TILLI - Temple Israel · theory, and what that means for all of us. The review of the fundamentals of economics such as Supply and Demand and the process by which the US national

Registration Deadline

September 14th

Study GroupsSpeakers

Events

TEMPLE ISRAEL LIFELONG LEARNING INITIATIVET I L L I

Fall 2018

TILLI Fall 2018 Brochure Registration Deadline: September 14th

Morning Study Groups

Registration Deadline September 14th

If you have any questions regarding TILLI, please contact Sue Misselbeck at [email protected], 617-566-3960, ext 117.

MORNING STUDY GROUPS11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Power in Art with Helen KolskyWhat’s So Funny? with Robert MartinEconomics Challenged with Irwin PriceThe Jews of Spain with Susan RutsteinMindfulness and Movement with Susan Sachs

Photo credits: Emma Koblick, Michael Sandman

Co-Chairs: Larry Koff, Judy BerkowitzCurriculum Committee: Judy HermanEvents: Sylvia Green, Susan FliegelWinter Session: Paula Folkman Lunch and Learn: Ruth Klepper, Marlene Yesley

Summer Session: Saralynn Busch, John FreemanBudget and Data: Larry Koff, Ted GreenwoodMembership: Mark KaplanArchivist/ Historian: Rhoada Wald

Core Committee

TILLI FALL 2018 SEMESTER SCHEDULETHURSDAYS: OCTOBER 11 - NOVEMBER 15

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Clergy Liaison: Rabbi Suzie Jacobson TILLI Coordinator: Susan Misselbeck

AFTERNOON STUDY GROUPS2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire and Its Influence on the Jewish Labor Movement with James Cooper Two Years Down, Two to Go with Ruth KlepperThru the Eyes of Amos Oz with Natalie Schatz

2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.The Universe, an Introduction with Ted GreenwoodCritical Social and Political Issues in Israeli Film with Donald Putnoi

10:30 a.m.11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.12:30 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.

2:00 p.m. - 3:30/4:00 p.m.

Coffee, Tea, and NoshMorning Study Groups Lunch & Learn Program Afternoon Study Groups

Registration Deadline: September 14th


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In this study group we will look at short fiction, as well as poetry and painting, to explore the artists’ and our own concerns (and/or optimism) about racism in our midst. In the work of such artists as John Edgar Wideman, Zadie Smith, Jhumpa Lahiri, Tracy K. Smith, and Kerry James Marshall, we shall see the power of great art to enlarge our understanding of social issues while delighting us at the same time. We will grapple with all this by means of informed and stimulating discussions. Expect approximately two hours of reading per session.

ReadingMaterials will be supplied by the study group leader.

Power in Art with Helen Kolsky ([email protected])Thursday mornings, 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

The comedic lens offers an authentic view of uncomfortable truths in our current political and social issues and rites of passage. During class we will watch video excerpts from late night talk shows, comedians, satirists, interviews, news anchors, and political contributors who react to the daily maelstrom. Topics may include the Muslim Ban, Russian Collusion, the political chaos, as well as our common family peculiarities and cultural rites of passage. Homework: less than an hour per week.

Reading Study group leader will provide materials using email, links, and Dropbox for selected readings.

What’s So Funny? Using Comedy to Figure Out People, Politics, and the Rites of Passagewith Robert Martin ([email protected])Thursday mornings, 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

“ 4-star presentation!” — TILLI Participant



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People are surprised that we often don’t behave as economists say we should: that is, be rational, thoughtful, and doing what is in our best interest. Therefore, we will explore the basic economics that everyone should know, but also look at the challenges of the behavioral economists to traditional theory, and what that means for all of us.

The review of the fundamentals of economics such as Supply and Demand and the process by which the US national economy functions, will be primarily by lecture with slides and illustrations. We will discuss the challenges with discussion and even some “experiments” performed in class. Preparation time: approximately one and a half hours per session.

Reading Richard Thaler, Misbehaving: The Making of Behavioral Economics (2015) $11.52 at Amazon.

Economics Challengedwith Irwin Price ([email protected])Thursday mornings, 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Although exiles and expulsions have shaped Jewish history, the expulsion of the Jews of Spain is of particular importance. We will look at the influence and accomplishments of the Jews of Spain before and after 1492. We will also consider the profound effect of the Sephardic Diaspora on our present world. The study group will be a mixture of discussion and lecture. Preparation: under an hour each week.

ReadingRecommended books are: The Jews of Spain: A History of the Sephardic Experience, (paperback) by Jane S. Gerber, $17.20. The Other 1492: Jewish Settlement in the New World (paperback) by Norman Finkelstein, $9.94. The study group leader will also provide handouts.

The Jews of Spainwith Susan Rutstein ([email protected])Thursday mornings, 11:00 p.m. - 12:30 p.m.

“ Varied and diverse views on the topic.”

— TILLI Participant

Registration Deadline: September 14th 4

Mindfulness and Movementwith Susan Sachs ([email protected])Thursday mornings, 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

This class will introduce participants to mindfulness and movement fundamentals and how to integrate these healthy living practices into one’s daily life. Over the course of six weeks, participants will learn specific breathing exercises and mindfulness practices and also simple movement exercises to augment their mindfulness practice. We will be using chairs and standing for the exercises, with modifications as needed. There is no assigned reading but students are encouraged to practice the techniques we learn in class at home.

All are welcome to the class—if you’ve never practiced mindfulness or any movement, or if you’ve practiced on and off for years, everyone is encouragedto join.


The Triangle Shirtwaist fire on March 25, 1911, killed 146 people, including 123 young women, many of whom were Jewish. This tragedy had a dramatic impact on labor laws throughout the United States, particularly on safety regulations and workers’ compensation. It also brought about philosophical changes in the Jewish labor movement, moving it from a socialist focus to a more mainstream, less politically-motivated philosophy. This study group follows the development of these new ideas and how they affected Jewish participation in the robust labor battles of the first half of the 20th century.

Reading Triangle: The Fire that Changed America by David Von Drehle.Price at amazon.com: $8.33 (new) to $1.49 (used paperback).

The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire and Its Influence on the Jewish Labor Movementwith James Cooper ([email protected])Thursday afternoons, 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

“ I enjoyed the class so much, and I learned a lot. I had a blast.”

— TILLI Participant

Afternoon Study Groups


Afternoon Study Groups

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What will happen in the 2018 mid-term elections? This study group will follow the news, make some predictions, and know the results. Will new Supreme Court appointments change our democracy for a lifetime? Will Congress regain a traditional civility, and can the virulent hatred that has been unleashed be put back in the bottle? Will a new and diverse generation assume leadership? In the end, is compromise possible? Media coverage and video clips from around the nation will frame the discussions.

Reading A computer is necessary for Internet research. Each participant will be assigned a non-traditional news website to present varied coverage and opinions. Approximately three hours per week on computer.

Two Years Down, Two to Go with Ruth Klepper ([email protected]) Thursday afternoons, 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

How did the universe come into being? What is it made of? What forces govern its evolution? What is its future? This study group is designed to introduce non-scientists and non-mathematicians to the origin, structure, and evolution of the universe, the principles which govern it, and the theories which explain its workings. Among the topics we will discuss are Einstein’s theories of relativity and the basic ideas of quantum mechanics. We will also focus on our own corner of the universe, the Milky Way Galaxy and our solar system. Weekly preparation will require one to two hours.

ReadingHandouts provided by the instructor, online videos, and a text (tba).

The Universe, an Introductionwith Ted Greenwood ([email protected])Thursday afternoons, 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

“Thoroughly researched, thought-provoking readings, well-designed and

monitored classes.” — TILLI Participant


The course will be focused on movies seen in class followed by some referenced material that should provoke lively discussion. Preparation would be no more than two hour of reading and research for each meeting.

Reading Handouts will be provided pertinent to the movie to be discussed.

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Critical Social and Political Issues in Israeli Filmwith Donald Putnoi ([email protected])Thursday afternoons, 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Thru the Eyes of Amos Oz: A Complex View of Kibbutz Lifewith Natalie Schatz ([email protected])Thursday afternoons, 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

What could be more emblematic of the nation of Israel than the kibbutz? Even today after its almost total disappearance, it retains its mystique in the imagination of Israelis and indeed of Jews in the diaspora. And who could tell its many and profound stories better than Amos Oz, the acclaimed Israeli author and kibbutznik of many years?

In this study group, we will read and discuss one or two stories per week from his fictionalized accounts of kibbutz life in his short story collection, Between Friends. These eight stories are connected by character and plot and so together comprise a complete work although they may be read as separate short stories.

Reading Between Friends by Amos Oz ($9.99 at Amazon). The study group leader will supply reading material on the Kibbutz Movement. Together, these will take about two hours a week of preparation.

Afternoon Study GroupsThe Universe, an Introductionwith Ted Greenwood ([email protected])Thursday afternoons, 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

“ It was the most integrative learning experience. study group leader is very knowledgeable, with a strong background,

and able to discuss crisis.” — TILLI Participant

Registration Deadline: September 14th7

October 11: Hon. Ruthanne Fuller, Mayor of NewtonOctober 18: TBAOctober 25: Dr. Jen Childs-Roshak, President, Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund of MA November 1: Steven Rothstein, Executive Director JFK Library FoundationNovember 8: David Rosenthal, M.D., past national president, American Cancer SocietyNovember 15: End of semester luncheon

Lunch & Learn ProgramThursday Afternoons, 12:30 - 1:45 p.m.

Plan to stay for lunch! Our speakers are distinguished members of the congregation and the community. Bring your lunch.

We’ll provide beverages, snacks, and dessert.

Above: TILLI Spring 2018 Study Group Leaders

TILLI Events

August 9: The Gardens at Elm Bank, Wellesley September 20: Armenian Museum of America, WatertownSeptember 30: A Social to welcome TILLI’s fall semester, BrooklineNovember 29: New Bedford Whaling Museum

Save the DatesFor information or to RSVP,

send an email to [email protected].


Afternoon Study GroupsJames Cooper, The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire and its Influence on the Jewish Labor Movement, is a Massachusetts labor lawyer who served as chairman of the Massachusetts Labor Relations Commission (now known as the Commonwealth Employment Relations Commission) from 1975 to 1980. Since 1980 he has been a full-time arbitrator and mediator involved in hundreds of labor/management disputes involving all areas of the private and public sector. He has taught arbitration and agency law at the Labor Guild of Massachusetts for the Boston Archdiocese since 1984.

Ted Greenwood, The Universe, an Introduction, has an M.S. in theoretical physics from MIT. Although he has not studied physics since leaving the field in 1970, he has kept up to date to some degree on new discoveries and understandings in the fields of particle physics and cosmology. He will use the preparation for this study group to update his own knowledge and to package the subject for people with no background in physics or mathematics.

Ruth Klepper, Two Years Down, Two to Go, holds a B.A. from New York University and did graduate study in education at University at Albany. She was a Planned Parenthood executive director, a candidate for NYS Senate, and a lobbyist for Interfaith Impact of NYS. She is a 10 year docent at the JFK library and has led TILLI study groups on politics, philosophy, memoir writing, and the media.

Helen Kolsky, Power in Art, holds a B.A. in English and American Literature from Brandeis and an M.A. from the New School. She has taught 8 study groups at TILLI on a variety of topics, most recently incorporating specifically black voices into her literary syllabus, in keeping with the Temple’s social justice mission.

Robert Martin, What’s So Funny? Using Comedy to Figure Out People, Politics and the Rites of Passage, is a retired BPS Principal. After earning an Ed.D. from UMass Amherst, he became a Charter School Superintendent. He now volunteers at Beacon Academy. “Being addicted to the cable news cycle requires a strong, therapeutic dose of late night laughter.” Bob uses humor to maintain his sanity by enjoying the hilariously funny, factual challenges used to counter this era of ‘fake’ news.

Study Group Leaders

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Morning Study GroupsStudy Group Leaders

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Irwin Price, Economics Challenged, earned a PhD in Economics, after a bachelor’s degree in engineering and an MBA. He has taught basic economics for many years at the university level, and recently become intrigued by the insights from behavioral psychology.

Donald Putnoi, Critical Social and Political Issues in Israeli Film, is a physician who has conducted seven group discussions. The leader has been interested in Israel almost his entire teenage and adult life, having visited the country many times. In addition, he has an intense interest in film and theater.

Susan Rutstein, The Jews of Spain, is a lawyer and also taught junior high school English for several years. From her reading, she developed an interest in the history of the Jews and the Inquisition which she continues to explore.

Susan Sachs, Mindfulness and Movement, has been teaching Mindfulness and Movement for the past three years and has a background in dance, psychotherapy, and yoga.

Natalie Schatz, Thru the Eyes of Amos Oz: A Complex View of Kibbutz Life, received a B.A. in History and Political Science from Hunter College, an M.A. from Harvard University in Soviet Union Studies, and an M.L.S. from Simmons College. She spent her career working in both academic and public libraries. She has visited Israel a number of times and is interested in Israeli culture and literature which informs the many TILLI study groups she has led.

Temple Israel’s Lifelong Learning Institute (TILLI) provides opportunities for Temple members and others to engage in peer-led, intellectually stimulating study groups covering a broad range of topics, to enjoy cultural events together, and to develop social relationships and a community.

Mission StatementTILLI is Temple Israel Lifelong Learning Initiative


Name

Address City/Zip

Home Phone Cell Phone

Email

Morning Study Groups (begin at 11:00 a.m.) Please indicate first and second choice.

Power in Art with Helen Kolsky

What’s So Funny? with Robert Martin

Economics Challenged with Irwin Price

The Jews of Spain with Susan Rutstein

Mindfulness and Movement with Susan Sachs

Lunch & Learn Program (12:30 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.)Bring your lunch. Beverages, snacks and dessert will be provided. Yes, I plan to join TILLI participants for weekly Lunch & Learn.

Afternoon Study Groups (begin at 2:00 p.m.) Please indicate first and second choice.

The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire with James Cooper

The Universe, an Introduction with Ted Greenwood (to 4:00 p.m.)

Two Years Down, Two to Go with Ruth Klepper

Critical Issues in Israeli Film with Donald Putnoi (to 4:00 p.m.)

Thru the Eyes of Amos Oz with Natalie Schatz

TILLI FALL 2018 Registration FormPlease complete this form and return it with payment by September 14th.

REGISTER EARLY. MANY CLASSES HAVE LIMITED ENROLLMENT.

1st choice 2nd choice









Cost: $50.00 (TI and synagogue members) or $100.00 (general community) TILLI welcomes members of other synagogues who wish to study with us. They may join at the Temple Israel members’ fee of $50. Community members are also welcome at the fee of $100. The charge for the FALL semester includes study group fees and parking. There will be additional costs for books, copying, and special programs. Please note: No Parking on Nessel Way.

Make checks payable to Temple Israel and mail with this completed form to: TILLI-Temple Israel, 477 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02215

Registration deadline September 14th.If you have any questions regarding TILLI, please contact

Sue Misselbeck at 617-566-3960 ext. 117 or [email protected].


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Documents

TILLI - Temple Israel · theory, and what that means for all of us. The review of the fundamentals of economics such as Supply and Demand and the process by which the US national