2012-2013 / 5773 Adult Learning Catalogue

Joshua ben Perachyah said:

Find for yourself a teacher and get yourself a friend; and judge every man towards merit.

Pirkei Avot 1

Jewish Learning is a lifelong endeavor. While many might focus on Jewish education for your children and youth, Jewish learning isn’t just for kids, but for every individual of every age. Our clergy, community partners, and many volunteers have worked hard to provide many opportunities for us to explore our Judaism along with our fellow congregants. We hope that this Catalogue will have something of interest for you. There will be changes and additions along the way, so please be sure to check our website for current information, http://www.bethtikvah.com/community/adult-learning. We hope that you will journey with us… Please note: for class participation, please register your attendance before the class starts. For all TBT classes, let us know which class you are attending at rsvp@bethtikvah.com. For Melton classes, please contact the MJCCA directly (see info below).

SUNDAY MORNINGS

RAMBAN’S “LETTER FOR THE AGES” WITH RABBI DONALD TAM, TBT’S RABBI EMERITUS Sundays, November 4, 11; December 2, 9, 16 in the Michael Zalkin Library- 11:00 AM Musar is an ethical literature that is integral to Jewish ethics and central to the study of traditional Jewish writings. The Jewish guides to “right and wrong” and “character formation” are not always systematically spelled out in the Torah, but often extrapolated from its study. One of the most important musar writings is the Igerret HaMusar, a letter written by the Medieval Jewish Sage Ramban (Nachmanides) from Acco in the Land of Israel, to his son Nachman in Catalina, Spain. In these five sessions, Rabbi Tam will explore its meanings and discuss implications for our complicated age.

BEGINNERS HEBREW, LEVEL 2 Sundays, October 7 – May 5, from 11:00 – 12:00 PM – Cantor’s Office This class is a continuation of previous “Beginners Hebrew classes,” focusing on reading prayers, learning to chant Torah, and prepare for our Ben/Bat Torah experience. Instructor: Cantor Nancy Kassel

SPICE UP YOUR SEDER Sundays, March 10 and 17, 10:45 to 11:45 AM This two-session class will help you better understand the structure of the Haggadah, the songs we sing for the Seder and offer suggestions for creative ways to spice your next Seder! If you are the leader of your Seder, you'll be able to navigate your way through the Seder with more confidence. For those of you not leading the Seder, you'll be able to participate more fully and joyfully! Instructor: Cantor Nancy Kassel

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MY SOUTHERN JEWISH ANCESTRY....AND YOURS? Sundays, April 14 and 21 at 10:45 – 11:45 AM Cantor Kassel will share about her recent extensive genealogical research and how you too, can begin to look more closely into your own ancestry. It's fascinating to put pieces of the puzzle together and see where your ancestry fits into World Jewish History, American Jewish History, and for many of you - Southern Jewish History. Instructor: Cantor Nancy Kassel

THE RABBI’S TISCH – SITTING & CHATTING WITH RABBI GREENE Sundays, October 14, December 16, February 3 at 10:30 – 11:30 AM – Rabbi’s Office Do you happen to be around TBT this morning? Come and sit and talk about a range of issues relating to Jewish life and the Jewish community. Topics will be determined based on what is going on in our lives… but might include Jewish Parenting, Jewish Views on Sex & Sexuality, Current Events, and more. If you have some ideas for topics, send them to rabbigreene@bethtikvah.com. Instructor: Rabbi Fred Greene

SHABBAT

B.L.T. – BAGELS, LEARNING, & TORAH Every Shabbat Morning at 9:00-9:45 AM in the Oneg Room Torah is the centerpiece of our Jewish journeys. This group of people have come together to figure out how words of Torah can impact how we see the world and how we live our lives. Instead of reading the Torah portion each week, for the past two years we have been reading the Book of Genesis verse by verse. As we write this catalogue, we are coming to the conclusion and will be beginning again with the Book of Exodus. All are welcome. No previous knowledge is necessary. This is appropriate for people of all ages – from those who are preparing for Bar/Bat Mitzvah and up! (Oh yeah, there are bagels, too!) Instructor: Rabbi Fred Greene

MELTON CLASSES

PROGRAMS IN COOPERATION WITH THE LISA F. BRILL INSTITUTE FOR JEWISH LEARNING AT THE MJCCA AND THE

FLORENCE MELTON ADULT MINI-SCHOOL For questions on any of these courses, contact the Brill Institute at 678.812.3723. For a full course catalogue for the MJCCA’s Brill Institute, go to www.atlantajcc.org/adults/the-lisa-f.-brill-institute-for-jewish-learning/ Hightlights • Registration on a first-come, first-served basis • Refund Policy: $25 processing fee retained • No refunds after the first month of class • No Homework • Each lesson is an independent session • Payment plans available • Limited Scholarship is available through Rabbi Greene for TBT members

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THE Melton CORE CURRICULUM The Mini-School Core Curriculum is a comprehensive, sequential series of text-based lessons, comprised of four courses. Each course focuses on a least one major area of Jewish learning and forms a thread in a carefully woven fabric which integrates Jewish history, religion, ritual, language, ethics, philosophy, theology and contemporary Jewish life.

MELTON CORE CLASS

ETHICS OF JEWISH LIVING Mondays, October 15-February 11 at 7:15 PM- 8:45 PM - Library How do Jewish teachings shed light on contemporary issues such as the environment, end-of-life decisions, and stem cell research? Explores the wisdom of ancient and modern rabbis, scholars and thinkers, offering multiple Jewish approaches to conducting our lives in the communal and private spheres. Instructor: Rabbi Eric Levy (15 lessons – Fall – Rhythms only) Fees: $300 (includes Student Reader)

MELTON CONTINUING EDUCATION CLASS

BEYOND BORDERS: THE ARAB ISRAELI CONFLICT Mondays, October 22-March 18 at 7:15 PM- 8:45 PM – Classroom 2 This course provides students with a strong, historical overview covering the late 19th century through today. Course material is designed to encourage discussion and debate, and to challenge students to appreciate the basis of the conflicting historical claims made by all sides in the conflict. Instructor: Rabbi Albert Slomovitz, Rabbi Emeritus at Congregation Gesher L’Torah Fees: $365 (includes Student Reader)

SPECIAL PROGRAM FOR PARENTS OF YOUNG CHILDREN!

YOUR CHILD HAS QUESTIONS, NOW YOU’LL HAVE THE ANSWERS! TAKE A TASTE ON SUNDAY, OCTOBER 7 – IF YOU LIKE IT…SIGN UP FOR MORE! Sundays, October 21, 28; November 4, 11; December 2, 9, 16; January 13, 27; February 3 at 10-11:30AM Your preschooler has embarked on an exciting journey of Jewish learning, learning each day about the meaning of mitzvot and core Jewish values and how to live them. Let us teach YOU the same lessons, so that you can continue the conversation at home and enhance YOUR Jewish educational journey. By learning the lessons your child is learning, you will be empowered to engage in conversations about Jewish values that will enrich your entire family. This course will utilize “Foundations for Jewish Living” and “PJ Library” books that have been specifically chosen for you. Fee: $100 per person for 10 lessons + $40 for the Student Reader. The first 10 participants to register will receive a $50 subsidy for this course provided by Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta. Instructor: Shelley Buxbaum, PhD, Director of the Brill Institute for Jewish Learning at the MJCCA Location: Classroom 21

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EVENING SESSIONS EXPLORING PSALMS Thursdays, Oct 18, Nov 15, Dec 20 (this date is subject to change), Feb 21, March 21, April 18, May 16 $18 for the entire year. Please register by sending your check to the TBT office, designated for Women’s Study Group on the memo line. 7:00-8:30 PM - Oneg Room This Women’s Study Group is supported by our Sisterhood and the Adult Education Committee. Instructor: Shelley Buxbaum, PhD, Director of the Brill Institute for Jewish Learning at the MJCCA

STEP UP FOR ISRAEL Thursdays, December 13, January 10, February 7, March 14 at 7:30PM – Oneg Room Learn the facts, step up and make a difference – and encourage others to join you! Step Up for Israel is a national, grassroots Israel education campaign designed to create a broad awareness of the growing anti-Israel movement on college campuses and, through highly effective film education and activist opportunities, to motivate people of all ages to step up on Israel’s behalf. A program developed by JerusalemOnlineU.com. Funding for Temple Beth Tikvah’s participation is provided by The Marcus Foundation. Sponsored in collaboration with TBT’s Israel Committee. Instructor: Rabbi Fred Greene

RECLAIMING RITUAL – A WEBINAR! Thursdays, January 17, 24, 31 at 7:30 – 8:45 PM TBT’s first online class! These sessions are going to talk about Ritual. It is going to look at Jewish rituals in classic, traditional, innovative, and compelling new ways. It isn’t about observing because we are “supposed to.” We are contemplating observing Jewish rituals because they have power! Topics to be discussed: Rituals…why bother?, Mikveh, A modern Kashrut, and more. All you need is a computer! Instructor: Rabbi Fred Greene

ACHIM – TBT’S START UP MEN’S GROUP Tuesday, November 6; Thursday, December 20; Tuesday, January 29; Thursday,February 21 at 7:30 PM Over the last few months, a few men have shared that they would appreciate having a "place" for men to gather and talk about things other than sports, business and the like. Here is our chance to share as men in a safe place. Rabbi Greene will be kicking off some ideas about how to connect… in relationships, with God, our Selves, our roles as fathers and grandfathers, our roles as husbands or just as men. If one of us has some tsuris (trouble) or another has a simchah (joyous event), here is a chance to come together ina safe place as men and as achim (brothers). Instructor: Rabbi Fred Greene – Location: Library TIKKUN LEYL SHAVUOT – BACK TO THE SOURCES Tuesday, May 14 at 8:00 PM – Oneg Room Throughout history, Jews have stayed up late at night studying Torah and sacred texts to commemorate the Giving of the Torah by God on Mt. Sinai. We are doing the same (but not so late). Let’s look at different sources relating to how God “revealed” the Torah to our people…and then add your own commentary!

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SPECIAL PROGRAMS A CONGREGATION READS – THE JEW STORE BY STELLA SUBERMAN Sunday, March 3 at 10:45 – 11:45 AM – Oneg Room Lunch & Learn, Thursday, March 7 at 12:00 – 1:15 PM – Location: TBD

The Bronsons were the first Jews to ever live in the small town of Concordia, Tennessee. That didn't stop Aaron Bronson, a Russian immigrant, from moving his young family out of New York by horse and wagon and journeying to this remote corner of the South to open a small dry goods store, Bronson's Low-Priced Store. Cantor Kassel will be leading a discussion after doing her own family’s history in the South. Join her to talk about the book that the Atlanta Journal-Constitution said was "forthright. . . . not a revisionist history of Jewish life in the small-town South but . . . written within the context of the 1920s, making it valuable history as well as a moving family story."

RELIGIOUS FREEDOM IN ISRAEL: MAKING IT A REALITY NOT AN IDEAL WITH SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKER, RABBI MIRI GOLD October 16, 2012 at 7:00 PM, The Temple, 1589 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30309

Israeli Reform Rabbi Miri Gold serves as Rabbi of Kehilat Birkat Shalom, a regional Reform synagogue based at Kibbutz Gezer. Rabbi Gold will be the first non-orthodox Rabbi to be paid by the State of Israel, under a ruling by the Israel Attorney General, this past May. This success comes after a six year fight by the Israel Religious Action Center in the Israeli Supreme Court.

Rabbi Gold’s visit to the United States is supported by ARZA: The Reform Israel Fund. ARZA is the Israel voice of the Reform Movement in the United States, and seeks to make Israel fundamental to the sacred lives and Jewish identities of Reform Jews. ARZA champions and supports activities that help build an inclusive and democratic Israeli society. Find out more at www.arza.org. Sponsored by ARZA and the Reform Congregations of the Atlanta area, including Temple Beth Tikvah.

ISRAELI MOVIE NIGHT – WATCH FOR MORE INFO January 2013 This program is sponsored by TBT’s Israel Committee.

PROFESSOR KEN STEIN – “ISRAEL IN A CHANGING MIDDLE EAST: A COMMUNITY INQUIRY” Thursday, February 28 @ 7:30pm – Location: Social Hall

Join Emory University Professor Ken Stein, PhD, in a conversation about the unease surrounding the enormous changes in the Middle East, Israel, and America after the elections. Where is it all headed? Dr. Stein is a world renown expert on Israel Affairs and is is the William E. Schatten Professor of Contemporary Middle Eastern History, Political Science and Israeli Studies. He established Emory’s Institute for the Study of Modern Israel (ISMI) and the Center for Israel Education to advance Israeli modern history to students and youth. This event is free and open to the public. This event is

sponsored by TBT’s Israel Committee, generously funded by TBT’s Men’s Club and an anonymous donor.

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ATLANTA JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL January 30 – February 20, 2013 The Atlanta Jewish Film Festival (AJFF) is a 20-day cinematic exploration of Jewish life, culture and history. Seeking to use the power of film to both entertain and educate, AJFF challenges conventional perspectives on complex and challenging issues facing both the Jewish and global communities. More info at: www.ajff.org.

MJCCA BOOK FESTIVAL November 1 - 18, 2012 at the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta For 20 successful years, the Book Festival of the MJCCA has provided our community with a 2 week literary extravaganza featuring an exciting lineup of the year’s most exceptional authors. From history to mystery, fiction to fact, politics to religion, and humor to political satire, the Book Festival has something to satisfy every age and interest. More info at: www.atlantajcc.org/specialevents/the-book-festival-of-the-mjcca/.

Temple Beth Tikvah is the sponsor of the Esther G. Levine Community Read at the Book Festival, featuring the renown Rabbi Harold Kushner and his new book, The Book of Job: When Bad Things Happened to a Good Person. Save the Date: November 12 at 8:15 pm at the MJCCA. All TBT members get a discounted rate – tickets are $13 when you order through www.atlantajcc.org/bookfestival and when it asks “Have a Coupon?”, enter: “TBT”. This is the MJCCA member rate. Even if you are a member, please type in this code so we can track our congregation’s participation. In addition, Temple Beth Tikvah members are invited to purchase Book Festival “All-Access” series tickets, which provide entrance to all the November Book Festival programs (except the two lunch events and the Family Reading Festival), at the discounted MJCCA member rate of $85 per ticket. Temple Beth Tikvah will receive $18 for each series ticket sold. However, you must enter the “Coupon Series Ticket code” – “TBT Series” – at the time you order your ticket(s) online at www.atlantajcc.org/bookfestival. (Once again, please enter the “TBT Series” coupon code even if you are already a MJCCA member, so that Temple Beth Tikvah can receive the $18 on each series ticket purchase.)

SENIORS LUNCH AND LEARN SERIES October 15, November 12, December 10, January 14, February 11, March 11, April 8, May 13 – Oneg Rm Save the dates! Each lunch & Learn will feature a special guest to speak, including congregants sharing special expertise and experiences, leaders of local Jewish organizations and TBT’s own Rabbi Tam, Rabbi Greene and Cantor Kassel.

SENIORS FOR ENRICHED LIVING – JOURNEY THROUGH GENESIS, PART 2 Thursdays, Jan 10-February 28 at 10:00-11:00 AM at Roswell Presbyterian Church Rabbi Greene will be exploring the major themes and Jewish perspectives on the Book of Genesis for participants in Roswell’s Seniors for Enriched Living (SEL). He will continue where he left off last year, beginning with the story of Abraham and concluding with Joseph. Roswell-Alpharetta Seniors Enriched Living is a non-profit interfaith community organization dedicated to empowering older adults to lead productive, creative and independent lives Its purpose is to provide a multi-dimensional ministry to and with seniors through local churches and organizations. Registration & fees: 770-587-3750, http://sel-web.org.

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Online Jewish Learning Rabbi Greene’s blog- www.ayekah.wordpress.com

www.myjewishlearning.com Reform movement’s Jewish learning Resources - www.urj.org/torah

Reform movement blog - http://blogs.rj.org/reform/ Kveller, Jewish parenting - www.kveller.com/blog/

Sh’ma: A Journal of Jewish Responsibility -www.shma.com/

THE KEVA PROGRAM

Shammai would say, “Make the study of Torah a set priority [keva]; Say little, and do much; and receive every person with a pleasant face. – Pirkei Avot 1:15 The KEVA Program is designed to encourage adult Jewish learning by providing learners with attainable Jewish educational goals and appropriate recognition from the Union for Reform Judaism.

AWARDS KEVA The Union for Reform Judaism awards the KEVA Certificate of Recognition to individuals who complete 100 hours of adult Jewish study. CHAVER KEVA The Union for Reform Judaism awards the CHAVER KEVA Certificate of Recognition to individuals who complete 365 hours of adult Jewish study, which corresponds to setting aside a fixed time for study for each day of the year. ENROLLMENT AND ADMINISTRATION To participate in the KEVA recognition program, you must download or request a KEVA Log from Rabbi Greene. When you reach your goal of hours dedicated to learning, submit the Log to Rabbi Greene. Hours may be earned in adult education opportunities that are sponsored or co-sponsored by a Temple Beth Tikvah, another synagogue, or local Jewish facility. In addition, KEVA credits can accrue through inter-congregational and Union for Reform Judaism programs such as Kallot and guided personal study. There is no time limit for accumulating hours. EARNING KEVA CREDITS One of the goals of the program is to commit to the continued pursuit of Jewish knowledge. Participants are encouraged to earn these hours through frequent communal study. Guidelines for determining credits can be found at http://urj.org/learning/my/keva/. Examples include:

Talmud Torah Credit corresponds to hours of study completed (one hour = one credit). Possible study opportunities include:

a. Continuing education courses and lectures. b. Adult b’nei mitzvah or adult confirmation (a maximum of 50 hours). c. Tutorial sessions with congregational rabbi, cantor or educator. d. Union or Union-Affiliate Adult Study Programs, such as 10 Minutes of Torah. One year

of 10 Minutes of Torah daily study can earn up to 50 KEVA credits! Kallot – Retreats for Jewish leaning experiences -- Participants may earn a maximum of 10

hours of credit for each Union-sponsored Kallah they attend. Educational Travel

Independent Study - contact Rabbi Greene or Cantor Kassel to figure out your own learning plan.

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