| 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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Message
from Cantor Jodi M. Schechtman Our Temple Beth Am Lifelong Learning Program was made for exactly that purpose. Whether you have always wanted to follow the service in Hebrew but couldn't read it; or you have longed to discuss books with others who share your love for reading; or you are intrigued by the books of the Bible; you will find something for yourself in our extensive list of course offerings. Please peruse this extraordinary catalog. Our Lifelong Learning Chair, Carol Hanover, has done an outstanding job making sure that there is something for everyone. Whatever your background or level of Jewish education, you will find that there is a class that is calling your name. I invite you to enter the wonderful world of lifelong learning and enjoy being a part of our temple community. Warmly, Cantor
Jodi Schechtman |
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Message
from Rabbi Pollack I believe that a vibrant Jewish life has us engaged in learning as well as doing. I quoted the aforementioned Reform rabbi because I could not say it better myself! What would it take to convince you that: 1) Jewish learning will enrich your life, and 2) Jewish practice will strengthen and enrich your family life in unexpected ways, 3) Jewish learning and Jewish fun can continue to enhance your life long after your kids are grown and out of the house? I invite you to see for yourself! There is a rich variety of Jewish experiences and courses offered in our Lifelong Learning catalog. As it is the New Year, and a time to try new paths and endeavors, I encourage you to put "Jewish learning" on your "to do in the new year" list. Choose a course that nourishes body (Israeli dance, Nutrition) and/or spirit (text learning, a book discussion, a movie, learner's minyan). Join our community of learners at Temple Beth Am! L’Shalom, Rabbi Elaine Pollack |
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Lifelong Learning Please note that almost all listings are "No Participation Fee" programs, truly making learning possible for everyone. The Participation Fee, however, supports the funding of Lifelong Learning, and may be sent to Temple Beth Am, 300 Pleasant Street, Framingham, MA 01701, along with any course fees and the Registration Form (at back of course guide). If you are a member of Temple Beth Am or any other synagogue in MetroWest, the MetroWest JCC or the MetroWest Jewish Day School, we would appreciate an annual $36 academic year participation fee that will enable you to take as many classes as you like. Take just one, or take 10 - it's the same fee! If you are unaffiliated, $54 will entitle you to the same benefits. A few classes will have additional fees. All materials for all programs, other than hand-outs, are the responsibility of the student. Some courses require pre-registration and this is indicated in each listing. You can make a reservation by calling the Temple Office (508-872-8300). All programs, unless otherwise noted, will take place at Temple Beth Am, 300 Pleasant Street, (Route 30), Framingham. Please call the Temple Office (508-872-8300) with questions or email Carol Hanover (carol@hanover.org). You may also consult the Temple website (www.tempbetham.org). Additional courses are in the pipeline and will be announced later in the academic year. Please join us on this exciting path that will enrich your entire Jewish experience. The possibilities, found in the more than dozens of learning opportunities listed here, are just a beginning! For wise and thoughtful vision, direction, creativity and encouragement, thank you to Cantor Jodi Schechtman, spiritual leader of Temple Beth Am, Framingham, MA., and to Rabbi Elaine Pollack, Education Director. Thanks are due also to Rabbi Emeritus Donald M. Splansky, Rob Levine, Hersch Clopper, Phyllis Clopper, Sue Siegel, Ellen Jagher, David Rothberg, John Clayman, Dena Stetson, Marion Wollmeringer, Beth Adler, Laurie Schneider, Lisa Movitz, Pat Blank, Eric Rosen, Gene Laks, Jaime Brody, Jami Schultz, and so many others whose generosity of time and effort have nurtured Lifelong Learning at Temple Beth Am. Carol Hanover |
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| Schedule | Courses Offered-2011-2012 | ||||||||
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2011 November December 2012 January February March April May “Do
not say ‘When I have leisure, I will study, because
you may never have leisure.”- Rabbi
Hillel Course Descriptions Rabbi Emeritus Donald M. Splansky will lead a discussion on poems that appear in our high holiday prayerbook, THE GATES OF REPENTANCE. The poems will include some by Yehudah HaLevi, Solomon ibn Gabirol, Hayyim Nachman Bialik, and some by non-Jews such as Stephen Spender and Karl Jaspers. Please bring a copy of GATES OF REPENTANCE. Kolot Kolot is comprised of women who share a commitment to the study of text and the principles of dialogue and Klal Yisrael (Jewish Unity). Kolot provides a forum for committed women from across the Jewish spectrum to come together to study and share common ground. This two-part series, taught by Cantor Jodi Schechtman and Rabbi Sally Finestone, is a journey in Jewish learning and spirituality, exploring Jewish values with the ultimate goal of developing personal relationships through dialogue. Women interested in the joy of Jewish study through community experience and personal exploration are encouraged to attend. These classes will focus on Jewish mysticism, both the history of it and its influence on modern liturgy. Learner’s
Shabbats Back
by popular demand, we will host three Learners’ Shabbat services
to help explain what happens during services. When did the choreography
of the service change? Why are some people bowing and why do we
say some prayers loudly and others softly? Learn all about it,
as Cantor Schechtman explains our customs and laws from the bima,
during the above Friday evening Shabbat Services. Shabbat
Morning Minyan and Torah Study Every Saturday morning, a devoted group of individuals comes to our library for a morning of prayer, friendship and Torah study. This minyan group, led by Cantor Schechtman, Rabbi Splansky, Rabbi Pollack and other members of the minyan, shares laughter, camaraderie and thoughtful and insightful dialogue about the weekly Torah portion. No prior knowledge of Hebrew or Torah necessary. No need to sign up. No need to reserve a space. No need to commit to a series of services. Just stop in any Saturday morning. This warm, inclusive group will welcome you and provide you with a delightful Shabbat experience. Cantor’s
Coffees Seniors make up a very important group at TBA. Monthly Cantor’s Coffees are intended for those members who would like to come to the temple and enjoy some camaraderie. Each attendee will bring his/her own lunch and we will sit together in the library and have discussions on various topics that are of interest to all. There will be opportunities to ask questions about the changes that have taken place in our worship styles and the trends in the Reform movement, and engage in meaningful discussions and lively conversations about relevant Jewish topics. Cantor’s Coffees will provide an opportunity to include our long-time members in the process of moving our temple forward, as well as to learn from their wisdom and experience. Anyone who is available during the day is welcome to join. A
Taste of Judaism Sponsored
by a grant from the Combined Jewish Philanthropies of Greater Designed
for beginners – Jewish or not – this class will provide an opportunity
to learn about Jewish history, traditions, holidays and life cycle
ceremonies. Participants will gain comfort and familiarity with
the symbols, liturgy, music, rituals and Hebrew blessings that accompany
Jewish celebrations in the home and synagogue. This program is
designed for individuals and couples wishing to explore Judaism,
as well as for those individuals considering becoming Jewish. Partners
in an interfaith relationship are encouraged to enroll together.
“The
more schooling, the more wisdom.” Pirke Avot Prayerbook
Hebrew Instruction The
instructor is Marc Guttman, a Master’s degree student at “Much
wisdom I learned from my teachers, more
from my colleagues, The
Book of First Samuel Have you ever wondered why and how David rose to become king? Is the story of David and Goliath true? Why did King Saul fail? Why is the whole book named for the prophet Samuel? What was David's "problem" with Bathsheba? What did he do about his rebellious son? What is the meaning of the parable about "the poor man's ewe lamb"? Who finally succeeded David...and why? Those
who sign up for the class are asked to read First Samuel 1:1-7:1
before the first class on March 12. The TANAKH published by
the Jewish Publication Society is the best English translation of
the Bible. Bring whatever Bible you are using to class each
time. Rabbi Splansky taught a similar course on Samuel about
25 years ago at TBA, but everyone there (including the rabbi!) was
much younger then! Tallit-Making
for Everybody! This wonderful program, up until now, was only offered to teenagers at Temple Beth Am. Now, for the first time and by popular request, Lifelong Learning is offering it to everyone, from age 12 and up. Under the direction of Education Director Rabbi Elaine Pollack, who will teach participants about the tradition of the tallit, and with the assistance of Brandeis-educated Judaic artist Rachel Salston, each participant will design and produce his or her own tallit. An information packet will be made available at the first class. Participants must provide their own material, based on the information in the packet. Temple Beth Am will provide artistic materials and tzitzit kits, plus the use of a sewing machine. Israeli
Dance Instruction Naomi
Kling is a graduate student at Chocolate
Seder Imagine
a magical world in which everything has been transformed into chocolate!
Join us to experience a seder-like meal in which the Manischewitz
Concord Grape wine is replaced with chocolate martinis and all of
the matzah is covered with chocolate. Even the bitter herb no longer
clears your sinuses. It is wonderful fun and really gets you into
a holiday mood with lots of chocolate and lots of laughter. Jewish
Book Club This
hamische co-ed group for lively discussions and coffee plus, meets
approximately every 5 weeks, typically on Thursdays at the The reading list for last year (2010-2011) included “Hunting Eichmann” by Neal Bascomb, “Chosen by G-d” by Joshua Hammer, “Monuments Men” by Robert M. Edsel, “Outwitting History” by Aaron Lansky, “Girl from Foreign” by Sadia Shepard, “All Other Nights” by Dara Horn, “This is Where I Leave You” by Jonathan Tropper, and “My Father’s Paradise” by Arial Sabar. For
information about joining this group, please contact hcclopper@comcast.net
or p.clopper@comcast.net.
Note that dates and locations are subject to change, so please check
with the 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.” Pirke Avot 5:22
The 2011 – 2012 our contemporary Israeli movie series is sponsored by the Israel Action Committee in conjunction with Lifelong Learning and will show 2 exciting movies brought directly to you from Israel. This year, we are adding an Israeli supper prior to the movies, complete with dessert and coffee on both November 16 and May 2. On May 2, we will add Israeli dancing, Israeli boutiques and Israeli travel information for a full “Israeli experience.” Both evenings will include a short discussion period at the end of the film. Mark your calendar now! Wednesday,
November 16: The Debt (original Israeli version) Lunch
& Learn Join
Rabbi Pollack, Director of Education, in the exploration of a variety
of topics, ranging from the Torah to modern-day religious practice,
to life in Healthy
Eating Through a Jewish Lens What wisdom about nutrition do The China Study by Dr. T. Colin Campbell and our Tanach, our Bible, share? Come to “Healthy Eating Through a Jewish Lens” to find out! Dietician Marion Wollmeringer will tell you how to make healthy eating a part of your every day life. The
Trial of Abraham and Abraham’s Choice This
class will discuss the play and poem, The Trial of Abraham and
Abraham’s Choice, as a catalyst to delve into the binding of
Isaac (Genesis 22), the banishment of Ishmael (Genesis 21), the
paradigm suggested by these two biblical passages, the class leader’s
personal narrative, and the current situation in Israel, Gaza and
the West Bank. Interfaith issues may also be part of the class discussion.
Students will need to read Genesis 21 Verses 9-22 and all of Genesis
Chapter 22, supplied by the Instructor. Students will need to purchase
The Trial of Abraham and Abraham’s Choice by A. Eric Rosen
for about $10-12. The LimmudBoston No matter where you are on the spectrum of Jewish living, there is more to learn and more to do. As we learn from Pirke Avot, “Turn it and turn it, for everything is in it, and through it you will perceive clearly.” (PK, 5:26) This is what LimmudBoston does with Jewish learning. The
next LimmudBoston day-long festival of Jewish learning will take
place on December 4, 2011. There will be workshops and presentations
for all generations, and all members of the Jewish community, followed
by an evening concert. Based on 30 years of Limmud in the Limmud events challenge you – intellectually and philosophically. Everyone is welcome, so lots of points of view will be found at Limmud and Taste-of-Limmud events. The Limmud flavor includes diversity of presenters, topics, style, age, gender and traditions. For more information, send an email to: info@LimmudBoston.org Brotherhood's Sunday Breakfast Brotherhood Members attend free of charge. Non-Members are $10 per person, including breakfast and program. Reservations are always recommended and may be made by calling Rick Reed at 508-788-7723. Israeli
Update Sunday,
April 1, 9:00 am Additional
Brotherhood Breakfasts Sisterhood Programming Highlights
Our
TBA Sisterhood is affiliated with the Women of Reform Judaism, an
affiliate of the Yom
Tov Parties and are geared towards children ages 2-5. You do not need to be a member of Temple Beth Am to attend. Siblings are always welcome. We just ask that an adult accompany the child(ren). This adult can be a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, babysitter, and or friend. If you have a friend you think would like to come with their child or children, please pass along this invitation. The Yom Tov parties are a wonderful way to get preschoolers comfortable in a temple setting. Together we will eat lunch, spend time in the sanctuary with Cantor Schechtman, participate in a craft project and have a snack. We will learn about the Jewish holidays and have lots of fun. Our religious school is nut-free so we ask that you don't have
any nut products in the lunches and that you abide by the RSVP: Please RSVP to Rosh
Hashanah and Yom Kippur Thursday Sukkot
and Simchat Torah Chanukah
Tu
B'Shevat Shabbat
Service Purim
Passover
Yom
Ha'atzmaut Shavuot
Mah Jongg and Martinis Learn
to play the well-loved game of mah jongg, while relaxing with trendy
martinis, coffee and soft drinks. Have a fun night out with friends.
Even if you already know how to play mah jongg, or just need to
brush up your tile-bidding skills, join us! Knitting and Crocheting Circle Do you love wearing a knitted hat or scarf? Join the knitting/crocheting circle and learn how! Join
us for a fun afternoon of conversation and crafts. We share ideas
and learn from each other while we work on our own projects as well
as making items such as mitzvah quilts, mittens, hats, baby blankets,
or scarves for local shelters, Boys & Girls Clubs and Cancer
Care units here in Framingham and MetroWest. They are all very appreciative.
Bring your handiwork, your skills and let’s do a Mitzvah! For more
information: Sisterhood Special Event Nights Kick-Off Dinner – October 26 at 6:30 pm – Join Sisterhood and enjoy a special supper cooked by our past presidents with immediate past president Dena Stetson in charge. YES Fund Supper – April 25 at 6:30 pm – Support Women of Reform Judaism’s national fundraiser, the YES Fund (Youth, Education and Special Projects) with a delightful supper and program. Honors Dinner – June 5 – Details will be announced – Wrap-Up Sisterhood’s year and thank all those who worked so hard with dinner in a local restaurant. Youth Commission Programming Highlights Other programs under consideration for Hot Topics are: American Red Cross Babysitting Certification course, American Red Cross CPR Re-Certification course, and speakers to address parenting children through a Jewish perspective. Look for more detailed information as Hot Topics are finalized. Contact Sue Siegel, abiedave@aol.com, for information. The
youth commission is also working on fun social activities for our
youth, such as the Boston Duck Tour, and the Maccabeats Concert
at the Internet Learning
Just go to the
web site for the Women’s Torah Commentary Study Guides Women of Reform Judaism is excited to offer you these materials to enhance your experience of Torah study. We look forward to embarking on this journey of Torah study together. May our journeys be filled with insight, wisdom, and inspiration! Please go to www.womenofreformjudaism.org and click on “Study Guides” on the first page. |
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Temple Beth Am, Framingham, Ma. 01701. All Rights Reserved.
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