| The Reform Temple of Framingham Massachusetts |
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300
Pleasant Street
Framingham, MA 01701 508-872-8300 |
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Lifelong
Learning Programs
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"As
we live, so we learn" Adult learning at Temple Beth Am takes many forms. Every fall and spring, a variety of courses are offered through our Lifelong Learning Committee (formerly known as Adult Education). Rabbi Miller, Rabbi Lurer, and Cantor Schechtman teach Lifelong Learning classes on a myriad of Jewish subjects, and guest instructors are brought in to teach in their area of specialization. This year, through a grant we have received from the MetroWest Jewish Community Fund, we are thrilled to bring you the following courses, available to members and non-members alike from the MetroWest area. You can register by mail, or contact the office. |
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Dear Friends, Our tradition shares with us the following story on the importance of Torah and learning: Ben Bag Bag used to say, “Turn it, and turn it, for everything is in it. Reflect on it and grow old and gray with it. Don’t turn from it for nothing is better than it.” Pirkei Avot 5:22 This text teaches the importance of understanding the pursuit of Jewish learning as a lifelong process. When we engage ourselves in Jewish learning, we examine Judaism closely, turning it over again to find some new understanding and insight. Wherever we are in life’s journey, we can continue to find new insights that strengthen our Jewish identity and enhance our lives. Join us on this remarkable journey of lifelong Jewish learning. Rabbi Adam F. Miller |
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| Shalom
Havarim, Thank you for taking a wonderful step in the continuation of your Jewish education. This year we are unveiling our new Lifelong Learning program in which we are offering a variety of classes, on a variety of topics and themes ranging from a Jewish film series to courses in Jewish genealogy, to holiday courses and beyond. Our course offerings have been designed to whet your desire for continued Jewish adult education and community. Henry L. Doherty, an American businessman once said, “Get over the idea that only children should spend their time in study. Be a student so long as you still have something to learn, and this will mean all your life.” Our new Lifelong Learning program is a wonderful opportunity to be (re)engaged in the world Jewish adult learning and to study new things, and learn more about things we have already studied. In Proverbs 12:1 we learn, “To learn, you must want to be taught.” We hope our course listings offer you the opportunity to learn about topics that interest you and appeal to your desire to continually learning new things about our culture, history and people. Rabbi Amanda R. Lurer |
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Lifelong Learning Our classes, clubs, teachable moments, films and ongoing programs are open to any individuals, members and non-members alike, interested in Jewish learning. All programs are available on a first-come, first served basis, limited only by space considerations. If you are a member of Temple Beth Am or any other synagogue in Metrowest, the Metrowest JCC or the Metrowest Jewish Day School, a $36 academic year annual fee will enable you to take as many classes as you like. If you are unaffiliated, $54 will entitle you to the same benefits. Hebrew Reading, however, will have a sliding-scale charge, from $100-$180 per student per academic year, dependent upon class size. All materials for all programs, other than hand-outs, are the responsibility of the student. The following courses require pre-registration and the payment of the annual fee before enrollment:
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Please submit your registration form from the back of this booklet and payment, as soon as possible, to the Temple Beth Am Office, 300 Pleasant Street, Framingham, MA 01701. Please use one form per person, making copies for additional students. Note that there is no fee for Yom Kippur Afternoon, Teachable Moments, Films and Jewish Book Club. Let's begin learning together! Carol Hanover Chair, Lifelong Learning |
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Lifelong
Learning Registration For more information, please contact our Lifelong Learning Chairperson, Carol Hanover. |
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| Schedule | Courses Offered | |
| 2009 | |
| Courses Titles | |
| Yom
Kippur Afternoon Learning Taught by Rabbi Donald Splansky from 2:15 pm until 3:15 pm on Yom Kippur afternoon. There is no charge. |
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| Using the rabbinic teachings (in English translation) from SEFER HA-AGGADAH (edited by Bialik and Ravnitzky), the class will read and discuss such questions as: "When and why is the shofar sounded?" "What do 'inscribed for life' and 'inscribed for death' really mean?" "Do Jews believe in the existence of Satan?" "Should one be rewarded with riches for observing Yom Kippur?" "Does Yom Kippur atone for all types of sins?" "How is Yom Kippur like Sadie Hawkins Day?" | |
| Teachable Moments of Prayer | |
| Once a month we will learn about prayer rituals and customs just prior to Shabbat services on Friday night. These sessions will focus on one element of the evening service. Participants will learn about prayer choreography, the meaning of prayers, and have the opportunity to understand why we pray the way we do. Then, you will have a chance to put these new ideas into action at the service that follows. Watch the weekly e-mail for times and subjects. | |
| Torah
Commentaries Taught by: Rabbi Amanda Lurer Meeting schedule: October 15, 22, 28 and November 4, 2009, from 7 - 8 pm |
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| Become a Torah Commentary sleuth as you embark on this interesting Jewish journey through the pages of a variety of Torah Commentaries, ranging from the newest and very modern interpretations of Women of Reform Judaism's Women's Torah Commentary, through Plaut, Hertz, Etz Chaim, and a variety of medieval texts. See how different scholars, in different eras, approached the same material. Find the Commentary that best helps you, personally, to understand our sacred texts.r | |
| Lunch
& Learn Series Rabbi Adam Miller In 2009 on 10/15, 11/12, and 12/10. In 2010 on 1/14, 2/11, 3/11, and 5/13 |
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| This very popular program is back again. Join Rabbi Miller for engaging lunch time (12 Noon) discussions exploring Jewish values and current events. Programs are open to members and non-members. Just drop in when you can! At Temple Beth Am, Framingham | |
| Jewish
Book Club Group leaders will be: Hersch and Phyllis Clopper |
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| Explore both fiction and non-fiction with a Jewish theme. This co-ed group will choose books from pre-determined book lists and will decide upon schedule and location. First meeting is at Temple Beth Am. Organizational Meeting: Oct. 7 at 7 pm | |
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Life Cycle Events Instructor: Cantor Jodi M. Schechtman Meeting schedule: January 7, 14, 21 and 28, 2010 from 7:00 pm-8:30 pm |
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| What is it that makes a wedding Jewish? Have you felt uncomfortable making a shiva call because you were not sure exactly what to do or say? What's the difference between a brit milah, a bris, a simchat bat and a baby naming? These and many other questions will be answered during this four session class covering the Jewish life cycle from birth to burial. Jews have very specific ways of celebrating and observing our life cycle events, but we don't always do a great job of explaining why we do them the way we do. Our liturgy tells us "Eilu Devarim, these are the obligations without measure, whose reward, too, is without measure...to console the bereaved, to rejoice with bride and groom." This class will help everyone to perform these mitzvot with understanding and confidence. | |
| An
Introduction to the World of Targumic Literature Instructor: Rabbi Donald M. Splansky, Rabbi Emeritus of Temple Beth Am Meeting Schedule: March 1, 8, 15, 22 7:00 to 9:00 pm Possible snow date 4/5 |
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| While many Jews know about the rabbinic literature of Mishnah, Talmud, and Midrash, relatively few know about the Targum. The Targum is a collection of books containing ancient Aramaic translations (with rabbinic midrashic insertions) of almost all the books of the Bible. The oldest extant work is Targum Onkelos, which is the least expansive, followed by Targum Neofiti, Jonathan, Yerushalmi (including Pseudo-Jonathan) and others that are more expansive They form a beautiful commentary of rabbinic thought on the Hebrew Bible. We will read examples of this material in English translation. Bring your own English Bible. This is the first time Rabbi Splansky has ever offered a series for lay-people on the area of rabbinic literature in which he wrote his Ph.D. dissertation. Do not say 'When I have leisure, I will study,' because you may never have leisure." Rabbi Hillel | |
| Family
History Scrapbook Scrapbook consultant: Elaine Low Meeting schedule, all at 7 pm, in 2010: 1/14, 2/11, 3/11 and 4/15 |
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| Create a family treasure! This course will help you learn the skills to organize and present your own, original family history. Combine oral histories with photographs and collectibles, under the direction of a professional scrapbook consultant. During each class, scrapbooks and other materials will be available for purchase from Creative Memories. Course will culminate with an Oneg Shabbat display of all scrapbooks on May 7, 2010. Please bring a representative sample of your mementoes to the first class. Elaine Low may be contacted at www.mycmsite.com/elow | |
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Touro
Synagogue Bus Tour Spring, 2010 |
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| For over two centuries, the small synagogue standing on top of a hill on a quiet street in the New England seaport community of Newport, R.I., has occupied a unique place in American history -- not only as a part of the American Jewish experience but also as a symbol of religious freedom for all Americans. It is here "that the right of the individual freely and without governmental restraint to follow the dictate of his own conscience in religious worship could be exercised without danger to the state." | |
| How
to be a Mensch! (A Breakfast lecture) Sunday October 25 at 9:00 am |
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| At a Brotherhood breakfast, co-sponsored by Lifelong Learning, Rabbi Joseph Meszler will present his book, A Man's Responsibility: A Jewish Guide to Being a Son, a Partner in Marriage, a Father, and a Community Leader." From the book: "This book is about being a responsible man, a Jew, and a healthy spiritual being. How we understand these aspects of our identity, however, depends greatly on our age because of tremendous generational changes among Jewish men." Reservations required: 508-872-8300 Lecture is free -- $8 for breakfast buffet Rabbi Meszler is the rabbi of Temple Sinai in Sharon, MA. His latest work has been highly praised by rabbis and communities. We are excited to welcome him as part of a joint program between Lifelong Learning and TBA Brotherhood. | |
| Israel at the Movies | |
| Join Temple Beth Am once again, as we enjoy a continuation of both the ARZA film series and the Israel Action Committee films begun last year. ARZA film titles will be Channels of Rage, shown on February 3, 2010, and the Syrian Bride, shown on February 25, 2010, both on the topic of Arab-Israeli relations and both at 7 pm. Facilitator: Rabbi Amanda Lurer Temple Beth Am's Israel Action Committee will show Noodle on December 2, 2009, Jellyfish on January 20, 2010 and Lemon Tree on June 3, 2010, all beginning at 7:00 pm. | |
| Hebrew Instruction | |
| Have you ever wanted to converse with an Israeli friend or family member? Ever wonder what some of the prayers are really about? A new Hebrew class is forming at Temple Beth Am. The time and dates for the class will be determined by the students and teacher. Class Fee: $100-$180 (depends on enrollment) Does not include books and materials Contact Carol Hanover (carol@hanover.org or 781-367-7177) if you are interested in learning more. | |
| B'nei Torah Program Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah | |
| In addition to independent courses, TBA offers the B'nei Torah program for those adults wishing to renew their Jewish studies, or for those who many not have celebrated a Bar or Bat Mitzvah as a child. The program entails the completion of at least one year of adult Hebrew; one class from Rabbi Miller, Cantor Schechtman or Rabbi Amanda; and the B'nei Torah course which covers a broad spectrum of historical, liturgical, and theological education. Students may choose to take the required courses in any order desired over the course of 2 years. For those have completed the requirements, the year culminates with a Shabbat service celebrating their B'nei Torah. If you are interested in this program, or have further questions, please contact Rabbi Miller, Cantor Schechtman, or Rabbi Amanda at 508-872-8300. There will be an information meeting for prospective students on October 15, 2009 at 7:00 pm. The schedule for the B'nei Torah course will be distributed to students at that time. | |
| Internet Learning:Ten Minutes of Torah | |
| Simply go to the Union for Reform Judaism web site (www.urj.org) and click on "Learning" at the top to access the following two offerings: | |
| Eilu V'eilu : These and those are the words of the Living God | |
| This point/counterpoint model involves a dialogue between two scholars and provides for your active participation. This kind of intellectual debate is at the center of our tradition. Week 1: Two position papers. You have a chance to submit your questions. Week 2: Rebuttals and challenge. Week 3: Responses to questions from you. Week 4: Summary. | |
| Women's Torah Commentary Study Guides | |
| Since the publication in December 2007 of The Torah: A Women's Commentary, Women of Reform Judaism, along with Commentary Editors Dr. Tamara Eskenazi, Dr. Rabbi Andrea Weiss, and Rabbi Hara Person, has been working to provide a study guide program to accompany this historic work. This parashat-by parashat study guide will take you on an exploration of various themes of each parashat, with suggestions for how best to approach the material. Please go to www.womenofreformjudaism.org and click on the Women's Torah Commentary Study Program User's Guide. | |
| September | |
| 9/28 Yom Kippur Class 2:15 pm* | |
| October | |
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10/7 Jewish
Book Club 7:00 pm |
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| November | |
| 11/12 Lunch & Learn Noon | |
| December | |
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12/2 Noodle
(film) 7:00 pm* |
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| 2010 | |
| January | |
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1/4 Torah Commentary
7:00 pm |
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| February | |
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2/3 Channels
of Rage (film) 7:00 pm* |
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| March | |
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3/1 Targumic
Literature 7:00 pm 3/8 Targumic Literature 7:00 pm |
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| April | |
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4/15 Scrapbooking
7:00 pm |
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| May | |
| 5/13 Lunch & Learn Noon | |
| June | |
| 6/3 Lemon Tree (film) 7:00 pm* | |
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©
Temple Beth Am, Framingham, Ma. 01701. All Rights Reserved.
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