Adult Learning Opportunities at Temple B’nai Abraham

“Turn it and turn it again,” teaches Pirke Avot, Ethics of our Ancestors. Each year we celebrate the end and beginning of a year of learning during Simchat Torah when we finish reading from Deuteronomy (Devarim) and immediately begin chanting from Genesis (Bereshit). There is always more to learn, more to discover about Judaism, the world and ourselves.

 One of the traditional morning blessings refers to God who “commands us to engage in words of Torah” (la’asok b’divrei Torah). It has been suggested that we can think of the sound of the Hebrew word la’asok—as to literally soak up words of Torah. The opportunities to do so are plentiful here at TBA, and we invite you to join us once, twice or as many times as you like. Some courses will be taught in one session; others twice, three or four times, while others are monthly or weekly. We welcome and encourage you to soak up some learning this year!

All are welcome to attend. Most classes/programs are free, unless otherwise indicated.
To register click here or contact the temple office at 973.994.2290. 

 Alyce Miller & Bruce Fein, Adult Learning Co-Chairs   Rabbi Faith Joy Dantowitz      

Click on title for program description                                   Adult Learning Brochure for Fall/Winter 2011-2012 (PDF)

Parashat HaShavuah
with Rabbi Clifford Kulwin
Join the lively discussion of legend and lore, the ancient world and the modern one, the Jewish people's feelings about its God, and God's feelings about His people. Through our reading of the weekly portion, and occasional forays into the traditional commentators, we seek not only to understand the profundities of Torah, but also to understand the world and ourselves a little better. Parallel English/Hebrew texts will be used. We hope you'll stay for services, but even if you can't, stop by for a weekly dose of Torah!
Saturday mornings, 9:00 AM to 9:45 AM 

Book Group: Meets Monthly
Join Rabbi Clifford Kulwin for his stimulating monthly book groups. Find yourself in the text and come lend your voice to the discussions.

The Melton Course : Melton Year One Course
Melton-trained teachers including Rabbi Kulwin
Wednesday nights,  7:00-9:00 PM  (if interested, contact Rabbi Kulwin  ).
Program fee: JCC Members & Members of Melton Partner sites: $650 per person. We are very excited that Temple B’nai Abraham is offering the Melton Course for the first time! Sign up for a journey of Jewish Self-Discovery taught by teachers trained especially by Melton, including Rabbi Kulwin.

Hebrew Marathon  postponed until a future date. Question, please contact Rabbi Dantowitz
Led by Rabbi Faith Joy Dantowitz.
You CAN learn to read Hebrew. Give us a day and we’ll give you the alef-bet! A wonderful way to prepare for the New Year. Advance registration ($36 for course materials).

Mussar: Jewish Spiritual Practice
Led by Rabbi Faith Joy Dantowitz
Lunch and Learn (Bring your own lunch we will provide beverages)
Thursdays, March 15, April 19, May 17 & June 14, 11:30 AM 
Join in a monthly exploration of Jewish values through text, conversation and reflection.

Good Grief: Judaism, The End of Life and Finding Peace
Led by Rabbi Faith Joy Dantowitz & Ann Hicks, LCSW JFS Soical Worker Consultant
Thursday, March 15, 7:30 PM
Explore Jewish beliefs about death and the afterlife, grieving and Jewish tradition for mourning and finding solace and ultimate healing.

Sisterhood Rosh Hodesh
Led by Rabbi Faith Joy Dantowitz,
Tuesdays, February 28, March 27 & May 22, 7:30 PM
Rosh Hodesh is a special time for women to come together to celebrate the new Hebrew month, learn together and celebrate in safe women's space.

Kabbalat Shabbat Service, Dinner & Symposium
sponsored by Sisterhood and Social Action Committee
Award-winning authors and engaging speakers TBD

Wise Aging...A Continuation
Led by Karen Frank, RN Congregational Nurse 
Lunch and Learn (Bring your own lunch we will provide beverages)
Thursdays, March 22, 29 & April 5, 11:30 AM 
We began our consideration of "how to become an elder, not elderly". But there is more to say and more to do. Please continue our journey together at Lunch and Learn.)

From Mystical Niggun to Matisyahu: Transformation and Trends in Hassidic Song
Led by Cantor Jessica Epstein
Lunch & Learn (Bring your own lunch we will provide beverages)
Wednesdays, May 2 & 9, 11:30 AM  
Most of us have heard niggunim (songs without words) and danced to klezmer music – but what is the source and meaning of these musical forms? Join Cantor Epstein as we take a musical journey through the Hassidic tradition of song. 

Special Lectures: 
Senator Bob Menendez @ B'nai Abraham
-Friday, March 2, Kabbalat Shabbat Services, 6:30 PM. Guest Speaker: Senator Bob Menendez,  7:15 PM  

Annual Bloom Lecture: Professor David N Myers, Former Director , UCLA Center of Jewish Studies. 
The State of the Jewish Nation: What can history teach us about the "state" of the Jewish nation today-in Israel and the Diaspora - and what we must do next?
-Thursday, March 22, 7:30 PM