Adult Learning for You

This year, we are excited to bring forward a program filled with options for study of Jewish practice and identity, history, and culture; a variety of book-reading groups, creative arts and crafts, Jewish movies, and group travel. We hope you will find one or more activities that will be both engaging and rewarding. We urge you to come and share, read and think together and deepen both your personal connections with others as well as with the Jewish tradition. 

Wishing all a shana tova and a meaningful year of learning and togetherness.

Cliff Wilcox, PhD
Director of Education and Operations

Download Your 2024-25/5785 Lifelong Learning Catalog

 

“Over the Rainbow”: Arguing the Meaning of a Beloved Song in a Jewish Context

Thurs, June 5, 7:00 – 8:30 pm, Zoom
Presented by Cliff Wilcox, Ph.D.

In 1939, lyricist Yip Harburg and composer Harold Arlen wrote “Over the Rainbow” for the blockbuster movie “The Wizard of Oz.” Generations have loved this song and many have delved into the meaning behind its transcendent lyrics. In this lecture, we will explore the origins of the song and its long and varied career, examine its Jewish connections, and offer and explanation for how it came to represent one of America’s most beloved “secular hymns.” 

Register on ShulCloud

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

 

Paint and Sip

Unleash your creativity as Jill guides you in a step-by-step acrylic painting.
We will paint a stunning tree under the moonlight. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon with friends, snacks, and beverages!

Sun, May 18, 3-5 pm.

Cost for class and materials: $35

Register on ShulCloud

 

Short Story Discussion

Saturday, May 24, 12:30-1:30 p.m.,
TBT Library
Discussion led by Deborah O’Neal

“The Student”
by Anton Chekhov

Share your thoughts on this classic short story!

Come join us on Saturday, May 24, at 12:30 in the TBT library right after Torah study. We will discuss the story, “The Student,” by Anton Chekhov which recounts a Christian intellectual’s search for meaning. Walking alone in the woods on Easter weekend, a young theology student encounters mother and daughter widows who help him on his journey. 

Please take a copy of Chekhov’s shortest short story, which is only 4 provocative pages long, from the pamphlet wall outside the office. The story can also be found online at  libraryofshortstories.com.  Translations may vary slightly.

Bring a simple dairy dish or snack to share.

See you there!

 

Shabbat Book Discussion

Saturday, June 21, 12:30-2:00 p.m.
TBT Library
Led by Pam Small

Koshersoul: The Faith and Food Journey of an African American Jew
by Michael W. Twitty

In Koshersoul, Michael W. Twitty considers the marriage of two of the most distinctive culinary cultures in the world today: the foods and traditions of the African Atlantic and the global Jewish diaspora. To Twitty, the creation of African-Jewish cooking is a conversation of migrations and a dialogue of diasporas offering a rich background for inventive recipes and the people who create them.

The question that most intrigues him is not just who makes the food, but how the food makes the people. Jews of Color are not outliers, Twitty contends, but significant and meaningful cultural creators in both Black and Jewish civilizations. Koshersoul also explores how food has shaped the journeys of numerous cooks, including Twitty’s own passage to and within Judaism.

Koshersoul includes 48-50 recipes.

Bring a simple or complicated dairy dish or snack to share.

 

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!