Adult Education Courses for the Year of 5768 (2007-2008)

I. Shabbat Mornings

The Torah: A Love Story with Food Rabbi Polokoff

Rabbi Eric’s Shabbat morning Torah study.

10:00-11:10 a.m. There is no charge for this course. (A voluntary donation for the food of $25.00 (or $1.00 per session attended) is kindly requested.)

An in-depth analysis of the Torah, typically sentence by sentence and in loving detail. The Torah is read in English translation, with periodic reference to the original Hebrew text and traditional commentators. Major resource: B’nai Israel’s copies of The Torah: A Modern Commentary (UAHC). A light breakfast is available during the hour study session so participants can both nosh and learn. Arrive 10-15 minutes early to get your coffee and goodies.

The class will continue with our examination in detail of the Joseph stories of the Book of Genesis. While the encounter with sacred text is cumulative, new participants and visitors are always welcomed. No Hebrew background necessary.

Our Musical Minyan, a contemplative worship service co-led by soloist Dennis Guillaume, follows this class, 11:10 a.m. – 12 noon.

The morning concludes with a special “Chivas Kiddush.”

There will now be meetings each Shabbat. When a Bar or Bat Mitzvah is scheduled, lay leaders will lead discussion, starting at 11:00, on Midrash selections related to the part of Torah under discussion. Attendance at the B’nai Mitzvah service from its start at 10:00 a.m. up to that point is strongly encouraged.

II. Sunday Mornings

On weeks when religious school is in session.

See the B’nai Israel Web Site for calendar http://bnaiisraelsouthbury.org/school/Calendar.pdf

Beginner’s Hebrew Dan Goodman

9:45-10:45 a.m. There is no charge for this course

A course for adults with no or minimal Hebrew literacy. Learn the aleph-bet and vowels, beginning vocabulary and useful phrases found in the Prayer Book. Text provided at cost. Some additional personal study expected between classes.

III. Tuesdays

Fall Semester:

October 9, 16, 23, 30

November 6, 13, 20, 27

December 4, 11, 18

January 8, 15, 22, 29

Spring Semester:

February 5, 26

March 4, 11, 18, 25

April 1,8,15,22,29

May 6, 13, 20, 27

June 3, 10

A. The Book of Proverbs Rabbi Polokoff

9:30-10:30 a.m. $15.00 per semester

Readings from this late and important Biblical book of aphorisms will be presented in English with some reference to the Hebrew text. A variety of modern and historic Jewish commentaries will also be used. Materials to be supplied. No Hebrew background necessary.

B. Our B’nai Israel Discussion Group - Selected Jewish Shorts Rabbi Polokoff

10:45-11:45 a.m. $15.00 per semester

Articles and writings (ranging in scope and depth from 2 – 30 pages) are selected for their timeliness and /or historical importance. They are subjected to analysis by the Rabbi and robust discussion by the group. Materials to be supplied. Enrollment for both or a single semester is possible. Articles are taken from leading periodicals including The New Republic, The Atlantic Monthly, The New York Times, The Forward, The New York Jewish Week, The Jerusalem Report, Haaretz, Reform Judaism Magazine, Commentary Magazine, Biblical Review, and scholarly journals including Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs, Foreign Affairs, Judaism Quarterly, Journal of Reform Judaism, Azure, The Reconstructionist and Conservative Judaism.

C. An Introduction to Judaism Rabbi Polokoff

5:45-6:45 p.m. $15.00 per semester

(Text fee of $25.00 payable at the first session)

For non Jews, prospective Jews-by-Choice and Jews alike. Not a simple “how to,” this course focuses offers an overview and the broad “world-view” of Judaism. Topics include: the calendar, liturgy, terms and concepts, the Hebrew Bible, Mishnah and Talmud. Students are asked to prepare for weekly lectures and class discussion by reading an accompanying text: Telushkin’s Jewish Literacy.

D. Cantillation of the Torah Cantor Zhar

6:30-7:30 p.m. There is no charge for this course.

On weeks when religious school is in session.

See the B’nai Israel Web Site for calendar http://bnaiisraelsouthbury.org/school/Calendar.pdf

An introduction to the musical tropes used for chanting from the sacred texts. The intention is to build a congregation of B’aleh Koreh – members willing and able to make the weekly Torah service more beautiful. Hebrew fluency highly desirable. Only average musical skills are needed.

IV. Thursdays

See the B’nai Israel Web Site for calendar http://bnaiisraelsouthbury.org/school/Calendar.pdf

For those able to read Hebrew phonetically but with limited vocabulary or grammatical knowledge. Get familiar with the essentials of Biblical and Prayer Book Hebrew. Text provided at cost

Contemporary Questions and Issues explored by lecture, discussion, reading, and demonstration.

Final schedule to be announced month by month in Shofar. No advanced registration.

Medical Ethics with Dr. Jock Lawrason, Head of Intensive Care, Waterbury Hospital

Israeli-Hebrew Practical Language Skills for the Israel Trip – Two sessions in preparation for the congregational trip in February…trip and non-trip attendees invited. If you can ask: “Efoh ha sheruteem” things will be “kol Bbseder.”

Cooking for Passover – special hands-on experience – guest chef to be announced

The Exodus Covenant – “only the most important section of the entire Torah”. Special lecture by Rabbi Polokoff on what makes the Jewish people and our religion unique.

Book Review and Discussion – Michael Chabon’s The Yiddish Policeman’s Union – two session series

“They are the "frozen Chosen" - two million people living, dying and kvetching in Sitka, Alaska, the temporary homeland established for displaced World War II Jews in Chabon's ambitious and entertaining new novel.”

“Reading The Yiddish Policemen's Union is like watching a gifted athlete invent a sport using elements of every other sport there is -- balls, bats, poles, wickets, javelins and saxophones.”

The Torah: A Love Story with Food n.c. $ 25* -------------------------------------------- -------------------

II. Sunday Mornings

Beginner’s Hebrew fall n.c -------------------------------------------- -------------------

A. The Book of Proverbs fall $15 -------------------------------------------- -------------------

B. B’nai Israel Discussion Group fall $15 -------------------------------------------- -------------------

C. An Introduction to Judaism fall $15 -------------------------------------------- -------------------

D. Cantillation of the Torah. fall n.c -------------------------------------------- -------------------

IV. Thursdays

A. Advanced Hebrew fall $15 -------------------------------------------- -------------------

Members - additional person from household in same course, deduct $5 from total for that course

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NOTE: Questions regarding fees can be addressed by contacting Herb Isaac (203) 267-7281

Please complete and return this page as soon as possible with payment, payable to B’nai Israel,