Adult Learning Opportunities, January, 2018

Expand Your Horizons – Learn Something New

By Deborah Pollack, Vice President of Adult Learning and Programs

The secular new year is here and I hope that one of your resolutions is to learn something new. For example, I lack all manual dexterity, but am going to try knitting a purple kippah in February. At any age, we can all continue to grow in knowledge and understanding; our educational offerings for January and February are a great place to get started.

Judaism’s 10 Best Ideas:  A Brief Guide for Seekers (flyer) 

Led by Rabbi Lisa Hochberg-Miller. Based on this very short, very rich book by Rabbi Arthur Green, explore with Rabbi Lisa how ten cornerstone ideas of Jewish wisdom can shape your spiritual identity and help you affirm universal truths.  Rabbi Green is a mystic, Hasidic thinker who has been teaching philosophy at the Rabbinical School of the Hebrew College in Boston for decades.  Come for an engaging class that will be equal parts Jewish learning and Jewish sharing.

Sunday mornings, 9:30-11:00 a.m.

January 28, February 4, February 25.
NOTE: We had to postpone the January 21 session to January 28 

What Happens After I Die? Jewish Views of the Afterlife with Rabbi Mike Lotker (flyer)

Many Jews are surprised to learn that Judaism has always held that there is something beyond the grave—a life in the “world to come.”  In this class you will explore the wide range of authentic Jewish beliefs about the afterlife and how they have affected Jewish traditions of burial and mourning. Rabbi Lotker will examine what the Bible, Rabbinic, and Talmudic commentaries, mystical and kabbalistic writings, and modern thinkers contribute to our understanding of what comes next.

Tuesday evenings, 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. in the Library 
January 9, 16, and 23

Shabbat Book Discussion and Potluck Lunch

The Nazi Officer’s Wife: How One Jewish Woman Survived the Holocaust by Edith H. Beer and Susan Dworkin

This unusual story of survival in plain sight during the Holocaust is based on a remarkable trove of hundreds of preserved documents and photos which are now part of the permanent collection at the Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C. Edith was a popular young woman born to middle-class, nonobservant Jews in Vienna and studying law when the Nazis moved into Austria. Her tense journey of survival reads like a novel—complex, troubling, and ultimately triumphant. The discussion will be led by Nan Waltman.

Saturday, January 13, 12:30 – 2:00 p.m. in the Library

Child Photography with DeAnna Scott

Learn how to get the best photos of little ones from a professional children’s photographer and mother of twins. DeAnna will focus on finding great settings around town, using unlikely props, and capturing both staged and spontaneous moments as well as manipulating your images in post-production on the computer. 

NOTE NEW DATE: Sunday, February 4, 10:00 a.m. – Noon

Painting and Wine with Jill Bonilla (flyer) 

Let your artistic side shine at a TBT afternoon paint party. Jill will walk you through creating your own piece of chai art. No art experience is required, just a willingness to have fun.

Call the Temple office at (805) 647-4181 to register by January 21st. The $40 fee for art supplies and refreshments is payable on painting day.

Sunday, January 28, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Short Story Discussions with Deborah Pollack

Engage in close reading and discussion of superb short stories by writers from diverse backgrounds—not exclusively Jewish. The first story will be distributed at the first class meeting; subsequent stories will be available online for downloading.

Tuesday afternoons, Monthly, beginning January 30, 2:00- 3:00 p.m.
 

Beginning Mah Jongg (Maj) with Arnel McAtee and Ruth Schwartz

This ancient Chinese game, adapted largely by Jews in the 1940s, combines a dollop of luck with a healthy portion of skill. Usually Maj is played in groups of 4, so if you could come to class with 3 other people and learn together, that would be ideal; after classes are over, your group can continue to meet on its own. Solo players are also welcome and will be grouped according to their skill level. Lessons will be built upon the previous week, so plan to attend each class. 

If you have a Maj set, please let Arnel know and bring it with you. 

Thursday evenings, 7:00-8:30 p.m., February 1, 8, 15, and 22
Additional February sessions are being planned 

Knitting or Crocheting a Kippah with Pam Schuman

You’ve seen unique kippot in our sanctuary, including on Rabbi Lisa; now you can learn how to knit or crochet one for yourself or for someone special (they make great gifts). The pattern and any supplies you may need are available at the shop. Whether you are experienced at knitting and crocheting or a novice, this class is for you.

Call the Temple office at (805) 647-4181 to register by January 28th.

Saturday afternoons, 2:00-4:00 p.m. at Anacapa Fine Yarns, 4572 Telephone Road, February 3 and 17

 

 

Skip to content