BIBLE STORIES FOR TODAY: THE TOP TEN STORIES OF  BEREISHIT

Rabbi Yaacov Lerner

Bereishit, the first book of the Torah, which we read this time of year, is by far the best known of the Five Books, yet the least understood.  Stories in the Torah are G-d’s tools for  conveying lessons about life, values, human flaws and struggles, and character development.  Please join in our analysis of these famous Bible stories:

10 Wednesday evenings   8:00 - 9:00

Oct. 26 - Creation and the Sabbath - Does G-d Need to Rest?

Nov.  2  - Why Would G-d Forbid Adam and Eve to Eat of the Tree of Knowledge?

Nov.  9  - Noah and the Flood: What Makes G-d Lose His Patience?

Nov. 16 - Abraham: Chosen to be the First Jew – But Who Needs a Chosen People?

Nov. 23 – Circumcision – the Covenant of Abraham Demands Child Abuse?

Nov. 30 - The World's First Shidduch - Isaac's Marriage to Rebecca

Dec. 7   - Enemies in the Womb - the Ongoing Battle of Jacob and Esau

Dec. 14 - Jacob Marries Four Wives? Is That What a Saintly Patriarch Does?

Dec. 21 - Joseph and His Brothers - A Portent of Dangers to Come

Dec. 28 - Joseph the Court Jew and Why That's So Important

You can sign up for the entire series or join us for individual lectures and discussions.

MY FAVORITE EIGHT PAGES OF TALMUD

Arthur Kurzweil

Many Jews throughout the world study a page of Talmud a day.  At this rate, it takes about seven and a half years until the cycle is completed.  The eight different pages we will study (in English) are compelling on their own.  In addition, they are also representative of the entire Talmud, and they will offer you a glimpse into what those who study Talmud daily are encountering.

No background necessary.  Join us in a warm, friendly and open-minded atmosphere.

9 Monday evenings, 8:00 - 9:30                           Oct. 24, 31, Nov. 7, 14, 21, 28, Dec. 5, 12, 19

 PLEASE NOTE - These classes will meet at the Kurzweil home, 67 Allenwood Road, Great Neck.  Call our office if you need directions.

Due to space constraints, registration MUST be limited to 20 people, on a first come/first serve basis.  Only those who have preregistered will be permitted to take this course.

A COMPLEX TAPESTRY: ORTHODOX, CONSERVATIVE, REFORM AND RECONSTRUCTIONIST VIEWS ON THE BURNING JEWISH ISSUES

Rabbi Meir Mitelman

What is the Jewish perspective on homosexuality, the State of Israel, the binding nature of Torah law and ritual observance, and our role as Jews in a modern world? How have perspectives changed-or NOT changed- over the years? Join in this important exploration of the differences between the various denominations of Judaism as well as internal disagreements within the movements. Through our study, we will gain a better understanding of some of the beliefs, values and observances that divide us - and those that affirm that as a part of the Jewish people, whatever our differences, we are one.

8 Thursday evenings, 8:00 - 9:15                                Oct. 27, Nov. 3, 10, 17, Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22

A TORAH FOR OUR TIME

Rabbi Yaacov Lerner

We revere the Torah as the holiest of books because we regard its words as the eternal truths of G-d.  As such, the Torah is our window into G-d's mind and His infinite wisdom which speaks to all generations.  Join us in analyzing Parshat Hashavuah, the weekly Torah portion, and finding out how its lessons address our issues and struggles today.

8 Monday mornings, 11:00 - 12:15                             Oct. 31, Nov. 7, 14, 21, 28, Dec. 5, 12, 19

THE SUN, THE MOON AND THE JEWISH WOMAN

Mrs. Amit Yaghoubi

At the very beginning of Creation, G-d created the sun and the moon.  The moon is central to Judaism and Jewish rituals.  Our Hebrew calendar is a lunar calendar.  Every month we look up at the moon soon after it has reappeared in the sky and we bless and sanctify it.  On a deep mystical level, however, the symbolism behind these two celestial bodies becomes even more important.  The sun represents man while the moon symbolizes woman. How?  Why?  Register for this fascinating series that will give you deep insight into Judaism’s outlook on feminism and the role of women in the destiny of our people.

This class is for women only.

3 Wednesday mornings, 11:15 – 12:15                                                         Nov. 30, Dec. 7, 14

DECODING THE RIDDLES OF OUR SAGES 

Mrs. Amit Yaghoubi

In the Talmud and the Midrash we sometimes find stories that seem to make no sense, stories of bizarre people and strange happenings.  They leave us bewildered and wondering to ourselves ‘what is this and why is it in this holy book?’ Yet, all of these stories have profound meaning and one of the greatest scholars of all time, the Vilna Gaon, used his genius in part to decode some of these tales.  Here is a unique opportunity to find the wisdom in some of the obscure sayings and teachings of our Sages.

This class is for women only.

3 Tuesday evenings, 8:00 – 9:00                                                                           Nov. 1, 8, 15

I – THOU: SEARCHING FOR G-D IN YOUR LIFE AND FINDING HIM THERE

Rabbi Yaacov Lerner

So much of Judaism is about believing in G-d and observing His commandments.  But what about G-d Himself?  Do you feel His presence in your personal life?  Do you think you have a meaningful relationship with Him and are you able to draw strength from His closeness?  With so much preoccupation with the details of Jewish ritual, important as they are, we can easily lose sight of the big picture, a life of rich spirituality which Judaism offers us. This three part series will explore the practical ways that we can find deeper meaning and a real sense of connection to G-d in our day to day existence.

3 Monday mornings, 10:00 - 11:00                                                               Oct. 31, Nov. 7, 14

THANKSGIVING DAY: LESSONS FOR THE PARENT CHILD DYNAMIC

Rabbi Yaacov Lerner

No American holiday resonates more with us as Jews than Thanksgiving Day. The idea of expressing gratitude to G-d for all He does for us is a major doctrine of Judaism.  Parents likewise do an enormous amount for their children.  Indeed, the Fifth Commandment obligates children to extend great honor to parents for this very reason. Yet, how far does this respect and gratitude extend?  Do parents have the right to control their kids’ lives just as G-d legislates what we can and cannot do?  Do they have veto power over who you marry, where you live, what career you choose? This two part series will explore the parameters of gratitude to G-d versus gratitude to man.

2 Monday mornings, 10:00 - 11:00                                                                          Nov. 21, 28

CHANUKAH 2011 – RAISING A JEWISH CHILD IN THE 21^ST CENTURY: THE THREAT CONTINUES

Rabbi Yaacov Lerner

Chanukah is the holiday commemorating the battle for the survival of the Jewish soul.  The Greek enemy was not out to kill us, rather to sever our attachment to Judaism.  Today, as well, the secular forces of our culture and environment that surround us on all sides, pull so many of our children away from their Jewish roots and into the arms of assimilation.  What can we as parents and grandparents do about it?

Let us study together the methods and strategies that will enable us to have a positive impact on our kids.  The greatest gift we can give them is a deep sense of pride in their Jewish identity and the passion to want to link the chain of Jewish continuity to future generations.

3 Monday mornings, 10:00 - 11:00                                                                     Dec. 5, 12, 19

NAVIGATING YOUR WAY THROUGH THE SYNAGOGUE PRAYERS

Mrs. Gail Zuckerman

This workshop is designed to put you at ease in the synagogue by helping you to understand the structure of the prayers while giving you practice in reading the most important prayers. An ability to read Hebrew on a basic level is required to register for this workshop.

8 Thursday mornings, 10:00 - 11:00                            Oct. 27, Nov. 3, 10, 17, Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22

LEARN THE FOUNDATIONS OF BIBLICAL HEBREW

Mrs. Gail Zuckerman

Hebrew is referred to as "the holy language" because G-d wrote His Torah in this language.  There are differences, however, between Biblical Hebrew and modern Hebrew.   This fascinating new course will make use of the weekly Torah portion to study Biblical verses and narratives that illustrate the rules which serve as the foundations of the ancient holy tongue of our people.

8 Thursday mornings, 11:00 - 12:00                           Oct. 27, Nov. 3, 10, 17, Dec.  1, 8, 15, 22

SPEAK HEBREW LIKE AN ISRAELI

Mrs. Rina Weisberg

A high level Hebrew ulpan tailor made for those who already can speak Hebrew quite fluently but seek to perfect their skills still further.  The class will help you improve your grammar through discussion of topics affecting Jewish life and Israeli society.  The study of Israeli newspapers will strengthen your reading comprehension as well.

9 Monday evenings, 7:30 - 8:45                            Oct. 24, 31, Nov. 7, 14, 21, 28, Dec. 5, 12, 19