Rabbi Aaron S. Gold Institute of Jewish Studies: Schedule for 2007/08
Hebrew
Hebrew school was never like this! Come study Hebrew with us this year. Maybe you've heard that our courses are different: All of them use the same method as is used in the popular "Ulpan" currently sponsored by the San Diego Agency for Jewish Education - but generally focused on reading for religious purposes.
Alef-Bet Crash Course
Rapid introduction to pronouncing Hebrew words, with fun 'associations' like "the pirate with a pin." Hebrew school was never like this! Dates & times: Sundays, 9:30 - 10:40 a.m., October 7 - 28, 2007 Fee: free, but please register. Instructor: Zev bar-Lev, professor of linguistics at SDSU, and founder/director of the Language Bazaar.
Elementary Hebrew Mini-Course
Review of alphabet, practice with basic vocabulary, reading/comprehension of some simple texts. Dates & times: Sundays, 9:30 - 10:40 a.m., November 4 & 18 and December 2 - 16, 2007 Fees: $35 (members), $40 (non-members), plus books. Instructor: Zev bar-Lev, professor of linguistics at SDSU, and founder/director of the Language Bazaar.
Beyond the Alphabet Mini-Course
Learn what Hebrew means! (You wouldn't say you can read Turkish just because you can pronounce it.) Here you will learn how Hebrew is like challah (English is like sliced bread), and how kabbalah can help build your vocabulary rapidly through roots and roots of roots. Dates & times: Sundays, 9:30 - 10:40 a.m., January 6 & 13, February 3, and March 2, 2008. Fees: $35 (members), $40 (non-members), plus books. Instructor: Zev bar-Lev, professor of linguistics at SDSU, and founder/director of the Language Bazaar.
Judaism
Basic Judaism
This course explains Jewish concepts, values and rituals. It provides a good review of subjects learned in Torah School on an adult level, and is a required course for conversion to Judaism. A mandatory Hebrew Literacy component of this course is scheduled for November 4 - December 16, 2007 (at no additional charge). (See Elementary Hebrew Mini-Course on pg 2.) Dates & Times: Sundays, 10:45 a.m. - 12:00 noon, September 9, 2006 - May 18, 2008. Fees: $40 (members), $150 (non-members), plus books (scholarships are available). Instructor: Rabbi Leonard Rosenthal. Click here to purchase the required and recommended books for this course.
Adult B'nai Mitzvah
Even though everyone becomes a Bar or Bat Mitzvah when they reach the age of 13, many Jews feel something missing from their lives if they do not participate in this very moving coming of age ceremony. Fortunately, it is never too late to celebrate becoming a Bar or Bat Mitzvah! Students will learn to chant from the Torah and Haftarah, and to lead the service. The year will culminate at a moving and inspirational Adult B'nai Mitzvah service. (Please note: Adult B'nai Mitzvah students must be simultaneously enrolled in, or have previously completed, Rabbi Rosenthal's Basic Judaism class. The class is open to TIS members only.) Dates & Times: Sundays, 9:30 - 10:40 a.m., October 7 - December 16, 2007. Fees: $118. Instructor: Rabbi Leonard Rosenthal.
Ethics
The Wisdom of the Fathers: Pirkei Avot
"If I am not for myself, who will be for me? If I am only for myself, then what am I? If not now, when?" These well known words of Rabbi Hillel come from the section of the mishne known as Pirkei Avot, the Ethics of the Fathers. Pirkei Avot contains the timeless wisdom and ethical teachings of Jewish sages. We will study selections from Pirkei Avot, analyze the principles and values they teach, and learn how this ancient wisdom can help us negotiate through treacherous times and solve contemporary issues. This is a continuation of last year's popular course. No previous experience is necessary to enroll and enjoy! Dates & Times: Sundays, 9:30 - 10:40 a.m., January 21 - April 22, 2007. Fees: $35 (members), $40 (non-members), plus books. Instructor: Rabbi Leonard Rosenthal.