Adult Education
Organize yourself into classes for the study of Torah, for it is completely acquired only in fellowship Babylonian Talmud, Tractate B'rachot 63b
Kane Street Synagogue is committed to teaching people from all walks of life who want to explore Judaism. Our approach is pluralistic and informal. We learn from the many voices of Jewish tradition and create a passionate, caring community of learners. We are pleased to offer the following courses for our upcoming Fall, Winter and Spring semesters.
You may register for classes with the office by mail, email or phone. For more information about classes, please contact Rabbi Weintraub rabbi@kanestreet.org or Adult Education Committee Chair Tim Rucinski at tim_rucinski@yahoo.com.
Courses 2007- 2008
The Fourth Annual Y. L. Peretz Distinguished Writers' Series
Shabbat Afternoons in the Winter
Join prominent writers in discussions about major works following Shabbat morning services and Kiddush. Book salons are free to all.
Saturday, February 16
1:00 - 2:30 PM
Viginia Heffernan on "Mad Men," click here for more information and to see the flyer.
Saturday, March 1
1:00 - 2:30 PM
Myla Goldberg on Bee Season, click here for more information and to see the flyer.
Judaic History and Culture
Introduction to Jewish Mysticism
Eight Tuesdays, 7:30-9:00 PM / beginning April 8
Join Rabbi Sam Weintraub and learn how mysticism has influenced Judaism throughout the ages. You will gain knowledge about the historical background of Kabbalah (Jewish Mysticism). You will learn about the mystical view of G-d, the purpose of creation, good and evil, and free will. Readings will be included, in translation, from the Zohar, the primary Kabblistic text. You will be exposed to Jewish mysticism and Jewish ethics, and gain an appreciation about why Kabbalah has soared in popularity in the current age.
Cost: $25 for members, $50 for non-members
Introduction to Judaism for Curious Adults
This 20-session course, beginning October 9 and October 14, meets in two separate sessions.
Tuesdays, 7:30-9:30 at the Brooklyn Heights Synagogue
Sundays, 7:30-9:30 at the Park Slope Jewish Center
For the past few years, Rabbi Sue Oren has led this exploration of Jewish thought, prayer and practice. This year, a new sequence begins for those interested in finding out more about how Judaism affects them and those around them. Students discuss inherited texts and contemporary issues as they learn about Jewish history, holidays, beliefs and ethics.
To register or find out more about the program, contact Rabbi Sue Oren at 718-431-0741, or email her at introcourse@earthlink.net
Me'ah Programs
Me'ah is an intensive 100-hour, two-year program is for adults seeking a better under-standing of Judaism. Semesters are divided into the Biblical, Rabbinic, Medieval and Modern periods. Wednesday evenings, beginning October 10
Teacher Hebrew Bible: Barat Ellman (meets at Park Slope Jewish Center)
Teacher Rabbinic Period; David Kraemer (meets at Kane Street Synagogue)
The Me'ah course is a joint venture between Kane Street Synagogue, Park Slope Jewish Center and Lolot Chayeinu. If you are interested in finding out more about the twenty-two session program, email Sara Sloan, PSJC Me'ah Coordinator, at sarshifra1@aol.com
Cost: $595/annually + books
Me'ah Graduate Courses
The following two courses are open to Me'ah graduates, plus Kane Street members who qualify for admission based on previous learning experience and approval from Rabbi Weintraub.
Great Debates of the Ages
Eight Thursdays, 7:00 9:00 PM / October 18 December 13
Instructor: Eliezer Diamond
This course helps students understand Judaism as it is presently constituted by gaining knowledge of the fundamental debates that have shaped Judaism throughout the ages.
Cost: $520 for members, $620 for non-members
Land and Nation
Eight Wednesdays, 7:00 9:00 PM / January 30 March 26
Instructor: Barbara Mann
This course explores some of the major themes of Hebrew literature of the past century characterized by an emerging and dynamic relation between landscape and national identity. Cost: $520 for members, $620 for non-members
Sunday Sojourns
A series designed to enhance your understanding of Judaism and Judaic culture in New York City.
The Library of the Jewish Theologican Seminary
Sunday October 14, 2007 at 11 AM
Join Dr. David Kraimer, the Joseph J and Dora Abbell Librarian at the Jewish Theological Seminary, for a mesmerizing introduction to the priceless manuscripts and texts.
Cost: Donation to JTS following tour.
Museum of Jewish Heritage
Sunday December 2, 2007 at 11 AM
Join us for a visit to the museum, a living memorial to the Holocaust that honors those who died by celebrating their lives.
Cost: $10 Adults; $7 Children
Eldridge Street Synagogue & the Lower East Side
Sunday April 13, 2008 at 11 AM
Spend a few hours with Dr. Annie Polland, Director of Education and History at the Eldridge Street Project, a Not for Profit organization that is stewarding the architectural restoration of the 1887 Eldridge Street Synagogue. Tour the Synagogue and the surrounding Lower East Side Community for a fascinating return to old New York.
Cost: Donation to the Eldridge Street Synagogue
As Our Loved Ones Age: Jewish Teachings and Practical Guidance
Three free Sunday morning workshops focusing on today’s important life cycles issues
Caring for Loved Ones – Bikur Cholim
Sunday, October 14, 10:15 AM – Noon
Workshop leader: Rabbi Sam Weintraub
This workshop is designed for adult children who find themselves responsible for nurturing aging parents. Topics include: honoring parents with time, emotional support, practical help and money; the competing needs of parents, spouses and children; how to visit the very sick – one’s conduct during a visit, bedside prayers and ceremonies; illness and teshuva/self-examination; communicating with people who cannot respond normally; and other special cases.
Writing an Ethical Will
Sunday, November 4, 10:15 AM – Noon
Workshop Leader: Ms Helen Jaffa, attorney specializing in the aged.
This workshop will focus upon the Jewish Ethical Will as a tool for re-empowering older adults and for condensing the teachings of a lifetime. Focus will be on sharing values and deepening relationships of adult children and their parents.
Death and Mourning
Sunday, December 9, 10:15 AM – Noon
Workshop Leader: Rabbi Sam Weintraub
This program will teach about how to visit the terminally ill, what to do when death arrives, and the text and meaning of the Viddui/confessional and other prayers. Participants will learn how to make funeral arrangements, prepare for Shiva, and gain an appreciation of the role of friends and the community. Discussion will be offered on how to write an eulogy, burial customs, Shiva, Sh’loshim (the first thirty days) and the year of mourning for a parent.
Hebrew Language Courses
Introduction to Conversational Hebrew
Eight Tuesdays, 6:00-7:30 PM / Classes begin October 16.
Teacher: Ronit Wegman
This course focuses on basic Modern Hebrew conversation and beginning grammar, while also increasing the students’ fluency in reading the Sabbath Synagogue prayers. Knowledge of Hebrew letters and vowels is required. Cost: $200 for members, $240 for non-members
Intermediate Conversational Hebrew
Eight Tuesdays, 7:30 – 9:00 PM / Classes begin October 16.
Teacher: Ronit Wegman
This course is for students that can conduct a basic conversation in Hebrew but need to develop stronger grammar, vocabulary and confidence in speaking. Pre-requisite: Introduction to Conversational Hebrew or its equivalent. Cost: $200 for members, $240 for non-members
Shabbat and Holiday Learning
Understanding the Shabbat Morning Services
Three informal sessions following Shabbat Kiddush/Luncheon at 1:30 PM led by
Rabbi Sam Weintraub
The Sh'ma and Its Blessings
Shabbat Lech L'cha - October 20
You will learn the meaning of the Sh’ma and its surrounding prayers. You will be introduced to Kavannah-praying with concentration. Attention will be given to the symbolism of the Tallit and the choreography of its kissing. Theological meanings and problems of the text will be discussed as will the question, “Can you pray the Sh’ma without believing it?”
The Amidah, the Standing Prayer
Shabbat Vayetze – November 17
The Amidah is a prayer of spiritual intimacy and self-examination. Discover why and when we stand, bend, bow and step forward and backward. Learn to use the Congregation to focus on oneself when praying. Gain an appreciation of the joy of the Shabbat and the melodies and the power of song in prayer.
The Torah Service
Shabbat Vayigash – December 15
This session is for those that need a better understanding of the order and meaning of the Torah’s removal, processional, kissing, reading, lifting, dressing, recessional, and return to the Ark. Learn how to take an Aliyah. Develop an understanding of the history of the Torah reading and the system of honors, and learn to sit and read the text meaningfully, even if you don’t know Hebrew.
Jenny’s Group
Sessions meet at 10:45 AM - Oct 6, Nov 3 and Dec 1, 2007’ Jan 5, Feb 2 and March 1, 2008
For the past several years, Jenny Brooks, of blessed memory, led a lively, informal study group on Shabbat that probed the ethical, literary and theological themes and moral issues of the weekly Torah portion. She inspired our hearts to search Torah and gain wisdom.
The study group will continue and, in honor of Jenny Brooks, will be known as “Jenny’s Group.” Sessions will be held on the first Saturday of each month, from October through March. Background in Hebrew or the Bible is not required. Bring only your desire to learn and grow in Jewish knowledge.
Alternative Service
This discussion group led by facilitator Bob Marx meets during morning services on Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and four Shabbat mornings during the year. See the Calendar for the dates TBA. Sessions are free to all.
Talmud Study Circle
Saturdays following Kiddush
A great way to honor the Sabbath and increase your knowledge at the same time. We study the Mishnayot of the first Order of the Talmud, Zeraim (Seeds), in both Hebrew and English. Our discussion, like the Talmud, is far-ranging, deep, fun, and intellectually stimulating. Unlike the Talmud, discussions are in English! All levels of learners are welcome to join us in the sanctuary. No previous background or knowledge of Hebrew necessary.
Study into the Night
Our congregation gathers together for three late-night evenings to study and worship late into the night. On Selicot, Erev Shavuot and Erev Tisha B’av we distribute texts and discuss. Sessions are free to all.
Y. L. Peretz Distinguished Writer Series
Shabbat Afternoons in the Winter
Join prominent writers in discussions about major works following Shabbat morning services and Kiddush. Sessions will be advertised as they are scheduled. Book salons are free to all.
Free Professional Development Courses
Returning Women in the Workforce
Date: TBD
Teacher: Trudy Steinfeld
If you have been out of the job market for some time, and are thinking about going back to work, then this workshop is for you. Learn about the job search process, how technology and new procedures have changed the world of work, researching potential employers, interviewing, and following up to the interviewing process. Learn about the skills actively sought by employers that need your services as a new employee.
Resume and Cover Letter Writing
Monday, November 5 / 7:00 – 9:00 PM
Teacher: Trudy Steinfeld
Writing a resume is not as simple as it looks. Learn from a professional the basics of how to write a resume and cover letter to sell your self to a new employer.
Kane Street Faculty
Eliezer Diamond is the Rabbi Judah A. Nadich Associated Professor of Talmud and Rabbinics at the Jewish Theological Seminary.
Barbara Mann is Associate Professor of Jewish Literature at the Jewish Theological Seminary.
Bob Marx has for the past twenty-five years led a monthly Shabbat visiting program at he Cobble Hill Nursing Home, as well as prayers, Torah reading, special workshops and alternative High Holiday services at Kane Street,
Rabbi Sue Oren has developed adult courses in Jewish and interfaith settings in New York, Canada, Costa Rica, Holland and Italy.
Trudy Steinfeld is the Executive Director of the Wasserman Center for Career Development at New York University. She has been featured in the New York Times and Wall Street Journal, and has appeared on Good Morning America and The Today Show.
Ronit Wegman has taught the Hebrew language in numerous local educational institutions including the JCC of the Upper West Side and Stern College for Women.
Rabbi Sam Weintraub is Spiritual Leader of Kane Street Synagogue and has taught Judaism to people of all ages, in formal and informal ways for more than twenty-five years.
