Adult Education

Welcome to Lifelong Learning at Congregation Neveh Shalom!

Neveh Shalom is committed to creating learning opportunities our adult members to stimulate and enrich your Jewish experience and commitment. It’s never too late to learn! We offer courses on Jewish topics throughout the year including Hebrew, Synagogue Skills, Torah and Talmud Study and more. Beginning Hebrew is now being offered twice each year, in the fall and spring. All our classes are taught by our clergy and other knowledgeable experts.

This Fall, check out these free, one-time classes:

How does our Jewish Year Invite Wonder in our Children and in Ourselves?
Explore several of our Jewish holidays and how they are connected to our Jewish beliefs around civic responsibility (Tikkun Olam), Kind community (Kehillah), the power of storytelling (Torah), and more. You will come away with ways to engage young children in meaningful interaction/conversation/activities around the Jewish holidays, and delight at participating in some of our favorite sensory activities from Foundation School. Thursday, September 6, 6:30 pm. RSVP to Tori or register online

Q&A for: Beginning Hebrew & Machon Ivrit
Meet the teachers, get the syllabus, and find out what level works best for you.
Tuesday, Oct 9, 7 pm. RSVP to JoAnn or register online

Conservative Judaism Explained
Whether you’re a new member or simply seeking greater clarity, you’re invited to attend this engaging opportunity to learn about our movement’s name, values, and distinguishing features. Monday, Oct 8, 7 pm. RSVP to JoAnn or register online

JUDAISM IN OUR LIVES

God for Grown Ups

Dates: TBD
We will examine traditional and modern thinking about who or what God is. We will also have an opportunity to critique Rav D’s theology and develop our own beliefs. Taught by Rabbi David Kosak. RSVP to Tori or register online

Shehechiyanu: Blessing the Ordinary and Extraordinary Moments of Birth and Parenting

Thursdays Oct 4, 11, 18, 25, 7:00-9:00pm
In this four-part series, expecting mothers and their partners or birth supports will explore joys, fears, and questions about the rituals of early child-rearing, such as birth, sleeping, and nursing. You will learn tried and tested methods for stress reduction and ways to support your family’s overall well-being, as well as the Jewish wisdom, blessings, and songs that can guide you in pregnancy, birth, postpartum and parenthood. Teachers: Sarah Rohr and Sue Stone. Fee: $160 per family. Register online
Sarah Rohr is a teacher in the CNS ALIYAH program, Doula and artist. Sue Stone is a Nurse, Board Certified Lactation Consultant, CNS Foundation School teacher, and sleep whisperer. What they share is an abiding friendship, a love of Judaism and the joy of witnessing families grow and thrive.

Maximizing a Meaningful Life with Mussar

Tuesdays, Jan 8-May 21, 11am-12noon
Mussar is “ethical behavior” steeped in Torah. Mussar helps to guide us in living a meaningful life through awareness and action. After brief blessings and short meditations, we will delve into lively discussions on topics of how we live and relate to others. We will be guided by the book Einstein and The Rabbi by Naomi Levy. Book provided with registration. Cost: $36. Instructor: Laurie Fendel. Online registration begins in November, or contact JoAnn.

Rosh Hodesh Women’s Win(e)d Down

All year: Oct 7, Nov 8, Dec, Jan 7, Feb 5, Mar 7, Apr 6, May 5, June 4, July 3, Aug 3, Sept 1.
A time for women to gather and welcome the new Jewish month with community, reflection and discussion. Hosted in member homes. Light nosh and drinks provided. RSVP to Rabbi Posen– there will be a google form for sign up each month. Cost: Free

Science & Spirituality

Selected Wednesday evenings, 7:00-8:30 pm, Stampfer Chapel
Is there a conflict between scientific understanding and spiritual belief? This new series asks what the fields of medicine, genetics, physics, aeronautics, and brain science can and do offer to the fields of religious ideology, practice, and spiritual care—and vice versa. We’ve invited monthly guest speakers to help us probe the deepest questions that help us understand, truly, what it means to be human. You don’t need to leave any part of you –personal or professional, your heart or your head—at the door for this exciting new series. Drop-ins welcome. No need to register. Weds (except Dec): 10/3; 11/7; Dec TBD; 1/9; 2/6; 3/6; 4/3; 5/1. December class will be on Shabbat in conjunction with our Scholar in Residence.

Moments of the Heart

Tuesdays, 7:30-8:30 pm, Jan 8-Feb 26
Join educator and author Dorice Horenstein to explore how to live life wholeheartedly. Moments of the Heart/Rigei Lev is her new book, focusing on Jewish thought and practice, Hebrew language, and spiritual connection. Our heart has a tremendous influence on how we act, view life, and build relationships. We will explore four different types of relationships: with self, others, the Creator, and with special and once-in-a-life time moments that define us and give us the essence of who we are. $75 for 8 weeks. Online registration opens in November, or contact JoAnn.

HEBREW

Beginning Hebrew

Ease into Hebrew beginning with Alef-Bet letter recognition, vowels, and decoding skills, and move on to build a basic vocabulary. This course (or its equivalent level of mastery) is a pre-requisite for all other Hebrew and synagogue skill classes, and acts as the first year of Machon Ivrit. Register online

Two Options for Fall Course:

Tuesdays, 7-9pm | Oct 16 – Jan 29 & Feb 5 – May 21
Teacher: Itai Dewar
Two semesters: $510 CNS members/ $560 non-members.
One semester: $280 CNS members / $305 non-members.

Sundays, 11am-12pm | Oct 14, 2018 – May 12, 2019
Teacher: Itai Dewar
$280 CNS members / $305 non-members.

New Spring Start Class:

Tuesdays, 7-9pm | Feb 5, 2019 – May 21, 2019
$280 CNS members / $305 non-members. Teacher: TBD. Online registration opens in November or contact JoAnn.

Modern Hebrew (Intermediate & Advanced)

Join us for a special Q&A session on October 9, 7:00pm
Year-long course in Modern Hebrew. With engaging teachers and a specially designed curriculum, this once-a-week program brings learners to higher levels of speaking, reading, and understanding. Register online

Two Levels:
Ready to Read & Speak*
For those with a working knowledge of the Alef-Bet and some basic Hebrew vocabulary. Focus on practical vocabulary and grammar. Teacher: Etti Segal. Register online
Pre-requisite: “Beginning Hebrew” course or equivalent level of mastery.

Conversational*
For those ready to expand Hebrew skills into the practical arena of real life. Discuss Israeli news articles and other modern media to practice reading, speaking, and comprehension skills. Teacher: Oshra Rapaport. Register online
Pre-requisite: “Ready to Read & Speak” course or equivalent level of mastery.

*Tuesdays, 7:00-9:00pm | October 16 – May 21
$720 for CNS members / $800 for non-members. To inquire about Financial aid, contact JoAnn.

SYNAGOGUE SKILLS

Beginning Hebrew

See the entry above under “Hebrew.” This course (or its equivalent level of mastery) is a pre-requisite for all other Hebrew and synagogue skill classes, and acts as the first year of Machon Ivrit. Register online

Adult Bnai Mitzvah

Celebrate a New Achievement and Milestone!

Did you not have the opportunity to celebrate a bar/bat mitzvah at age 13? Or have you hoped to “update” that experience by celebrating as an adult? Have you been inspired by watching someone else? Join our Adult B’nai Mitzvah experience!

New this fall: a cohort that meets together over the course of two years, guided by Deb Freedberg, learning Hebrew and prayers, exploring Torah and its meaning, and culminating in your own Bar or Bat Mitzvah surrounded by a supportive community.

Private Tutorial for Synagogue Skills or Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah

Work on meeting your goals and get one-on-one coaching with Deb Freedberg. Set up a few sessions or a full semester working towards a special event. For more information, please contact Deb Freedberg.

Hebrew for Prayer

Thursdays, 6:30-7:25pm | Oct 18 – Jan 31 and Feb 7 – May 23
Increase your understanding of what we say when we pray. Together we will learn the most common shoreshim (roots) that are used throughout our siddur (prayerbook). Taught by Itai Dewar. Course fee $50 per semester. Register online

Siddur Basics

Thursdays, 7:35-8:30pm | Oct 18 – Jan 31 and Feb 7 – May 23
Learn the Shabbat morning service like a pro! The course is divided into modules that last from 4-6 weeks. Each module focuses on a different part of the service. Taught by Itai Dewar. Course fee $50 per semester. Register online

Learn to Leyn: Chanting Torah for Beginners and Beyond

Wednesdays, 6:30-7:25pm | Oct 17 – Jan 23
Learn to engage in the honor of reading Torah! If you can decode Hebrew you can learn to chant Torah. We will learn the names and tunes of the cantillation symbols, after which each student will work on an individual Torah reading for a future service of your choice. Taught by Deb Freedberg. Course fee $50. Register online

EMERITI PROGRAM

Rabbi Isaak: “Nine Essential Things I’ve Learned About Life” by Rabbi Harold Kushner. Begins Thur, Nov. 1, 10am

Read and discuss Rabbi Harold Kushner’s new book. Rabbi Kushner is a familiar author whose most famous book, “When Bad things Happen to Good People,“ had universal appeal, addressing his pain after the loss of his son. Rabbi Kushner continued to write deeply compassionate and moving books exploring some of the basic ethical questions: how good do you have to be, how much is enough. Recently he published his thirteenth volume: “Nine Essential Things I’ve Learned About Life.” Join with others as we read and discuss together this collection of thoughts about life and how to live it. Tuition is $36 and includes the book. To register contact Tori or register online

Rabbi Stampfer: “What’s So Good About the Good Book?” An Introduction to the Bible. Begins Thur, Oct. 4, 11am

Join Rabbi Stampfer for this introductory session to learn more about his fall 2018-19 emeritus class (Thursdays beginning on October 4, 11:00am). Rabbi Stampfer would like to know what you would like to learn about the Bible. Please email or bring a copy of your expectations for the course to the session. The tuition is $50.00/person, which includes the text Introduction to the Bible by Christina Hayes of Yale University. To register contact Tori or register online

TEXT STUDY

Women’s Torah Study

An uplifting hour of study on Shabbat! Delve into biblical and midrashic text, (Hebrew and English text available) with a group of other women to find meaning from our traditions that relate to our lives. All levels of experience welcome. Taught by Mel Berwin. Free. Drop-ins welcome. No need to register. Oct 13 and 27, Nov 10 and 24, Dec 22, Jan 12, Feb 2, Mar 9 and 23, Apr 13 and 27, May 11 and 25

Rabbi Isaak’s Bible Study

Thursdays, 3:30-4:15pm
Weekly learning and discussion on a book in the Tanakh with Rabbi Emeritus, Daniel Isaak. Free. Drop-ins welcome. No need to register.

Rabbi Stampfer’s Talmud Study

Tuesdays, 5:00pm-6:00pm
Join our Emeritus Rabbi for weekly study of our sacred texts. Currently this class takes place at Rabbi Stampfer’s home. No cost to attend. Questions? Contact Tori.

CULTURAL LITERACY

Pages and Pixels

Book discussion & movie. Selected Sundays, year round at 4pm. Sunday, July 15, 4:00pm
This month we are reading I am Forbidden by Anouk Markovitz. “A beautifully crafted, emotionally gripping story of what happens when unwavering love, unyielding law, and centuries of tradition collide, I Am Forbidden announces the arrival of an extraordinarily gifted voice and opens a startling window on a world closed to most of us.” Following discussion of the novel we will watch the 2017 movie, “Menashe.” Free. RSVP to Kaiya.

Get Fit Israeli Dance with Dorice Horenstein

Tuesdays, Oct 9-Dec 11 (no class Nov 20)
Weekly beginning and intermediate level Israeli dance class helps you get in shape, learn new moves, and listen to fun, Israeli music. $90 for 9 weeks or $12/week drop-in . Register Online or contact JoAnn.

9:15 Beginning Level—learn Israeli dance steps for novice dancers, lower impact workout
10:15 Intermediate Level—for those familiar with basic Israeli dance and ready for higher impact workout.

Book Talk

Book club. Selected Sundays, Year round, 4pm. Free. RSVP to Kaiya. We choose a book to read and discuss together.

Learn the Art of Jewish Storytelling

Thursdays: November 1-December 13 (off Nov 22) & January 10-31, 6:15-8:15pm
You are invited on a three month journey with Professional Jewish Storyteller Brian Rohr. This class is open to beginner and experienced performers! Come with an open mind, heart and a spirit of play. In this ten class course, Brian will teach the art and skill of performative storytelling, exploring the ancient stories, personal narrative and techniques on how to discover your own unique storytelling voice. We will end with a public performance for family and friends. Questions? Please contact: brohr@nevehshalom.org. CNS members $150, Non-members $200. Register Online.