Adult Learning
Torah — our ongoing story — and Jewish learning in general, is central to our life as a community. Our learning answers questions and enables questioning, and instills an abiding sense of pleasure in Jewish thought and practice. We strive to develop the basic knowledge and skills needed for ongoing religious practice, cultural engagement, and ethical action. Ideally, learners of all ages and backgrounds will understand what Judaism means for them, identify strongly as Jews, and have the cultural fluency needed for active engagement in Jewish life and community. -- Kolot Chayeinu Values Statement
SHABBAT AFTERNOON STUDY
Kolot Chayeinu's earliest days of planning always included Torah study. Study of the Torah portion of the week and of other texts has long been a Shabbat afternoon staple. This year we will be offering study of text in all sorts of new ways.
In the year 5772, we will offer Beginning Hebrew, Men's Torah Chanting, the Rabbi's class on blessings, Arthur Strimling on how to write a drash, Tehilla Wise on Torah Study and Creative Writing, Trisha Arlin on Text Study using theater techniques and much more. Go here for the full schedule. Some classes will post their handouts on the website.
SPECIAL EVENTS
We occasionally offer talks by local or member authors, by members and authors who bring expertise in a particular subject, and hope to offer talks by speakers coming into Kolot Chayeinu and trips to see plays, films, talks, readings elsewhere in the city. We have had sessions with authors Arthur Goldwag,Peg Tyre, and Myla Goldberg, and are working on a talk by Kolot member and Pulitzer Prize winner Jennifer Egan. Yom Kippur afternoon author talks have featured Edward Hirsch, Mary Gordon, Amy Bloom, and now Alicia Ostriker.
There will be a Kolot Chayeinu Living Room Discussion: Occupy Wall Street and J14: the economic inequity protests in Israel on Monday, December 5, 7 to 8:30 pm, with Dan Sieradski, Aliza Becker, Rebecca Vilkomerson and Rabbi Sue Oren. Moderator: Bob Master. Contact rebellen@earthlink.net for location.
SALONS
Starting in February, we will introduce the Sunday Afternoon Salon. The first two salons will feature Dr. Sally Charnow introducing us to 20th century French Jewish playwright and thinker Edmund Fleg and then Student Rabbi Scott Fox leading a discussion about a Jewish short story; story to be selected.
For two years Kolot Chayeinu had an active Israel-Palestine reading group, and there is interest in a Spiritual Writings reading group as well. Other groups may form depending on member interest.
GOING FORWARD
In the year 5772, we are exploring the idea of a weekly beit midrash that would begin with introductory level classes and progress to more in-depth learning. This would include learning for Jewish living as well as for knowledge, remembering that God placed in the Garden of Eden a tree of knowledge and a tree of life. We need both.
We are eager to hear what you want to learn. Please send an email to info@kolotchayeinu.org and let us know.
