Congregation Emeth provides many group and individual opportunities for adults to deepen their understanding of and involvement with Judaism. The primary purpose of these programs is not just education, but assisting adults with the integration of Judaism into their lives. “Lifelong Jewish Learning” is our goal! Everyone is welcome! No prior knowledge is required – just bring your interest and enthusiasm for learning!
Calendar for Adult Education 2011 – 2012 (See details below)
September 6, 2011.........Great Reads with Jewish Themes
September 24, 2011.......Selichot Program and Service
October 8, 2011.............Yom Kippur Educational Program
December 6, 2011..........Great Reads with Jewish Themes
January 5, 2012.............Story behind the Headlines – Chanukah
February 2, 2012............Story behind the Headlines – Purim
March 1, 2012................Story behind the Headlines – Shavuot
March 6, 2012................Great Reads with Jewish Themes
March 15, 2012...............How to have your own Passover Seder
June 5, 2012................. Great Reads with Jewish Themes
Adult Education Program Details: September 2011 – June 2012
Congregation Emeth’s Adult Education program is designed to offer opportunities for adults to enjoy the process of learning together. Everyone is welcome! No prior knowledge is required – just bring your interest and enthusiasm for learning!
September 6: Great Reads with Jewish Themes series begins
This four part series provides an opportunity for us to discuss books with Jewish themes in a relaxed setting. We will meet in the Emeth library and share our reflections on books (fiction and nonfiction) selected by the group.
The Great Reads Program will meet four times throughout the year. Our first evening is scheduled for September 6 at 7:00 p.m. in the Emeth Library. The group agreed to read "The Invisible Bridge" by Julie Orringer for our first meeting. Everyone is welcome!
Time: 7:00 – 8:30PM Tuesdays
Place: Congregation Emeth
Dates: September 6, December 6, March 6, June 5
September 24: Selichot Program and Service: “Making Prayer Meaningful”
THE SERVICE: The Selichot (pronounced s’lee’chot – guttural ch like l’chaim) Service is always held on the Saturday night closest to the beginning of the High Holidays. Selichot, which means “forgiveness”, is a short but special service designed to spiritually help us ease into the reflective, penitential mood of the High Holidays. We begin the process of reflecting on the changes of behavior we wish to make. This will be our first opportunity to chant as a community the Al Chet (“For the sin”) prayers, asking for forgiveness.
THE PROGRAM: The theme for this year’s program is “Making Prayer Meaningful.” To introduce the theme, Harold Kaminsky will talk about the special Haftarah (selection from Prophets) which he will chant for the congregation on Rosh Hashanah (New Year’s day). Harold will analyze the musical trope used in this Haftarah and how it conveys its message. The Haftarah for Rosh Hashanah comes from the prophet Samuel and focuses on Hannah, the first person in the Bible who is described as praying. After a few remarks by Rabbi Israel, we will break into small discussion groups and talk about making prayer meaningful for ourselves.
Date: Saturday, September 24
Time: 7:30 PM
Place: Home of Hana and Yigal Cidon
January 5: “Story Behind the Headlines: the Real History of Chanukah, Purim, and Shavuot”
These holidays have pleasant, even fun, rituals associated with them but each has an underlying historical background that adds depth and understanding. Most of us are familiar with the myths and legends. In this 3-part seminar, the historical context for these events will be taught by Rabbi Israel. You will likely be surprised! Held on the first Thursday of January, February and March, these classes will take place in the Emeth library, beginning at 7:30 PM.
Time: 7:30 – 9:00PM Thursdays
Place: Congregation Emeth Library
Dates: January 5:Chanukah (The Maccabees)
February 2: Purim (The Book of Esther)
March 1: Shavuot (The Book of Ruth)
March 15: “How to Have Your Own Passover Seder”
The first seder of Passover takes place on Friday evening, April 6, 2012. Congregation Emeth traditionally holds a 2nd night community seder, which will be Saturday evening, April 7. At this workshop, Rabbi Israel will teach the basic how-to of leading and preparing for your own seder. A sample selection of Haggadot (the special booklet used during the seder) will be on display and participants are encouraged to bring their own.
Even if you have no intention of conducting your own seder, this workshop will be informative and hopefully enriching for all participants!
Date: Thursday, March 15
Time: 7:30 PM
Place: Emeth Social Hall
