Rabbi Aaron S. Gold Institute of Adult Jewish Studies

Class Schedule 2012/2013

Torah Discussion Group

We are starting a new Torah Discussion group, which will occur after Shabbat morning services. These are not “lectures.” Rather, the format is interactive with “challenge questions” that make for interesting discussion and participation. Click here or more information.

Basic Judaism

Taught by Rabbi Leonard Rosenthal
Sundays, February 10 – June 9, 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. (some sessions are from 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.)

This course explains Jewish concepts, values, and rituals. It is a required course for those interested in conversion, but open to anyone who wishes to expand their knowledge about Judaism.

Click here for the full syllabus.

The course is $40 for synagogue members, and $150 for non-members, plus books (scholarships are available). Please email Rabbi Rosenthal to let him know you’d like to attend.

Previous offerings included:

The Spirituality of Prayer - A Five-Session Course 

Instructor:  Rabbi Leonard Rosenthal.

Have you ever felt lost in the synagogue, even when reading the English part of a Siddur? In this class we will focus on several of our most familiar prayers. We will go below the surface to discover the multifaceted interpretations of traditional prayers and how they can connect us with God and each other.

Dive for the pearls & deeper meanings of the Hebrew Bible and fly to up its clouds…all with “Magic Letters”

Hebrew 1 will teach the alphabet and sounds. It will teach the meanings of Hebrew “magic letters”… and how all Hebrew word-meanings (superficial and deep) derive from these, via “tweaking.”

Are you Jewish or Jew-ish?

This will be a series of workshops focused on the burning issues of Jewish identity. These forums will include background material, the personal stories of community members, and ample opportunity for freewheeling and open discussion. Click here to learn more about these engaging opportunities.

Mini-Course: War and National Security

Is there such a thing as a “just war?” Is “all fair in love and war,” or are there limits to appropriate behavior by countries and their armed forces? What constitutes torture and is it ever justified? Our primary text for this class will be “Jewish Choices, Jewish Voices – War and National Security” by Elliot Dorff and Danya Ruttenberg. We will compare Judaism’s stance on critical issues compared to those of the United States, Israel, and other nations.

Instructor:  Rabbi Leonard Rosenthal.

Advanced Talmud Seminar

Are you interested in studying the Talmud in the original Hebrew/Aramaic? A small chevruta (study group) will be available to a limited number of participants. No previous experience is necessary, but Hebrew reading ability is a prerequisite. The days and times of the chevruta will be set in accordance with the needs of the participants. For more information, please call (619) 697-6001 or email Rabbi Rosenthal.