Kollel Course Listing & Registration

The Kollel Program is excited that Rabbi Tulik and the William & Mildred Levine Foundation have created the TBK Beyachad Program, an initiative in innovative Jewish education made possible by a $1 million grant to TBK from the Foundation. One element of it is that Kollel courses will be now be offered free of charge to TBK members!

Please note that registration is still necessary. Register using the online form below.

 Check below - Some classes begin soon! Register now to avoid class cancellations.

The Biblical Prophets and Today's Social Justice Leaders
Rabbi Peter Stein

This class will provide an overview of Jewish holidays,  traditions, and beliefs. It is perfect for those who never  had a Jewish education and for those who need a  refresher on what they learned as a child. Those of  different faith traditions and those interested in the  possibility of conversion are encouraged to attend.  There are no required readings or homework  assignments, but books, articles, and online resources  will be recommended throughout the course. Students  are encouraged to speak with Rabbi Stein before the  course begins if they have any questions about whether  the course is right for them. 

Thursdays: 7:00pm-8:00pm 
November 6, 13, 20, December 4,  
January 8, 15, 22, 29, February 5, 12, 19, 26,  March 5 ,26, April 9, 16, 23, 30, May 7, 14 
Hybrid class-available in person and on zoom
Location: The Library
Fee: FREE for everyone

The Bible is filled with descriptions of prophets: men  and women who bring messages directly from God.  These messages are sometimes in the form of a rebuke  and are often focused on how one can improve and  change and repair the world. It is a central aspect of  Jewish theology that God doesn't speak directly in the  way that God did during the prophetic era. Nonetheless,  there are many charismatic and visionary leaders who  bring "prophetic" messages about our obligations and  our responsibilities to help others and to pursue justice.  This class will allow us to read the biblical prophetic  texts through the lens of today's challenges and to  consider the leadership of today's justice leaders  through the lens of the biblical prophets. 

Wednesdays: 10:00am-11:00am 
October 15, 22, November 5, 19, December 3, 10, 17 Location: The Library 
Fee: $40-for non-TBK members

After the destruction of the temple, the early rabbis began  writing midrash, stories and interpretations of the  biblical texts and teachings. These served to define how to  live a Jewish life in the new reality after the end of the  biblical era and after the exile from Israel. The process of  writing midrash has never stopped. There are classic  midrashim that are 1500+ years old and there are  midrashim being written today. This class will be a special  opportunity to read some of the texts that have come  down through the centuries and some of the texts that  define today's Jewish living. Students will also have the  chance to write their own midrashim and commentaries!

Wednesdays: 10:00am-11:00am 
January 7, 14, 21, 28,  February 4, 11, 18, 25 
Location: The Library 
Fee: $50-for non-TBK members,  

Martin Buber was one of the most important twentieth  century thinkers. Among his most significant ideas was  his writing about "I-Thou" relationships. It is his way of  talking about how we can understand God's presence in  the world: through the interactions we have with other  people and even through the interactions we have with  other objects and beings in the world. Join us in  important discussion about how we define and  understand God's presence! 

Wednesdays: 10:00am-11:00am
April 15, 22, 29, May 6, 20, 27, June 3, 10, 17 
Location: The Library 
Fee: $50 for non-TBK members

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 
October 16, 23, 30, November 13, 20
Location: Room 103
Fee $50-for non-TBK members

This course will explore common texts in uncommon  ways. Texts from Torah, commentaries, Pirke Avot, and  more. Some you may know well, some you may not. We'll  discuss their context, history, and modern relevance. We  may play some games, do some art, approach the texts  from all angles. (This is a continuation of my "Lunch and  Learn" course from last session though new participants  are welcome - there are no prerequisites!) 

Wednesdays: 1:00pm-2:00pm
October 15, 22, November 5, 19, December 3, 10, 17 
Location: The Library
Fee: $40-for non-TBK members

The two stories in Genesis 1:1-2:4a and 2:4b-3:24 provide us  with fascinating details regarding “the beginning” of  God's interaction with the human race. How are we to  interpret them? What do they tell us about 'the good”  and about the “chaos” in our “cosmos”?” What knowledge  of God do they reveal? Can there be insight for living in  today's world? Join us for some interesting discussion.

Mondays: 10:00am-11:30am
October 20, 27, November 3, 10 
Location: Room 106
Fee: 40-for non-TBK members

We will look back at the phenomenon of the Borscht Belt.  We will look at how it started and the celebrities who got  their start there. We will look at how successful it became  and what caused its demise. 

Mondays: 10:00am-11:00am 
November 17, 24, December 1, 8 
Location: Room 106
Fee: $30 for non-TBK members 

This is s a low intensity class in which you will experience  deep relaxation and gentle movement using basic yoga  postures to build strength and mobility. 

Tuesdays: 10:00am-11:00am 
October 21, 28, November 4, 11, 18 
Location: Room 103
Fee: 40-for non-TBK members

This course is for students who want to improve their  Hebrew reading skills and be able to read competently  from the Siddur. We will use the Mishkan T'filah and learn  to read the main prayers of both the morning and  evening Shabbat services. Attention will also be given to  learning vocabulary, word roots, and understanding the  meaning of prayers. A basic foundation of Hebrew reading  is required . 

Tuesdays: 6:30pm-7:30pm 
October 21, 28 November 4, 11, 18, 25
December 2, 9, 23  January 6, 13 
Location: Room 106
Fee: $60 for non-TBK members

Join the residents at St. John's Meadows for an  hour's worth of vigorous study and discussion. Each  week is a different topic that is certain to pique your  interest and stimulate your thoughts.  

Email: David Orange for seminar of the day.

Location: St. John's Meadows 
Chestnut Court Parks Room 
Thursdays: 1:00pm-2:00 pm punctual  
Location: St. John's Meadows , The Hawthorne 
Classes are free to all. Walk in/sign in.  

SUNDAY KOLLEL
9:30 am - 11:30 am
in the Adult Lounge
(please enter through Door B, the Religious School door, go through the Atrium and cross to the Adult Lounge)

Sunday, October 26
"I Thought It Couldn't Happen Here" with Elinor Weiss
The world's reaction to October 7th. Ms. Weiss is speaking on behalf of the Buffalo Coalition Against Antisemitism

Sunday, November 2
"Stumbling Blocks" with Jennifer Krebs
In the book IStumbling Blocks, author Jennifer Krebs traces the legacy of her Jewish family from prewar Germany to postwar America through a lens both personal & historical.

Sunday, November 16
"Muhammad" with Stu Berger
You will learn of his Jewish heritage, the tale of two cities and his demeanor through the trevails of his life.

Sunday, December 7
"Exodus" with Stu Berger
The story of the Exodus is well known. There are three theories as to its timeline and ruler. We will examine the various theories in order to understand the events of the greater Middle East and Egyptian history.