Adult Education

E-mail: execdir@bethisrael-aa.org

Adult Education Calendar

Upcoming Events

• Sunday October 19 7:45PM Howard N. Lupovitch, Ph.D. "Between the Cross and the Crescent" A Comparison of Jewish Life under Islam and Christianity. Refreshments provided. Free.
  Howard Lupovitch, Associate Professor of History,University of Western Ontario He has ben chosen to be a Frankel Center Fellow, working on "Toward a New Hermeneutic of Religious Reform: The Life and Legacy of Aron Chorin" Focusing on the rabbinic career and religious outlook of the Hungarian-born Aron Chorin, historian Howard Lupovitch seeks a more comprehensive spectrum of religious observance for the Jews of Central Europe that uses criteria beyond the traditionally accepted ideology and affiliation. Going beyond the ideologies of Reform, Orthodox and Positive-Historical Judaism, Lupovitch redefines alternatives to Orthodoxy and Reform as more than median positions between Reform Judaism’s sensitivity to the spirit of the age and Orthodoxy’s commitment to the authority of Jewish law. Lupovitch was the Pulver Family Chair of Jewish Studies at Colby College where he was instrumental in creating the college’s Jewish studies program. He is associate professor of History at University of Western Ontario.
• Saturday November 1 9:00AM SHABBAT LIMUD (Shabbat Learning), facilitated by Rabbi Robert Dobrusin. Join us from 9-10 a.m. over coffee and cake as we discuss the weekly Torah portion. We choose texts which will focus our attention on issues we face in the world today: the environment, hunger and poverty, questions of medical ethics, war and peace and others.
  These sessions are an opportunity to study Torah and traditional commentaries and discuss and debate how the values of Torah can best be expressed in our world. We conclude our discussions each week in time to join the congregation for Shaharit.
• Monday November 3 8:00PM MONDAY TEXT STUDY WITH RABBI DOBRUSIN: "Jewish Perspectives on the Beginning and the End of Time”. Free.
  We will begin with a study of selections of Midrash on the Torah’s story of creation. These beautiful and intriguing texts examine our theology as Jews, the nature of the world we live in and the nature of the human being. Then, we will jump ahead to read some aggadot legends, concerning the coming of the Messiah, the end of days and the “world to come”. These texts, while obviously speculative and subjective, are fascinating to consider and discuss. We will also read and discuss thoughts on this subject by contemporary authors who have based themselves on the traditional texts. The texts will be studied in both Hebrew and English. Those who are conversant in Hebrew will be able to use and improve your Hebrew but no Hebrew knowledge is required.
• Wednesday November 5 Noon LUNCH AND LEARN:WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE? with Rabbi Dobrusin and Rabbi Blumenthal Join us as we talk about our thoughts after the election. How do we feel as Americans? What hopes and what concerns do we have as Jews as we look to a new administration. What does our tradition tell us about living in unity despite differences of opinion? Join us for an open and free flowing discussion as a new era in our country’s history dawns.
  Every Wednesday bring a dairy lunch and we’ll provide the beverages and dessert plus and a wonderful topic for discussion.
• Sunday November 9 1:30PM "The New Wave of Congregational Singing" with Cantor Jeffrey Shiovitz. Join us for an afternoon of singing, as we enhance our familiarity with the music of the Kabbalat Shabbat service led by Cantor Jeffrey Shiovitz, who is considered the foremost authority on congregational song in the United States today. Cantor Shiovitz, who has edited seven books on Jewish music, will teach us new tunes for Kabbalat Shabbat, which we will begin to integrate into our Beth Israel services.
  Jeffrey Shiovitz is a native of Detroit, Michigan. He is a 1981 graduate of the Cantors Institute of the Jewish Theological Seminary of America and past president of the Cantors Institute Alumni Association. He is chairman of publications for the Cantors Assembly and past chairman of its Westchester/Rockland Region. Hazzan Shiovitz has served Congregation Sons of Israel since 1988. He is a popular lecturer on the subject of Jewish music and musicology. His books include: B'kol Echad: In One Voice, the official songbook of the Conservative Movement which has been reprinted 28 times; 900,000 copies are currently in print worldwide. Roni V’Simchi: Rejoice and Sing, Holidays in Song is a collection of holiday songs published by the Jewish Theological Seminary. His publication, Israel at 50: A Program and Resource Guide, was published by the Cantors Assembly in 1998, the same year that Aytz Hayim Hi, A Seder for Tu B’Shevat was published by the Women’s League for Conservative Judaism. He is the co-editor with Robert Kieval of Derech HaShatz: The Hazzan’s Manual published in 2001 by the Cantors Assembly. Cantor Shiovitz is currently working on Zamru Lo: The Next Generation, a three volume series of congregational melodies. Volume 1, "Congregational Melodies for Shabbat," was published in 2004 to glowing reviews and Volume 2, "Melodies for the High Holidays," was published in 2006. He is busy working on Volume 3, "Melodies of Hallel, Shalosh Regalim and Weekdays."
• Sunday November 9 9:45PM Mussar Group
  Season of Mussar I. This course is based on the materials developed by Dr. Alan Morinis of The Mussar Institute, and is facilitated by Roann Atlman. The value of the course is the greater spirituality that it brings to participants’ lives. Reading and discussing texts related to personal character traits (known as middot) gives members of the group a greater understanding of how they operate in the world. Some of the traits covered in the first course include Humility, Gratitude, and Trust. Keeping these traits in balance leads to a greater sense of peace and connection. The course covers six middot (or traits) over a 12-week period. Each week The Mussar Institute sends texts via email for self-study. Then, every two weeks, participants meet at Beth Israel to discuss the readings and how the traits have been operating in their lives. The course will run Oct. 26, 2008 – Feb. 15, 2009. The program costs $100 per person. Checks should be made payable to Beth Israel and sent to the office with name address, telephone number, and email. Partial scholarships are available; if interested, please contact Rabbi Dobrusin. For further information, contact Roann Altman, at 483-8352 or roann@umich.edu. General information about the sponsoring organization can be found at The Mussar Institute (TMI) website: www.mussarinstitute.org.
• Monday November 10 8:00PM MONDAY NIGHT TEXT STUDY WITH RABBI ROBERT DOBRUSIN: “Jewish Perspectives on the Beginning and the End of Time."
  We will begin with a study of selections of Midrash on the Torah’s story of creation. These beautiful and intriguing texts examine our theology as Jews, the nature of the world we live in and the nature of the human being. Then, we will jump ahead to read some aggadot legends, concerning the coming of the Messiah, the end of days and the “world to come”. These texts, while obviously speculative and subjective, are fascinating to consider and discuss. We will also read and discuss thoughts on this subject by contemporary authors who have based themselves on the traditional texts. The texts will be studied in both Hebrew and English. Those who are conversant in Hebrew will be able to use and improve your Hebrew but no Hebrew knowledge is required.
• Wednesday November 12 Noon LUNCH AND LEARN: WHAT NON-JEWS GET RIGHT, WHAT THEY GET WRONG AND WHAT THEY WANT TO KNOW ABOUT JUDAISM with Rabbi Dobrusin Join us for a discussion about some recent experiences that Rabbi Dobrusin has had in interfaith educational settings. What are the misconceptions that those outside of the Jewish community have about Jews? What confuses them? What do they find most intriguing and worthy of respect? What do we need to correct?
  Every Wednesday bring a dairy lunch and we’ll provide the beverages and dessert plus and a wonderful topic for discussion.
• Wednesday November 12 8:00PM “INTRODUCTION TO JUDAISM” series taught by Rabbi Kim Blumenthal. What is the “real” story of Hanukkah? Why do we observe special dietary laws? How can I incorporate the joys of Shabbat into my life? These are just a few of the questions that we will explore in Introduction to Judaism. This course is for individuals who are looking to understand the fundamentals of Judaism. It is also a good learning opportunity for people who are in the process of converting to Judaism. Each session will be a combination of learning and discussion, with time devoted to exploring questions that come up for members of the group along the way. The class begins at 7:45pm; however students are strongly encouraged to join the congregation for the maariv (evening) service at 7:30pm. The course is free of charge.
  In order to create a course outline and class environment that best meets the needs of the participants, each student will be asked to meet with Rabbi Blumenthal prior to, or shortly after the first class. For more information, or to set up a meeting with Rabbi Blumenthal, please contact her at 665-9897, or kblumenthal@bethisrael-aa.org.
• Saturday November 15 9:30AM SHABBAT LIMUD (Shabbat Learning), facilitated by Rabbi Robert Dobrusin. Join us from 9-10 a.m. over coffee and cake as we discuss the weekly Torah portion. We choose texts which will focus our attention on issues we face in the world today: the environment, hunger and poverty, questions of medical ethics, war and peace and others.
  These sessions are an opportunity to study Torah and traditional commentaries and discuss and debate how the values of Torah can best be expressed in our world. We conclude our discussions each week in time to join the congregation for Shaharit.
• Monday November 17 8:00PM MONDAY NIGHT TEXT STUDY WITH RABBI ROBERT DOBRUSIN: “Jewish Perspectives on the Beginning and the End of Time.
  We will begin with a study of selections of Midrash on the Torah’s story of creation. These beautiful and intriguing texts examine our theology as Jews, the nature of the world we live in and the nature of the human being. Then, we will jump ahead to read some aggadot legends, concerning the coming of the Messiah, the end of days and the “world to come”. These texts, while obviously speculative and subjective, are fascinating to consider and discuss. We will also read and discuss thoughts on this subject by contemporary authors who have based themselves on the traditional texts. The texts will be studied in both Hebrew and English. Those who are conversant in Hebrew will be able to use and improve your Hebrew but no Hebrew knowledge is required.
• Wednesday November 19 Noon LUNCH AND LEARN:"JEWS IN THE NEWS" with Rqbbi Kim Blumenthal This session will focus on current events. We will look at issues from this week's newspaper that are of particular interest to the Jewish Community.
  Every Wednesday bring a dairy lunch and we’ll provide the beverages and dessert plus and a wonderful topic for discussion.
• Wednesday November 19 8:00PM “INTRODUCTION TO JUDAISM” series taught by Rabbi Kim Blumenthal. What is the “real” story of Hanukkah? Why do we observe special dietary laws? How can I incorporate the joys of Shabbat into my life? These are just a few of the questions that we will explore in Introduction to Judaism. This course is for individuals who are looking to understand the fundamentals of Judaism. It is also a good learning opportunity for people who are in the process of converting to Judaism. Each session will be a combination of learning and discussion, with time devoted to exploring questions that come up for members of the group along the way. The class begins at 7:45pm; however students are strongly encouraged to join the congregation for the maariv (evening) service at 7:30pm. The course is free of charge.
  In order to create a course outline and class environment that best meets the needs of the participants, each student will be asked to meet with Rabbi Blumenthal prior to, or shortly after the first class. For more information, or to set up a meeting with Rabbi Blumenthal, please contact her at 665-9897, or kblumenthal@bethisrael-aa.org.
• Sunday November 23 9:45PM Mussar Group
  Season of Mussar I. This course is based on the materials developed by Dr. Alan Morinis of The Mussar Institute, and is facilitated by Roann Atlman. The value of the course is the greater spirituality that it brings to participants’ lives. Reading and discussing texts related to personal character traits (known as middot) gives members of the group a greater understanding of how they operate in the world. Some of the traits covered in the first course include Humility, Gratitude, and Trust. Keeping these traits in balance leads to a greater sense of peace and connection. The course covers six middot (or traits) over a 12-week period. Each week The Mussar Institute sends texts via email for self-study. Then, every two weeks, participants meet at Beth Israel to discuss the readings and how the traits have been operating in their lives. The course will run Oct. 26, 2008 – Feb. 15, 2009. The program costs $100 per person. Checks should be made payable to Beth Israel and sent to the office with name address, telephone number, and email. Partial scholarships are available; if interested, please contact Rabbi Dobrusin. For further information, contact Roann Altman, at 483-8352 or roann@umich.edu. General information about the sponsoring organization can be found at The Mussar Institute (TMI) website: www.mussarinstitute.org.
• Monday November 24 8:00PM Rabbi Sharzen Presentation. Topic to be determined.
• Monday December 1 8:00PM MONDAY NIGHT TEXT STUDY WITH RABBI ROBERT DOBRUSIN: “Jewish Perspectives on the Beginning and the End of Time.
  We will begin with a study of selections of Midrash on the Torah’s story of creation. These beautiful and intriguing texts examine our theology as Jews, the nature of the world we live in and the nature of the human being. Then, we will jump ahead to read some aggadot legends, concerning the coming of the Messiah, the end of days and the “world to come”. These texts, while obviously speculative and subjective, are fascinating to consider and discuss. We will also read and discuss thoughts on this subject by contemporary authors who have based themselves on the traditional texts. The texts will be studied in both Hebrew and English. Those who are conversant in Hebrew will be able to use and improve your Hebrew but no Hebrew knowledge is required.
• Wednesday December 3 Noon LUNCH AND LEARN: Every Wednesday bring a dairy lunch and we’ll provide the beverages and dessert plus and a wonderful topic for discussion.
• Wednesday December 3 8:00PM “INTRODUCTION TO JUDAISM” series taught by Rabbi Kim Blumenthal. This course is an excellent opportunity to learn some of the fundamentals of the Jewish experience. We will be introduced to important concepts of our tradition and have the opportunity to discuss the joys of Jewish living in the 21st century.
• Saturday December 6 9:30AM SHABBAT LIMUD (Shabbat Learning), facilitated by Rabbi Robert Dobrusin. Join us from 9-10 a.m. over coffee and cake as we discuss the weekly Torah portion. We choose texts which will focus our attention on issues we face in the world today: the environment, hunger and poverty, questions of medical ethics, war and peace and others.
  These sessions are an opportunity to study Torah and traditional commentaries and discuss and debate how the values of Torah can best be expressed in our world. We conclude our discussions each week in time to join the congregation for Shaharit.
• Sunday December 7 9:45PM Mussar Group
  Season of Mussar I. This course is based on the materials developed by Dr. Alan Morinis of The Mussar Institute, and is facilitated by Roann Atlman. The value of the course is the greater spirituality that it brings to participants’ lives. Reading and discussing texts related to personal character traits (known as middot) gives members of the group a greater understanding of how they operate in the world. Some of the traits covered in the first course include Humility, Gratitude, and Trust. Keeping these traits in balance leads to a greater sense of peace and connection. The course covers six middot (or traits) over a 12-week period. Each week The Mussar Institute sends texts via email for self-study. Then, every two weeks, participants meet at Beth Israel to discuss the readings and how the traits have been operating in their lives. The course will run Oct. 26, 2008 – Feb. 15, 2009. The program costs $100 per person. Checks should be made payable to Beth Israel and sent to the office with name address, telephone number, and email. Partial scholarships are available; if interested, please contact Rabbi Dobrusin. For further information, contact Roann Altman, at 483-8352 or roann@umich.edu. General information about the sponsoring organization can be found at The Mussar Institute (TMI) website: www.mussarinstitute.org.
• Wednesday December 10 Noon LUNCH AND LEARN: Every Wednesday bring a dairy lunch and we’ll provide the beverages and dessert plus and a wonderful topic for discussion.
• Wednesday December 10 8:00PM “INTRODUCTION TO JUDAISM” series taught by Rabbi Kim Blumenthal. This course is an excellent opportunity to learn some of the fundamentals of the Jewish experience. We will be introduced to important concepts of our tradition and have the opportunity to discuss the joys of Jewish living in the 21st century.
• Sunday December 14 7:45PM "Intermarriage in Biblical Times" with Liz Fried, Ph.D.
• Monday December 15 8:00PM MONDAY NIGHT TEXT STUDY WITH RABBI ROBERT DOBRUSIN: “Jewish Perspectives on the Beginning and the End of Time.
  We will begin with a study of selections of Midrash on the Torah’s story of creation. These beautiful and intriguing texts examine our theology as Jews, the nature of the world we live in and the nature of the human being. Then, we will jump ahead to read some aggadot legends, concerning the coming of the Messiah, the end of days and the “world to come”. These texts, while obviously speculative and subjective, are fascinating to consider and discuss. We will also read and discuss thoughts on this subject by contemporary authors who have based themselves on the traditional texts. The texts will be studied in both Hebrew and English. Those who are conversant in Hebrew will be able to use and improve your Hebrew but no Hebrew knowledge is required.
• Wednesday December 17 Noon LUNCH AND LEARN: Every Wednesday bring a dairy lunch and we’ll provide the beverages and dessert plus and a wonderful topic for discussion.
• Wednesday December 17 8:00PM “INTRODUCTION TO JUDAISM” series taught by Rabbi Kim Blumenthal. This course is an excellent opportunity to learn some of the fundamentals of the Jewish experience. We will be introduced to important concepts of our tradition and have the opportunity to discuss the joys of Jewish living in the 21st century.
• Saturday December 20 9:10AM SHABBAT LIMUD (Shabbat Learning), facilitated by Rabbi Robert Dobrusin. Join us from 9-10 a.m. over coffee and cake as we discuss the weekly Torah portion. We choose texts which will focus our attention on issues we face in the world today: the environment, hunger and poverty, questions of medical ethics, war and peace and others.
  These sessions are an opportunity to study Torah and traditional commentaries and discuss and debate how the values of Torah can best be expressed in our world. We conclude our discussions each week in time to join the congregation for Shaharit.
• Sunday December 21 9:45PM Mussar Group
  Season of Mussar I. This course is based on the materials developed by Dr. Alan Morinis of The Mussar Institute, and is facilitated by Roann Atlman. The value of the course is the greater spirituality that it brings to participants’ lives. Reading and discussing texts related to personal character traits (known as middot) gives members of the group a greater understanding of how they operate in the world. Some of the traits covered in the first course include Humility, Gratitude, and Trust. Keeping these traits in balance leads to a greater sense of peace and connection. The course covers six middot (or traits) over a 12-week period. Each week The Mussar Institute sends texts via email for self-study. Then, every two weeks, participants meet at Beth Israel to discuss the readings and how the traits have been operating in their lives. The course will run Oct. 26, 2008 – Feb. 15, 2009. The program costs $100 per person. Checks should be made payable to Beth Israel and sent to the office with name address, telephone number, and email. Partial scholarships are available; if interested, please contact Rabbi Dobrusin. For further information, contact Roann Altman, at 483-8352 or roann@umich.edu. General information about the sponsoring organization can be found at The Mussar Institute (TMI) website: www.mussarinstitute.org.
• Monday December 29 8:00PM MONDAY NIGHT TEXT STUDY WITH RABBI ROBERT DOBRUSIN: “Jewish Perspectives on the Beginning and the End of Time.
• Wednesday January 7 8:00PM “INTRODUCTION TO JUDAISM” series taught by Rabbi Kim Blumenthal. This course is an excellent opportunity to learn some of the fundamentals of the Jewish experience. We will be introduced to important concepts of our tradition and have the opportunity to discuss the joys of Jewish living in the 21st century.
• Wednesday January 14 8:00PM “INTRODUCTION TO JUDAISM” series taught by Rabbi Kim Blumenthal. This course is an excellent opportunity to learn some of the fundamentals of the Jewish experience. We will be introduced to important concepts of our tradition and have the opportunity to discuss the joys of Jewish living in the 21st century.
• Sunday January 18 9:30AM Women and Modern Jewish Ritual, led by Rabbi Kim Blumenthal
• Wednesday January 21 8:00PM “INTRODUCTION TO JUDAISM” series taught by Rabbi Kim Blumenthal. This course is an excellent opportunity to learn some of the fundamentals of the Jewish experience. We will be introduced to important concepts of our tradition and have the opportunity to discuss the joys of Jewish living in the 21st century.
• Wednesday January 28 8:00PM “INTRODUCTION TO JUDAISM” series taught by Rabbi Kim Blumenthal. This course is an excellent opportunity to learn some of the fundamentals of the Jewish experience. We will be introduced to important concepts of our tradition and have the opportunity to discuss the joys of Jewish living in the 21st century.
• Wednesday February 4 8:00PM “INTRODUCTION TO JUDAISM” series taught by Rabbi Kim Blumenthal. This course is an excellent opportunity to learn some of the fundamentals of the Jewish experience. We will be introduced to important concepts of our tradition and have the opportunity to discuss the joys of Jewish living in the 21st century.
• Wednesday February 11 8:00PM “INTRODUCTION TO JUDAISM” series taught by Rabbi Kim Blumenthal. This course is an excellent opportunity to learn some of the fundamentals of the Jewish experience. We will be introduced to important concepts of our tradition and have the opportunity to discuss the joys of Jewish living in the 21st century.
• Wednesday February 18 8:00PM “INTRODUCTION TO JUDAISM” series taught by Rabbi Kim Blumenthal. This course is an excellent opportunity to learn some of the fundamentals of the Jewish experience. We will be introduced to important concepts of our tradition and have the opportunity to discuss the joys of Jewish living in the 21st century.
• Wednesday February 25 8:00PM “INTRODUCTION TO JUDAISM” series taught by Rabbi Kim Blumenthal. This course is an excellent opportunity to learn some of the fundamentals of the Jewish experience. We will be introduced to important concepts of our tradition and have the opportunity to discuss the joys of Jewish living in the 21st century.
• Sunday March 29 9:30AM Women and Modern Jewish Ritual, led by Rabbi Kim Blumenthal
• Sunday March 29 7:30PM Havdalah and Study Session with Morinis, as part of the Mussar Weekend.
• Sunday April 26 7:45PM Men and Women inthe Book of Genesis: Partners or Rivals?" presented by Ilana Blumberg.
• Sunday May 10 9:30AM Womena and Ritual, facilitated by Rabbi Kim Blumenthal
• Thursday May 28 9:30PM Maariv Service, followed by Tikkun Leil Shavuot