Mondays, 9:00 am – 10:00 am (8 Mondays beginning October 23)

We will study the Jewish priesthood and the rituals of sacrifice, dietary laws, and other mitzvot.  This course is conveniently schedule for Nursery School parents immediately after drop off.

Mondays, 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm (8 Mondays beginning October 23)

We will go back to the beginning - Creation and the lives and times of the Patriarchs. This course is conveniently scheduled for parents waiting for their children studying in our Hebrew School.

Mondays, 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm (8 Mondays beginning October 23)

Have you always wanted to read Hebrew but keep putting it off?  Have you lost the Hebrew reading skills of your youth? This is an easy and fun introduction to the Hebrew alphabet and reading words.  Learn the Hebrew alphabet and vowels while building up a very basic Hebrew vocabulary.

8:00 pm – 9:00 pm (8 Mondays beginning October 23)

How does Jewish law (halacha) relate to such topics as: genetic screening and genetic therapy; should yeshiva students serve in the Israeli military; in-hospital circumcision and the mitzvah of brit mila.  Discuss these and other topics of interest from a halachic perspective.

Tuesdays, 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm  (beginning October 24)

Jewish music offers a rich selection of choral music that can greatly enhance our spiritual experience.  After strengthening our group sound through listening and vocal exercises, the choir will begin to tap into some of this music in a manner that is accessible for participants with advanced or no musical backgrounds.   The choir will also have opportunities to perform this music for the community throughout the year, performance dates TBD.  Our congregational choir is open to everyone at all levels of experience.   There is no charge for this class.

Tuesdays, 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm (7 Tuesdays beginning October 24)

Midrash is an interpretive act, seeking the answers to religious questions (both practical and theological) by plumbing the meaning of the words of the Torah.  Midrash responds to contemporary problems and crafts new stories, making connections between new Jewish realities and the unchanging biblical text.  The goal of the class is to convey sensitivity to the language and meaning of the Bible and to develop a reverent appreciation for the teachings of our sages.

Wednesdays, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm (October 18, 25; November 1, 8, 15, 29; December 6, 13)

Cost: $200 / Maximum 12 students

Questions: Contact Trudi Bartow at Trudirae(AT)gmail.com

Learn about and experience the momentous life-changing practices of Mussar that have been a hidden gem of Jewish tradition for generations.   Become the mensch you always wanted to be.   Deepen your ethics, spiritual sensibilities and relationships.   Know and grow yourself from inside out within a Jewish framework. Alan Morinis, the founder of The Mussar Institute, via video, will launch you on your journey, and Rabbi Judith Edelstein, Brotherhood Synagogue Intern 1997, as well as trained Mussar facilitator and practitioner, will guide you along the way. You will receive weekly emails from the Mussar Institute that consist of comprehensive reading materials to introduce you to Mussar history, thought and practice.  During meeting times we will discuss the readings and review the Mussar focused practices of journaling, meditating, chanting, etc., which are formulated specifically to make incremental changes in the way you behave and relate to the world.

The Mussar Institute advances the study and practice of Mussar, a Jewish path of character development and spiritual growth leading to awareness, wisdom, and transformation. Through experiential online and in-person courses based on classic and contemporary sources, The Mussar Institute inspires individuals, organizations, and communities around the world, regardless of affiliation, to align heart and mind with the highest ideals of the Jewish tradition. A Taste of Mussar is an introductory course designed to offer individuals the opportunity to experience the tradition of learning and practicing Mussar.

Wednesdays, 6:30 – 7:30 pm (beginning October 25)

Shaliach Tzibur translates as "messenger of the congregation," otherwise known as the cantor or hazzan.  The Shulcan Aruch  (a practical guidebook on how to live as a Jew) states that the shaliach tzibur must be worthy. What is considered worthy? S/he must be free of sin, not have a bad reputation from his/her youth, s/he should be humble and acceptable by the people, have a pleasant and sweet voice and be accustomed to reading.  In this class, we will focus on this responsibility and what it means to represent a community in prayer with specific focus on the Friday night liturgy.  We will develop practical skills (including individual davening, learning/leading congregational melodies, applying ritual choreography, etc.) all connected to the Friday night Shabbat service.  Though it is not a requirement, participants will have the option to eventually lead parts of the Friday night service for the community.  All are welcome to attend, no experience required.