2017 | 20185778

ADULT LEARNING AT CONGREGATION BETH EL

Jewish Journeys

2

Dear Friends,

In my first year at Congregation Beth El I will learn and I will teach. Each day the prayer book encourages us to learn and to teach as we live out our lives, lilmod u’lelamed. I will learn of your interests and from your backgrounds. I will teach from my interests and my background. Together we’ll get to know each other through the ideas we discuss and the texts we study.

This year we’ll also begin to imagine the kind of Adult Learning Programs we want to create for ourselves. Proud of Beth El’s legacy and commitment to Jewish learning for all ages and grateful to all who have taught us until now, this year we’ll plan for next year and beyond.

We learn best through experience. Our minds, hearts, and souls retain what we discover when we learn with others in environments that embrace, challenge, and accept us. True for children and adults alike, it is through experiential education and quality relationships that we must strive to provide engaging and meaningful Jewish learning at Congregation Beth El.

My goal is for all of our learning settings to impart religious character, ethical awareness, and a love of Judaism to encourage our learners to apply their intellectual and spiritual curiosities in order to see life through the lens of Jewish ideas and values as well as personal experience. As I look forward to learning and teaching, I wish you meaning and growth in your Jewish learning and teaching this year, as well.

B’Shalom Rav,

Rabbi Ron Shulman

A LETTER FROM RABBI RON SHULMAN

3

Dear Learners,

Welcome to our Beth El Adult Learning program, Jewish Journeys: Adult Learning at Beth El. I encourage you to review our diverse offerings and participate in a course, study session, or discussion group. I promise you will be engaged and enriched by the facilitators and fellow learners.

The Hebrew word hinuch is often used to describe the transmission of Jewish wisdom from one generation to the next. While commonly translated as “learning” or “training,” the word also means “to dedicate,” which is the root word for the holiday of Hanukkah, re-dedication. It is my hope that you will find meaning in purposeful education and re-dedicate yourselves to your unique Jewish expression.

Shanah Tova,

Rabbi Avi Libman

A LETTER FROM RABBI AVI LIBMAN

4

Class Title Teacher/s Registration Page

Prepare for Hanukkah: History, Holiday, and Modern Jewish Identity

Rabbi Ron Shulman RSVP requested 7

Prepare for Passover: How to Read, Understand, and Better Use the Haggadah at Your Passover Seder

Rabbi Ron Shulman RSVP requested 7

Thinking Jewishly Rabbi Ron Shulman RSVP requested 8

Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah Class Rabbi Avi LibmanRegistration Required. Cost TBD.

8

Introduction to Judaism Rabbi Avi Libman$50 Members$75 Non-members

8

Shalom Hartman iEngage Project: Israel’s Milestones and Their Meanings: The Legacy of the Past and the Challenge of the Future

Dr. Ray Fink$75 Members$100 Non-members

9

Shirenu Chorus Cheri Weiss$50 Members$70 Non-members

9

Yiddish Language and Cultural Arts

Jana Mazurkiewicz Meisarosh, Amelia Glaser, and Yale Strom.

TBD 10

Short StoriesGroup interactive discussions

No registration 10

Wise Aging: Living with Joy, Resilience, and Spirit

Dr. Sandra Block No registration 10

SchmoozeUnderstanding and Exploring Book Art

Dr. Jacqueline Jacobs

Registration Required. Suggested donation for Members $18. Non-members $25

12

SchmoozeJewish Old Liturgy, New Music

Cheri Weiss

Registration Required. Suggested donation for Members $18. Non-members $25

12

SchmoozeCurrent Trends in Jewish Life: Reflections on My First Year at Beth El

Rabbi Ron Shulman

Registration Required. Suggested donation for Members $18. Non-members $25

12

Men Talking with MenA Series of Group Discussions

Men’s Club No registration 12

Men’s Club ShabbatRegistration required. Donations requested

12

Women’s Connection Festival Art Series

Various ArtistsRegistration Required. Cost TBD

13

Women’s Connection Rosh Chodesh Gatherings

Facilitated by Karen Bohrer

Registration Required 13

Women’s Connections Shabbat Registration required. Donations requested

13

5

Daily MinyanTuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays 7:30-8:00am Mondays, Thursdays, and days on which the Torah is read 7:20-8:00am Sundays 9:00amBeit Midrash

Study of Jewish Law Taught by Rabbi Avi Libman Mondays 8:00-8:30amBeit Midrash We use the Shulchan Aruch as a beginning point for our conversation.

Study of Pirkei Avot or Contemporary Jewish Issues Taught by lay leaders Tuesdays 8:00-8:30amBeit MidrashStudy of Pirkei Avot and various topics related to Jewish history.

Talmud Study Class Taught by Rabbi Ron ShulmanWednesdays 8:00–8:30amBeit MidrashCome enjoy the steady and slow experience of studying the core text of Rabbinic Judaism, the Talmud. We’ll learn what the Talmud is and how it informs Jewish life today. Though we’ll study in English, references to Hebrew will be useful as we make our way in discussing and understanding the texts we’ll read.

Torah Study Taught by Dr. Irvin Jacobs Thursdays 8:00-8:30am Beit Midrash Join us and explore the Torah through study and discussion with questions and dialogue.

Study of the SiddurTaught by Dr. Ran AnbarFridays 8:00-8:30amBeit MidrashJoin us as we study the many nuances of our weekday Siddur. We include Hebrew text and alternative translations and strive to develop understandings of the Siddur contexts.

Shabbat Morning Torah StudyTaught by Rabbi Ron Shulman or Rabbi Avi Libman Saturdays 9:00-9:30am Jacobs Family Community Hall Gather together before Shabbat morning services to study the weekly Torah reading based on traditional commentary, contemporary issues, and insights that participants bring to the discussion. This is not a lecture or sermon, but a fully participatory study session.

Rosh Chodesh Education: Mitzvah of the Month Taught by Rabbi Ron ShulmanTuesday, August 22; Sunday, November 19; Tuesday, December 19; Wednesday, January 17; Thursday, February 15; Sunday, April 15; Tuesday, May 158:00–8:30amBeit MidrashJoin us Rosh Chodesh mornings following Minyan to study and discuss a mitzvah appropriate for personal practice and conducive to personal growth. The arrival of each Hebrew month anticipates special themes and celebrations which can inform our values and enrich our lives.

MINYAN & STUDYJoin us for Daily Minyan followed by morning classes and discussion. Not only we will be able to fulfill the important mitzvah of helping others recite the Mourner’s Kaddish, it is a wonderful way to open our hearts and minds, allowing God’s presence into our lives. Everyone is welcome to attend, no registration is required.

6

Torah Trope ClassTaught by Ran AnbarSaturdays 9:00-9:30amOctober 14, 21, 28; November 11, 18, 25; December 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; January 6, 13, 20, 27; February 3, 10, 24; March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31; April 4, 14, 21, 28; May 5, 12, 19, 26; June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30Beit MidrashWe meet on a regular basis to teach Torah trope to beginners, review trope with more experienced readers, and practice upcoming Torah readings.

Reading Prayers and Leading ServicesTo volunteer to read prayers and lead services contact Rabbi Avi Libman at rabbiavi@cbe.org.

To learn to read prayers and lead services contact Terry Miller at terrydramateach@aol.com

Private Tutorials are available for you to volunteer, learn, and/or get ready to lead the congregation. Times to be arranged with those listed for each area of interest.

Torah ReadersTo volunteer to read Torah during services contact Ran Anbar at ran.anbar@centerpointmedicine.com.To learn to read Torah contact Hannah Anbar at hganbar@hotmail.com.

Haftarah ReadersTo volunteer to read the Haftarah during services contact Suzanne Newman at suzgene1@gmail.com.

To learn to read the Haftarah contact Hannah Anbar at hganbar@hotmail.com or Gene Newman atgenesuz@sbcglobal.net.

Gabbai SkillsTo volunteer or learn how to serve as a Gabbai contact Gene Newman at genesuz@sbcglobal.net.

A combined effort of the Minhag Committee, Men’s Club, and Women’s Connection. Congregation Beth El is proud to invite members to participate in all parts of our services. Learn or brush up your prayer leading skills, read from the Torah, chant the Haftarah, and serve as Gabbai.

LEARNING TO LEAD AND READ PRAYERS, TORAH, AND HAFTARAH

7

Prepare for Hanukkah: History, Holiday, and Modern Jewish IdentityTaught by Rabbi Ron ShulmanWednesdays 7:30pmNovember 29; December 6Jacobs Family Community Hall Before enjoying Hanukkah this year, take this opportunity to discover that there’s much more to our Festival of Lights than a legend about oil. We’ll explore the history and significance of Hanukkah in order to discover insights for who we are and how we live as Jews today.

Prepare for Passover: How to Read, Understand, and Better Use the Haggadah at Your Passover SederTaught by Rabbi Ron ShulmanWednesdays 7:30pmMarch 14, 21Jacobs Family Community HallWe’re all familiar with the Passover Haggadah. We’re just not all sure what it’s talking about. Four Questions, Four Sons, memories of slavery and freedom, ritual instructions, Seder symbols, traditional Rabbinic texts, mysterious songs – how did the Haggadah come to be? What should those around our Seder tables get from it? How can we use it most effectively to interest and inspire our Seder guests? Join and prepare for your Passover celebration.

HOLIDAY PREPARATION SERIES

8

Thinking JewishlyTaught by Rabbi Ron ShulmanTuesdays 7:30pmOctober 17, 24, 31; November 7Wednesdays 7:30pmJanuary 24; February 7, 14, 21Jacobs Family Community Hall

Join in an exploration of the ideas and meanings behind Judaism’s celebration of the moments and milestones of our lives. Get to know our new rabbi and help him get to know you by spending four fall Tuesday evenings and four winter Wednesday evenings studying Judaism’s texts and discussing the beliefs and values, customs and practices we experience regularly as Jews. Whatever background you bring to these discussions, you’ll gain deeper insights into Judaism’s religious, spiritual, and ethical wisdom. Spending some time “Thinking Jewishly” will also provide the opportunity to think about current concerns in Jewish life today.

Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah Class If you never celebrated your Bar or Bat Mitzvah, or if you were unsatisfied with the experience as a child, join our upcoming Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah group – a communal spiritual experience culminating in a group Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremony.

Watch for information regarding the next cohort. We are currently forming an interest list for a future start date in 2018. Please contact Valentina at valentina@cbe.org to be added to the list.

Introduction to Judaism Taught by Rabbi Avi LibmanMondays 7:00pm Part I: October 23, 30; November 6, 13; 20, 27Part II: December 4, 11; January 8, 22; January 29; February 5$50 Members | $75 Non-membersBeit Midrash

Introduction to Judaism Part IJoin us for an educational journey for Jews and non-Jews interested in gaining knowledge of Jewish history, life, and culture. In this course, we will cover topics like Jewish history, theology, and philosophy, as well as holidays and life-cycle events, practices, and rituals. The course is geared to anyone who wants to learn more about Judaism, in addition tothose considering conversion.

Introduction to Judaism Part IIJoin us for the second part of an educational journey for Jews and non-Jews interested in gaining knowledge of Jewish history, life, and culture. In this course, we will discuss topics like Jewish History, Mitzvot (Commandments), how and when the Torah was written, prayer, and modern understandings of God. The course is geared to anyone who wants to learn more about Judaism, in addition to those considering conversion.

COURSES

9

Shalom Hartman iEngage Project Israel’s Milestones and Their Meanings: The Legacy of the Past and the Challenge of the FutureTaught by Dr. Ray FinkTuesdays 6:30-8:30pm November 14*, 28; December 5; January 30; February 13, 27; March 13Wednesday 6:30-8:30pm; January 17 $75 Members | $100 Non-membersBeit Midrash*Jacobs Family Community Hall

Memory is a central element in defining modern Jewish identity. As we look to Israel’s future, we need to engage anew with our past and explore its meanings and consequences. Through the consideration of major historic moments, this iEngage Project series grapples with the different ideas and values that shape the meaning of modern Israel, Zionism, and Jewish identity today.This innovative course explores the pivotal events of 1947 and 1967—following the 1917 Balfour Declaration—as key moments when Zionism unleashed new thinking about the meaning of Jewishness for generations to come. The course engages Jews in an open and pluralistic discussion about issues of Jewish identity, peoplehood, ethics, and theology, as they relate to nationhood, land, sovereignty, Jerusalem, occupation, and moral red lines.

Shirenu Chorus Taught by Cheri WeissWednesdays 6:30-8:30pmOctober 25, November 8, 22; December 13, 27January 10, 24; February 7, 21; March 14, 28; April 11, 18; May 9, 23; June 13, 27Plus 3 more dates TBD.Stone Family Sanctuary$50 Members | $70 Non-members

If you love to sing Jewish and liturgical music, we invite you to join our adult mixed voice chorus. No previous experience required. Rehearsals begin with a brief vocal training lesson. We will learn new melodies to traditional Jewish prayers and sing choral versions of familiar Hebrew, English, and Spanish/Ladino songs. The Chorus performs at various venues in the community and will participate in two Friday night special musical services at Beth El over the course of the year.

10

COURSESShort Stories Sundays 10:30am–12:00pm September 24, October 22, November 26, December 17, January 28, February 25, March 25, April 22, May 27, and June 24, Beit MidrashJoin a lively and interactive discussion of short stories from the book 50 Stories from Israel: An Anthology and any book of your selection. Stories discussed each month will be sent one week in advance to all participants. We will be rotating volunteer presenters from within the group. For more information, contact Maty Feldman-Bicas at matyfeldmanbicas@gmail.com. No registration required.

Wise Aging: Living with Joy, Resilience, and Spirit Led by Dr. Sandra BlockWednesdays 11:00am–12:30pmOctober 4, 18; November 1, 15, 29; December 13, 27; January 10, 24; February 7, 21; March 7, 21; April 4, 18; May 2, 16, 30; June 13, 27Beit Midrash and Jacobs Family Community Hall How can aging be a good thing? Aging all too often feels like drifting downhill to a place we don’t want to go. But each year new doors open with opportunities, even while others close with loss. We have the power to prepare, to become stronger, more resilient, and navigate these challenges. Will we turn toward the opportunities, and find new joy and meaning in life. How can we make the most of this time, and develop into deeper, wiser people? No registration required.

11

REGISTRATION IS REQUESTED FOR ALL CLASSES, PROGRAM AND EVENTS.

REGISTRATION IS GENERALLY AVAILABLE ONLINE FOUR WEEKS PRIOR

TO THE SCHEDULED DATE.

PLEASE GO TO CBE.ORG FOR OUR CALENDAR OF EVENTS AND REGISTRATION.

FOR QUESTIONS OR ASSISTANCE WITH YOUR REGISTRATION, PLEASE CALL

THE OFFICE AT 858-452-1734

Yiddish Language and Cultural ArtsWe are pleased to announce that starting in January 2018, in a joint effort with the newly-founded Yiddish Arts and Academics Association of North America (YAAANA), and in cooperation with the UC San Diego Jewish Studies Program, we will offer a series of classes and cultural programs exploring Yiddish through theater, literature and poetry, music, and film on Sundays. Yiddish language classes and Yiddish circles will be held at the level of those participating—from beginner through advanced.

The coordinators and instructors for this program are Jana Mazurkiewicz Meisarosh (Yiddish language classes) and Amelia Glaser (Yiddish literature and culture seminars). Others from the community will be part of the program, including Yale Strom, Musician.

SundaysStarting January 2018Details to be announced.

12

ISRAEL COMMITTEEJoin us on a journey of education as we delve into a year of exploring “Israel at 70.” Together we will examine Israel’s past, present, and look towards our future. The Israel Committee will host engaging speakers as well as social and cultural programs. Please check our website for up to date information on Israel programming at Beth El.

Enjoy the company of friends following Shabbat Services. Through the presentation of interesting topics, participants learn and schmooze while enjoying a light lunch. Enrich the Shabbat experience within the walls of our community home. Please meet us in the Jacobs Family Community Hall following services. Suggested donation for Members $18Non-members $25

Understanding and Exploring Book Arts Discussion led by Dr. Jacqueline Jacobs Saturday, December 16 Jacqueline will discuss visual artists such as painters, sculptors, textile artists, print makers, photographers, as well as writers who have chosen to express their creativity through handcrafted non-traditional book structures.

MEN’S CLUBMen Talking with MenTuesdays 6:30-8:30pm

September 12; October 17; November 14; December 12; January 16; February 20; March 20; April 17; May 15; June 19Beit Midrash

A Series of Group Discussions Members of the Men’s Club share their life lessons and professional experiences.

Men’s Club ShabbatSaturday, June 23Torah Study at 9:00amServices at 9:30am followed by a Luncheon

Jewish Old Liturgy, New MusicDiscussion led by Cheri WeissSaturday, February 3The discussion will focus on how contemporary music structure is being applied to our traditional liturgy, making it feel more relational to our modern sensibilities.

Current Trends in Jewish Life: Reflections on My First Year at Beth ElDiscussion led by Rabbi ShulmanSaturday, June 2Rabbi Ron Shulman will highlight larger trends and topics in Jewish life and how we experience them at Beth El today and tomorrow.

SCHMOOZE

13

Rosh Chodesh GatheringsFacilitated by Karen BohrerThursday, October 19- Robin Shulman “Starting a New Year Together”Monday, November 20- women who recently celebrated “Becoming an Adult Bat Mitzvah”Monday, December 18- Dr. Diane Sherman “Volunteering in Africa” 6:00-8:30pmJacobs Family Community Hall and Turk Family Plaza

Join with us for our 5th year of monthly Gatherings to celebrate the new moon, new friends, and new spiritual connections. Over the past four years more than 150 women of all ages—from high school through their 90s—have joined for monthly Gatherings of sharing in large and small group discussions, education, Torah study, meditation, dance, prayer, presentations about international Jewish communities, a wonderful potluck, and more. Special Guests to be announced: Tuesday, January 16; Thursday, February 15; Thursday, March 15; Monday, April 16; Wednesday, May 16; Wednesday, June 13; Thursday, July 12; Thursday, August 9

Festival Art Series Sundays 10:00am-2:00pmOctober 8 – Sukkot: Creating Polymer Clay Beads with Varda Levram-EllismanDecember 10 – Hanukkah: Celebrating Light Through Painting with Keri GoldsmidApril 29 – Spring: Exploring Our Stories Through Books and Collage with Jacqueline JacobsLocations vary at Beth El

Learn new art techniques and explore your creative side at the Festival Art Series led by award-winning artists. In past years, we created paintings celebrating Sukkot with Keri Goldsmid; Miriam’s and Elijah’s Cups for Pesach, Mezuzah covers, and Yads with Varda Levram-Ellisman; craft books for Pesach and painting on silk with Jacqueline Jacobs; wire and bead Tree of Life sculptures with Hannah Anbar; and, glass Hamsas with Ilanit Shalev. This year we will continue the tradition.

WOMEN’S CONNECTION

Women’s Connection Shabbat Shabbat ShirahSaturday, January 27Torah Study at 9:00amServices at 9:30am followed by a Luncheon

Celebrate Beth El’s vibrant community of women at our Annual Women’s Connection Shabbat. More than 60 women have been participating each year in leading prayers, reading Torah, chanting Haftarah, sharing special readings, and more. We also honor someone as our “Woman of Valor/Eshet Chayil” for her contributions to the Beth El and Jewish communities. This is a special opportunity to learn, participate, and rejoice. For information and to participate and/or help with this event, visit the Women’s Connection page at cbe.org or contact Terry Miller terrydramateach@aol.com or Karen Bohrer kbohrer@usa.net.

14

TEACHER BIOS

Rabbi Ron Shulman is delighted to serve as Senior Rabbi of Congregation Beth El. Prior to coming to Congregation Beth El, Rabbi Shulman served as Senior Rabbi of Chizuk Amuno Congregation in Baltimore, MD, and Congregation Ner Tamid in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA. The Jewish Theological Seminary of America in New York ordained Rabbi Shulman and later conferred upon him an honorary Doctorate of Divinity. He earned a Master of Arts degree in Teaching from the American Jewish University in Los Angeles where he also taught courses in Homiletics and Bible as a Lecturer in Professional Rabbinic Studies.

Rabbi Avi Libman has been a Rabbi at Congregation Beth El in La Jolla since 2004. Ordained by the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies in Los Angeles, he served for two years as the Rabbinic Intern for Congregation Ner Tamid in Palos Verdes and two years as the Student Rabbi for Hillel at the University of Texas. He holds a BA in Political Science from Clark University and an MBA in non-profit management from the University of Judaism. Rabbi Libman also served as a Chaplain in the United States Navy.

Sandra Block, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist in private practice and adjunct faculty in the graduate psychology department of Brandman University, part of the Chapman University System. She has led workshops in Wise Aging (based on the book Wise Aging: Living with Joy, Resilience, & Spirit by Rabbi Rachel Cowan and Dr. Linda Thal) and Memoir Writing at Beth El and in creative writing with elders in the San Diego community. She is a published author in fiction and nonfiction.

Jacqueline Jacobs, M.D. was born in Chile and in 1961 earned her MD degree from the University of Chile Medical School, then emigrated to the United States to specialize in Pediatric Hematology-Oncology at UCSD School of Medicine. She has maintained an active interest in art, with coursework at San Diego State University and private workshops. She has had numerous exhibits and commissioned works. Her areas of interest in art are Painting, Printmaking, Ceramics, Book Arts, and Weaving.

15

Ray Fink M.D. is a physician with a clinical specialty in Endocrinology. He has deep ties to the Jewish community with involvement at Congregation Beth El, AIPAC, UJF, FIDF, and was a participant in the Wexner Heritage Foundation program in the 1990s. He has studied at the Shalom Hartman Institute in Jerusalem and has led a series of Adult Education courses about Israel at Beth El.

Amelia Glaser is the Director of the Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies (REEES) Program and of the Jewish Studies Program at UC San Diego. A UCSD Hellman Fellow, she received a BA from Oberlin College in Comparative Literature in1997, a Master’s from the University of Oxford in Yiddish in 2000, and a Ph.D. in Comparative Literature from Stanford University in 2004. She held fellowships at the Harvard Ukrainian Research Institute and the Herbert D. Katz Center for Advanced Judaic Studies at the University of Pennsylvania, and was a lecturer in Jewish Studies and at the Center for Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies at Stanford University before joining UCSD’s Literature Department in 2006. Her research interests include Russian, Yiddish, and Ukrainian poetry and prose, transnational Jewish literature, the literatures of Ukraine, the literature of immigration to the US, the Russian critical tradition, and translation theory and practice.

Jana Mazurkiewicz Meisarosh is a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. She is working on her dissertation on Yiddish Theater in Communist Warsaw. Originally from Poland, Jana holds an Master of Arts degree in Polish Philology and Jewish Studies from the University of Wroclaw. In addition to professional experience in acting, directing, and playwriting, she taught Yiddish as a private tutor. Jana is not only a practicing academic, but an active theater artist and critic. In October 2017, she moved to San Diego and launched The Yiddish Arts and Academics Association of North America (YAAANA), an institution that promotes Yiddish scholarship, literature, theater, and various genres of music and dance, through community-building events.

Cheri Weiss is in her 5th and final year as a Cantorial student at the Academy for Jewish Religion in Los Angeles with anticipated ordination in May 2018. Under the umbrella of Tarbuton, Cheri is the founder of “HINENI” – a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing Jewish liturgical music to the homebound. She holds Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Vocal Performance from CSU Northridge and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Wesleyan University in Connecticut. Cheri served as Adjunct Professor of Music at Palomar College and taught private voice lessons. She has performed at numerous venues throughout San Diego County. Cheri is the High Holy Days Cantor at Congregation Sha’ar Ha’Shalom in Houston, Texas, and is currently serving as Guest Cantor at synagogues throughout Southern California. You may learn more about Cheri’s work at www.Hazzanit.com.

16

8660 GILMAN DRIVE | LA JOLLA, CA 92037 | 858.452.1734

CBE.ORG