TEMPLE BETH SHOLOM

INSTITUTE OF CONTINUING EDUCATION

SPRING 2007

We are pleased to again present Temple Beth Sholom's Institute of Continuing Education for Spring, 2007. You are welcome to select from the variety of courses and programs offered below, which are presented across a wide range of levels and times in order to maximize opportunities for adult Jewish learning within our congregation and throughout the Brevard Jewish Community.

SONGS FOR THE SOUL: AN INSPIRATIONAL READING OF THE PSALMS

For nearly 3,000 years, the Jewish People have received inspiration, courage and comfort from the Psalms. Although the tradition ascribes the Psalms to King David, and many of them are likely Davidic in origin and theme, the vast literature of the Psalms spans fully a millennium, with the latest dating from the Second Temple . From the end of the first century C.E. to the present time, Psalms have formed an important part of the liturgy of the synagogue. Christians have also incorporated them into their scriptures and worship, and Psalms have been accorded a venerated place in the world of classical poetry and literature.

Many contemporary Jews seek a connection with the spiritual and inspirational aspects of Judaism, and a reading of the Psalms offers the opportunity to learn first hand why the Jewish People have treasured them throughout the ages. The entire gamut of human experience, from anguish and despair to hope and jubilation are reflected in Psalms. In search of the sacred, Jews have read and prayed Psalms to express yearning, praise and thanksgiving to God.

We will survey the major themes of Psalms, with the goal of allowing these ancient songs and poems to elevate and inspire us spiritually.

TIME: Wednesdays from 7:30 - 9:00 P.M.

DATES: February 7, 14, 21, 28; March 7, 14, 21, 28

TEXT: The Book of Psalms -- New JPS Translation
This edition may be found in the NJPS edition of the Tanakh, in single volume and also in a recent large print edition.

Recommended: Harold S. Kushner’s treatment of Psalm 23 in The Lord is My Shepherd, and also his discussion of several Psalms in Who Needs God.

Instructor: Rabbi Richard J. Margolis

Rabbi Richard J. Margolis serves as Rabbi of Temple Beth Sholom. He holds a B.A. in Philosophy and M.A. and M. Phil degrees in Semitic Cultures and Languages from Columbia University . He also holds a Bachelor of Hebrew Literature, a Master of Arts in Bible, a Master of Hebrew Literature and Rabbinic Ordination plus Doctor of Divinity from The Jewish Theological Seminary of America. He continued with doctoral studies at Columbia University , and has taught on the faculties of Boston Hebrew College , NYU Graduate School and Baltimore Hebrew University .

THE FAMILY & JEWISH TRADITION

A study of various familial interrelationships as reflected in the Bible, rabbinic literature, medieval and contemporary times. The impact of Jewish teaching on evolving relationships between husbands, wives, fathers, mothers, sons and daughters will be analyzed, as well as Jewish attitudes towards love, marriage and family life.

TIME: Wednesdays from 6:30 - 7:30 P.M .

DATES: February 7, 14, 21, 28; March 7, 14

Instructor: Sarah Lieberman, Ph.D.

We are fortunate to welcome back Dr. Sarah Lieberman, seasonal member from Boston , to our Continuing Education Faculty. She brings to us the fruits of her successful career in Jewish life and learning. Dr. Lieberman will teach this unique learning opportunity, enabling us to see how essential Jewish values emerge from the texts of Classical Judaism.

 (3.) ELEMENTARY HEBREW READING
FOCUS ON THE PRAYERBOOK

The ability to read Hebrew is an essential skill for synagogue participation, and since the essential vocabulary of Judaism is in Hebrew, a familiarity with key terms and concepts is important in strengthening our Jewish identity. In this program, we will learn to recognize the Hebrew letters and vowels, form words and phrases, and come to comprehend some of the basic terminology of Judaism.

TIME: Tuesdays from 6:30 - 7:30 P.M .

Instructor: Gary Sack

Gary Sack serves as President of Temple Beth Sholom. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin and the University of Miami , Gary has successfully practiced law in Florida since 1973. He has experienced a personal Jewish renaissance since coming to Temple Beth Sholom and now regularly leads portions of our Sanctuary Services. He eagerly invites those who wish to acquire Hebrew reading skills to join him in this program.

 (4.) INTRODUCTION TO JUDAISM

A survey of Jewish civilization, history, belief and practice. This course is ideal for those who wish to become Jews-by-Choice, or anyone simply wishing to know more about Judaism. Participants will be expected to complete weekly reading assignments in the materials provided.

TIME: Tuesdays at 7:00 PM

DATES: February 6, 13, 20, 27; March 6, 13, 20, 27

Instructor: Steve Agid

A dynamic younger member of Temple Beth Sholom, Steve has designed an engaging and informative survey of Judaism and the Jewish People. In 8 well-constructed sessions, participants will obtain an overview of 40 centuries of Jewish history, The Jewish Home, The Shabbat & Festivals, The Torah and Rabbinic Tradition, The Synagogue and Jewish Worship and Ethical Practices.

(5.) DISCUSSION GROUP ON ISRAEL & THE MIDDLE EAST

While the future remains to be determined, recent developments involving Israel and other nations throughout the world indicate that rapid change is very much the order of the day. Arab and Muslim nations have quietly begun to propose normalizing relations with the Jewish State. Dictatorships in the Middle East and Africa are slowly being replaced with emerging democracies, all of which have much to learn from Israel ’s democratic society. The global war on Islamist terrorism is slowly marginalizing some of the most dangerous anti-Israel forces, while the world community is coming to realize that the threat of a nuclear Iran would menace far more than Israel .

In order to help us apprise ourselves of current developments, Bea Fowler has agreed to facilitate a weekly discussion group on Israel and the Middle East .

TIME: Thursdays from 12 - 1:00 P.M

Instructor: Bea Fowler

Bea Fowler served as district two school board member. She is a Temple Beth Sholom member and holds a Masters degree in history and a minor in Judaic Studies from the University of Central Florida . As a member of a youth Zionist group in 1947, Bea was greatly influenced by the struggle to establish the Jewish State.

A SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN AND
DEVELOP SYNAGOGUE SKILLS

Have you ever wanted to learn how to lead or participate in services? Would you like to become a Torah or Haftarah reader? Our co-Chairman of Ritual will show you how!

Instructor: Dr. Mark Dresner

Arrangements: Contact Dr. Dresner at 255-3762

E-MAIL ADULT EDUCATION

For members who are connected to any on-line service, the Education Committee of TBS has an adult education service using E-Mail. Participants of this program will receive periodic mailings of Jewish content. A variety of web sites will be reviewed for interesting subjects and then E-mailed to the participants. Sources include but are not limited to the following: The Jerusalem Post, United Synagogue/JTS, Jewish Community Network, Jewish Family Life. This Adult Study-On-Line is fast becoming popular and has already over 100 participants. You will be able to discuss current issues related to Judaism on-line and forward articles to mailing list members as well. The initiator and spark plug of this enterprise is Dr. Steven Podnos.

To get on the list, please E-mail your own E-mail address to: StevenP302@aol.com

ON-GOING PROGRAMS WITH RABBI MARGOLIS

 SHABBAT TORAH STUDY

Each Shabbat Morning as part of our worship, the Rabbi conducts a presentation and interactive discussion of the weekly Torah portion and Haftarah. Emphasis is placed on understanding the message of the biblical text and its meaning and application in today's world.

THURSDAY MORNING LEISURE MINYAN STUDY

Following our highly successful Leisure Minyan each Thursday morning at 10:00 , participants share breakfast and Rabbi Margolis teaches passages from classical Jewish texts. This spring, we will continue in our readings of Maimonides' ethical teachings in the Mishneh Torah.

Please call the office at 254-6333 to register