Kollel Course Listing & Registration

QUESTIONS ABOUT KOLLEL CLASSES OR REGISTRATION?  CLICK HERE TO E-MAIL KOLLEL@TBK.ORG
 

EXCITING NEWS!

Registration for TBK's Kollel program is now free for TBK members!

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 form below.

 

Course Listing - Spring 2025

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!
Register using the online form below

Temple B'rith Kodesh Kollel
2131 Elmwood Avenue
Rochester, NY 14618

kollel@tbk.org

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What Happens After We Die?

Rabbi Peter Stein

This class will be an exploration of both the theology  and rituals around death and dying. Join us to explore  the traditional and modern practices that are done to  search for comfort and strength during these most  challenging times in the life cycle of a family. And,  further, we will examine the amazing variety of beliefs  about the soul, the afterlife, heaven, and more.

Wednesdays: 10:00 am - 11:00 am 
February 5, 12, 19, 26, March 12, 19
Location: Library

Fee: 
Kollel classes are now free for TBK members
Non-members: $40

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What is a Mitzvah?

Rabbi Peter Stein

Most literally, the Hebrew word mitzvah means  commandment. But it also legitimately means "a good  deed". Join this class on a comparative journey through  the different Jewish identities. For some, Judaism  revolves around a legal system and a belief that we are  commanded by God in every action we choose. For  others, Judaism rejects the halachic system and any  belief in obligation. This will be a special opportunity to  explore fundamental questions about what it means to  be a Jew in the world today. 

Wednesdays: 10:00 am - 11:00 am 
April 2, 9, 16, May 14, 21, 28
Location: Library

Fee: 
Kollel classes are now free for TBK members
Non-members: $40

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Lunch and Learn with Rabbi Rochelle

Rabbi Rochelle Tulik

You bring the lunch, Rabbi Tulik will bring the learn! Weekly topics will range from exploring familiar texts, God concepts, prayer, spiritual practice, Reform Judaism, and more. This will be a loose discussion based class with opportunities to explore together, ask questions, and learn in a low-key environment.

Wednesdays: 12:00 pm -1:00 pm 
March 5, 12, 19, 26, April 2, 9, 23, 30, May 7, 14
Location: Library

Fee: 
Kollel classes are now free for TBK members
Non-members: $50

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Great Decisions: A Jewish Perspective

Andrea Anderson 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 2025” manual, supplemented (in class or online), by the “Great Decisions 2025” DVD. Will require a bit of reading prior to each class.  Textbooks can be picked up in the TBK office once class is confirmed.

Wednesdays: 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm VIA ZOOM
March 5, 12, 19, 26, April 23, May 7, 14, 21

Fee: 
Kollel classes are now free for TBK members; $30 for the book
Non-members: $60, plus $30 for the book

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Jewish Film Directors, Part II

Herb Skerker

We will continue to discuss several prominent Jewish film directors and their impact on the film industry.  We will watch several clips of their movies and discuss why they were atop their field. You did not need to attend the first session to enjoy this session.

Mondays: 10:00 am - 11:00 am
March 10, 17, 24, 31
Location: Room 106

Fee: 
Kollel classes are now free for TBK members
Non-members: $30

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Introduction to the Book of Psalms 

Dr. Joseph Kelly

One of the great biblical treasures for both Jews and  Christians is the Hebrew Book of Psalms. After looking at  an overview of the entire book, this 4-week series will,  1) explore the use of the Psalms in both the Jewish and  Christian liturgies, 2) consider the wide range of  emotions expressed by the Psalms and then, 3) study  one of the possible meanings of one grouping of Psalms  known as the Psalms of Ascents (#120 to #134).Come and  deepen your understanding and appreciation of these  beautiful Hebrew poems.

Mondays: 10:00 am - 11:30 am
April 28, May 5, 12, 19
Location: Adult Lounge

Fee: 
Kollel classes are now free for TBK members
Non-members: $40

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The Hebrew Bible: Fact, Fiction?

Stu Berger

Have you ever wondered what in the Hebrew Bible is  historical fact or myth? What is real and what is  embellishment? In this course we intend to answer  these questions using contemporary literature and  archaeological evidence. Along the way we use the  Egyptian chronology to guide us; the best and longest  timeline.

Tuesdays: 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm
April 29, May 6, 13, 20
Location: Room 106

Fee: 
Kollel classes are now free for TBK members
Non-members: $30

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Highlights of Greek Cooking

Tamar Eisenberg

Our spring cooking class will explore another  Mediterranean cuisine. Greece offers homey, flavorful  dishes that are both healthful and tasty. Simplicity in  preparation using fresh ingredients. Eggplant, yogurt,  lemons and, of course, phyllo dough are some of the  most common ingredients we will be using. In the four  consecutive sessions we will be making an appetizer,  side, main dish and dessert. 

Tuesdays: 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
April 29, May 6, 13, 20
Location: TBK Kitchen

Fee: 
Kollel classes are now free for TBK members; $20 for supplies
Non-members: $60, plus $20 for supplies

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Mussar: Become More of a Mensch

Barbara Grosh

Mussar is an ancient Jewish tradition to foster spiritual  growth in the midst of our busy involved lives, embedded  amongst our families, coworkers and neighbors. The  purpose of studying Mussar is to become a better person,  more of a mensch. We study character traits (middot)  such as humility, patience, gratitude, honor and  generosity. We work on practices to improve our  character traits one at a time. Participants will be  expected to buy “Everyday Holiness” by Alan Morinis.  Participants will discuss and keep journals of their  experience with each middah. We will have pair learning  (chevrutah) between sessions.

Mondays: 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm
March 3, 10, 31 April 7, 21, May 5, 19, June 9, 23
Location: Room 106

Fee: 
Kollel classes are now free for TBK members
Non-members: $80

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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: 10:00 am - 11:30 am
April 10, 17, 24, May 8, 15 (note updated dates)
Location: Room 103

Fee: 
Kollel classes are now free for TBK members
Non-members: $50

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Navigating the Siddur/Reading and Comprehension

Gene Spiro

This course requires a solid foundation of Hebrew reading  skills. We will study the prayers of the Friday night and  Saturday morning Shabbat services and touch on the  Haggadah right before Passover. Attention will be given  to the structure of the service, reading fluency, meaning,  comprehension and vocabulary.

Tuesdays: 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
March 4, 11, 18, 25, April 1, 8, 29, May 6, 13, 27
Location: Room 106

Fee: 
Kollel classes are now free for TBK members
Non-members: $60

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The Book of Ruth

Athene Goldstein

We shall look at the book of Ruth in terms of identity and community.

Mondays: 10:00 am - 11:00 am
April 21, May 5, 12, 19
Location: Library

Fee: 
Kollel classes are now free for TBK members
Non-members: $30

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Everything you wanted to know about the origin of the South African Jewish community

Jacqui Lipschitz

Where did the Jews who settled in South Africa come  from? Once they arrived there, what were their  contributions to the country? A Jewish South African  perspective from someone who lived and loved during  Apartheid. The South African Jewish community is a  rich (culturally) and robust one - Jacqui would love to share its  many qualities with you...!

Thursdays: 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
March 6, 20, 27, April 3
Location: Room 106

Fee: 
Kollel classes are now free for TBK members
Non-members: $30

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Thursday Thoughts

David Orange

Join with 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 daorange122@gmail.com for seminar of the day.

Thursdays: 9:45 am - 10:45 am
Location: St. John's Meadows - Chestnut Court Parks Room

Thursdays: 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Location: St. John's Meadows - The Hawthorne

Classes are free to all. Walk in/sign in

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Jewish Living
A Jewish Family Services (JFS) Program

Shannon Megna

This Jewish Family Services course and inclusion program is designed for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). 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, times, and location. For fee information and information about joining please contact:
Shannon Megna, smegna@jfsrochester.org or call 585-764-7748

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REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!
Please register with the form below two weeks or more prior to the 1st 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

kollel@tbk.org

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