Adult Learning for You

Learning for Jews throughout the centuries has been one of the primary means of forming and sustaining community. Temple Beth Torah has long maintained an active in person lifelong learning program. We believe face-to-face learning not only offers the most stimulating and engaging learning experience, but also allows us to form and maintain the bonds of true Jewish community. Beyond the “content only” experience of online options, we strive to offer face-to-face classes that allow relationships to form and learning communities to thrive. We invite you to peruse our offerings.

Please join us in person or virtually, bring a friend, make a friend, and expand your horizons this year.  

Cliff Wilcox, PhD
Director of Education and Operations

Download our 5784 Lifelong Learning Catalog

 

 

Jewish Studies: Lecture of the Month

Bob Dylan: A Jewish Lens – Part I

Speaker: Cliff Wilcox, PhD 

Thursday, May 2, 7:00-8:30 p.m., Meister Hall or on Zoom
 
The 1960s witnessed an explosion of gifted songwriters and musicians. Bob Dylan ranks among the very top in this class. Over the course of a long and productive career, Dylan achieved a quality in his writing that elevated his work to the level of serious literature. Dylan has earned multiple literary awards in his career, most notably the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2016. Dylan’s work reflects multiple influences. Arguably, his Jewish background represents one of the clearest and most important influences on his work. His lyrics and poetry reflect a deep connection with Jewish tradition and biblical sources, especially the Hebrew prophets. This lecture, the first of two, will focus on the early phase of Bob Dylan’s career (up until 1967). We will examine the Jewish elements in his work and seek to demonstrate the value a Jewish perspective brings to our overall understanding and appreciation of Bob Dylan’s art and influence..
 
Dr. Cliff Wilcox earned a Ph.D. in intellectual history from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor and is Director of Education and Operations at Temple Beth Torah, Ventura, CA.
 

$5 Temple Beth Torah Members
$8 Non-Member

Register with ShulCloud

 If you prefer, you may register by calling the TBT Office at 805-647-4181. 

 

 

Short Story Discussion

Saturday, May 4, 12:30-1:30 p.m., 
(rescheduled)
TBT Library
Discussion led by Deborah O’Neal

“A Family Supper”
by Kazuo Ishiguro  

Please join us for a most unusual literary meal! Bring a contribution to our dairy potluck luncheon. You can access this story through this link or find copies outside the TBT office on the pamphlet wall. 

 

 

Jewish Film Series

 

 

Qigong Classes

Led by Fredda Leiter
Tuesdays, 9:00-10:00 a.m., Meister Hall
Continuing

Qigong is a form of mind-body exercise. Qi means energy and gong means to cultivate.

Fredda has practiced Qigong and Taiichi since 2012, has trained in the discipline extensively and intensively, and has taught classes in person and on Zoom since 2015.

She has found that Qigong is a wonderful way to improve strength, flexibility, and balance, as well as enhancing breathing. The discipline helps students to feel grounded and keeps their minds active and sharp. It’s also a nice way to spend time with other people!

The goal is all gain and no pain. Your safety and comfort are important….and most important is to smile and have fun!

To participate, you must be able to stand for about 30 minutes; we will also be seated for part of the time. Please wear sneakers or other comfortable shoes and bring water.

There is a waiver to sign; you can find this online or in the TBT office. Please bring the signed form to the first class.

Looking forward to practicing with you!