Adult Jewish Learning COURSE CATALOG

SUMMER 2 0 1 5 / 5 7 7 5
Adult Jewish Learning
COURSE CATALOG
NORTH DADE / AVENTURA
ISRAEL IN SONG: ENCOUNTERING ISRAELI HISTORY
AND CULTURE THROUGH ITS MUSIC
Rebeca Herman
Tuesdays & Thursdays, July 7, 9, 14, 16
Aventura Turnberry Jewish Center, 9:30-11:00am
History can sometimes be dry, but not when you
learn it through song and music! Join Rebeca Herman as she showcases how popular music in Israel has transmitted the history and the ideals of
Zionism specific to each of Israel’s decades. Learn
how music conveys the daily challenges of living
in Israel and the social struggle to unite diverse
ethnic groups into a unified society. More recently, Israeli songs are telling the story of “postZionism,” as well as the Israeli desire for
“normalcy” in a hostile Middle Eastern neighborhood. We will explore the fascinating background
to such famous Israeli songs as ‘Hatikvah’ and
‘Jerusalem of Gold’ and study about some of Israel’s most celebrated composers and singers
such as: Naomi Shemer, Arik Einstein, Yehoram
Gaon, Ofra Haza and Shlomo Artzi. Together we’ll
discover passion, solidarity, pain, sadness, love
and beauty.
Rebeca Herman
completed
her
Masters Degree in Jewish Studies
from Gratz College, Philadelphia,
writing her dissertation on ‘Israeli
History Through Song and Lyric.’
She has an innate passion for
Jewish education and ‘everything
Israel’. Fluent in Spanish, English
and Hebrew, for over a decade
she worked at Keren Hayesod in
Venezuela, volunteered at the
Rikudim department of the
Hebraica JCC in Venezuela and
for many years has been involved
in informal adult Jewish education. An accomplished dentist
specializing in pediatric dentistry,
Rebeca graduated from Universidad Central de Venezuela’s
School of Dentistry and obtained
a Masters of Science degree in
Pediatric Dentistry.
ANTI-SEMITISM: WHY IS IT ALWAYS THE JEWS?
Dr. Leon Weissberg
Wednesdays, July 8, 15, 22, 29
Aventura Turnberry Jewish Center, 7:30-9:00pm
Throughout history, Jews have been preoccupied with what is today termed “Anti-Semitism.” Questions such as “Why is it always the Jews?” and “Would anti
-Semitism lessen if we weren’t so Jewish?” have manifested themselves in Jewish communities throughout history
in an attempt to grapple with the underlying basis of antiJewish sentiment. This course will survey the evolution of
anti-Semitism over 2000 years and how it manifested itself
in different cultures and historical periods. We will begin
by exploring the conceptual framework of anti-Semitism as
it was articulated in the 19th century, then go back in time
to see how Jews are treated in the New Testament and the
subsequent Catholic response. Finally, we will examine
how anti-Semitism unfolded in the early Islamic world and
its connection to anti-Zionism today.
Dr. Leon Weissberg is a
graduate of the City
College of New York,
and holds four advanced degrees, including a Masters in Jewish
Studies and a Doctorate in Educational
Leadership. He is the
former Director of the
Leo Martin March of
the Living of MiamiDade. Dr. Weissberg
offers courses at various South Florida universities and schools
and has been teaching
Melton courses for the
past 26 years.
WOMEN WRITERS: JEWISH AMERICAN SHORT STORIES
Rabbi Cheryl Weiner
Wednesdays, July 8, 15, 22, 29
Temple Sinai, 9:30-11:00am
As Yiddish speaking immigrants made their way to America, we discover a world of
wonder through the stories of seminal women writers. From Tillie Olson and Grace
Paley to Cynthia Ozick and Molly Antopol, we often find that their idiom is Yiddish, but
their language is English--with an American twang, magical realism and the magic of
reality. Who are these women? What is their position in the world of literature? What
do they have to say about the Jewish experience in America? We will examine what it
means to them to be Jewish, American and female and how these lenses shape their
writing. As we look at their fears/longings and the ambivalences that reflect their multiple identities, we’ll also note how their stories often pit religion against reason,
something many Jews (maybe even you?) still struggle with today. Come join us in
some great summer reading, on the beach and off!
Rabbi Cheryl Weiner, Ph.D., is a Vice President of the Rabbinical Association of Greater Miami and Director of the Refuat HaNefesh Program. Ordained in 2007 from the Academy for Jewish Religion, California, she is on the Board of Trustees for the Jewish Publication Society and Neshama, the Association for Jewish Chaplaincy. As a Melton
faculty member, she infuses the study of Jewish texts with intellectual and spiritual energy, making Jewish literature come alive.
FROM SLAPSTICK TO SEINFELD: THE HISTORY OF
MODERN JEWISH HUMOR
Dr. Leon Weissberg
Wednesdays, July 8, 15, 22, 29
Temple Sinai, 11:15am-12:45pm
This course reveals that the most resonant Jewish jokes are profoundly illuminating sign posts
along our Jewish journey. Treating Jewish jokes
as text, the course invites students to analyze
and interpret the evolving concerns, styles,
rhythms, preoccupations, and values of the
Jewish people that lie buried deep in words
that make us laugh as Jews, and that bond us as
a people. Together we’ll explore the nature of
Jewish humor and how Jews have used humor
throughout Jewish history to lighten their burdens and deal with the complexities of Jewish
life in non-Jewish environments. Each session
will look at how humor played a significant role
in keeping the Jewish spirit alive, thriving and
engaged in Europe, America and Israel. Be prepared to laugh and to learn!
Dr. Leon Weissberg
See Bio on
opposite page
Note: This course will anticipate,
but not duplicate or overlap the
themes and organization of the
Melton Scholar's Curriculum From
Sinai to Seinfeld: The History of
Jewish Humor, which is scheduled
to be released to Melton sites and
taught in South Florida in the
Spring of 2016.
NORTH DADE / AVENTURA –CONTINUE
MODERN HEBREW CONTINUED
(Class Closed)
Dr. Hana Barouk
Wednesdays, July 1, 8, 15, 22
Temple Sinai, 10:00-11:30am
This course will expand upon the
knowledge acquired in the prior courses.
Through interactive learning, participants
will improve their fundamental language
skills and increase their vocabulary in order to communicate, read, understand
and discuss intermediate level texts. During this course, we will also explore short
excerpts from the Tanach, some familiar
prayers from the Siddur as well as other
traditional texts, all of which will show us
how modern Hebrew is rooted in ancient
sources and also preserves them.
IS THERE A FUTURE FOR THE
JEWS OF FRANCE?
Dr. Hana Barouk
Wednesdays, July 1, 8, 15, 22
Temple Sinai, 11:15-1:00pm
We’ve all seen and heard the troublesome news about the rise of antiSemitism in Europe and particularly in
France. As French Jews rush to make
aliyah to Israel or leave for Quebec or
Miami, a difficult question must be
asked: Is there a future for Jews in
France? In this session, we will begin
with the historical context of the current
Jewish presence in France—when and
how did Jews arrive in France, and from
which countries? What happened to
French Jewry during the Shoah? We will
then investigate the rise of antiSemitism in modern times--its causes,
the effect of Arab immigration to France,
Jewish integration into French society,
as well as the relationship between
events in Israel and anti-Semitic acts in
France. Become informed--learn from
someone who grew up in France and has
family there.
Hana Barouk, Ph.D
holds a Doctorate in Languages, Literature and Civilizations from University of
Lille III, France. She is the former Vice-Principal of BMC Teachers College in S.
Agathe, Quebec, where she was also instrumental in developing programs
designed to increase tolerance and understanding between neighboring communities with different cultural and religious backgrounds. As a result, she was
named “Women of the Year” by Elle Magazine (Quebec) for having built bridges and promoted tolerance and respect between neighbors. Currently, Hana
resides in Bal Harbour with her husband and children.
REGISTER ONLINE TODAY!
www.caje-miami.org/adultlearning
MIAMI BEACH / CENTRAL DADE
RIPPED FROM THE HEADLINES: CONTEMPORARY
JEWISH CONTROVERSIES
Rabbi Shlomo Sprung
Tuesdays, July 7, 14, 21, 28
Temple Beth Sholom, 7:00-8:30pm
Jews will argue about almost anything but some arguments are better than others! Which ones? The ones
where you learn the depth of an issue and explore its
many facets through a moderated discussion over texts.
Come explore contemporary Jewish controversies surrounding three large issues--Pluralism, the Role of Women in Judaism, and the Changing Nature of Orthodoxy. Some of the questions we'll wrestle with: Why is it
that Jewish public events are almost always kosher when
the majority of Jews aren't and is that "right"? Why is it
Orthodox neighborhoods impose their standards on non
-Orthodox people living in them or travelling through
them (regarding driving on Shabbat or dressing modestly)? Why can't Orthodox women be ordained as rabbis
and judges according to most factions? What is the big
deal about Women of the Wall? And how/why has Orthodoxy itself changed over the last 20 years, becoming
more restrictive about so many things? Among all this
uncertainty, one thing is for certain--when you learn
with Shlomo, you won't ever have a boring class!!!
Rabbi
Cheryl
Weiner,
Ph.D., is
a Vice
President of
the Rabbinical
Association of Greater Miami and Director of
the Refuat HaNefesh Program. Ordained in 2007
from the Academy for
Jewish Religion, California,
she is on the Board of
Trustees for the Jewish
Publication Society and
Neshama, the Association
for Jewish Chaplaincy. As
a Melton faculty member,
she infuses the study of
Jewish texts with intellectual and spiritual energy,
making Jewish literature
come alive.
Rabbi Shlomo Sprung
received his ordination
from Rabbi Zalman
Goldberg of Jerusalem's
Rabbinical High Court
and was the youngest
person admitted to Jerusalem's High Kollel for
the certification/training
of Yeshiva Deans.
A TASTE OF YIDDISH STORY TELLING
Rabbi Cheryl Weiner
Wednesdays, July 8, 15, 22, 29
Temple Beth Sholom, 7:00-8:30pm
Rabbi Nachman of Bratzlev once wrote: "God made man
because he loves stories." From Hasidic tales through 20th
century Yiddish writers, the Yiddish story has captured
the drama and humor of the Jewish people for over five
centuries. Yiddish stories transcend the particulars of
Jewish experience, bringing to life universal themes relatable to everyone. Through stories, we will visit Europe
before the Shoah and have a chance to perceive the
world through the eyes of our parents/grandparents as
well as better understand their fears, longings, and ambivalences. Leaving a prolific literary legacy, the authors
of these stories are themselves characters, representing a
diversity and range of story-telling. From the Ba'al Shem
Tov, who founded the Hasidic movement through the
foundational Yiddish story tellers--Mendele Mocher Seforim, IL Peretz, and Shalom Aleichem--together we will
explore the mystical tradition, the language and lore of
life, plus the myths and magic of the Yiddish world.
SOUTH DADE / PINECREST
ISRAEL AND THE DIASPORA:
A COMPLEX RELATIONSHIP
THE DEVELOPMENT OF
JEWISH MUSIC
Rabbi Fred Klein
Wednesdays, July 8, 15, 22, 29
Temple Judea, 10:30am-12:00noon
Cantor Shiree Kidron
Mon. & Wed., July 6, 8, 13, 15
Temple Judea, 7:00-8:30pm
Have you ever considered making aliyah
to Israel yourself? Or do you know someone who has and thought they were crazy? Israel provokes many different types
of reactions among Jews. For some, it’s
Israel—right or wrong. For others, Israel
falls short of living up to the prophetic
values outlined in Israel’s own Declaration of Independence. What should our
relationship be to the State of Israel? We
will explore the delicate balance between
the Diaspora and the land of Israel--the
nature of our claim to the land of Israel,
the mitzvah (or not) of aliyah, the early
Zionist thinkers and their perspective on
living there, and the relationship between
Israel and America regarding the meaning
of ‘Zionism.” We will conclude the series
with Gidi Grinstein’s analysis of the relationship found in the acclaimed new book
Flexigidity: The Secret of Jewish Adaptability.
Have you ever wanted to learn more
about the fascinating history and development of Jewish music? This is your
chance! Together we’ll explore the background and development of our synagogue prayer modes called “nusach,” the
historical background of the different
styles of Torah cantillation called
“trope,” as well as the ancient liturgical
poems known as “piyyutim,” that most
Jews know by their initial stanzas such as
Adon Olam or Yigdal. We will also explore the magnificent tradition of European Jewish music, as well as some contemporary pieces familiar to many.
Whether you’re a synagogue “regular”
or just visit for Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremonies, this class will help you appreciate
the musical experience better.
Rabbi Fred Klein, M.A., is
the Director of Mishkan
Miami: The Jewish Connection for Spiritual Support and the Executive
Vice President of the Rabbinical Association of
Greater Miami. Ordained
by Yeshiva University, he engaged in doctoral studies at Columbia University in
Jewish history and brings a unique blend
of traditional and modern thinking to
Jewish life and topics.
Cantor Shiree Kidron
received her Master of
Music at the Manhattan School of Music
and her Bachelor in
Music at the Rubin
High Academy of Music
and Dance in Jerusalem. She is a proud
member of the Cantors Assembly and is
a graduate of their CICA program. She
has served as Cantor at Bet Shira Congregation in South Miami and has been
the assistant Cantor at Park Avenue
Synagogue in New York City. She is also
the lead singer for the Sheba Ensemble,
an innovative all female Jewish group
that tours worldwide and leads inspirational concerts.
WHAT'S SO FUNNY? THE CHANGING FACES OF
AMERICAN JEWISH COMEDY
Dr. Marsha Cohen
Thursdays, July 9, 16, 23, 30
Temple Beth Am, 10:00-11:30am
American Jews have made numerous contributions to all aspects
of media, and particularly to the entertainment industry: theater,
radio, film and television. This course will examine the changing faces of American
Jewish humor particularly as they reflect--and impact--the evolving relationship of Jews
with, and role in, the evolving social norms in American society--Vaudeville, the Marx
Brothers, Henny Youngman, Sid Caesar, Sam Levinson and Jackie Mason, to Lenny
Bruce, Robert Klein, Mel Brooks, Woody Allen, Jerry Seinfeld, Jon Stewart and Andy
Borowitz. We'll also examine the distinctive, pioneering contributions of women to
American comedy: Fannie Bryce, Gertrude Berg, Elaine May, Elayne Boosler, Rita Rudner, Carol Kane and Gilda Radner. A summer course of learning through laughter!
Marsha B. Cohen, Ph.D., is an independent scholar, writer and lecturer and holds the
Deborah and Michael Troner Endowed Faculty Chair. She has taught for the Florence
Melton School since 1998 as well as designs and teaches CAJE courses on a wide variety
of topics. She received her BA from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem in Ancient, Medieval and Political Philosophy and pursued a Masters in Religion at FIU before embarking on her Ph.D in International Relations, specializing in the Middle East and the role of
religion in world affairs. A writer for various online venues, she is the co-author (with
Prof. Herbert W. Basser) of “The Gospel of Matthew and Judaic Traditions: A Relevance
Based Commentary,” which will be published by Brill Academic Publishers in the Spring/
Summer of 2015
Note: This course will anticipate, but not duplicate or overlap the themes and organization of the Melton Scholar's Curriculum From Sinai to Seinfeld: The History of Jewish
Humor, which is scheduled to be released to Melton sites and taught in South Florida in
the Spring of 2016.
PRAYERS THAT ORIGINATED IN THE TORAH
Rabbi David Auerbach
Tuesdays, July 7, 14, 21, 28
Bet Shira, 11:00am-12:30pm
Rabbi David H.
Auerbach is the
founding Rabbi
and now Emeritus Rabbi of Bet
Shira Congregation.
Since the major form of Jewish worship in the Torah is sacrifice,
there are not many prayers that have come down to us from the
Biblical period. Nonetheless, the early rabbis began to create a
prayer service toward the end of the Second Temple period
(centuries after the Torah was given/canonized) based on Torah
passages. What ritual practices and wording did they find in the
Torah that enabled them to do so? What was their criteria for
selection and how did they expand on such limited material to
form the prayer service as we know it? We will discuss how Jewish
worship was developed into forms we still practice today and debate how relevant they still are in modern times
BE A MELTON AMBASADOR
Recommend a NEW Core/Undergraduate
student who enrolls this fall and receive a
$50
Discount toward your next Melton Course
Morning & Evening Classes Begin Week of October 12th.
*Temple Judea Class Begins Sunday, September 27th.
North Dade
Central Dade
Aventura Turnberry Temple Beth Sholom
South Dade
Bet Shira
Jewish Center
Congregation
Temple Sinai
*Temple Judea
Go to www.caje-miami.org/adultlearning
Email adultlearning@caje-miami.org
Call 305-576-4030 x 128 or x117