Kollel Course Listing - Spring 2023
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Course Listing - Spring 2023
Registration is now open.
NEW! - You can register online using the form at the bottom of this page!
Click here to download a copy of the course listing information below
Registration is new open. Please register two weeks or more prior to the first date of the class (late registrations are accepted). There is a minimum requirement of six students for each class to run. All registrants will receive a confirmation email with class, dates, times, and locations once that requirement has been met. Cancellations will be determined and communicated one week prior to the first class. No refunds will be issued once classes have begun.
Temple B'rith Kodesh Kollel
2131 Elmwood Avenue
Rochester, NY 14618
The Book of Psalms
Rabbi Peter Stein
The first book of the Writings is the book of Psalms. It is 150 magnificent poems that are used in many ways in Jewish religious practice. Some are part of the Shabbat liturgy, some are recited on holidays, and many are used at funerals and other life cycle events. The Psalms are also used for personal spiritual practice.
In this class, we will explore the psalms, reading the original texts and the commentaries that have been written over the centuries. Together, we will listen and learn and reflect on the wisdom and beauty of these sacred texts. Together, we will consider how the psalms might enhance the rituals that we perform individually and collectively.
Wednesdays: 10:00am-11:00am
March 15, 22,29, April 19, 26, May 3
Fee: $40
Introduction to Judaism Part 2
Rabbi Peter Stein
In this class, we will explore the background and practices of the major holidays, learn about the timeline of Jewish history, and delve into the major works of biblical commentary and Jewish philosophy. This class is perfect for anyone who is considering conversion or anyone who wants to learn or refresh their knowledge about Judaism. It is open to the Part 1 students and to new students. (Part 1 students need not pay an additional fee.)
Thursdays: 7:00pm-8:00pm
March 16, 23, 30, April 13, 27, May 4
To be held via Zoom
Fee: $40
Haftarah Through the Voice of Women – Exploring The Women’s Haftarah Commentary
Rabbi Rochelle Tulik
The Haftarah is a potent tool for understanding the values, ethics, and moral lessons contained in the weekly Torah readings. This Kollel series will explore The Women’s Haftarah Commentary, a collection featuring commentary and interpretations from more than eighty women rabbis from the Reform, Conservative, and Reconstructionist movements. New and returning students are more than welcome. Just because it’s a “women’s” commentary, doesn’t mean only “women” should join! (Participants will want a copy of the text as weekly discussions will center directly on the commentaries contained within.)
Wednesdays: 12:00pm-1:00pm
March 15, 22, 29, April 19, 26, May 3
Fee: $40 (There will be no charge for thsoe who were registered last semester.
Unforgettable Moments from Television and the Movies
Herb Skerker
Some of our fondest memories come from the movies. From Dorothy meeting the Wicked Witch of the West to Thelma and Louise flying off the Grand Canyon, we will discuss and watch 25 memorable film moments. We will also watch some of television's unforgettable moments in news and in sports.
Tuesdays: 10:00am-11:30am
April 25, May 2, 9, 16
Fee: $40
Exploring the Book of Job
Dr. Joseph Kelly
Both Jews and Christians have always been fascinated by the book of Job. But this book is not an easy read. Luckily, modern critical scholarship has done much to help us better understand the theological insights to be found here. By spending time studying this amazing text, we will hope to shed more light on the perplexing question of why so much pain and suffering exists in the world.
Mondays: 10:00am-11:30am
March 13, 20, 27, April 3
Fee: $40
Fundamentals of Asian Cusine
Tamar Elise Eisenberg
Jews have always enjoyed eating Asian food, especially on Christmas, when availability of open restaurants are few. This course will explore four cuisines from the Orient: Chinese, Thai, Korean and Japanese, one each week. We will utilize specific knife skills, marinating, velveting, wok sauteing and appreciate the savory flavor profiles. Bring some umami back to your homes and expand your cooking horizons with us.
Thursdays: 10:30am-12:30 pm
April 20, 27, May 4, 11
Fee: $60, plus $20 for supplies
Great Decisions
Andrea A. Gluckman
A unique version of the Foreign Policy Association’s “Great Decisions” program. Students will explore and evaluate current foreign policy challenges through a Jewish lens, with an emphasis on Jewish values and ethics in practice. Text: “Great Decisions” manual, supplemented (in class or online) by the “Great Decisions” DVD. Will require a bit of reading prior to each class.
Wednesdays: 7:00pm-8:30pm
April 19, 26, May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, June 7
To be held via Zoom
Fee: $60 plus $30 textbook
Mah Jongg for Beginners
Juleen Squires
Jewish women kept this 19th century Chinese parlor game alive, and it has become a favorite pastime. Learn to play! No experience necessary. Men and women are welcome.
Thursdays: 1:00pm-2:30pm
May 18, 25, June 1, 8, 15
Fee $50
Exploring Jewishness
Rabbi Drorah Setel
This 10 week course offers an opportunity to examine the diversity of Jewish life and to engage with Jewish history and traditions from multiple perspectives. Our text will be Judaisms: A Twenty-First-Century Introduction to Jews and Jewish Identities by Aaron Hahn J. Tapper, which examines how Jews are a culture, ethnicity, nation, nationality, race, religion, and more. Each chapter of the book addresses a theme (such as Narratives, Mysticisms, or CulturesL and illustrates how it is understood by different Jewish communities over time. The class is intended for anyone who wishes to understand Jewish identity as a multifaceted experience, whether learning about Judaism for the first time or wishing to bring their earlier learning up to date. Participants are asked to obtain a copy of the book and, if possible, read the first chapter (Narratives) prior to the first class.
Wednesdays: 7:00pm-8:30pm
April 19, 26, May 3, 10, 17
To be held via Zoom.
Fee: $40, each semester
How the Books of the Bible Came to Be
Stu Berger
The books of the TaNaKh and the New Testament have a long history of formation and acceptance. We will explore that history as well as the structure and historical events important to the books.
Mondays: April 17, 24, Maya 1, 8
Fee: $40
Beginning Hebrew Conversation - CANCELLED
Orna Korn
Focuses on comprehension of basic two-word sentences and progresses to the understanding and usage of compound sentences. Note: maximum of 12 students per class.
Intermediate-Advanced Hebrew Conversation- CANCELLED
Orna Korn
This class is designed for mid level and advanced students. Focuses on comprehension of basic sentences and progresses to understand and usage of complex sentences. Note maximum of 12 students per class.
Thursday Thoughts
David Orange
Thursday Thoughts will offer a ten-session course covering the origins of Anti-Judaism from the first century CE to the mid-twentieth century. The sessions will deal with the rise of anti-Judaism by the emerging Roman Catholic Church and the historical causes and events leading to and including the Holocaust.
Thursdays: 9:45am to 10:45am
February 23, March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, April 27, May 4, 11, 25
Location: St. John’s Meadows Chestnut Court, in the Parks Room
Classes are free to all. Walk In/Sign In. Attendance of each session is highly encouraged as the material is presented chronlogically. Registration encouraged.
Jewish Living
A Jewish Family Service (JFS) Program
Sharon Shafrir
This course and inclusion program is designed for adults with special learning needs. Participants will be actively engaged in learning about Jewish holidays, prayers, songs, rituals, Torah lessons, and Israel. Class sessions also include crafts, baking projects and guest presenters. Participation in relevant Jewish community events is scheduled throughout the year.
Wednesdays: 6:00pm-7:30pm
Check class schedule for session dates and times.
For fee information and information about joining, please contact Sharon Shafrir, Accessibility & Inclusion Director, Jewish Family Service
sshafrir@JFSRochester.org or 585-506-3062
