Congregation Netivot Shalom Adult Education Blog!

News from Adult Education at CNS!!

2012-01-26T22:49:00.001-08:00

adult ed

The Adult Ed Newsletter

Congregation Netivot Shalom

Ha-Mahberet

Winter 2012

Shalom!

Welcome to the second edition of Ha-Mahberet*- The Notebook - the newsletter of Congregation Netivot Shalom's Adult Education Committee. Ha-Mahberet will keep you posted about the many adult educational programs at Netivot Shalom. We are sending our occasional newsletter to people who have expressed an interest in adult directed educational and enrichment programs at our synagogue.

Please forward these newsletters on to your friends and ask them to send an email to cnsadulted@netivotshalom.org to have their name added to our mailing list.

We hope to see you at shul - and especially at one of our events.

Sincerely

The Adult Education Committee,

Judy Radousky, Edna Stewart, Stephen Tobias, Bill Stewart, Michael Feiler, Vivian Clayton and Rabbi Shalom Bochner, Director of LifeLong Learning

*A note on our name: Mahberet is a noun derived from the root [chet - bet- reish] the same root that chaver "friend" or "cohort" comes from, and the same root that "connect" comes from. So our "notebook" acts as a friendly connection for you about our programs.

	Upcoming Classes - January

	Welcome back to the Sunday morning Minyan and learning! Come for the Minyan at 9:30 AM, a light breakfast at approximately 10:15 and the presentation beginning afterward at 10:30. Sunday, January 29 "THE CASE FOR COMMANDEDNESS: RELIGIOUS LANGUAGE FOR THE NON-CONFORMIST" WITH RABBI MENACHEM CREDITOR For some, the source of religious authority is a God whose words and Will are known. For others, religious authority is irrelevant to their lives, based on many factors. But Jewish tradition offers, through so much of its texture, the possibility of an intensified experience of the world. Imagine a relationship of obligation that frees you and those you love as it guides. Jump into this exciting exploration and discussion!

Upcoming Events - February

February 4: Shabbat, 4:45/5:15 PM

SE'UDAH SHLISHIT (3rd Meal of Shabbat)

FEATURING RABBI GAIL DIAMOND

Mincha begins at 4:45 followed by a light meal and teaching by our Scholar in Residence, Rabbi Gail Diamond. Her topic this evening will be: "Women's Voices - From Torah to Contemporary Israel" Ma'riv and Havdalah will follow.

February 7: Tuesday, 6:30 PM

TU B'SHEVAT SEDER - SAVE THE DATE! We'll be celebrating Tu B'Shevat, the New Year of the Trees, with a Tu B'Shevat Seder featuring a catered dinner highlighting the 7 species of the Land of Israel. Our ritual seder will be led by Rabbi Shalom Bochner, Director of LifeLong Learning. More details and specific prices will be announced shortly and will be available from the Netivot Shalom Office. Plan to join us for a meaningful evening of spiritual celebration, intellectual exploration, a delicious feast, and enjoyment of this mystical holiday.

February 12: Sunday Morning, starting at 9:30AM

V'ZOT YISRAEL PRESENTS:

Professor Arie Dubnov combines serious socio-historical analysis with fun in his lecture on The work and career of Israeli composer and singer, Arik Einstein. Prof Dubnov will show how Einstein's music reflects a period of restless nostalgia among Israeli youth of the '70's, the generation, known as "dor habanim," the "generation of the sons."

This generation came of age after the establishment of the State of Israel and struggled with identity issues in the wake of it's parents' achievements and how Israeli society came to define itself -- and them. Join us for Professor Dubnov's lecture, Arik Einstein's music, and of course, discussion.

February 26: Sunday, starting at 9:30AM

MEMORY CHANGES WITH AGE: WHAT IS NORMAL?

Most people have had the experience of being re-introduced to someone and not recalling that person's name, or walking into a room to retrieve something and then completely forgetting what it was they were looking for. What differentiates these benign behaviors from those that represent more serious hints of underlying neurodegenerative disease?

It might be surprising to learn that 'normal' changes in cognition start at about the age of 25! Come to this presentation to learn more about the effects of time on cognition and memory!

Vivian Clayton, PhD is a geriatric neuropsychologist in private practice.

	Upcoming Events - March

	March 5, 12 and 19: Mondays, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM THE LITURGY OF TAHARA WITH RABBI STUART KELMAN Whether you are a member of a Chevra Kadisha, or just interested in what happens during Tahara, join our foremost teacher of liturgy for an fascinating exploration of the history, composition, and meaning behind this particular liturgy. March 11: 9:30/10:30 AM SUNDAY MORNING MINYAN AND PROGRAM March 25: Sunday 9:30/10:30 V'ZOT YISRAEL PRESENTS: TBA

	Upcoming Events - April

	April 16, 23, 30: 7:30 - 9:00 PM, $60 for the entire 3-part series THE PROPHETS: RABBI SHALOM BOCHNER Who were the prophets, when did they live, and why do we read their selected words in the Haftorah every Shabbat morning? This three-part class will answer these questions and more and suggest others for ongoing exploration. $60 for the entire series. More details to be announced soon. April 22: Sunday Morning Program V'ZOT YISRAEL PRESENTS: Israel program to be announced.

On-Going Weekly Classes for Adults at CNS

After Kiddush Classes and Discussions

In the Library. . ."after Kiddush" each Shabbat

Each Shabbat, after Kiddush (at approximately 1:15 pm) a speaker presents a topic for discussion. Often this venue is the place to hear visiting scholars, book reviews, developments in a field of inquiry like Biblical Archeology, or listen to poetry.

Intermediate Talmud Class with Rabbi Shalom Bochner

Thursdays at 5:40 in the Library

Come and learn the origins of the Sidur through our weekly journey through Masechet Berachot - Tractate Blessings. Comfort with reading Hebrew is preferred. Learn the teachings and humor of our sages. It's got everything - including the kitchen sink! And we generally debate with each other in the spirit of the sages!

There is no charge for this on-going class, but a donation to the Adult Ed Fund would be appreciated.

La'asok - with Rabbis Bochner and Creditor

Wednesday's at 1 pm in the Library

Study the weekly Torah portion with insights from ancient midrashim and contemporary thinkers. The discussion will be facilitated by either Rabbi Bochner or Rabbi Creditor .

There is no charge for this on-going class, but a donation to the Adult Ed Fund would be appreciated.

Shabbat Torah Study

9:00 am, Shabbat Mornings in the Library

Read, discuss, and debate the week's Parasha. We use Etz Chayim as our text. We often have professional teachers lead the discussion, but just as often skilled volunteers from our congregation are our leaders.

There is no charge for this on-going year-long class, but a donation to the Adult Ed Fund can help continue this and other free classes. See you next Shabbat at Torah Study!

	Support Us

	The Adult Education Fund Netivot Shalom, from its founding in 1989, has had a policy of providing most of its Adult programming at no-charge. Providing adult educational programming was a prime motivation for establishing our synagogue. Because some of our teachers are professionals and need to be paid for their services, we charge tuition. However, people unable to pay the tuition are never turned away. We make up the difference needed by accessing our Adult Education Fund. In addition, we use the fund to help develop programs and pay honoraria to visiting scholars. Please consider a tax deductible contribution to the Adult Ed Fund the next time to come to a no-charge event as an expression of thanks to the synagogue. Donation envelopes are available outside the office door. Mark your donation as for the Adult Education Fund. Thank you.

Save the Date: Anat Hoffman @CNS on Feb 11th!

2011-12-29T11:10:00.001-08:00

Netivot Shalom Links...

CNS Website

CNS Blog

CNS Calendar

CNS Preschool

Shorashim Hebrew School

Amitim

Midrasha

CNS Adult Education

Make a donation to

Netivot Shalom!

Congregation Netivot Shalom is an egalitarian, participatory Sacred Community that encourages and engages in Tefilah(Prayer), Torah (Learning), Tzedeka (Social Justice), and Kehillah (Community) within our congregation and the broader community. Our mission is to inspire Jewish practices among individuals and families who are considering Judaism, are intermarried, or Jewish. We share a commitment to Masorti (Conservative) Judaism and furthering individual and communal spiritual growth, while recognizing a range of personal philosophies, practices and needs.

Save the Date! Feb 11th, 7:30pm

An Evening with Anat Hoffman, Chair of Women of the Wall @ Netivot Shalom

"Women of the Wall, Social Justice and Human Rights in Israel"

Anat Hoffman is a pioneer of civil rights in Israel. She has promoted Jewish Pluralism, tolerance, and equality in Israeli society and is a leader in the struggle for the right of women to wear a pray shawl and read from the Torah scroll at the Western Wall in Jerusalem. Anat Hoffman is a dynamic and passionate speaker. Please join us for this unique opportunity to hear this trail blazing advocate and to honor her work.

This event is free and open to the public.

RSVP requested but not required to Valerie Sopher (510) 232-6244 or vsopher@sbcglobal.net.

Sponsored by: Congregation Netivot Shalom of Berkeley, Temple Sinai of Oakland, Women of Temple Sinai, The Israel Center of the Jewish Federation of the East Bay, Congregation Beth El of Berkeley, Oakland Ruach Hadassah, Congregation Ner Tamid of San Francisco, Congregation Beth Israel Judea of San Francisco, JCC of San Francisco, The New Israel Fund, Rabbis for Women of the Wall

Upcoming CNS Speakers and Programs!!

2011-10-25T15:24:00.001-07:00

Events & Speakers at CNS!

November 10, 7pm

Race, Jews and Power: A conversation with David Mamet

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS

In connection with West Coast premiere of Mamet's Play "Race," at American Conservatory Theatre, and hosted by CNS! Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, essayist, screenwriter and film director David Mamet, engages in conversation with Dan Schifrin, writer-in-residence of the Contemporary Jewish Museum. Copies of Mamet's "The Wicked Son" and "Five Cities of Refuge" will be available for purchase and signing after the conversation.

November 17, 7:30pm

Jay Michaelson, Author of "God vs. Gay"

Jay Michaelson is a writer, scholar, and activist whose work addresses the intersections of religion, sexuality, spirituality, and law. His newest book is God vs. Gay? The Religious Case for Equality, will be published in October, 2011, by Beacon Press. Jay is is the author of three other books and over 200 articles, essays, and works of fiction. He is the Associate Editor of Religion Dispatches, a Contributing Editor to the Forward newspaper, and Founding Editor of Zeek magazine. His work on behalf of sexual minorities in religious communities has been featured in the New York Times, CNN, and NPR, as well as several anthologies. - FREE EVENT, Books available for signing and purchase

November 19, 8pm

"Love & Taxes" on Stage & Screen with Josh Kornbluth

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS

The inimitable Josh Kornbluth (credits include Haiku Tunnel, Red Diaper Baby, Love and Taxes, Ben Franklin Unplugged, Andy Warhol: Good for the Jews?, The Josh Kornbluth Show) will entertain, inspire, and thoroughly delight you. Josh and his brother Jake have just completed a new film, Love and Taxes, based on Josh's highly successful solo performance piece of the same name. The film is expected to be released--when else?--on Tax Day, April 15, 2012. But, as a benefit for Netivot Shalom, Josh will perform excerpts from Love and Taxes, and then he will tell us about how the theatre piece transformed into a film--including sneak previews of excerpts from the finished work.

November 20, 10:30am

"Jewish Mysticism & the Spiritual Life" with Rabbi Or Rose

Over the last two decades or so, increasing numbers of Jewish and non-Jewish seekers in the United Sates and elsewhere have turned to the teachings of Kabbalah and Hasidism in their spiritual journeys. What are some of the core teachings of these mystical traditions? What has attracted people to them? And what might we glean from our Kabbalistic and Hasidic forebears? Our discussion will include the study of several primary textual sources (provided in the original and in translation), and an open discussion of the possibilities and challenges of engaging these sources in our contemporary cultural contexts. The author or editor of several books and articles on Jewish spirituality, social and environmental justice, and interfaith cooperation, he recently co-edited Jewish Mysticism and the Spiritual Life: Classical Texts, Contemporary Reflections. Rabbi Rose is a member of the Shalom Hartman Institute's North American Scholars Circle, and serves on the editorial committee of Sh'ma: A Journal of Jewish Responsibility. - FREE EVENT, Books available for signing and purchase

and don't miss...

December 4, 10am: a special brunch to celebrate the Publication of Netivot: Paths of Torah, a professionally-published collection of 20 years of CNS Drashot, edited by Peter Strauss and Judith McCullough, with contributions from over 50 shul members, a foreword by Rabbi Kelman, and an introduction by Rabbi Creditor.

December 10, 8pm: Release concert of Rabbi Creditor's new CD "Within"

This new album, Rabbi Creditor's first solo musical creation, is a collaborative shul project featuring original compositions and the debut recording of "V'asu", a song composed by Debbie Friedman z"l upon the dedication of the physical home for Netivot Shalom on University Avenue 6 years ago.

February 11, 7:30pm: Anat Hoffman, Chairperson of Women of the Wall Anat Hoffman is the chairwoman of Women of the Wall. She is the executive director of the Israel Religious Action Center, the legal and advocacy arm of the Reform Movement in Israel. Previously she held a seat on the Jerusalem City Council, where for fourteen years she stood in opposition to the policies of the city's right-wing and ultra-Orthodox administration. She has dedicated her adult life to the Jewish principle of tikkun olam, which literally means repairing the world.

This Shabbat (Sept 3rd) After Kiddush . . .

2011-08-31T11:16:00.001-07:00

After Kiddush Presentations and Discussions

Every Shabbat In the Library. . ."after Kiddush"

Each Shabbat, after Kiddush (around 1 pm) a speaker presents a topic for discussion. Often this venue is the place to hear visiting scholars, book reviews, developments in a field of inquiry like Biblical Archeology, or listen to poetry.

➨There will be a special After-Kiddush Program this Shabbat September 3rd with Rabbi Josef Leibowirtz.

A special on Shabbat September 3^rd in the Netivot Sanctuary. Rabbi Yosef Leibowitz, former rabbi of Cong. Beth Israel, is currently the director of the Yad Yaakov Fund for Jewish Education. He is also Rabbi at the Minyan Hachadash in Kfar Saba. Rabbi Leibowitz will speak about this week's Parashah, Shoftim. This event is co-sponsored by Netivot Shalom, Congregation Beth Israel, and Beth El, Berkeley.

La'asok at CNS!

2011-08-30T14:54:00.001-07:00

La'asok – with Rabbis Bochner and Creditor

Wednesday's at 1 pm in the Library

(La'asok, to connect, grasp, be surrounded by our Torah, our tradition, our Jewishness.)

After the Yamim Nora'im, we begin our fourth year of weekly study. This year we will explore topics relating to Jewish ethics and practices. Our texts will be Heschel's God in Search of Man and Klein's The Guide to Jewish Religious Practices.

Every deed of man travels a course that either reflects - or perverts - a thought of God. A. J. Heschel

Come to La'asok to stay or just drop in to be part of the discussion about challenging topics confronting our lives. There is no charge for this on-going class, but a donation to the Adult Ed Fund would be appreciated.

The Blog Edition of the AE Newsletter

2011-08-29T13:30:00.001-07:00

Ha-Mahberet

The Adult Ed Newsletter

Congregation Netivot Shalom

September 2011 ~ Av- Elul 5771

Shalom!
Welcome to the AE Blog edition of Ha-Mahberet* - The Notebook - the occasional newsletter of the Adult Ed Committee. Ha-Mahberet will keep you posted about the many adult educational programs at Netivot Shalom. We are sending our occasional newsletter to people who have expressed an interest in adult directed educational and enrichment programs at our synagogue.
The Adult Ed Committee is currently planning classes, book reviews, stimulating lectures, workshops and films that we believe you will find interesting. In Ha-Mahberet we will announce new programs, classes, and workshops, and updates on times and places. In addition we will send you links and descriptions of other programs in our community that might be of interest to you..
Please forward these newsletters on to your friends and ask them to send an email to cnsadulted@netivotshalom.org to have their name added to our mailing list.
We hope to see you at shul – and especially at one of our events.

For the Adult Ed Committee,
David Stein, chair

Edna Stewart, Marcia Brooks, Stephen Tobias, Judith Radowsky, Bill Stewart, and Rabbi Shalom Bochner

*A note on our name: Mahberet is a noun derived from the root [chet – bet- reish] the same root that chaver "friend" or "cohort" comes from, and the same root that "connect" comes from. So our "notebook" acts as a friendly connection for you about our programs.

Listed below are a collection of classes and programs beginning in September. You can find additional information about the classes in other pages in our August AE Blog .

Yeshivat Lev Shalem (Begins Tuesday, August 30^th, & continues on the 31^st, and September 1^st)

To prepare for the High Holy Days, the Adult Education Elul Learning Institute presents a three evenings of information and inspiration all based on our new Machzor Lev Shalom.

Yeshivat Lev Shalem offers all new enriching and enjoyable evenings of food, davening, and classes.

Our distinguished faculty includes a number of rabonim including Rabbis Stuart Klelman, Menachem Creditor, Shalom Bochner, Mimi Weisel, Daniel Isaacson, and Avi Novis-Deutch; along with our members Judy Massarano, Barry Kamil, Judith Radousky, and others.

Each evening begins with an optional Dinner at 6 pm, followed by Mincha at 7 pm, Classes begin at 7:30 and Ma'ariv at 9:30. Coffee and a nosh will be served between classes.
Dinner costs $10/adult for each night payable in advance; or, $12 at the door!
A donation to the Adult Education Fund is suggested.
For a complete schedule of times, topics, and teachers, scroll down to the Yeshivat page in the August AE Blog.

Joining us for Dinner?

Please register by emailing Rachel at office@netivotshalom.org There are 2 options to make payment– either pay on-line at www.netivotshalom.org and use the "Make a Donation" Tab and put "Lev Shalem" in the description field or send in your check to Congregation Netivot Shalom, 1316 University Ave., Berkeley, CA 94702 and write "Lev Shalem" in the memo line.
And please indicate which evenings you will be joining us for dinner. Thank you.

Yehuda Amichai: Commentaries on the Tanach

with Rabbi Sheldon Dorph
A series of classes which will examines the radical poetic interpretation of Biblical texts and Jewish ideas by Israel's poet laureate, Yehuda Amichai.

8 Sessions [Sept. 6^th, 13^th, & 20^th; Oct. 4^th, 18^th, & 25^th; Nov. 1^st.and Nov 8^th.]
Tuition is $125: some scholarships are available.
Classes begin September 6^th at 7:30 in the Library.
Please register by emailing Rachel at office@netivotshalom.org There are 2 options to make payment– either pay on-line at www.netivotshalom.org and use the "Make a Donation" Tab and put "Amichai" in the description field or send in your check to Congregation Netivot Shalom, 1316 University Ave., Berkeley, CA 94702 and write "Amichai" in the memo line.

Special Elul Study of Rav Kook's Seminal Work:

The Lights of Penitence
Perhaps no one writes with more authority, more generosity of spirit, and more depth and understanding on tshuvah than Rav Kook.
Join Josh Gressel for an Elul study of select passages from "Lights of Penitence" – Rav Kook's most famous and most studied work.
The course will take place. on three consecutive Thursdays leading up to Rosh Hashana:

September 8^th, 15^th, and 22^nd from 7:30 – 9:00 pm in the Netivot Shalom Library.

There is no tuition charge, but Josh Gressel says that a $36 donation to the Netivot Shalom Adult Education Fund would be appropriate; however, no one will be turned away for lack of funds.

Slichot - September 24^th at 8:45 pm

8:45 We begin with Havdalah, singing and a nosh with coffee & tea
9:30 Class begins with Rabbi Bochner and "Stories of Tshuvah"
10:30 Class begins with Rabbi Creditor. "Joyful Trembling: Glimpses into Rosh HaShannah"
Slichot services begin at 11:15 pm led by Rabbi Daniel Isaacson

On-Going Programs from Adult Education

After Kiddush Presentations and Discussions

Every Shabbat In the Library. . ."after Kiddush"
Each Shabbat, after Kiddush (around 1 pm) a speaker presents a topic for discussion. Often this venue is the place to hear visiting scholars, book reviews, developments in a field of inquiry like Biblical Archeology, or listen to poetry.

➨There will be a specialAfter-Kiddush Program on September 3rd with Rabbi Josef Leibowirtz.

A special on Shabbat September 3^rd in the Netivot Sanctuary. Rabbi Yosef Leibowitz, former rabbi of Cong. Beth Israel, is currently the director of the Yad Yaakov Fund for Jewish Education. He is also Rabbi at the Minyan Hachadash in Kfar Saba. Rabbi Leibowitz will speak about this week's Parashah, Shoftim. This event is co-sponsored by Netivot Shalom, Congregation Beth Israel, and Beth El, Berkeley.

Intermediate Talmud Class with Rabbi Shalom Bochner

Thursdays at 5:45 in the Library

Come and learn the origins of the Sidur through our weekly journey through Masechet Berachot - Tractate Blessings. Comfort with reading Hebrew is preferred. Learn the teachings and humor of our sages. It's got everything – including the kitchen sink! And we generally debate with each other in the spirit of the sages!

There is no charge for this on-going class, but a donation to the Adult Ed Fund would be appreciated.

La'asok – with Rabbis Bochner and Creditor

Wednesday's at 1 pm in the Library

(La'asok, to connect, grasp, be surrounded by our Torah, our tradition, our Jewishness.)

After the Yamim Nora'im, we begin our fourth year of weekly study. This year we will explore topics relating to Jewish ethics and practices. Our texts will be Heschel's God in Search of Man and Klein's The Guide to Jewish Religious Practices.

Every deed of man travels a course that either reflects - or perverts - a thought of God. A. J. Heschel

Come to La'asok to stay or just drop in to be part of the discussion about challenging topics confronting our lives. There is no charge for this on-going class, but a donation to the Adult Ed Fund would be appreciated.

Shabbat Torah Study
9:00 am, Shabbat Mornings in the Library

Read, discuss, and debate the week's Parasha. We use Etz Chayim as our text. We often have professional teachers lead the discussion, but just as often skilled volunteers from our congregation are our leaders.

There is no charge for this on-going year-long class, but a donation to the Adult Ed Fund can help continue this and other free classes. See you next Shabbat at Torah Study!

The Adult Education Fund

Netivot Shalom, from its founding in 1989, has had a policy of providing most of its Adult programming at no-charge. Providing adult educational programming was a prime motivation for establishing our synagogue.

Some of our teachers are professional and are generally paid for their services. That is the main reason why we charge tuition for their classes. People unable to pay the full cost of tuition are never turned away. We make up the difference needed by accessing our Adult Education Fund. In addition, we use the fund to help develop programs and pay honoraria to visiting scholars.

That is why we ask you to consider a tax deductible contribution to the Adult Education Fund the next time you come to an Adult Ed event. Donation envelopes are available outside the office door, or you donate on-line at www.netivotshalom.org and use the "Make a Donation" tab and mark it for the Adult Ed Fund in the description field.

Thank you in advance for your continuing help!

Yehuda Amichai: Poetic Midrashim on the Tanach

2011-08-24T14:30:00.001-07:00

The Adult Education Committee of Netivot Shalom Presents

Yehuda Amichai: Poetic Midrashim on the Tanach

with Rabbi Sheldon Dorph

This series of classes will examine the radical poetic interpretation of Biblical texts and Jewish ideas by Israel's poet laureate, Yehuda Amichai.

Each session will focus on a particular Biblical text and the Yehuda Amichai poem(s) which interpret and/ or reframe that text. There will be opportunity to discuss both the biblical text and the Amichai poems, as well as to do some journaling.

8 Tuesday sessions: September 6th, 13th, & 20th; October 4th, 18th, & 25th; and November 1st & 8th
7:30 pm each Tuesday; in the Netivot Library
$125 for all sessions
RSVP to Rachel Schorr at the Netivot office: office@netivotshalom.org

At present, Rabbi Shelly Dorph does free-lance consulting to a variety of Jewish educational and philanthropic organizations. He has been Head of School of the Los Angeles Hebrew High School, the Golda Meir Day High School (LA) and most recently, the Jewish Community High School of the Bay (SF). Shelly served as the National Ramah Director for 14 years and taught education at the University of Judaism (LA) and the Jewish Theological Seminary (NY). He has served as a curriculum writer, educational consultant and a mentor to teachers, principals and camp directors.

He is the curriculum consultant and editor of the Gamliel Institute course development project of the national Chevra Kadisha organization, Kavod v'Nichun.

Yeshivat Lev Shalem 5771

2011-08-24T13:58:00.001-07:00

The Netivot Shalom Adult Education Committee Presents

The 5771 Elul Adult Learning Institute

Yeshivat Lev Shalem

Inspired by our new machzor titled Lev Shalem, Netivot's yeshiva is scheduled for three evenings of eating, study, enrichment, and enjoyment. And, as we did last year, we will be learning with a number of wonderful rabbis and lay teachers.

Yeshivat Lev Shalem is scheduled for Tuesday August 30th, Wednesday August 31st, and Thursday September 1st.
Each evening begins with an optional dinner at 6:00 pm followed by Mincha at 7:00 pm; and then, after classes, Ma'ariv at 9:30 pm.
Classes begin at 7:30 each evening (with coffee and nosh between sessions)

Yeshivat Lev Shalem - Schedule

Tuesday August 30th

Opening session 7:30 to 8:20:

✡ Rabbi Stuart Kelman: Why Did It Take 12 years to Create a New Machzor?

Second session at 8:30 to 9:30

✡ Rabbi Shalom Bochner: Alenu

✡ Barry Kamil: An Experiential Chanting Of Kol Nidre

Wednesday, August 31st

First session 7:30

✡ Rabbi Daniel Isaacson: Malkhuyot-Zichronot-Shofarot section of Rosh HaShannah Musaf

✡ Rabbi Mimi Weisel: The Story of the Shofar: Then and Now

Second session at 8:30

✡ Hannah Dresner: Reb Nachman of Bratzlav's teaching on the role of the Shaliach Tzibur – the prayer leader

✡ Judith Radousky: Why Confess? Exploring the Vidui

Thursday, September 1st

First session 7:30

✡ Judy Massaroano: The Avodah Service

✡ Rabbi Avi Novis-Deutsch: The Akedah: Religious Ideals to Inspire our Generation.

Second session at 8:30

✡ Rabbi Menachem Creditor: Yamim Nora'im: Jewish Days of Judgment and Purpose

Joining us for Dinner? RSVP to Rachel Schorr in our office (office@netivotshalom.org) if you plan to have dinner and for which evenings. Dinner costs $10/adult for each night payable in advance; or, $12 at the door!

The Lights of Penitence

2011-08-14T17:20:00.001-07:00

The Lights of Penitence

Rav Kook: Penitence does not come to embitter life but to make it more pleasurable.

The Adult Education Committee Elul Adult Study Institute presents a special study discussion and workshop led by Josh Gressel and focusing on Rav Kook's seminal work The Lights of Penitence.

The month of Elul in general and the High Holidays in particular are devoted to a period of inner searching, where we seek to correct our relationship to ourselves, to others and to God. But for many, the concept of penitence is freighted with notions of guilt, remorse, self flagellation, and even shame.

The Hebrew word for penitence – tshuvah– offers a much broader and softer version of what it means to correct ourselves by answering God's call and returning to our true natures. Perhaps no one writes with more authority, more generosity of spirit, and more depth and understanding on tshuvah than Rav Kook. Join Josh Gressel for an Elul study of select passages from "Lights of Penitence" – Rav Kook's most famous and most studied work.

· The course will take place from 7:30 – 9:00 p.m. on three consecutive Thursdays leading up to Rosh Hashana: Sept. 8, 15, and 22.

· All sessions will take place in the library at Netivot Shalom.

· No prior knowledge of any kind is required.

· A $36 donation to the Netivot Shalom Adult Education Fund is requested. No one turned away for lack of funds.

· Please RSVP to Rachel Schorr office@netivotshalom.org

Intensive Torah, Haftorah, Trope, & Davening Class with Ariel Platt, former popular Amitim teacher

2011-07-02T22:24:00.000-07:00

CNS Adult Education Presents
Intensive Torah, Haftorah, Trope, & Davening Classes
with Ariel Platt, popular former Amitim teacher, and currently a student at JTS and Columbia University

Trope Classes

Torah Trope: 8 sessions, 1 to 1.5 hours each, 2 times a week, 4 weeks in August, $100 (reading Hebrew required)
Haftorah Trope: 8 sessions 1 to 1.5 hours each, 2 times a week, 4 weeks in August, $100 (reading Hebrew required)

Learn How To Daven

Musaf, Shacharit, Mincha or Ma’ariv: singing, pronunciation, meaning & choreography
Mon.-Fri. 1 to 1.5 hours a day July 18th through the 22nd, $100 (reading Hebrew and being able to carry a tune required)

Ariel is available for Private Tutoring

Adult and/or pre-B’nai Mitzvah Davening Skills
Leyning, Hebrew, Tanach, Torah Service and Musaf davening
$55/hour for CNS members, $75/hour for non-members
Available July 18th through the 22nd, and all during August

For information about the schedule and content of the classes, including registration, contact Ariel at relplatt@gmail.com

CHAPTER & VERSE - Poems of Jewish Identity - 7:30pm, Tuesday, May 17th, 2011

2011-05-03T19:19:00.000-07:00

Introducing A New Anthology of Poetry

CHAPTER & VERSE

Poems of Jewish Identity

Join us for a reading by the poets and a discussion

7:30pm, Tuesday, May 17th, 2011

Congregation Netivot Shalom

1316 University Avenue, Berkeley

510.549.9447

The poems in Chapter & Verse speak both of

history and present reality; the variety of voices is

reflective, rueful, harsh, yearning, and contemplative

Anthology Poets

Dan Bellm, Rose Black, Chana Bloch,

Rafaella Del Bourgo, Margaret Kaufman,

Jacqueline Kudler, Melanie Maier

Murray Silverstein, Susan Terris, & Sim Warkov

For further information contact

Rose Black, Anthology Poet... moorpak@ix.netcom.com

David Stein... cnsadultprograms@netivotshalom.org

Main flyer-1.doc (rabbicreditor.adulted@blogger.com)

2011-05-03T11:56:00.001-07:00

I've shared Main flyer-1.doc

Click to open:

Main flyer-1.doc

Main flyer-1.doc

Introducing

A New Anthology of Poetry

CHAPTER & VERSE

Poems of Jewish Identity

Join us for a reading by the poets and a discussion

Led by Rabbi Menachem Creditor

7:30pm, Tuesday, May 17th, 2011

Congregation Netivot Shalom

1316 University Avenue, Berkeley

510.549.9447

The poems in Chapter & Verse speak both of

history and present reality; the variety of voices is

reflective, rueful, harsh, yearning, and contemplative

Anthology Poets

Dan Bellm, Rose Black, Chana Bloch,

Rafaella Del Bourgo, Margaret Kaufman,

Jacqueline Kudler, Melanie Maier

Murray Silverstein, Susan Terris, & Sim Warkov

For further information contact

Rose Black, Anthology Poet... moorpak@ix.netcom.com

David Stein... cnsadultprograms@netivotshalom.org

Google Docs makes it easy to create, store and share online documents, spreadsheets and presentations.

Pirke Avot with Nitzhia Shaked

2011-02-17T14:43:00.001-08:00

The Adult Education Committee at Netivot Shalom Presents
Nitzhia Shaked on Pirke Avot

Pirke Avot (literally Chapters of the Fathers) appears in tractate Avot, the second-to-last tractate in the Mishnah order of Nezikin. Pirke Avot , is a brief, very accessible book, comprised, itself, of six chapters filled with the practical insights, moral advice, and spiritual sayings of ancient sages: thus sometimes it is called “Ethics of our Fathers.”

Rabbi Meir said: Look not at the flask but at what is therein; there may be a new flask full of old wine, or an old flask wherein is not even new wine. Pirke Avot 4:20

Nitzhia Shaked offers an in-depth text study of a selection from Avot focusing on understanding and appreciating the wisdom of the text, as well as analyzing the influence of the historical and political background on the various teachings of our sages. Texts will be provided.

Rabbi Tarfon also used to say: It is not your obligation to complete the task, but neither are you at liberty to desist from it entirely Pirke Avot 2:16

Dates: The course will be conducted in the Library at Netivot Shalom on Thursday evenings at 7:30 pm over ten weeks, beginning March 17^th and continuing on the 31^st, followed by April 7^th, 14^th, and 28^th, and the four Thursdays in May, with the last session on June 2^nd.

Tuition: Sliding scale tuition is $60 - $85 for the ten classes. Some partial scholarships are available; and, as always, no one is left out due to inability to pay the tuition.

Rabbi Akiva said: Everything is foreseen, yet free will is granted; by goodness is the universe judged, yet all depends on the preponderance of good deeds. Pirke Avot 3:1

Register with Rachel Schorr at: office@netivotshalom.org or 510.549.9447, ext 101

The Elephant has Left the Room

2011-02-11T12:11:00.001-08:00

The workshop "The Elephant in the Room, Part II: Practical Matters" led by Rabbi Kelman and David Stein, scheduled for this Sunday (the 13th) has been postponed due to scheduling conflicts.

We will announce the new date soon.

We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your support.

David Stein
Adult Ed Chair

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______________________

______________________

David Stein

steindavid@comcast.net

510.778.8482

Rabbi Stuart Kelman returns with his popular monthly Liturgy Classes . . .

2011-01-28T14:02:00.001-08:00

Rabbi Stuart Kelman returns with his popular monthly Liturgy Classes . . .

Problematic prayers are the subject this time.

Nothing is ever Easy about Prayer

5 Prayers: 5 Theological Issues

The class will be held on the Monday nights From January to June, with no class in April. Class hours are: 7:30 PM - 9:00

Each class will focus on a different issue, including:

Feb 14^th - Refaeynu-Asking for Healing,

March 14^th - Adonai Melech - God as Ruler

May 16^th - Prayer for Israel

June 6^th - Requests: the Middle Berachot of the Amidah

Tuition is $25-50 for the entire series. No one turned away due to lack of funds.

February: Concerning Death in the Jewish Tradition -- Practical Matters

2011-01-27T16:57:00.001-08:00

THE ELEPHANT IN THE LIVING ROOM

Concerning Death in the Jewish Tradition

Part Three – Practical Matters

Discussing Jewish practices surrounding death is like talking about the elephant in the room – we know it will be here in our rooms when the time comes, but we rarely take the time to prepare for the eventuality.

In this workshop we will be discussing some concrete steps you can take to prepare yourself and your families and friends so they know your wishes when death arrives. Topics to be discussed in workshops include:

Organ donation
Wills and other legal documents
Medical concerns and things you should know before you decide on final medical directives
The role of your synagogue and its Chevra Kadisha to endure your wishes will be followed

In addition to Rabbi Kelman and David Stein, we have invited Jeff Burak, MD and Joanna Weinberg, J. D., LL. M. to lead the medical and legal workshops respectively.

Sunday, February 13th
3:00 - 6:00 pm

Synagogue Library

February: New Class on Rebbe Nachman

2011-01-27T16:15:00.001-08:00

THE WISDOM OF REBBE NACHMAN

Rabbi Carol Caine

Rebbe Nachman of Bratslav was one of the most extraordinary individuals to have emerged from the Hasidic world, a world which revitalized Jewish spirituality. He was a thinker far ahead of his time, especially in his psychological insights. In this course, we will focus particular attention on Rebbe Nachman's Tales, Hasidic stories which are unique for their originality of form and profundity of their underlying ideas. We will also sing some of the niggunim, or songs, associated with Rebbe Nachman. Please join us as we engage with this most beloved, profound and innovative of Hasidic masters.

Lehrhaus class #T250-NS. Cosponsored by Congregation Netivot Shalom and Lehrhaus Judaica

3 sessions, Wednesdays, February 23 - March 9 7:00 - 8:30 pm at Netivot Shalom

Tuition

$45 for the public
$35 for Netivot Shalom members

Register with Lehrhaus: http://catalog.lehrhaus.org/course/2011/winter/T250-NS/ or call (510) 845-6420 or info@lehrhaus.org

Rabbi Carol Caine

Rabbi Carol Caine, regular adult education instructor at Lehrhaus Judaica, was ordained at the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College and also received the private smicha of Rabbi Zalman Schacter-Shalomi. A former attorney with over fifteen years experience teaching Jewish chant and meditation, Rabbi Carol integrates a keen intellect with a heart of devotion.

New at Netivot Shalom: Tuesday Morning 8:30 am Minyan + Classes Begins Feb 1st

2011-01-24T19:28:00.001-08:00

Beginning on Tuesday, February 1st at 8:30 am Morning Minyan followed by a light breakfast and a class discussion led by Rabbi Avi Novis-Deutsch, our visiting Masorti scholar, Rabbi Menachem Creditor, and others.

On February First Text Study with Rabbi Novis-Deutsch

Getting Acquainted with American Torah. We will read from selected excerpts from the works of Rabbi Elliot Dorff, Rabbi David J Wolpe, and Rabbi Irwin Kula. Rabbi Novis-Deutsch will demonstrate a critical learning method that any of us can use, especially when we study in hevruta.

On February Eighth Talmud with Rabbi Novis-Deutsch

Talmud: What Did They Mean? In this class will explore rabbinical ideology, theology and philosophy as it underlies the Talmudic discussions. We will learn some basic methods of understanding the Rabbis. Our example text is a liturgical discussion form the forth chapter of Berachot.

February 15th Halacha with Rabbi Menachem Creditor:

Until You Can't Know: The Mitzvah of Drinking on Purim. Purim is a holiday on which everything is upside-down. Does this include the halachot (laws) of moderation? Does our heightened awareness of substance abuse in the Jewish community influence our halachic process? How might we still be guided to fulfill the mitzvah of "drinking until the difference between 'Cursed is Haman' and 'Blessed is Mordechai' is obliterated"? Join this important and controversial text-study, in Hebrew with translation provided.

(Additional classes will be announced on February 15^th.)

For additional information contact David Stein at adultprograms@netivotshalom.org

My Big Fat Jewish Learning - Audio and Handout from Session One

2011-01-21T12:19:00.001-08:00

My Big Fat Jewish Learning - Audio and Handout from Session One

Learning with Rabbi Menachem Creditor and Josh Kornbluth!

"The Prophet's Wife" and the Book of Hosea:

Audio (Part I) (Part II),
Handout,
and pics!

For more information, click here (tinyurl.com/bigfatjlearning) Sign up for the series with Rachel at office@netivotshalom.org!

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Rabbi Menachem Creditor
Congregation Netivot Shalom || Bay Area Masorti || ShefaNetwork.org

Rabbis for Women of the Wall || menachemcreditor.org

To join Rabbi Creditor's email list, send a blank email to thetisch-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.

Hope to see you this Sunday at CNS! - Sue Fishkoff presents—Kosher Nation: The Good, the Bad, the Treyf

2011-01-19T15:45:00.001-08:00

Sunday, January 23rd @ CNS!
Sue Fishkoff presents—Kosher Nation: The Good, the Bad, the Treyf
minyan at 9:30, presentation at 11:30

Why is 40 percent of the food for sale in American supermarkets kosher, when Jews make up less than two percent of the population? Why do non-Jews believe kosher food is safer, healthier, and better than non-kosher? And why won't Orthodox Jews eat Hebrew National—but Conservative Jews will? Come hear the author of "Kosher Nation: Why More and More of America's Food Answers to a Higher Authority" as she tells the tale of American Jews' changing relationship to the food we eat.

Oakland resident Sue Fishkoff is a longtime Jewish journalist , a former correspondent for the Jerusalem Post and a current reporter for the Jewish Telegraphic Agency (JTA). She wrote one book about Chabad ("The Rebbe's Army") and a second about kashrut ("Kosher Nation"), which is somewhat surprising considering her own religious practice—which is constantly evolving, so who knows?

New Class Starting Feb 1: "Discover Judaism! Jewish Prayer"

2011-01-19T15:33:00.001-08:00

New Class Starting Feb 1: "Discover Judaism! Jewish Prayer"

with Rabbi Menachem Creditor

Dates: Tuesdays, Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22
Time: 7:30 to 9pm

Place: Netivot Shalom, 1316 University Ave., Berkeley,

Class fee: $40-$60—(sliding scale, no one turned away for lack of funds)

Please email Rachel at office@netivotshalom.org to register.

Is prayer the act of speaking to the Divine? How does an Atheist pray? Does a person need to have a concept of God in order to be a "good prayer-er?" Does a person need to be Jewish to pray Jewishly? What do we pray for? What words "must" we use? Is public prayer "better" than private prayer? Join this conversation about traditional and contemporary languages that have informed the world of T'filah/Jewish Prayer. No Hebrew is required for this class.

CNS's V'zot Yisrael presents "The History of Zionism and Israeli Politics Today" Part II: "Roots and Branches of Zionism"

2011-01-14T14:10:00.001-08:00

Netivot Shalom's V'zot Yisrael presents
"The History of Zionism and Israeli Politics Today"
Part II: "Roots and Branches of Zionism"

A journey through contemporary Zionism from 1948 to the present with Professor Gideon Aran, Ph.D., visiting scholar at SFSU and UC Berkeley. Professor Aran will teach Part II in a 5 session course on Wednesdays, January 19, 26, & February 2, 9, 16, 7:30-9:00 pm. Join us for an eye-opening look at the diversity and development of Zionist thinking about Israel from 1948 to the present. Learn what feeds passions and divisions within Israel today by understanding Zionism's roots and the journey it took from its beginning to today. This is the second part of the two part series. This five session series will look at how different branches of Zionist ideology became part of Israeli culture, politics and society. We will examine selected issues in contemporary Zionism from the point of view of the social sciences. Fee for members is $45-65 for five sessions [sliding scale, no one turned away for lack of funds] Fee for non-members is $75

To register, please email Rachel at office@netivotshalom.org and follow-up with payment. There are two options to make payment: either go to our website and use the "making a donation option" (be sure to put the name of the class in the description field), or send in your check to Congregation Netivot Shalom, 1316 University Ave., Berkeley, CA 94702 and write the name of the class in the memo section.

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Rabbi Menachem Creditor

Congregation Netivot Shalom || Bay Area Masorti || ShefaNetwork.org

Rabbis for Women of the Wall || menachemcreditor.org

To join Rabbi Creditor's email list, send a blank email to thetisch-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.

Adult Beit Midrash Planned at Netivot Shalom— an invitation to a meeting to solicit your input!

2011-01-13T19:04:00.001-08:00

Members of the Adult Education Committee, Rabbi Creditor, Rabbi Bochner, and Rabbi Avi Novis-Deutch are pleased to announce plans for an adult Beit Midrash scheduled for Tuesday mornings, with the first term planned to begin in a few weeks and running until Pesach.
Our Beit Midrash is for adults who want to study primarily for the sake of studying texts and issues informing their Jewish heritage and practices.

The Beit Midrash is a major initiative for Netivot Shalom and we need to get your feedback before we finalize our plans.
We invite all of you who are interested in synagogue-based adult education to a conversation focusing on the particulars of our plan and the structure of the classes.

Please come on January 19^th, Wednesday morning at 10:30 am in the Library. .At the Wednesday discussion we will present more concrete examples about our classes and the overall plans for the Beit Midrash. Here are some specific points that will help you understand where we are heading:

The Beit Midrash is planned to be held on Tuesday mornings. For each morning session, we are scheduling three classes preceded by a minyan. The classes will be structured reflecting Beit Midrash plans common in liberal schools in Israel. The classes will cover text study, Talmud, and Halacha.

Text Study: We have selected over twenty books from the CNS Library, classics and contemporary authors, covering topics from the Mishnah through contemporary spiritual practices. Students select a book with a partner and begin guided study of the text.

Talmud Study uses Tractate Sanhedrin, asking such questions as: Why were the courts established? What is the role of the judge: to look for the truth of what? What was the nature of the oral and textural traditions that became the bases for later responsa? That is: What kind of Torah was transmitted?

Halacha Study addresses such questions as: Can a person participate in a minyan via VOP (e.g. Skype)? Can they be counted as part of the minyan? Can a Jew sell land in Israel to a non-Jew? Can a Jew in the US drink wine with a non-Jew? What are the Conservative Movement's positions concerning gay and lesbian issues and how are they argued in the various responsa? And, the general question: Is such and such minhag or halacha? We will learn about the structure of responsa and the nature of argumentation.

We need your opinions concerning our plans, curriculum, pricing, and scheduling -- whether or not you plan on joining the first term!
So, if you are available, do come to the meeting on January 19^th at 10:30 am.

PS: An additional session for input may be planned depending on how your input helps move this program forward

Celluloid Yids: Thursdays from 7-9 pm Jan 6th following

2011-01-05T13:23:00.001-08:00

The Adult Education Committee presents . . .

Celluloid Yids, or Jews in Film

Jewish Cinema's Evolution from the 1920s – Today

with Shalom Rosenberg, CNS Youth and Edah Director

Classes will meet on Thursdays from 7:00-9:00pm in the library on the following dates: January 6, 13, 20, 27, February 3, 10, 17, 24, March 3, & 10
Cost: Sliding scale $50-$36; no one will be turned away for lack of funds.
Register by contacting Rachel in the office: office@netivotshalom.org

To what extent does film represent and reflect our lives, or, perhaps, the other way around?

Define and explore “Jewish Cinema” with an historic approach in the context of the changing world over the last century and our relationship with the images that supposedly represent our communities and us.
Read articles and view excerpts of classic and lesser-known films that show the range of the Jewish image in American, Israeli and Yiddish films.
Talk about the Jewish sensibility in film and look for patterns that repeat, using a wide variety of genres.
Explore the themes of love, family, anti-Semitism, assimilation, intermarriage and interfaith relationships, LGBTQ issues, tradition vs. progression, identity, gender, God, Israel, and more
Discuss how Jews have influenced Hollywood and look at works by Woody Allen, Mel Brooks, Spielberg, Streisand, Levinson, Sandler, and more
Screenings may include excerpts from the following films: The Jazz Singer, Liberty Heights, Yentl, Crimes and Misdemeanors, Gentleman's Agreement, The Great Dictator, A Life Apart: Hasidism in America, Walk on Water, Munich, Knocked Up, The Chosen, Keeping the Faith, When Do We Eat?, Kissing Jessica Stein, Yidl Mitn Fidl, and A Serious Man.

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______________________

______________________

David Stein

steindavid@comcast.net

510.778.8482

RECLAIMING THE BIBLE AS A JEWISH BOOK: A CNS Scholar in Residence Masorti Shabbat in memory of Dr. Jacob Milgrom, z”l

2010-12-30T11:32:00.001-08:00

RECLAIMING THE BIBLE AS A JEWISH BOOK

A CNS Scholar in Residence Masorti Shabbat in memory of Dr. Jacob Milgrom, z"l

sponsored by the Ethelyn Simon Fund at Congregation Netivot Shalom

cosponsored by Bay Area Masorti

Featuring Professor Benjamin Sommer,

Professor of Bible and Ancient Semitic Languages at the Jewish Theological Seminary

January 14th and 15^th-- Enjoy a special Erev Shabbat davening, dinner, and after-kiddush learning on Shabbat day featuring Dr. Benjamin Sommer, Professor of Bible and Ancient Semitic Languages at the Jewish Theological Seminary.

Erev Shabbat* (Friday night) will begin with Kabbalat Shabbat at 5:30pm, followed by a catered Shabbat dinner at 6:15pm. During dinner Dr. Sommer will speak on the topic: "The Tent of Meeting and the Presence of God. "
Dr. Sommer will also teach during our after-Kiddush learning, when his topic will be "Reclaiming the Bible as a Jewish Book", specially dedicated in memory of Dr. Jacob Milgrom, z"l, a beloved member of Congregation Netivot Shalom. (Please see below for expanded descriptions of each presentation.)

*The cost of Shabbat dinner is 15$/adult, 8$/child, children 0-3 free (50$ maximum per family). No one turned away for lack of funds. Please RSVP to Rachel in the CNS office at office@netivotshalom.org. Childcare will be made available if requested. After you RSVP by emailing Rachel there are 2 options to make payment- either online at netivotshalom.org, use the "Make a Donation" Tab and put "Simon Fund Shabbat Dinner" in the description field or send in your check to Congregation Netivot Shalom, 1316 University Ave., Berkeley, CA 94702. Please write "Simon Fund Shabbat Dinner " in the memo line.

Expanded Descriptions of Dr. Sommer's sessions:

The Tent of Meeting and the Presence of God: Nearly half the Book of Exodus describes the Sanctuary or Tent of Meeting. Generally thought of as one of the most boring sections of the whole Bible, these chapters in fact encode Israel's core beliefs about how the Creator of the universe becomes accessible to humans. These ideas touch upon notions of sacred land, sacred space, center, and periphery that might inform a committed but non-idolatrous religious Zionism – a religious Masorti Zionism that differs decisively from the messianic/idolatrous version that has won the day further to our right.

Reclaiming the Bible as a Jewish Book: The past year marked the end of an era for Jewish biblical scholarship with the passing of four great Conservative/Masorti scholars who developed distinctively Jewish and original ways of reading the Bible as modern critical scholars. Professors Jacob Milgrom (beloved Netivot Shalom member), Yochanan Muffs, Moshe Greenberg, and Moshe Weinfeld exerted extraordinary influence on both Jewish and Christian scholars who came after them. In this after-kiddush talk, Professor Benjamin Sommer, Professor of Bible and Ancient Semitic Languages at the Jewish Theological Seminary, will describe how they combined traditional Jewish learning with modern historical methods to recover lost voices of Jewish theology in the Torah, how their methods were shaped by their studies in Jerusalem and JTS, and why their perspective matters to people who want to be fully modern and fully Jewish without contradiction.

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Rabbi Menachem Creditor
Congregation Netivot Shalom || Bay Area Masorti || ShefaNetwork.org

Rabbis for Women of the Wall || menachemcreditor.org

To join Rabbi Creditor's email list, send a blank email to thetisch-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.

New Class! Adult Discover Judaism Class: Life-cycles with R' Shalom Bochner, Tuesdays in January

2010-12-23T14:21:00.001-08:00

Discover Judaism: Jewish Life-cycles

with Rabbi Shalom Bochner

on Tuesdays, January 4, 11, 18, 25; Time: 7:30 to 9pm

The rhythm of a Jewish life is based on recognizing the sacred in moments of transition from one phase to the next. This class will explore the prayers and rituals that have developed around birth, covenanting, coming of age, partnering, separation, and death. Text-study and discussion will be the basis for these conversations directed toward adding meaning to our understandings of the passage of time. No Hebrew is required for this class. Class fee: $40-$60—(sliding scale, no one turned away for lack of funds)

Deadline to register: Thursday December 12/30. Please register by e-mail Rachel at: office@netivotshalom.org

---
Rabbi Menachem Creditor
Congregation Netivot Shalom || Bay Area Masorti || ShefaNetwork.org

Rabbis for Women of the Wall || menachemcreditor.org

To join Rabbi Creditor's email list, send a blank email to thetisch-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.

A Special CNS After-Kiddush Talk on Jan 15th -- RECLAIMING THE BIBLE AS A JEWISH BOOK

2010-12-22T12:05:00.001-08:00

A Special CNS After-Kiddush Talk on Jan 15th

RECLAIMING THE BIBLE AS A JEWISH BOOK

Speaker: Professor Benjamin Sommer,

Professor of Bible and Ancient Semitic Languages at the Jewish Theological Seminary
at Congregation Netivot Shalom - Shabbat, Jan 15th

The past year marked the end of an era for Jewish biblical scholarship with the passing of four great scholars who developed distinctively Jewish and original ways of reading the Bible as modern critical scholars. Professors Jacob Milgrom (beloved Netivot Shalom member), Yochanan Muffs, Moshe Greenberg, and Moshe Weinfeld exerted extraordinary influence on both Jewish and Christian scholars who came after them. In this after-kiddush talk, Professor Benjamin Sommer, Professor of Bible and Ancient Semitic Languages at the Jewish Theological Seminary, will describe how they combined traditional Jewish learning with modern historical methods to recover lost voices of Jewish theology in the Torah, how their methods were shaped by their studies in Jerusalem and JTS, and why their perspective matters to people who want to be fully modern and fully Jewish without contradiction.