Center for Adult Jewish Learning Spring 2020 Brochure

Spring 2020 | 5780

The Center for Adult Jewish Learning at Temple Israel of Boston is a hub for intellectual discovery, cultural exploration, and personal meaning-making for the Greater Boston area. Whether you are learning about Judaism for the first time, embarking on a new stage in your Jewish life, or a life-long learner looking to connect with local scholars, there is something for you. Everyone is welcome here. Join us, spread the word, and invite your friends.

TO LEARN MORE AND REGISTER: Brigid Goggin, Managing Director | bgoggin@tisrael.org | 617-566-3960 | www.tisrael.org/adult-education

CLASSES

Classes are categorized by four entry points. Open Door Classes for those exploring or rediscovering Judaism; Core Classes, taught by Temple Israel clergy; Featured Classes, for those who want a deep dive into a specific topic; and Jewish Living Classes, to support the many aspects of a Jewish life. Scholarships available. Registration required. Visit www.tisrael.org/adult-education or call at 617-566-3960.

OPEN DOOR CLASSES A TASTE OF JUDAISM®

Mondays, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. 1/27, 2/3, 2/10, No cost Explore traditional and modern Jewish sources and discuss the ways that Judaism can resonate in our lives. Open to all: Interfaith couples, those with Jewish family heritage, and the simply curious.

INTRODUCTION TO JUDAISM

Thursdays, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. March 5 - June 25 Cost: $275 individual; $375 couple Introduction to Judaism is an engaging 16-session course to learn about Jewish life through a Reform lens with the full clergy team at Temple Israel. Open to all: interfaith couples, individuals considering conversion, and Jews who want a meaningful adult Jewish learning experience.

BECOMING JEWISH

Thursdays, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. 3/12, 4/2, 5/7, No cost Join us for a lively conversation on major themes that emerge in the conversion process. What does it mean to embrace a new aspect of your identity? What questions do you have that you’re afraid to ask?

CORE CLASSES WITH TI CLERGY MODERN MIDRASH: KING SOLOMON

with Rabbi Elaine Zecher

Thursdays, 8:45 - 10:00 a.m. 2/13, 3/5, 4/2, 5/7, 6/4, No cost Using the imaginative force of modern Midrash, we will draw out the full texture of the great, wise, and eventually failed King Solomon. This is a year long class with the option to join in at any point.

MUSSAR: BECOMING YOUR FINEST SELF - ONLINE EDITION

with Rabbi Jen Gubitz

Thursdays, 12:00 - 1:15 p.m., 1/30, 2/13, 2/27, 3/12, 3/26, 4/2, 4/16, 4/30 Cost: $72 (covers curriculum costs) Join this study of Mussar, a centuries-old framework for Jewish spiritual learning and practice that can guide you to develop inner awareness.

THE TI YESHIVA: LEARN TO READ TALMUD

with Rabbi Suzie Jacobson

with Rabbi Suzie Jacobson Every Tuesday, 8:00 - 9:00 a.m., No cost Debate with the rabbis and consider new perspectives on aspects of Jewish law with the Babylonian Talmud. No prior experience required.

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FEATURED CLASSES THE ART OF CONNECTING: A GUIDED PHYSICAL PRACTICE

with Ilya Vidrin of Reciprocity Collaborative and Harvard Dance Program Tuesdays, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. 2/4, 2/11, 2/18, 2/25 Cost: $100 TI members; $140 public Explore the roots of physical interaction in a world increasingly disconnected from the body through guided physical practice, shared reflection, and faciliated dialogue. No dance experience necessary.

INTRODUCTION TO JEWISH EMBODIMENT AND YOGA

with Yaakov Ginsberg-Schreck and Evelyn Punch Sunday, February 9, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Cost: $25 In this workshop, Yaakov, a rabbinical student at Hebrew College and Evelyn, a yoga teacher with two decades’ experience, will lead an all-levels movement and breath practice paired with an exploration of Jewish texts.

TALMUD-A-THON

with Rabbi Suzie Jacobson Saturday, February 15, 12:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Cost: $20, includes lunch Battle the winter blues with an extended study of Talmud. We will eat lunch and dig into the text and debate with the rabbis as we consider new perspectives on ancient ideas. No prior Talmud study experience necessary.

A WINDOW INTO THE HEALTHCARE SYSTEM: DRUG AVAILABILITY

with Dr. Abraham N. Morse Monday, February 24, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. No cost How did we get to the complex system that we have today, and where should we go from here?

WHAT MAKES A WORK OF ART JEWISH?

with Ari Zimmet Sundays, 12:30 - 2:00 p.m. 3/1, 3/8, 3/15, 3/29, 4/5 Cost: $125 TI members; $175 public Together we will consider a wide range of mediums and artists over time, and challenge and affirm our own criteria for what makes a work “Jewish.”

HOLOCAUST REPRESENTATION IN FILM

with Brigid Goggin Mondays, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. 3/16, 3/30, 4/13, 4/27 Cost: $100 TI members; $140 public Using the tools of film analysis, we will explore how the Holocaust is represented in movies, both new and old, and what impact film has on our historical and cultural understandings of history.

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LEARN TO READ HEBREW

with Debbie Betesh Tuesdays, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. 3/17, 3/24, 3/31, 4/7 Cost: $100 TI members; $140 public This is a beginner-level class for anyone wanting to learn or review the Hebrew alphabet and become comfortable sounding out common recurring words and phrases in the Hebrew blessings for Shabbat and holidays.

POWER, BROAD-BASED ORGANIZING, AND LEADERSHIP

with Kathleen Patrรณn and guest GBIO leaders Sunday, March 22, 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday, March 23, 6:00 - 8:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 24, 6:00 - 8:30 p.m.

Cost: $150 TI members; $200 public How can a faith community engage in civic life? This intensive three-part workshop will include simulated exercises combined with lecture and discussion. This class requires participants to attend all three sessions.

JEWISH VALUES AND THE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN CONFLICT

with Rabbi Dan Slipakoff Tuesdays, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. March 31 - May 19 Cost: $200 TI members; $280 public Over 8 sessions, we will unpack the complex meanings of peace in the Jewish tradition and explore the ideas and values that animate different attitudes toward the conflict and how these values shape their own political understandings.

WOMEN WHO WROTE

with Dr. Rachel Greenblatt Mondays, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m., 4/27, 5/4, 5/11, 5/18, 6/1, 6/8 Cost: $150 TI members; $210 public Encounter the writings of several Jewish women in medieval and early modern Europe and discuss the personal concerns, historical context they reveal, and the meaning of their work for us today.

INTRODUCTION TO JEWISH PHILOSOPHY WORKSHOP

with Rabbi Suzie Jacobson Sunday, May 3, 12:00 - 3:00 p.m.

No cost Are you interested in learning more about Jewish philosophers? Join us as we enjoy lunch and discuss philosophy.

CANTOR ROY EINHORN: A MUSICAL RETROSPECTIVE

with Cantor Roy Einhorn Mondays, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. 6/2, 6/9, 6/16 Cost: $60, dinner included Join Cantor Einhorn as he takes us through his journey as the Cantor of Temple Israel over the past four decades. We will learn and reflect on how Jewish music has grown and changed within our community and in the broader world.

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JEWISH LIVING CLASSES NEW COHORT: ADULT B’NEI MITZVAH

with Rabbi Jen Gubitz Sundays, 12:30 - 2:30 p.m. 1/26, 2/2, 3/1, 4/5, 5/3, 6/7 Cost: $450 (option to split payment over 3 semesters) Haven’t become Bar or Bat Mitzvah? Join our next Adult B’nei Mitzvah cohort for deep learning over 3 semesters, ending in a ceremony during Passover 2021.

TOUGH QUESTIONS KIDS ASK! ONLINE CLASS

with Temple Israel Clergy Mondays, 8:30 - 9:30 p.m. 1/27, 2/3, 2/10, 2/24 No cost Join our clergy from the comfort of your home for four online sessions to explore tough questions kids ask. We will focus on the “why” behind their questions and offer support to figure out your own answers and beliefs. We will also give ourselves permission that sometimes “I don’t know” is the most honest answer there is. Topics include death, God, and racism.

MODERN COUPLES, BIG JEWISH QUESTIONS

with Rabbi Jen Gubitz Sundays, 12:30 - 2:30 p.m. 3/15, 3/22, 3/29, and Shabbat dinner on 3/27 Cost: $125 per couple An enriching, informative, and social opportunity for couples in their 20s and 30s. We will explore the fundamentals of building a Jewish home and planning for your life together.

PLANNING FOR YOUR WEDDING: KETUBAH EDITION

with Rabbi Jen Gubitz at KolBo in Brookline Tuesday, March 17, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.

Cost: $25 per couple Join us to examine different Ketubah texts as we explore the evolution of the wedding agreement from its ancient format to modern interpretive choices. We will explore ways of creating your own Ketubah texts that represent your relationship and values.

BURSTING WITH JOY! BIRTHING CLASS

with Sarah Kleinman (Certified Nurse-Midwife) and Rabbi Suzie Jacobson Tuesdays, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. 4/21, 4/28, 5/5, 5/12 Cost: $200 TI members; $250 public, dinner included Sarah Kleinman, CNM, will cover the birthing process, while Rabbi Jacobson will discuss Jewish values and rituals including naming ceremonies and the bris. Appropriate for first time parents or as a refresher course for second (or third!) time parents. We welcome interfaith, LGBTQ, and single parents.

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PREP FOR PASSOVER: POETRY FOR YOUR SEDER

with Rabbi Suzie Jacobson Thursday, March 26, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.

No cost Tired of your Maxwell House Haggadah? Looking for new material to impress your family and friends? Join us as we share poetry on the themes of Passover — freedom, slavery, spiritual memory, and more.

PREP FOR PASSOVER: CHAROSET MAKING

with Sara Gardner Sunday, April 5, 12:30 - 2:00 p.m.

Cost: $10 Gather in the Temple Israel kitchen to learn about and prepare Charoset using Sephardic recipes with Sara Gardner, a published cookbook author and culinary historian specializing in the culinary heritage and cultural identity of the Sephardic Jewish community.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

All events are free and held at Temple Israel of Boston unless otherwise noted.

SHABBAT TZEDEK: SABBATH OF JUSTICE

Confront Implicit Bias and Build Toward Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion with expert Yavilah McCoy Friday, January 17, 6:00 p.m. Qabbalat Shabbat Saturday, January 18, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Community Training Join us for Shabbat Tzedek, a Sabbath of Justice, to celebrate the values of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with honored guest Yavilah McCoy, who will speak about shifting our mindset towards diversity, equity, and inclusion. Register at www.tisrael.org/tzedek2020.

PROTECTING THE PLANET: A SHABBAT WITH JOHN KERRY, 68TH US SECRETARY OF STATE Friday, February 28, 6:00 p.m. Qabbalat Shabbat John Kerry, 68th Secretary of State, will join us for a special Shabbat of Environmental Justice in honor of Cantor Roy Einhorn. As America’s top diplomat, John Kerry guided the Department’s strategy on nuclear nonproliferation, combating radical extremism, and the threat of climate change.

THE MASKS WE WEAR: A MENTAL HEALTH CONVENING TO REDUCE STIGMA AND SHAME

Sunday, March 8, 1:00 p.m.

In the days leading up to our Purim Masquerade, how can we take off our masks and show our truest selves? Join Joanne L. Harpel, President of Coping After Suicide, and Rabbi Geoffrey A. Mitelman for an important afternoon of conversation with young adults, parents, and interested community members.

Offered in partnership with the Ruderman Synagogue Inclusion Project.

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THE STATE OF AMERICAN DEMOCRACY: HOW THINGS GOT THIS BAD--AND HOW WE CAN RECOVER

The Carl A. Steinbaum Lecture with Steven Levitsky Friday, March 20, 6:00 p.m. Qabbalat Shabbat Steven Levitsky is David Rockefeller Professor of Latin American Studies and Professor of Government at Harvard University. His research focuses on democratization and authoritarianism, political parties, and weak and informal institutions, mostly in Latin America. He is co-author (with Daniel Ziblatt) of How Democracies Die (Crown, 2018).

A MUSICAL EVENING WITH ELANA ARIAN

The Rudolph H. and Sara G. Wyner Lecture Friday, May 8, 6:00 p.m. Qabbalat Shabbat Elana Arian is one of the leading voices in contemporary Jewish music.

A composer, multi-instrumentalist, and recording artist, Elana inspires communities across the country with her soulful songwriting and spirit. As we prepare to welcome Elana Arian, join Cantor Einhorn at one or all of our congregational sing-a-long series featuring her music: Thursday, April 30 at 7:00p.m., Sunday, May 3 at 10:00 a.m., and Thursday, May 7 at 8:00 p.m.

TRIPS

Travel with a purpose. Led by field experts in partnership with TI clergy.

THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT AS SEEN THROUGH JEWISH EYES

December 2-6, 2020 Join Rabbi Suzie Jacobson and Professor Hasia Diner on a trip to Atlanta, Birmingham, and Montgomery in December 2020 to explore the history of the Civil Rights Movement. Through lectures, tours, and local stories, we will learn about the history of legal and cultural systems of oppression for African Americans in the South, the ever-present efforts of resistance, and the stake that white Jews had in both the solidity of the system and also how, where, and when they worked to end it. Trip itinerary and cost will be announced soon. To learn more, contact Brigid Goggin at bgoggin@tisrael.org.

TILLI

Temple Israel Lifelong Learning Institute

TILLI SPRING 2020 SEMESTER

Thursdays, April 16 - May 21 - REGISTER BY APRIL 8 10:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Temple Israel’s Lifelong Learning Institute (TILLI) provides opportunities for Temple members and others to engage in peer-led, intellectually stimulating study groups covering a broad range of topics, to enjoy cultural events together, and to develop social relationships and a community. For more information, visit tilli.org, or contact Sue Misselbeck at 617-566-3960 or susanm@tisrael.org.

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Barbara Cevallos Treasurer

Laurence Bailen Vice President

Marc Maxwell President

Helen Cohen FJECC Preschool Director

Dan Deutsch Executive Director

Rabbi Bernard H. Mehlman Senior Scholar

Rabbi Ronne Friedman Rabbi Emeritus

Rabbi Dan Slipakoff

Rabbi Jen Gubitz

Rabbi Suzie Jacobson

Cantor Roy B. Einhorn

Rabbi Elaine S. Zecher