Adult Jewish Studies Institute

B'nai Israel is a community of life-long learners! Throughout the year, we sponsor adult education courses led by Rabbi David Kaiman as well as Professors from the University of Florida's Center for Jewish Studies. Here's what we have planned for 2011-2012 thus far:

The Building Blocks of Jewish Life: Finding Meaning in Timeless Traditions
Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m., September 13 – November 15
In this course we will examine Jewish life in all its dimensions: Time, Space, Body and Spirit. Judaism speaks to each of these areas of life with a myriad of customs and traditions that are meant to help us to find meaning and depth in our daily lives. Using traditional sources we will learn that the basic building blocks of Jewish tradition are meant to inform every aspect of our lives.This course is suitable for both the beginner who is interested in learning about the traditions as well as those who simply want to add more depth to their existing Jewish practice. Each week we will look at contemporary articles regarding Jewish tradition as well as delving into source texts (in English) that can illuminate our spiritual practices.

Walking with Life
Thursday mornings, January 2012, 10-11 a.m.
A morning class that will begin in January 2012. In this class we will examine Jewish texts that deal with the issues that surround us in daily life. Weekly topics include: Aging and Retirement, Health and Self-Care, Parenthood, Singlehood, Childhood and Adolescence and Illness. What do the Jewish sources tell us about these topics? What can we learn by looking into the texts of tradition and comparing with modern day notions of life?

Torah on Tuesdays
Tuesdays, noon, beginning September 13
Now in its ninth year. This popular lunchtime class meets every Tuesday and is a close reading of the Hebrew Bible with explanations and analysis. As we continue to travel through the timeless texts of the Bible we are constantly reminded of the impact that the Tanach has made on western thought and life. Often we are relearn of stories we learned in our youth or find gems of wisdom hidden between lessons of our ancestors. Bring a bag lunch, relax and learn with us. You may join the class at any time and texts are provided.

Torah Circle
Saturday mornings, 8:30 a.m.
Shabbat mornings at B’nai Israel begin with in depth and sometimes surprising look at the week’s Torah portion. Combining lessons of midrash, classic commentary and documentary Bible hypothesis we comb the text for insight and inspiration. Come and join with Howard Lidsky and Rabbi Kaiman as they bring light to the ancient text.

Seudah Shlishit
Saturdays, 2 hours prior to sunset (consult our calendar)
As the day of Shabbat draws to an end we gather at the synagogue for prayer and a light snack. Beginning in September we will take a look at the Aggadah that surrounds and informs our Jewish texts. Aggadah refers to the tales and non-legalistic exegetical texts in the classical rabbinic literature of Judaism.

Preparing for the Holidays
September 20, 7:30 p.m. (Preparing for the High Holidays)
Prior to each major holiday we gather at the synagogue to prepare ourselves for the major celebrations of the Jewish calendar. Sharing traditional texts, creative ideas, recipes and holiday tips are one way to add meaning to the special days of the Jewish calendar. Watch for the announcements of these special classes that will illuminate and inspire.

Beginning Hebrew
Tuesdays at 6 p.m.
Every Tuesday evening we have a wonderfully intimate group of Hebrew learners that gather with Moreh (teacher) Bill Deml to explore a facility with Hebrew language and reading. All levels are welcome to attend as the fundamentals of Hebrew reading and simple vocabulary are explained that make Hebrew inviting for those who have never considered becoming Hebrew learners.

Deep Soul Shabbats, 2011-2012
November 11-12, February 3-4 and February 24-25
This year Deep Soul Shabbats takes on a slighty different focus as we bring talented teachers to our congregation for shabbatons of learning and Jewish exploration. Click here to learn more about our next Deep Soul Shabbat.

For more information, please contact the synagogue office: 376-1508.