Adult Education Brochure - Jewish Reconstructionist ... Adult Education Brochure Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation 303 Dodge Avenue Evanston, IL 60202 847-328-7678 2 Adult Education

2014-2015/5775

Adult Education Brochure

Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation

303 Dodge Avenue Evanston, IL 60202 www.jrc-evanston.org847-328-7678

2 Adult Education & Programming • 2014-2015/5775

History & Philosophy

Register for classes at: www.jrc-evanston.org

Turmoil in the Middle East: Israel, the Palestinians and the future of the Arab Nation StateProfessor Elie Rekhess

This class will discuss the stability of the region and neighboring Arab states, the strategic balance of power between Shia and Sunni and the emerging new para-digms, the rise of militant political Islam, and the security of the state of Israel in light of the war in Gaza and the ongoing civil war in Syria.

Thursday, October 30, 20147:30pm-9:00pm

JRC members: $6; non-members: $12

Jews and the Labor QuestionProfessor Leon Fink

Session I: Jews and the Rise of the American Labor MovementExplore Jewish immigrant radicalism among American industrial workers from 1900 through the 1960s.

Session II: Labor, Neo-Liberalism, and the Prospects for a Democratic FutureExpolore the challenges facing labor and its allies since the end of the post-WWII economic boom, the globalization of trade and production, and the political devaluation of the public sector.

Thursdays, December 11 and 18, 20147:30pm-9:00pm

JRC members: no charge; non-members: $24

Jews and Chicago PoliticsRick Reeder

This series will explore the strong influence that Jewish politicians had in the development of the fabled Chicago Political Machine as well as with the reform and progressive wings of the local Democratic Party.

Tuesdays, February 3 and 10, 20157:30pm-9:00pm


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The Oriental Institute, founded in 1919, is a world-leading center and museum for the study of ancient Near Eastern civilizations.

Part I: Ancient Canaan and Early IsraelProfessor Jack Green

Follow the emergence of ancient Israel in the Southern Levant during the Late Bronze and Early Iron Ages (ca. 1400 – 900 BCE). Of particular interest is the history and archaeology of the Jewish monarchy under Kings David and Solomon, the story of which remains a hotly debated topic among archaeologists and historians.

Thursday, November 6, 20147:30pm-9:00pm

Part II: Israelite Religion, Written and Practiced: From the First Temple to the Persian PeriodProfessor Jeffrey Stackert

Discuss the major religious trends reflected in the Hebrew Bible and how they contribute to our understanding of religion in ancient Israel and Judah. The class will also explore the history of modern scholarship on these topics.

Thursday, November 13, 20147:30pm-9:00pm


University of Chicago’s Oriental Institute Series at JRC


Jewish Life in Early 20th Century GermanyProfessor Elizabeth Loentz

Better known as “Anna O” from Freud and Breuer's famous case study of hysteria, the real Bertha Pappenheim was arguably the most influential German-Jewish woman of her time. This class series will look at Pappenheim's life to shed light on many issues of concern to German Jews before the Holocaust: Zionism, the plight of Jews in Eastern Europe, the First World War, National Socialism, and much more.

Thursdays, March 5 and 12, 20157:30pm-9:00pmJRC members: $12; non-members: $24

Great Jewish DebatesRabbi Brant Rosen

Debate has been a central and sacred aspect of Jewish spiritual culture for centuries. Join Rabbi Rosen for a stimulating tour through some of the most famous and contentious debates in Jewish history: the disagreements between the classical Rabbis Hillel and Shammai, the medieval theological disputations between Maimonides and Nachmanidies, and the modern debates in the Zionist movement (between Theodor Herzl, Ahad Ha'am, Martin Buber, et al) over the concept of political Jewish statehood.

Thursdays, May 7, 14 and 21, 20157:30pm-9:00pm

JRC members and non-members: no charge


Religious Zionism in Christianity and JudaismCantor Michael Davis

Session 1: The Rabbi who became the First Bishop of JerusalemExplore two centuries of intersections between Jews and Christians as told by the buildings and institutions they left behind.

Session 2: From the Shtetl to the SettlementsLearn about the rabbis behind the Jewish settler movement in the West Bank. How does the new Jewish messianism mirror Christian Zionism?

Thursdays, February 19 and 26, 20157:30pm-9:00pmJRC members: no charge; non-members: $12

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Torah Study with the Rabbi(Open to the public)Rabbi Brant Rosen

Join Rabbi Rosen for this weekly discussion about the Parshat Ha’Shavuah, the weekly Torah portion.Saturday mornings9:00am-9:50am

Literacy, Ritual & Spirituality


Adult Hebrew ( JRC members only)Ben Melnick

While these courses are free, registration is required. The class size is limited to 10 students. Course books will be available for purchase, for under $10, during the first class session.Part I: Hebrew for BeginnersThis is an introductory course in reading Hebrew. It is designed for those who have no Hebrew reading background or experience. Students will become famil-iar with the Aleph-Bet.

Tuesday evenings, September 9-November 11, 20147:30am-8:45pm

Part II: Prayer Book Hebrew for BeginnersStudents will gain experience in reading prayers from the Shabbat morning service using our JRC Shabbat and Holiday Prayer Book as a text. Topics will include sections from the Shema and its blessings, the Amidah, and the Torah Service. Prerequisites: Hebrew for Beginners or equivalent background. Students should be familiar with the Aleph-Bet.

Tuesday evenings, March 10-May 19, 20157:30am-8:45pm


Part I: Current IssuesIna Winston

Learn from the trenches of “Immigration-land” about our country's immigra-tion system. We will examine common problems facing immigrants and their families and also current hot topics.

Wednesday, April 8, 20157:30pm-9:00pm

Part II: The Ever-Wandering People: Jewish Views on ImmigrationRabbi Brant Rosen

What does Jewish tradition and Jewish historical experience have to teach us about the contemporary struggle for a humane immigration policy in our country? Join Rabbi Rosen as we explore classical and contemporary Jewish sources and apply them to this critically important political/human rights issue.


Part III: Film Night: The American Jewish ExperienceJudith Cohen

Enter the world of Jewish immigration and assimilation over 100 years ago through the delightful film Hester Street, based on the novella by Abe Cahan, editor of the Jewish Daily Forward. The film will be followed by a discussion of some of the issues our grandparents dealt with, both serious and comical.



Immigration: Three-Part SeriesCo-sponsored by JRC’s Immigration Justice Task Force


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Judaism as a Mindfulness PracticeRabbi Jordan Bendat-AppellThis class series will explore classical and contemporary Jewish sources that illu-minate how Jewish ritual life can be filled with experiences of mindful awareness. You will study how tzit-tzit, mezuzot, tefillah (prayer), and the practice of saying brachot (blessings) can all be engaged as mindfulness practices. Additionally, the class will learn the fundamentals of Jewish mindfulness meditation. Sundays, October 19 and 26, 201411:30am-1:00pmJRC members and students: $12; non-members: $24

The Torah of MoneyRabbi Brant Rosen

Judaism has a great deal to teach us about the role of wealth in society. How are we commanded to use our economic resources for the greater communal good? What is the role of individual responsibility? Is it possible to develop a contem-porary Jewish ethic of money and society?

Sunday, December 14, 201411:30am-1:00pm


Jewish Views of the AfterlifeRabbi Brant Rosen

Although Judaism is often stereotyped as a religion primarily concerned with the “here and now,” there is actually a long and rich tradition of Jewish specula-tion on the afterlife. In this class Rabbi Rosen will present a variety of Bibli-cal, rabbinic, mystical and folkloric sources that deal with such concepts as the underworld, the world to come, the journey of the soul and reincarnation from a Jewish point of view. We will also discuss the pastoral dimensions of this kind of speculation, and the power of such beliefs to comfort the mourner.

Sundays, January 18 and 25, 201511:30am-1:00pm




Shiva: The Jewish House of MourningCo-sponsored with JRC’s Chesed Community

Cantor Howard Friedland

This class will prepare participants to lead the weekday evening service at a house of mourning. We will start each class by praying the evening service together. The first class will focus on Shiva customs, and will feature David Jacobson, founder and president of Chicago Jewish Funerals. The final two classes will focus on the chanting of the service. Open to members aged 13 years and older. Ability to read prayer book Hebrew required. All learning materials will be provided.

Sundays, March 15, 22 and 29, 201511:30am-1:00pm


Healing with God’s Love: Kabbalah’s Hidden SecretsRabbi Dr. Douglas Goldhamer

Explore the mystical concepts and meditative practices of the Kabbalah such as balancing the feminine and male presences of God. Rabbi Goldhamer will also discuss meditative ways to maximize wellness in your life. Sunday mornings, April 19 and 26, 201511:30am-1:00pmJRC members and students: $12; non-members: $24

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Arts & CultureIsrael Film Night Watch recent films from Israel and share snacks and soft drinks provided by JRC. 1st Wednesday of the month 7:30pm

Shabbat Morning Feldenkrais: Walking with EaseLeslie Schwartzman Inspired by the work of Moshe Feldenkrais and the spirit of Shabbat, we will bring curiosity, attention, and gentleness to exploring habitual patterns of move-ment in standing, sitting, and lying, in order to cultivate function with greater ease and less effort.

Saturday morningsOctober 11, 18, 25 and November 1, 20149:00am-10:00am


Sacred Music TourCantor Howard FriedlandJoin us for a very different Sacred Music experience. Cantor Howard Friedland will be our tour guide to Saint Nectarios Greek Orthodox Church in Palatine, IL. This program is open to JRC members only. (There is a $10 fee for a charter bus which will be leaving from and returning to JRC.) Registration is required as space on the bus is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Sunday, October 12, 2014 9:00am-2:00pm

Jewish American Poetry Elizabeth Klein ShapiroAmerican-Jewish poets address all of the problems that we as American Jews struggle with in our daily lives. These include problems of faith, identity, Israel, gender, politics, and anti-Semitism. Explore and clarify these issues through the medium of poetry.Tuesdays, November 18 and December 2, 20147:30pm-9:00pmJRC members: no charge; non-members: $12



Sunday Morning Parenting Classes This series on parenting and child development from area experts is co-sponsored by JRC’s Adult Education and Religious School Committees. There is no charge for these classes.

Are you tired of Time-Outs? TheraPlay SolutionsDafna Lender

Managing your child’s difficult behavior can be overwhelming, especially when it is a constant battle. If time-outs and other traditional discipline methods don’t seem to be working, come learn new methods and ideas of how to manage your child's challenging behavior the TheraPlay way.

Sunday, November 2, 201411:30am-1:00pm

It's More Than Matza Ball Soup: Making Jewish Memories for Our Children(As part of the JRF Summer Camp day at JRC’s Religious School)

Susan Stone

What are your Jewish memories? How did they inform your life? Join pro-fessional storyteller Susan Stone in a fun, experiential workshop designed to get you telling your own Jewish narratives (even if you didn't grow up Jewish), interacting with other parents, and finding ways to make important, seminal, and life enhancing Jewish memories for your children.

Sunday, February 15, 20159:30am-11:00am

Connecting the Disconnected: An Introduction to Parenting in SPACEBilly KaplanThis workshop focuses on helping parents, especially adoptive parents, to under-stand how the earliest moments in children’s lives, prenatally through the age of three, have a dramatic effect on core brain "wiring." It provides a framework for moving from traditional parenting techniques, to "rewiring" struggling children's brains through the SPACE of therapeutic parenting: Safety, Support, Structure, Supervision, Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity and Empathy.

Sunday, May 3, 201511:30am-1:00pm

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Jewish Music From Around the WorldStuart Rosenberg

Explore the rich and eclectic musical culture of the Jewish people through two thousand years of wandering. This includes the music of the European world, the Spanish-Jewish world and its diaspora, the Arabic, Persian, Indian, Otto-man, and other eastern cultures. Classes will include live and recorded musical demonstrations.

Thursdays, January 8, 15 and 22, 20157:30pm-9:00pm


Musical Theatre Presentation: Fiddler on the Roof Charles Troy

Experience Charles Troy’s multimedia presentation on the story behind the play Fiddler on the Roof. This program seamlessly weaves together original graphics, audio tracks, video clips, and scripted narratives to tell “Fiddler’s” incredible tale.

Saturday, February 21, 20157:00pm Havdalah Service; 7:30pm Presentation


The Merchant of Venice Professor Michael Shapiro

Is Shylock a villain or a victim? Rightly or wrongly, Shakespeare's romantic comedy, “The Merchant of Venice”, has been a source of anguish to many Jews. This class will focus on the character Shylock and consider the various ways he has been represented.

Thursdays, March 19 and 26, 20157:30pm-9:00pm




Starting September 2014Torah Study with the Rabbi, Saturday mornings, 9:00amAdult Hebrew, Tuesday evenings, 7:30pmIsraeli Film Night, 1st Wednesday of the month, 7:00pm

October 2014Shabbat Morning Feldenkrais: Walking with Ease Saturdays, October 11, 18, 25 and November 1, 9:00amSacred Music Tour, Sunday, October 12, 9:00amJudaism as a Mindful Practice, Sundays, October 19 and 26, 11:30amTurmoil in the Middle East: Israel, the Palestinians and the future of the Arab Nation StateThursday, October 30, 7:30pm

November 2014Parenting Class: TheraPlay, Sunday, November 2, 11:30amUniversity of Chicago’s Oriental Institute Series: Ancient Canaan, Thursdays, November 6, 7:30pm Israelite Religion, Thursday, November 13, 7:30pmJewish American Poetry, Tuesdays, November 18 and December 2, 7:30pm

December 2014Jews and the Labor Question, Thursdays, December 11 and 18, 7:30pmThe Torah of Money, Sunday, December 14, 11:30pm

January 2015Jewish Music from Around the World, Thursdays, January 8, 15 and 22, 7:30pmJewish Views of the Afterlife, Sundays, January 18 and 25, 11:30am

Programs by Date

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Starting September 2014Torah Study with the Rabbi, Saturday mornings, 9:00amAdult Hebrew, Tuesday evenings, 7:30pmIsraeli Film Night, 1st Wednesday of the month, 7:00pm

October 2014Shabbat Morning Feldenkrais: Walking with Ease Saturdays, October 11, 18, 25 and November 1, 9:00amSacred Music Tour, Sunday, October 12, 9:00amJudaism as a Mindful Practice, Sundays, October 19 and 26, 11:30amTurmoil in the Middle East: Israel, the Palestinians and the future of the Arab Nation StateThursday, October 30, 7:30pm

November 2014Parenting Class: TheraPlay, Sunday, November 2, 11:30amUniversity of Chicago’s Oriental Institute Series: Ancient Canaan, Thursdays, November 6, 7:30pm Israelite Religion, Thursday, November 13, 7:30pmJewish American Poetry, Tuesdays, November 18 and December 2, 7:30pm

December 2014Jews and the Labor Question, Thursdays, December 11 and 18, 7:30pmThe Torah of Money, Sunday, December 14, 11:30pm

January 2015Jewish Music from Around the World, Thursdays, January 8, 15 and 22, 7:30pmJewish Views of the Afterlife, Sundays, January 18 and 25, 11:30am

February 2015Jews and Chicago Politics, Tuesdays, February 3 and 10, 7:30pmJewish Parenting: It’s More Than Matza Ball Soup,Sunday, February 15, 11:30am

Religious Zionism in Christianity and Judaism Thursdays, February 19 and 26, 7:30pmMusical Theatre: Fiddler on the Roof, Saturday, February 21, 7:00pm

March 2015Jewish Life in early 20th Century Germany, Thursdays, March 5 and 12, 7:30pmShiva: The House of Mourning, Sundays, March 15, 22 and 29, 11:30amThe Merchant of Venice,Thursdays, March 19 and 26, 7:30pm

April 2015Immigration Series: Current Issues, Wednesday, April 8, 7:30pm The Ever Wandering People, Wednesday, April 15, 7:30pm The American Jewish Experience, Wednesday, April 22, 7:30pm

Healing with God’s Love, Sundays, April 19 and 26, 11:30am

May 2015Jewish Parenting: Connecting the Disconnected (S.P.A.C.E.) Sunday, May 3, 11:30am

Great Jewish Debates, Thursdays, May 7, 14 and 21, 7:30pm




PresentersJordan Bendadt-Appel serves on the rabbinic faculty of the Institute for Jewish Spirituality (New York) and is the co-founder and director of the Center for Jewish Mindfulness in Chicago. He was named one of the 36 under 36 Jewish leaders in Chicago.

Judith Cohen has had a long time interest in Jewish literature, particularly by and about women. She has led classes and workshops and performed excerpts of everything from the works of Bernard Malamud to the Bintel Brief.

Michael Davis grew up in the Orthodox settler movement and lived in Jerusalem for many years before moving to Evanston. He is the Cantor at Lakeside Congregation in Highland Park, IL.

Leon Fink is a Distinguished Professor in the Department of History at the University of Illinois at Chicago. His research and writing focuses on labor unions in the United States, immigration and the nature of work.

Howard Friedland is JRC’s Cantor. Before completing his cantorial studies he was an actor working in theater, film, and television. He is the immediate past-president of the Chicago-Milwaukee Association of Cantors.

Douglas Goldhamer is the founding rabbi of Congregation Bene Shalom in Skokie, as well as president and professor of Jewish Mysticism at Hebrew Seminary, Skokie. He is also an accomplished artist, whose works have been exhibited across the United States.

Jack Green is chief curator of the Oriental Institute Museum, part of the Oriental Institute of the University of Chicago. He is involved in cultural heritage projects overseas, including the National Museum of Afghanistan.

Billy Kaplan is the President and Clinical Director of House Calls Counseling, a human services company based in Chicagoland that provides attachment-focused psychotherapy to individuals, couples and families in the comfort of the home.

Dafna Lender is the Training Director for The Theraplay® Institute. Her main area of interest is in children with serious psychological problems caused by histories of abuse, neglect, trauma and/or multiple placements.

Elizabeth Loentz is the Department Head and Director of Graduate Studies at University of Illinois at Chicago’s Department of Germanic Studies.

Ben Melnick is a long time member of JRC who loves to teach Hebrew and Torah chanting.

Elie Rekhess is the Visiting Crown Chair in Middle East Studies at Northwestern University. He is a leading expert on the Arab minority in Israel, Jewish-Arab relations, Palestinian politics, and Islamic resurgence in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza.

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Rick Reeder teaches at Oakton College’s Emeritus program. He is the creator of the Chicago Jewish Authors Literary Series and the author of Chicago Sketches, a book of memoir vignettes.

Brant Rosen is JRC’s Rabbi. He is Past President of the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Associa-tion, a long-time activist for peace, social justice and human rights, and has served on numer-ous national and local organizational boards.

Stuart Rosenberg is the founder of the Chicago Klezmer Ensemble and a founding partner of Evanston’s SPACE. He has a passion for the music of the Jewish world and for creating meaningful musical experiences.

Leslie Schwartzman is a certified practitioner of the Feldenkrais Method for body work and awareness. She works with people of all ages, as well as with dogs.

Elizabeth Klein Shapiro is an award winning novelist, essayist and poet. She is the winner of several Illinois Arts Council fellowships, and a recipient of two IAC Literary Awards.

Michael Shapiro is a retired Professor of English at the University of Illinois. He has taught at Reading (England), Cornell, Tamkang (Taiwan), and Loyola (Chicago), where he is currently a Visiting Professor.

Jeffrey Stackert is Assistant Professor of Hebrew Bible at the University of Chicago. His research focuses on the composition of the Torah, ancient Near Eastern prophecy, cultic texts, and ancient Near Eastern law.

Susan Stone is a storyteller and teaching artist. Her CD’s of Jewish stories for children have garnered Parents’Choice Gold and Storytelling World awards. Her stories appear in many anthologies, including the Reconstructionist children’s siddur.

Charles Troy has developed more than 50 multimedia presentations on American cultural icons, which he has presented all over the Chicago area, on luxury cruise ships, and at the annual Cole Porter Festival.

Ina Winston has practiced immigration law at the Chicago Legal Clinic for over seven years. She was a Head Assistant Attorney at the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District handling litigation and served as the legislative liaison with the state legislature.


Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation 303 Dodge Avenue Evanston, IL 60202 www.jrc-evanston.org847-328-7678


Refuat HaNefesh (for JRC members only)

Support group for individuals, families and friends who deal with depression and bipolar disorder.

2nd Thursday of the month 7:30pm

Book Group(for JRC members only)

Read and discuss Jewish books of all kinds, from modern and traditional literature, to biography, history and political commentary.

2nd Sunday of the month10:00am

Play Bridge(for JRC members only)

Keep your mind in gear and have fun with other bridge players from novices to afficionados.

2nd & 4th Wednesday of the month7:00pm

On-Going Groups & Activities

Documents

Adult Education Brochure - Jewish Reconstructionist ... Adult Education Brochure Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation 303 Dodge Avenue Evanston, IL 60202 847-328-7678 2 Adult Education