Adult Education
Spring 2010 Adult Education Schedule
** Check back later this summer for the Fall 2010 Schedule!
Jewish Ethics Series: Jewish Views on Power Led by Rabbi Steven Edelman-Blank (class concluded)
This is the third class in a series taught by Rabbi Edelman-Blank on Jewish ethics. In this class, we will grapple with questions such as, “How do we use power once we’ve gained it?” “What kinds of decisions must CEOs and business owners make regarding customers?” “How should bosses treat workers? Teachers treat students? Government treats citizens?” We will use the text Jewish Choices, Jewish Voices: Power to guide our discussions.
Controversies About the Depiction of Jews in the Qur’an Led by Mark Finkelstein (class concluded)
After a brief introduction to the Holy Qur’an, we will examine select passages from the text that pertain to Jews. Our discussion will include theories about how to understand the passages, how the Qur’an relates to other religions, and the history of Muhammad’s relationship to Jewish tribes he encountered. We will consider the premise that there are multiple ways the Qur’an is interpreted by believers.
Jewish Ethics Series: Jewish Views on Money Led by Rabbi Steven Edelman-Blank (class concluded)
This will be the first class in a series taught by Rabbi Edelman-Blank on Jewish ethics. In this class, we will grapple with controversial ethical questions regarding money such as, “How much money is enough money?” “Am I giving enough money?” “Can I pay my nanny under the table?” “What’s so bad about a little credit card debt?” We will use the text Jewish Choices, Jewish Voices: Money to guide our discussions.
Jewish Ethics Series: Jewish Views on the Body Led by Rabbi Steven Edelman-Blank (class concluded)
This is the second class in a series taught by Rabbi Edelman-Blank on Jewish ethics. In this class, we will grapple with controversial contemporary ethical questions regarding topics such as tattoos, eating disorders, and body piercings. We will use the text Jewish Choices, Jewish Voices: Body to guide our discussions.
Jewish Searches for God Led by Rabbi Steven Edelman-Blank (class concluded)
Discover how both contemporary and historical Jewish people understand, question, and appreciate God. Together we will wrestle with important questions with the goal being a better understanding of our own search for God and how this search impacts our daily lives.
Learning to Read Hebrew Part II Led by Cantor Deborah Bletstein (class full and closed to new students)
This will be a beginners class where you will learn to read and write the Hebrew letters and vowels working towards the goal of reading from our siddur/prayer book. No prior Hebrew skills are required! Learning Hebrew can help elevate your understanding and participation in our services at Tifereth. Come join us!
Maimonides Led by Dr. David Friedgood (class concluded)
This class will explore the thought of one of the greatest scholars in Jewish history. Handouts will be provided to guide discussion.
The Re-establishment of the Jewish State: 1880-1948 Led by Mark Finkelstein (class concluded)
This class will focus on the an exploration of the history that led to the declaration of Israeli independence on May 14, 1948. Time will be spent after the presentation for participants to discuss contemporary topics regarding the Arab-Israeli conflict.
The Ten Plagues and Their Relevance Today Led by Michael Kuperman (class concluded)
What were the ten plagues? Did they actually happen? Were they actual or symbolic in overcoming life in Egypt? Are the explainable in scientific happenings? Why are they such a major part of our Passover Seders? What is the meaning of the ten plagues in our lives today? How can we make our Seder more meaningful by focusing on the plagues today?
Torah Chanting for Beginners Led by Cantor Deborah Bletstein (class concluded)
Have you always wanted to learn to chant Torah but always considered it impossible? This beginners class is for you! This introductory course will teach you the fundamentals of chanting Torah so you can help carry on this precious tradition for generations to come. Please note, Hebrew reading is required to participate in this class.