First Rate Courses in Brooklyn’s Newest Jewish Educational Center
Sol and Lillian Goldman Educational Center
Kane Street Synagogue
236 Kane Street (between Court and Clinton)
Cobble Hill, Brooklyn
718 875 1550
Fax 718 797 1152
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.
The Sol and Lillian Goldman Educational Center, dedicated in October 2004, is a brand new, three-story structure including eight computer-ready classrooms, libraries, lecture halls, and conference areas. We are pleased to offer these courses in the upcoming months:
Classes for Fall Winter 2005-06 semester
Introduction to Judaism
Designed for those with little or no background in Judaism who wish to explore the history, beliefs, texts and practices of a rich, 3500-year-old tradition. Especially suited for interfaith couples and individuals considering conversion to Judaism.
30 sessions, Wednesdays, 7:30-9:30 P.M., beginning November 2, 2005
Teacher: Rabbi Barat Ellman
Course fee: members single $350, couple $650
nonmembers single $475, couple $800
Modern Hebrew Courses
Introduction to Hebrew – Learn to Read
An introduction to basic letters, vowels and phonetics of Hebrew, along with basic vocabulary. This course also prepares students to take the Advanced Beginner’s course, starting November 1 (see below).
Three sessions, Tuesdays, September 13, 20, 27, 7:00-8:30 P.M.
Teacher: Cila Allon
Beginners Hebrew – Learn to speak
This course focuses on basic Modern Hebrew conversations and beginning grammar, while also increasing the students’ fluency with the prayerbook.
Knowledge of Hebrew letters and vowels is required. This may be achieved by taking Introduction to Hebrew (see above) or by completing beforehand the primer, Teach Yourself to Learn Hebrew, available through the Rabbi’s office.
Eight sessions, Tuesdays, 7:00-8:30 P.M., beginning November 1, 2005
Teacher: Cila Allon
Course fee: members $200
nonmembers $240
Intermediate Hebrew - Learn to write
In this course students compose and write simple sentences, expand their vocabulary, and master conversations around day-to-day issues.
Eight sessions, Thursdays, 7:00-8:30 P.M., beginning October 27, 2005
Teacher: Cila Allon
Course fee: members $200
nonmembers $240
Torah Portion Study Group
A lively, informal “drop-in” group, which probes the themes and moral issues of the weekly Torah portion. All texts are studied in English translation.
Saturdays, 10:30-11:45 A.M. October 29, and December 17, 2005, January 28 and March 11, 2006
Teacher: Ms. Jenny Brooks
“The Jewish Ethicist: Traditional Jewish advice for today’s dilemmas”
This course will mine the Bible, Talmud and medieval and modern Rabbinic writings to shed light on every day ethical choices: Can I lie about my age to get a job? Can you tell a newly engaged bride or groom about flaws possessed by his fiancé(e)? How do you confront a friend who you know is mistreating others?
Six sessions, Tuesdays, 7:30-9:00 P.M., beginning November 1, 2005
Teacher: Rabbi Sam Weintraub
Course fee: members $25
nonmembers $50
Learner’s Service
For those who want to be more comfortable in the Synagogue service. An informal and engaging group which studies the themes, structure, melodies and customs of the Sabbath morning prayers. The group is drop-in, although you are urged to attend as regularly as possible.
Saturday Mornings, 10:00-11:30 A.M., September 17, October 1, 15, and 29, November 12, 2005
Teacher: Rabbi Barat Ellman
ME’AH
Me’ah is a comprehensive, two-year course in which students learn Jewish studies with professional, university educators. The curriculum includes texts, personalities, history, beliefs, law and lore from the Bible to the modern period. There are four semesters, each with eleven weekly sessions.
The first semester of Kane Streets’ 2005-7 Me’ah course, about Biblical civilization, begins November 2, and will be taught by
For information or to register call the Synagogue Office, 718 875 1550.
Mishna (Talmud) Study Group
A weekly discussion group about the core, legal text of the Babylonian Talmud. Students probe a wide range of religious, cultural, scientific, economic and political issues raised by the Mishnaic rules.
Every week following Shabbat morning service.
Mishna Study Group
Study the order of Zerayim (agricultural rules) in the Mishna. Text and commentary are read in Hebrew and English. The discussion is a wide-ranging inquiry into the religious, cultural, scientific, economic and political bases and implications of the rules. The group will review the already completed tractates of Peah (contributions to the poor), Demai (doubtfully tithed crops) and Sheviith (sabbatical for the land) before proceeding to Terumoth (priestly gifts). No background is required.Every week following Shabbat morning services.
Shabbat Morning Kavanna and Competence Minyan
A Learner’s Service (grades 5 through adult)
Build kavannah (spirit) as you learn the meaning and melodies of the prayers. (will resume in the fall)
Learn to Chant Torah
Would you like to experience the great honor and privilege of chanting Torah before the congregation? We offer private and small group instruction.
Except for Beginner’s and Intermediate Hebrew, these courses require no prior background in Jewish studies or Hebrew.
“Me’ah” and “Learn to Chant Torah” involves a special registration process.
For information, please call the Synagogue office, 718 875 1550.
Full payment is due by the second class session.
The Learner’s Service and the Torah and Mishna Study Groups are drop-in, and free of charge.
Download a Registration Form here.
FACULTY
Cila Allon graduated from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem and is a special Instructor in Hebrew for students in the Graduate Schools of the Jewish Theological Seminary.
Rabbi Barat Ellman, a Wexner Graduate Fellow, was ordained at the Jewish Theological Seminary, where she is currently pursuing Doctoral studies in the Hebrew Bible and ancient Semitic languages.
MEAH PROF.
Jenny Brooks is Principal of the High School at the East Midwood Jewish Center and a popular, veteran adult education teacher at Kane Street.
Rabbi Sam Weintraub is Spiritual Leader of the Kane Street Synagogue and has taught Judaism to people of all ages, in formal and informal ways, for twenty-five years.
