The Institute for Jewish Studies has over the past 12 years, earned a reputation of providing excellence in Jewish adult education.

We are about to begin another exciting semester of learning and discovery. In this brochure you will find two programs of study: Course A is a comprehensive program that will lead you through the basic core of Jewish knowledge—Jewish Tradition, Jewish History and Jewish Thought. Course B is an in-depth program that will explore Jewish issues, themes, ideals and topics of interest. This course is unique with new courses and topics every year.

We hope you will take the opportunity to join this most dynamic and popular program of Jewish adult learning.

Sincerely,

Rabbi Heschel Greenberg
Rabbi Yehoshua Greenberg

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FAQ

Q.	Who has attended the 'institute'?
A.	Jews from all walks of life. Conservative, Orthodox, Reconstructionist, Reform, and unaffiliated Jews. The Institute is a community program open to all Jews of all backgrounds and levels of observance.

Q.	Do I need any knowledge of Hebrew?
A.	These courses are for all levels. Whether a beginner or someone who has a significant Judaic background these classes will inform and educate you.

Q.	I can't make the class Sunday mornings. Do you offer these classes any other time?
A.	Yes. Course B is offered Tuesday nights at 7:00 pm. If there will be interest in repeating course A at another time we will provide for it. In addition, tapes or CD's of every class are made available to every registrant.

Q.	I can't afford the fee for the classes. Do you offer any discount?
A.	No one will be turned away due to lack of funds. Whatever you can afford will be graciously accepted. We also would greatly appreciate anyone who would like to sponsor or dedicate a class or series of classes.

Q.	I have children at home. Do you offer a concurrent children's program?
A.	We have a children's educational program. If there are enough interested parents we will provide additional child care.

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WINTER 2010 SEMESTER

COURSE A --
Jews and Views: Our Relationship to other “Isms” and Peoples
6 Sundays, 10:00 AM
Dates: January 17, 24, 31 Feruary 7, 14, 21

Judaism does not seek converts. Yet, paradoxically, Judaism does believe in spreading the message of Judaism to the entire world. Judaism is both parochial and (lower case) “catholic.” This course will help the student appreciate the Jewish view of other ideologies and peoples—sometimes favorable and often critical—and how Judaism has enriched and has been enriched by its contact with the “outside” world.

SESSION ONE: The Jewish Contribution to Civilization and Tikkun Olam (“Repairing and Perfecting the World”) – The Seven Noahide Commandments
The Jewish people have had the misfortune of having to wander from one country and civilization to another. However, this has enabled us to transmit what is arguably the first and truly only universal religion—the Noahide Code of moral behavior. This course will survey the seven commandments and how they apply in contemporary life.

SESSION TWO: How Judaism Views Other Religious "Isms"
In this lesson, we will examine the key differences between Judaism and other religions, as well as present an overview of how these religions have influenced the Jewish community.

SESSION THREE: How Judaism Views Other Political "Isms": Capitalism, Socialism, Conservatism and Liberalism
Many people wonder with which political system Judaism is in agreement. In this class, you will discover some surprises..

SESSION FOUR: How Judaism Views Other Social and Cultural "Isms": Environmentalism, Vegetarianism and Feminism
Discover the many ways in which Judaism agrees and disagrees with these movements and how they can be enhanced by Jewish tradition.

SESSION FIVE: Anti-Semitism
No topic has been more hotly discussed in Jewish circles than anti-Semitism. What is its origin? What are the reasons for it? What does one have to do to be an anti-Semite? Can a Jew be an anti-Semite?

LESSON SIX: The Contributions of Society to the Jewish People
While Judaism claims to have influenced the civilized world by giving the world ethical monotheism, Judaism has also absorbed many of society’s developments and contributions. While those who uphold Jewish tradition have always been suspicious of the intrusion of outside influences, the Torah’s wisdom helps us discriminate and determine which influences are positive and which the opposite.

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COURSE B --
KABBALAH: THE CHANNELS OF THE SOUL: The Power of Mitzvot as a Conduit for the Soul and the Divine
6 Sundays, 11:00 AM
Dates: January 17, 24, 31 Feruary 7, 14, 21

These classes will be repeated on TUESDAY evenings at 7:00 PM

This course will explore the channels that link our bodies and souls to The Divine. The concept of a Mitzvah has been misunderstood as being no more than a good deed. These classes will introduce the Kabbalistic understanding behind the great power Mitzvot possess.

Lesson One: THE SOUL OF LIGHT
We will explore those Mitzvot that involve igniting candles for various occasions (such as for Shabbat and Chanukah). Through the performance of these mitzvoth of light, we illuminate the various levels of physical and spiritual darkness of the world. By igniting candles, the light of the soul can spread to our conscious mind, our bodies and all of physical existence. Even the darkest recesses of our personalities are illuminated through simply lighting a candle at the designated times and places for their observance. Join us in a fascinating exploration of the role and impact that light has on our lives.

Lesson Two: MIKVEH-WAVE ENERGY
There is no mitzvah that is literally and figuratively as encompassing as immersion in the Mikvah. This misunderstood mitzvah is one of the most important rituals in Jewish life. Its greatness even overrides the community’s obligation to acquire a Torah scroll (when a community would have to choose which obligation to perform because of financial constraints). To many people, Mikvah immersion is the most sublime, spiritual experience. The great mystics would use the Mikveh as an aid to reach spiritual heights. What is the secret of the Mikveh and how is it distinguished from an ordinary swimming pool?

Lesson Three: SHOFAR AND LULAV: SHOCK AND ROCK
During the month of Tishrei the two Holidays of Rosh Hashanah and Sukkot feature two rituals that are connected by virtue of their mystical significance. The sounds of the shofar not only shock the listener but also create a microcosmic as well as a macrocosmic spiritual upheaval. The Lulav that we shake on the joyous holiday of Sukkot likewise possesses the power to shake up our ‘private’ world as well as the world at large.

Lesson Four: CHOMETZ AND MATZAH: THE SPIRITUAL EGO DEPRESSANT DIET
Kabbalists have long discovered that the key to spiritual growth is linked to ego management. These same Kabbalists identified the eating of Matzah and the avoidance of eating Chometz-leavened bread during Passover - as the surest way to dealing with ego problems. This class will probe into the mystical significance of why bread is so spiritually harmful on Passover but harmless throughout the year..

Lesson Five: TEFILLIN: THE (HEAD AND) HEART OF THE MATTER
Judaism’s most important ritual—performed by men daily—is the donning of Tefillin. We will explore the spiritual effect Tefillin has on our mind, heart and actions. We will also explain why women are exempt from this Mitzvah.

Lesson Six: CHANGE FOR CHANGE
Tzedakah is not just charity or an act of kindness. The literal translation of the term ‘tzedakah’ means doing what is right! Historically, Jews are disproportionately generous in Tzedakah. Business Week's 2006 list of The 50 Most Generous Philanthropists included over 15 Jewish individuals. In other words, Jews, who represent only about 2% of the American population, are 30% of America's most generous donors. Tzedakah is what changes the dynamics of the world and prepares it for its fruition – the ultimate Redemption. Learn the effect of tzadaka and how tzedakah does more for the giver than for the receiver.

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COMING SPRING (MAY) 2010 SEMESTER

COURSE A --
THE HOLOCAUST, LAND OF ISRAEL AND MESSIANISM
6 Sundays, 10:00 AM
Dates: May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 June 6

This course will include the a discussion of the following topics: