• Introduction
• Shabbats
• Sundays

• Tuesdays
• Wednesdays
• Thursdays
• Special Offerings

• Faculty
• Faculty - Melton Instructors
• Committee

INTRODUCTION

This year TBS once again is offering a wide variety of Jewish learning opportunities for adults of all ages, in the weekday mornings, afternoons and evenings and on Shabbat and Sunday as well.

We strive to offer compelling classes in Torah and Talmud and other traditional Jewish texts, but we also stress study and discussion on other topics that help us understand the meaning and purpose of Jewish tradition in modern times and the contemporary meaning of faith.

Despite alarming surveys showing large numbers of Jews marginally connected to their religion, Jewish communities are flourishing in the United States, synagogues are showing new signs of energy and vitality, and Jewish day schools are growing rapidly. Jewish studies programs now thrive at many synagogues and universities.

Make time to join us for a few hours each week while we try to add a touch of the Divine to our daily lives and be part of the never-ending story of Judaism.

B’Shalom,

Jennifer
Jennifer Singer, Chairperson
Adult Education Committee

The Gerer Rebbe brought one of the younger students
close and asked him, “Have you learned any Torah”?
“Just a little” answered the boy…
The Rebbe nodded warmly. “That is all any of us have ever learned.”
Rabbi Isaac Meyer of Ger, The Gerer Rebbe

SHABBAT

PARASHAT HASHAVUAH-TORAH STUDY
Saturday mornings, 8:45-9:45 AM, before Tefilah, starting October 7th
Rabbi Mishkin, Rabbi Goldsmith, and Dr. Deutsch

Each week the group will read and discuss selected sections of the weekly Torah portion in English, using traditional and modern commentaries. Everyone is welcome to participate either on a regular or occasional basis.

DR. WILLIAM AND JUDITH FREUND SCHOLAR-IN-RESIDENCE
Friday, March 2, 2007 - Saturday, March 3, 2007
Lunch after services on Saturday followed by Shabbaton talk Dr. Ora Horn Prouser

Disturbing Bible Texts.

There are many biblical texts that are disturbing to us today for moral or ethical reasons. We will look at several of these texts and try to make sense of them in a modern Jewish context.

Dr. Ora Horn Prouser is the Executive Vice President and Academic Dean of The Academy for Jewish Religion, a pluralistic rabbinical and cantorial school in Riverdale, New York. She received her BA and PhD from The Jewish Theological Seminary, as well as a BA from Columbia University. She has published widely on the Bible focusing on gender issues and literary analysis.

HERALD INSTITUTE FOR JEWISH STUDIES OF THE JEWISH THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
SCHOLAR-IN-RESIDENCE WEEKEND

Friday, March 16, 2007 - Saturday, March 17, 2007
Lunch after services on Saturday followed by Shabbaton talk Rabbi Matthew Berkowitz

Pathways to Learning: “How We Learn: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Text”

How do history, philosophy, art and philology enrich the Jewish experience in reading our sacred texts? This Shabbaton will weave traditional text study with modern philosophy and art. Torah will be experienced from a new, creative perspective giving us insight into how we learn.

Rabbi Berkowitz was ordained at The Jewish Theological Seminary in 1999 and is the Senior Rabbinic Fellow of KOLLOT: Voices of Learning program. He is an accomplished artist and sofer (Torah scribe) and the author of Passover Landscapes : Illuminations on the Exodus.

SUNDAYS

JEWISH ICONS - The Lives and Times of Important Jews… with Bagels and a Schmear

2nd and 4th Sundays, beginning October 22, 2006
09:00 - 09:30 AM: Bagels, Cream Cheese and Coffee
09:30 - 10:30 AM: Jewish Icon Presentation

Every culture and society has individual people etched into its collective memory…people who have had a great impact on society in their lifetimes, who we moderns call icons. They may have a downside to their character as well as greatness; each speaker will try to examine various aspects of the icon’s life and attempt to define his or her significance.

TUESDAYS

THE RABBI’S TISCH… The Unfolding Tradition, Jewish Law After Sinai

Tuesdays, 8:45-9:45 AM, starting October 10
Rabbi Joel Mishkin

This year Rabbi Mishkin and the members of his ongoing tisch will explore Rabbi Elliot Dorff’s book, The Unfolding Tradition, Jewish Law After Sinai. The class promises to be a lively and thought-provoking look at the development of Jewish law in the Conservative Movement.

Students will be expected to purchase Rabbi Dorff’s book at the outset of the class; supplementary materials will be provided without charge.

SCHOLARS’ CIRCLE…World Religions 101

Tuesdays, 9:45-10:45 AM, starting October 10
Rabbi Michelle Goldsmith

Ever wonder what distinguishes a Sunni from a Shiite Muslim? Confused about the relationship between Episcopalians and Southern Baptists? And what on earth do Sikhs, Hindus and Buddhists believe? The class will read and discuss The Abraham Connection by Grose and Hubbard, supplemented by materials provided by the instructor; all these questions and more will be answered in this course devoted to understanding the similarities and differences in monotheistic and eastern faiths

Students will be expected to purchase the Grose and Hubbard book at the outset of the class.

WEDNESDAYS

A SPECIAL SERIES IN JEWISH ART
A program for TBS sponsored by The Herald Institute for Jewish Studies of The Jewish Theological Seminary of America

Second Wednesdays, January 10, February 14, March 14, 2007, 1:00-2:30 PM
Rabbi Matthew Berkowitz, Senior Rabbinic Fellow, JTS, Artist and Author.

01.10.06
ILLUMINATING THE SCRIBAL ARTS
The illumination of sacred text in Judaism has a rich and complex history. As the largest repository for Hebrew manuscripts in the Western Hemisphere, The Rare Book Room of the Jewish Theological Seminary contains some of the most impressive examples of illumination and scribal art. This talk will explore the history of illumination with a particular focus on the scribal arts in Judaism, with breathtaking examples.

02.14.06
THE TREE OF LIFE SHTENDER
Based on the traditional reading/prayer/study lectern, The Tree of Life Shtender is at the same time an intricate sculptural work of art, an elegant piece of furniture and a treasure chest containing a complete series of daily, weekly, and yearly objects of Jewish practice. Conceived, designed and hand carved by David Moss and Noah Greenberg, The Tree of Life Shtender is a treasure you won’t want to miss.

03.14.06
PASSOVER LANDSCAPES: Illuminations on the Exodus
This talk represents a five year journey of Jewish learning and art. Illuminated and authored by Rabbi Berkowitz, Passover Landscapes offers a unique window into the seder experience. It is a piece rich with influences and history, bringing the experience of the Exodus to a deeper and more meaningful level.

BOOK REVIEW/DISCUSSIONS
The Idelson Adult Library Committee, chaired by librarian Sylvia Firschein, sponsors book review/discussions in the library at the Goldie Feldman Academy. Multiple copies of the books are available for circulation in the library.

First Wednesday of the month at 1:15 pm, November through March.

11.08.06
Those Who Save Us by Jenna Blum will be led by Judy Lebowich Joint program between Sisterhood and the Idelson Library to observe Jewish Book Month.

12.06.06
Where God Was Born: A Journey by Land to the Roots of Religion by Bruce Feiler will be led by Lester Firschein

01.03.06
Born to Kvetch by Michael Wex will be led by Martin Cohn

02.07.06
Maimonides (Jewish Encounter Series) by Sherwin B. Nuland will be led by Barbara Steinbach

03.07.06
The World to Come by Dara Horn will be led by Toby Deutsch

IDELSON LIBRARY FILM MATINEE SERIES
This educational program is sponsored by the Idelson Library and is held in the Social Hall. Each program will have a speaker who is knowledgeable about the subject and will answer questions. Film titles to be announced.

Third Wednesday of the month November through March. November 15, December 20, January 17, February 21 and March 21

INTERESTING LIVES
During the summer months (May through October) The Idelson Library sponsors, on the first Wednesday of each month, various people in our community who will share their life experiences with us.

THURSDAYS

TALMUD 101. Talmud for Beginners.

Thursdays, 1:00-2:30 PM, January 18, 25, February 01, 08
Martin Cohn

This class is for beginners who are eager to learn some Talmud in translation; no Hebrew or previous Talmud study is required.

Why does Talmud seem so forbidding to some beginners? Because the sages wanted you to study it only with a teacher and made it almost impossible to learn it alone. Delve into the wisdom and logical processes of the Talmud and the system of Jewish civil law with Marty Cohn and a group of new learners like yourself. This course will serve as a gateway to the Talmud and Talmudic thought.

SHALOM HASHEM…ANI HOO ASHER… HELLO GOD…IT’S ME

Thursdays, 7:30-8:45 PM, 8 sessions, February 15, 22, March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, April 12.
Reb Ari Shapiro

Rebbe Nachman of Bratzalav taught that the old paths don’t continue to work anymore; the roads have changed and sometimes the old maps no longer get you there. We are no longer the people our ancestors were. He would tell his Chasidim: “If you really want to pray, you have to, at certain times, put the siddur away and you have to speak to God as one person speaks to another.”

This course will address: What is prayer, how do we pray, when do we pray, where do we pray, and to whom do we pray? (continued…)

The class will study the teachings of Rebbe Nachman, Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, Rabbi Zalman Schechter-Shalomi, and Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz as well as excerpts from the Talmud. Reb Ari will emphasize discussion, comments and opinions by the class participants. The class will be guided and encouraged in writing their own personal prayers.

THE FLORENCE MELTON ADULT MINI-SCHOOL

This year both the first and second year Melton courses will be offered. The first 15 weeks will be taught at Temple Sinai and the second 15 weeks at Temple Beth Sholom.

Instructors:
1st year: Rabbi Joel Mishkin and Sue Huntting
2nd year: Jennifer Singer and Marden Paru
Thursdays, 9:00 AM - 11:15 AM

The fees for these courses are $450 tuition and $22.75 for “The JPS Tanach” which the Federation will order for you if you do not own a copy.

Registration and Information available from Rosa Mandelblum at the Sarasota-Manatee Jewish Federation, (941) 371-4546 or E-mail at: rmandelblum@smjf.org

SPECIAL OFFERINGS

TORAH CHANTING CLUB

The Torah Chanting Club has two groups which study and practice the art of chanting Torah in small classes; members will do periodic Shabbat morning Torah readings from the Bimah.

Tuesdays, 5:30-6:30 PM, starting September 12, 2007
Instructor: Andrea Caufield.

One Sunday/month, 10:30-11:30 AM, starting November, 2007
Instructor: Susan Weintraub

Exact dates of classes to be published in the TBS Messenger

CELEBRATING SPRING WITH MUSIC

Wednesday, March 28, 1-2:30 PM
Hazzan Diane Nathanson

Hazzan Nathanson, in the spirit of the coming springtime, will do a program of her favorite music for our pleasure. She will use the music and lyrics of contemporary and traditional songs to enrich our Jewish life. Come join us for a joyous afternoon of song and ruach.

READING THE BOOK OF RUTH

Wednesday, May 9, 2007, 1-2:30 PM
Dr. Lawrence Deutsch

The approaching spring festival of Shavuot is the time in Jewish tradition when we read The Book of Ruth. Explore this compelling story of loyalty, mothers’ wisdom and community responsibility. As the Biblical story comes alive it reveals opportunities for development, healing and re-energizing your mind and spirit. Copies of the text will be provided by the instructor.

TIKKUN LEIL SHAVUOT

Tuesday, May 22, 2007, 5:30-9:30 PM. Limited to 30 participants.

Usher in the festival of Shavuot with a traditional evening of Jewish learning preceded by the customary Chevra Seudah dairy dinner to celebrate the receiving of Torah at Mount Sinai. Stay a couple of hours or stay all evening!

Last year was the first time we had a Tikkun Leil Shavuot at TBS and it was a big success…we were fully subscribed and there was a waiting list!

This year’s teachers and study topics will be:
Dr. Guillermo (Bill) Oynick will lead us in the study of Psalms (Tihillim)
Dr. Lawrence Deutsch will guide us in the study of “The Beginning: Reading Creation.”
Rabbi Joel Mishkin will begin the evening with a special shiur for Shavuot.

FACULTY

Joel S. Mishkin, Senior Rabbi, Temple Beth Sholom
Rabbi Mishkin has an MA and Rabbinic ordination from the Jewish Theological Seminary of America in New York. He teaches a wide variety of courses in Torah, Talmud and Jewish philosophy at Temple Beth Sholom. (jmishkin@templebethsholomfl.org)

Michelle Goldsmith, Associate Rabbi, Temple Beth Sholom
Rabbi Goldsmith has a BA and a MHL from the University of Judaism. In 1998 she received an MA and Rabbinic ordination from the Jewish Theological Seminary of America. She is the Religious Studies Director at the Goldie Feldman Academy of Temple Beth Sholom. (mgoldsmith@templebethsholomfl.org)

Diane Nathanson, Hazzan, Temple Beth Sholom
Hazzan Nathanson is a member of the Cantor’s Assembly, working and studying with Cantors throughout the United States. She has been awarded the diploma Hazzan/Minister. (dnathanson@templebethsholomfl.org)

Dr. Lawrence Deutsch, Chairperson, Adult Education, Temple Beth Sholom
Dr. Deutsch has studied Torah, Talmud and Midrash at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion (HUC-JIR) in New York and Jerusalem and is a graduate of the Para-Rabbinic Aide program at HUC-JIR in Cincinnati. He is currently a part-time graduate student at The Jewish Theological Seminary in New York. (circussands@aol.com)

Martin Cohn
Martin Cohn is an attorney. Mr. Cohn has a BA from Penn State and an LLB from Harvard. He is a long-term Board member and the former President of the Jewish Publication Society and the former Chairperson of Adult Jewish Education for the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism.

Reb Ari Shapiro
Reb Ari Shapiro has Rabbinic ordination in 1997 from the Aleph Alliance for Jewish Renewal and extensive training and experience in Clinical Pastoral Education. He has worked in numerous jails and prisons as a Chaplain and is a Member of the National Association of Jewish Chaplains and The American Correction Chaplains Association. He is a shofar blower par excellence.

FACULTY (MELTON INSTRUCTIONS)

Rabbi Joel Mishkin (see above)

Sue Huntting teaches the Melton's core Purposes course as well as in PEP (Parent Education Program). She is managing editor of the Journal of Jewish Education and also teaches at Temple Sinai. She holds two masters degrees from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in Los Angeles.

Marden Paru has worked as a professional fund-raiser, executive and educator in the Jewish community. He attended yeshiva day schools and Yeshiva University; he completed his BA at the University of Tulsa, his MA at the University of Chicago and did doctoral level studies at Brandeis.

Jennifer Singer teaches all three years of courses in the Florence Melton Adult Mini-School in Sarasota as well as teaching in the Paver Religious School at Temple Beth Sholom. She is completing a Master’s degree at the Graduate School of the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York in Jewish Education.

Our two visiting scholars for this year, Dr. Ora Horn Prouser and Rabbi Matthew Berkowitz, have biographical information listed with their presentation information.

COMMITTEE

• Dr. Lawrence Deutsch, Chairperson
• Rabbi Joel Mishkin, Senior Rabbi, TBS
• Rabbi Michelle Goldsmith, Associate Rabbi, TBS
• Dr. Len Berman
• Sylvia Firschein
• Marden Paru
• Reb Ari Shapiro
• Gerry Ronkin, Executive Director, TBS