding Judaism after Destruction with rabbi danny horwitz

11:00am-12:00pm | January 6, 13, 20; February 10, 24; March 3, 10 The formative period of Jewish tradition as we know it today occurred in the centuries immediately following the destruction of the Temple by the Romans in 70 CE. Pirkei Avot – “Chapters of the Fathers” is a collection of wisdom statements by the rabbis of this period – whom we might very call the “Founding Fathers” of Judaism. Chapter Three of Pirkei Avot especially focusses on the period of rebuilding Jewish life in the aftermath of the destruction. This class will examine the wisdom of the Sages in that historical context.

Jewish Mindfulness Findamentals Part II with rabbi ariel sholklapper

11:00am-12:00pm | March 3, 10, 24, 31 Mindfulness is the simple yet powerful practice of learning to pay attention to the present moment, thereby reducing anxiety and stress while improving our sense of well-being. Come learn about and practice mindfulness through a Jewish lens.

Special Holiday Programs High Holy Day 101 | August 26, 2018

Learn about different aspects of the High Holy Days with each of our rabbis

Passover Workshop | April 7, 2018

Get ready for Passover with insights from our rabbis

Tikkun Leyl Shavuot | Saturday night, June 8, 2019

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Conversion Program Invitation to Judaism with Rabbi Morgen At Beth Yeshurun, we have a program that enables newcomers to Judaism to learn the basics of our way of life, our way of thinking about God, and our way of looking at the world. The program is called An Invitation to Judaism, and is coordinated by Rabbi Morgen. The program involves classes that are taught on Sunday mornings beginning in September and continuing through May. One hour is devoted to a topic of Jewish belief, history, or practice. A second hour is devoted to learning the Hebrew alphabet and word pronunciation. registration is requested. class reading list

Diamant, Anita Choosing a Jewish Life (Schocken) ($12) Kushner, Harold To Life! ($10) Robinson, George Essential Judaism – A Complete Guide to Beliefs, Customs and Rituals ($14) Jewish Study Bible – Tanakh Translation with commentary – Oxford ($27) Telushkin, Joseph Jewish Literacy($20) Samuel Sandmel We Jews and Jesus ($12) 2-hour, year-long class meets on sunday mornings begining october 7 9:00-9:55am Invitation to Judaism with Rabbi Steven Morgen 10:00-10:55am Begining Hebrew for Adults with Cantor Diane Dorf 9

Adult B’nai Mizvah Etz hayim hi lemahazikim ba It is a tree of Life for those who take hold of it. Those who seize it are happily blessed.

For those adults who have not yet had a Bar or Bat Mitzvah, Beth Yeshurun is offering this wonderful opportunity to do it now!

In this class you will learn the sources of Judaism’s rich spiritual, ethical, and throughprovoking traditions with Rabbi Morgen, and you will learn to sing many of the Shabbat morning prayers and to chant a few verses from the Torah with Cantor Dorf. The class culminates in leading Shabbat morning services at Beth Yeshurun on June 1, 2019 registration is requested.

2-hour, year-long class meets on sunday mornings 9:00-9:55am Siddur Hebrew Skills with Cantor Diane Dorf 10:00-10:55am B’nai Mitzvah Text Study with Rabbi Morgen

Rabbi Tarfon said, “The day is short, the work is substantial, the workers are lazy, but the reward is great, and the Master of the House is insistent.” He [also] used to say: “You are not required to complete the work, but neither are you free to exempt yourself from it.”

– Avot 2:20-21 10

Shabbat Learning Siddur GPS

with rabbi steven morgen

Ever get lost in the prayer book? Can’t make sense of the prayers? Wonder why the book is called “siddur” (from the word for “order” in Hebrew)? How can someone get from point “A” (the words in the book) to point “B” (wanting to connect with our Creator)? This short service (9:00-10:00) will guide you through the traditional prayers and together we will discover how we can use them to have a spiritual worship experience. siddure gps class schedule

October 13| Why pray? Why someone else’s words? Why Hebrew?

October 27 | Prayer in place of sacrifice – the Amidah November 10 | Amidah – opening two blessings December 1 | Amidah – the Kedushah December 15 | Amidah – last three blessings January 5 | Shema – the first paragraph February 2 | Shema – The second and third paragraphs February 23 | Shema – two blessings before and one blessing after March 9 | Birkot Hashahar March 23 | Psukei D’zimra April 6 | Aleynu and Adon Olam OR Kaddish

weekly torah study 11:45am Shabbat Mornings

at Beth Yeshurun Join our Weekly Torah discussions led by Rabbi Danny Horwitz each Shabbat to discern the simple and complex, the explicit and implicit of Torah Wisdom as it applies to our daily life.

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Chai Mitzvah

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Online Learning 929 - Online Bible Chapter A Day Study Project 929 is a project that began in Israel in 2014: to read the Tanakh from cover to cover, one chapter a day - five per week. The reading (alone or in groups) was accompanied by a website with creative material including audio and video, by a wide range of writers, artists, musicians, readings, pluralistic interpretations and short commentaries in Hebrew, rabbis of all streams, government ministers, educators, army officers and more. The first cycle was completed in July, 2018.

The second cycle of this project now includes materials in English, and began on Sunday, July 15th, with Chapter 1 of Bereshit/Genesis and will be completed on February 22, 2022.

With these resources you can study the Bible on your own, one chapter a day. Form a group with your friends, or study on your own. We are the “People of the Book� and this is our book.

Materials for the 929 Project in English can be found on these Web Sites: www.929.org.il/lang/en/today www . schusterman . org / opportunities / welcome - to -929%E2%80%93-english

929chapters.com Also recommended by Rabbi Morgen: The Jewish Study Bible: Second Edition by Adele Berlin and Marc Zvi Bretler, published

by Oxford University Press.

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Online Learning Me’ah Online- Journey Through the Bible with rabbi steven morgen

Hebrew College’s acclaimed adult learning program, Me’ah, is now available to individuals and synagogue groups through Me’ah Online. Beth Yeshurun members can sign up for Journey through the Bible with Professor Marc Brettler of Duke University.

Register online at www.hebrewcollege.edu/meah-online/journeythrough-the-bible. The cost for registration is $45. When you register, be sure to sign up for the “Group Journey” and list Beth Yeshurun as the name of the group so that we can send you updates for class meetings and create our own online learning group.

Join other adult learners on a captivating journey through the Hebrew Bible. Professor Brettler’s scholarship will transform your understanding of the biblical past and shed light on the roots of today’s traditions and beliefs.

Familiar stories from the Hebrew Bible will emerge with new meaning as you: • Examine the diverse character of God in the Bible.

• Understand the influence of literary structure and genre on meaning in the Bible.

• Analyze how women and non-Israelites are portrayed.

• Appreciate what was included and what was left out of the Hebrew Bible.

In addition to videos, texts and study questions, which you can access at your convenience, Rabbi Morgen will host a series of group discussions for those who are participating in the program.

We will meet at Rabbi Morgen’s home from 7:00-8:30 on the following evenings: October 18; November 1, 15; December 20; January10, 24; February 14, 28; March 14, 28; April 11

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100 Jewish Men 100 Jewish Men is a group of men dedicated to improving themselves and each other as men, fathers, husbands, brothers, sons, friends and Jews. Through controversial, thought-provoking speakers and small group discussions, we will explore what usually remains unspoken in men’s lives at work and at home. We have an incredible year planned and we hope you choose to be part of it.

Thank you to our Steering Committee!

Michael Wiesenthal, Mark Newman, Wayne Arzt, Nir Grossman, Jerry Selzer, Michael Schwartzberg, Bill Schwartz, Paul Katz, Michael Lisch, Eric Gibbs, Marty Peskin, Reid Friedman, and Ryan Kagan.

All dinners at 7:00 pm followed by programs at 7:30 pm.

Helen Sharkey Gebhard | Oct. 10 Jim G. Conway | Nov. 14 Rep. Sarah Davis | Dec. 12 J. Kent Friedman | Jan. 9

Charlie Pallilo | Feb. 13 Men’s Mock Seder | Apr. 7 Dr. Clive Fields | May 15

FOR FULL DETAILS ABOUT OUR SPEAKERS AND PROGRAM VISIT WWW.BETHYESHURUN.ORG/100JM Register & pay online at www.bethyeshurun.org/100JM or submit this registration form, along with a check payable to Beth Yeshurun, to Rabbi Brian Strauss Congregation Beth Yeshurun | 4525 Beechnut St. | Houston, TX 77096 Registration Cost*: $110/CBY Members; $125/Non-CBY Members *Financial Assistance is available - please contact Rabbi Strauss.

100 JEWISH MEN 2018-2019 REGISTRATION Name________________________________________________ Billing Address____________________________________________ City/St/Zip______________________________________________ Contact Phone #_______________ E-Mail_______________________ Optional Scholarship Donation $ ______ 15

CBY Member __ CBY Non-Member __

Scholars-in-Residence Rabbi Brad Artson November 16-17, 2018 Rabbi Dr Bradley Shavit Artson holds the Abner and Roslyn Goldstine Dean's Chair of the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies and is Vice President of American Jewish University in Los Angeles.

Rabbi Artson has long been a passionate advocate for social justice, human dignity, diversity and inclusion. He wrote a book on Jewish teachings on war, peace and nuclear annihilation in the late 80s, became a leading voice advocating for GLBT marriage and ordination in the 90s, and has published and spoken widely on environmental ethics, special needs inclusion, racial and economic justice, cultural and religious dialogue and cooperation, and working for a just and secure peace for Israel and the Middle East. A member of the Philosophy Department, he is particularly interested in theology, ethics, and the integration of science and religion. He supervises the Miller Introduction to Judaism Program and mentors Camp Ramah in California in Ojai and Ramah of Northern California in the Bay Area. He is also dean of the Zacharias Frankel College in Potsdam, Germany, ordaining Conservative rabbis for Europe. A frequent contributor for the Huffington Post and for the Times of Israel, and a public figure Facebook page with over 53,000 likes, he is the author of 12 books and over 250 articles, most recently Renewing the Process of Creation: A Jewish Integration of Science and Spirit.

For a complete biography visit his website: bradartson.com

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Scholars-in-Residence Richard Elliot Friedman February 15-17, 2019 Richard Elliott Friedman earned his doctorate at Harvard in Hebrew Bible. He also earned the degree of Master of Theology at Harvard, the degree of Master of Hebrew Literature at the Jewish Theological Seminary, and the B.A. degree in Philosophy at the University of Miami.

He was a Visiting Fellow at Cambridge and Oxford, a Senior Fellow of the American Schools of Oriental Research in Jerusalem, and a Visiting Professor at the University of Haifa. He participated in the City of David Project archaeological excavations of biblical Jerusalem.

He is now the Ann and Jay Davis Professor of Jewish Studies at the University of Georgia and is the Katzin Professor of Jewish Civilization Emeritus of the University of California, San Diego.

His books have been translated into Hebrew, German, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Japanese, Polish, Hungarian, Dutch, Portuguese, Czech, Turkish, Korean, and French.

He was a consultant for the Dreamworks film “The Prince of Egypt”; for NBC “The Eternal Light”; for A&E, PBS, and “Nova.”

He was an American Council of Learned Societies Fellow. He was elected to membership in The Biblical Colloquium. He was President of the Biblical Colloquium West. He received three awards for Outstanding Teaching at the University of California.

For a complete biography visit his website:

richardelliottfriedman.com/book-author/richard/

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Interfaith Dialog Heaven and Hell: Who’s Going Where? with pastor taylor ince

November 29

Religion and Politics: How Can Our Faith Guide us on Issues of the Day with pastor taylor ince

December 6

Back by Poplular Demand with dr. matthias henze December 13

Meet the Speakers As a pastor of Sojourn Galleria, Taylor oversees the preaching ministry at Sojourn, and he provides overall leadership for the ministries of Sojourn Galleria Church. Both he and Robin, his wife, are Houston natives!

Taylor studied at Wake Forest University (history), Reformed Theological Seminary (divinity), and The University of Edinburgh, New College (Hebrew and Old Testament). He is a 2015 graduate of the Houston Church Planting Network finishing residency.

Dr. Matthias Henze is the Isla Carroll and Percy E. Turner Professor of Hebrew Bible and Early Judaism.

His areas of interest include the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament, Jewish literature and thought at the time of the Second Temple, apocalyptic literature, and the Qumran fragments. In particular, Dr. Henze focuses on those early texts that never became part of the Jewish Bible - often subsumed under the labels ‘Apocrypha’ and ‘Pseudepigrapha’ – and what we can learn when these texts are read side by side with the canonical writings.

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Yom Limmud Perhaps the best known of the Federation's programs is its annual Yom Limmud or Day of Jewish Learning.

Yom Limmud provides a unique opportunity for Jews from all denominations and walks of life to come together in one place at one time to learn, exchange ideas, and share experiences.

Rabbis Strauss, Morgen, Fort, Rosen, Segal, and Horwitz will be a part of the feature presentations and scores of seminars by other rabbis, cantors, Jewish educators, college professors, cultural arts specialists, and other experts are facilitated throughout the day. The event also provides special programming for children and teachers.

Sunday, February 17, 2019 at Congregation Beth Yeshurun For more information contact Barbara Loeser bloeser@houstonjewish.org

World Wide Wrap Start your Super Bowl Sunday with a Prayer and let’s Wrap and Roll!!

Conservative Jewish men and women around the world will celebrate the Mitzvah of Tefillin at their morning minyanim, joining thousands of other men and women in the annual “World Wide Wrap”.

Sunday, February 4, 2018 | 9:00 am Questions?

Contact Rabbi Brian Strauss, bstrauss@bethyeshurun.org 19

Adult Learning at the ERJCC with rabbis and members of beth yeshurun

SUNDAYS

At The ERJCC 9:15-10:15am

Jewish Mindfulness & Meditation with Rabbi Ariel Sholklapper October 7–November 18 | 6 Sessions

TUESDAYS

At The ERJCC 0:15–11:15am

Jewish-American Supreme Court Justices with Dr. Bernice Heilbrunn Potvin October 9–December 18 | 10 Sessions

WEDNESDAYS

At The ERJCC 7:00–8:00pm

Jewish-American Supreme Court Justices with Dr. Bernice Heilbrunn Potvin October 10–December 19 | 10 Sessions

TUESDAYS

At The ERJCC 0:15–11:15am

Synagogues of Europe with Dr. Bernice Heilbrunn Potvin January 22–April 9 | 12 Sessions Jewish Radical Artists with Dr. Bernice Heilbrunn Potvin April 30–May 21 | 4 Sessions

THURSDAYS

At The Merfish Teen Center 11:15am–12:15pm

Choosing Judaism with Rabbi Dr. Danny Horwitz January 24–April 11 | 12 Sessions Synagogues of Europe with Dr. Bernice Heilbrunn Potvin January 24–April 11 | 12 Sessions The Seder Revealed with Rabbi Steve Morgen February 21–April 11 | 8 Sessions

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Meet the Teachers rabbi brian strauss, senior rabbi

Rabbi Strauss joined Beth Yeshurun in July 2001.

He is a graduate of the Zeigler School of Rabbinic Studies in Los Angeles and he University of Teas at Austin. He serves on the Texas State Commission on Holocaust and Genocide. cantor meir finkelstein

Cantor Finkelstein was born in Israel, the son of the late Cantor Zvi Finkelstein. He is one of the best-documented composers of contemporary Jewish music. He has composed over 150 settings for the liturg, and are sung all over the world. rabbi steven morgen, associate rabbi

Rabbi Morgen was a corporate attorney before going to Rabbinical School at JTS. He’s been a rabbi at Beth Yeshurun for 20 years. He directs the JLP and is engaged in a variety of outreach and interfaith programs in the Houston community. rabbi sarah fort, assistant rabbi

Rabbi Fort graduated from the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies at the American Jewish University in Los Angeles, California, and holds a BA in Government and International Politics from George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. rabbi david rosen, rabbi emeritus

Rabbi Rosen recently retired as Senior Rabbi of Congregation Beth Yeshurun. A native of Houston, Rabbi rosen grew up at Beth Yeshurun, attended the synagogue’s Hebrew School. rabbi danny horwitz, j.b. greenfield chapel

Ordained by the Academy for Jewish Religion in 1980 and he has served as President of the Mid-Continent Region of the Rabbinical Assemby.

He received his Doctor of Jewish Studies in 2013 fromthe Spertus Institute of Jewish Learning and Leadership in Chicago.

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Meet the Teachers cantor diane dorf

Cantor Dorf has decades of experience teaching adults and children alike how to read Hebrew, chant from the Torah and Haftarah, and learn to lead Shabbat and weekday services. dr. joshua furman

Dr. Furman is the Director of the Houston Jewish History Archive at Rice University, and is the Stanford & Joan Alexander Postdoctoral Fellow in Jewish Studies at Rice University. He’s currently working on a book project about the history of the Houston Jewish community and the migration to Meyerland in the 1950s and 1960s. dr. melissa weininger

Dr. Weininger is the Associate Program Director and Undergraduate Advisor for the Program in Jewish Studies at Rice University, where she specializes in specializes in the study of modern Hebrew and Yiddish literature, with research interests in gender, Jewish nationalism, and diaspora. dr. nahum footnick

Dr. Footnick has been teaching for years at Beth Yeshurun. His classes closely exam each verse to understand its meaning and context. rabbi ariel sholklapper

Rabbi Sholklapper, a Los Angeles native, recently moved to Houston with his wife, Rabbi Sarah Fort.

He trained as a Jewish mindfulness meditation teacher through the Institute for Jewish Spirituality.

Ordained at the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies. dr. caryn tamber-rosenau

Caryn is an Instructional Assistant Professor of Jewish Studies at the University of Houston. Research intrests include: Second Temple Judaism; women and gender in the Hebrew Bible and postbiblical literature; feminist/queer readings of the Bible.

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“R. Nahman b. Isaac said: Why are the words of the Torah likened to a tree, as it is said, ‘It is a tree of life to them that grasp it?’ This is to teach you, just as a small tree may set on fire a bigger tree so too it is with scholars, the younger sharpen the minds of the older. This will be in agreement with what R. Hanina said: ‘I have learnt much from my teachers, and from my colleagues more than from my teachers, but from my disciples more than from them all.’”

– Taanit 7a

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4 5 2 5 B E E C H N U T S T R E ET HOUSTON, TEXAS 77096 W W W. B ET H Y E S H U RU N. O RG 24