924 Polk Blvd
Des Moines, IA 50312
515.255.1137

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Adult Education

Spring 2010 Adult Education Schedule

Come learn with us! Contact the Tifereth Office at 515.255.1137 or barb.berven@tifereth.org to register for classes. There are no fees for any of the classes.

Controversies About the Depiction of Jews in the Qur’an
Led by Mark Finkelstein
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.
Thursday evening: April 1st
7:00pm – 8:00pm at Tifereth Israel

Jewish Searches for God (class concluded)
Led by Rabbi Steven Edelman-Blank
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.
Thursday evenings: December 17th, January 7th, January 14th
7:00pm – 8:00pm at Tifereth Israel

Jewish Ethics Series: Jewish Views on Money (class concluded)
Led by Rabbi Steven Edelman-Blank
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.  Participants will be asked to purchase this $13 text for the class.  If you would like a copy ordered for you, please contact the Tifereth Office at 515.255.1137 or e-mail barb.berven@tifereth.org.
Thursday evenings: January 21st, January 28th, February 4th, February 11th
7:00pm – 8:00pm at Tifereth Israel

Jewish Ethics Series: Jewish Views on the Body
Led by Rabbi Steven Edelman-Blank
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.  Participants will be asked to purchase this $13 text for the class.  If you would like a copy ordered for you, please contact the Tifereth Office at 515.255.1137 or e-mail barb.berven@tifereth.org.
Thursday evenings: February 25th, March 4th, March 11th
7:00pm – 8:00pm at Tifereth Israel

Jewish Ethics Series: Jewish Views on Power
Led by Rabbi Steven Edelman-Blank
Check back soon for more information about this class planned for later in the Spring semester.

Learning to Read Hebrew Part II (class full and closed to new students)
Led by Cantor Deborah Bletstein
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!
Thursday mornings
10:00am – 11:00am at Tifereth Israel

Maimonides (class concluded)
Led by Dr. David Friedgood
This class will explore the thought of one of the greatest scholars in Jewish history. Handouts will be provided to guide discussion.
Thursday evenings: January 21st, January 28th, February 4th, February 11th
8:00pm – 9:00pm at Tifereth Israel

The Ten Plagues and Their Relevance Today
Led by Michael Kuperman
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?
Thursdays evenings: February 25th, March 4th, March 11th, March 18th
8:00pm – 9:00pm at Tifereth Israel

Torah Chanting for Beginners
Led by Cantor Bletstein
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.
Wednesday evenings: January 20th, January 27th, February 3rd, February 10th, February 17th, February 24th, (No class on March 3rd), March 10th, March 17th
7:00pm – 8:00pm at Tifereth Israel

The Re-establishment of the Jewish State: 1880-1948
Led by Mark Finkelstein
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.
Thursday evening: March 18th
7:00pm – 8:00pm at Tifereth Israel