Kollel Course Listing
QUESTIONS ABOUT KOLLEL CLASSES OR REGISTRATION? CLICK HERE TO E-MAIL KOLLEL@TBK.ORG
Course Listing - Spring 2024
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!
Register using the online form below
Fine-Tuning Our Middot
Rabbi Rochelle Tulik
This discussion-based course will explore the Torah through a lens of Mussar (a virtues-based approach to Jewish ethics and character development). Weekly sessions will center around a a weekly Torah portion and a Jewish value (middah). The text for the course is The Mussar Torah Commentary, edited by Rabbi Barry Block.
Wednesdays: 12:00pm-1:00pm
March 6, 13, 27, April 10, 17, May 1, 8, 15
Fee: $50 / Book (if needed) $15
Understanding the History and Current Realities of Antisemitism
Rabbi Peter Stein
This class will explore the origins of antisemitism and will also investigate current realities. We will explore the trends in the United States and in other parts of the world and also the complex relationship between Zionism/Anti-Zionism and antisemitism. While not required reading, this class will utilize Deborah Lipstadt's "Antisemitism Here and Now"
Wednesdays: 10:00 am - 11:00 am
March 20, 27, April 3, 10, 17
Fee: $50
Introduction (or Rentroduction!) to Rashi
Rabbi Peter Stein
The greatest of the medieval Torah commentators was Rabbi Shlomi Yitzchaki, the French rabbi known as Rashi. Rashi's comments are insightful and inspiring and are an essential part of studying Torah. Whether or not you've studied Rashi before, come to gain an understanding of his commentaries which add tremendous depth to reading the weekly Torah portions.
Wednesdays: 10:00 am - 11:00 am
May 8, 15, 22, 29, June 5
Fee: $50
Adult B'nai Mitzvah
Rabbi Peter Stein
Bar/Bat Mitzvah is a central ritual for young adults, one that has been practiced in some form for nearly 2000 years. An adult bar or bat mitzvah experience is an exciting opportunity for those who weren't able to have a service at the age of 13 to engage in in depth learning, gain skills at leading services and reading Torah, and deepen one's commitment to Jewish worship and ritual practice. If you are someone who has completed an Introduction to Judaism class or someone who converted to Judaism or someone who simply missed the chance to have a bar/bat mitzvah, join Rabbi Stein in this special learning experience.
Classes will begin with an information session on Thursday, March 7 at 7:00 PM. Before that date, please schedule a time to meet with Rabbi Stein to explore your interest and also your availability for day versus evening and in person versus online classes. This will be a 15 month experience culminating with a service in June 2025.
No registration required here, but please contact Rabbi Stein by clicking here for more information and to indicate your interest.
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: 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
March 7, 14, 21, 28, April 4
Fee: $50
Jewish Expression Through Collage
Ruth Sternberg
You might think you can't make art. You would be wrong! Ruth will show you how to make a simple collage, using a variety of materials, to create works that reflect your Jewish identity. Feel free to bring any of your old magazines (Hadassah or any other Jewish publications are great choices, but any will do!). Personalize your project with photocopies of photos or family documents (letters, birth certificates, old passports, and other family memorabilia), pages from old books, fabric that you've collected, copies of your kids' or grandkids' artwork ...anything else you can think of! If you have questions, give Ruth a call at 614-746-4587
Mondays: 10:00 am - 11:30 am
May 13, 20, June 3, 10
Fee: $40, plus $15 for supplies
Music and Movies
Herb Skerker
While visuals are a huge part of what ultimately defines movies, it is the combination of imagery and sound that completes the full cinematic experience. Even before the advent of "talking pictures" in the late 1920s, musical scores accompanied films in one way or another, whether it was through live accompaniment from a performer or a synchronized gramophone record system. We will review the winning musical songs and their Jewish composers.
Tuesdays: 10:00 am - 11:30 am
May 7, 14, 21, 28
Fee: $40
Celebrity Chefs of Israel
Tammy Eisenberg
As a true melting pot, Israel has a diverse cuisine that has gathered international attention with its many immigrant populations such as Russian, Ethiopian, Mizrahi and more. This course will concentrate on four celebrity chefs from Israel with world fame and their versions of a popular Israeli dish each week. So bring your cutting boards, chefs knives and a love of Israeli cooking as we honor the vegetable-forward cuisine of our homeland.
Tuesdays: 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Tuesday March 12, Wednesday March 20, Tuesday March 26, Tuesday April 2
Fee: $60, plus $20 for supplies
Great Decisions CANCELLED DUE TO LOW REGISTRATION
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 2024” manual, supplemented (in class or online), by the “Great Decisions 2024” 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 13, 20, 27, April 17, 24, May 15, 22, 29
Fee: $60, plus $30 for the book
The Bible: History or Myth
Stu Berger
There are two schools in Israeli academia about the historical veracity of the Hebrew Bible. One school centered in Tel Aviv regards it as primarily myth while the other from Bar-Ilan University considers it to reflect historical events. We will review the methods of verification used and explore the explanation for the differing views. In doing this we will look at the accepted chronology of Jewish events and introduce a recent revision that puts a new light on this question.
Thursdays: 9:30 am - 10:30 am
May 2, 9, 16, 23
Fee: $30
Islam 101 CANCELLED DUE TO LOW REGISTRATION
Andrea Anderson Gluckman
Islam 101 offers a broad and informed context to Islam as a holistic tradition. The course will begin with unpacking headline stereotypes and then move into the origins, theological premises, prophetic tradition, and the sacred text(s) of Islam. Additionally, divisions within Islam will be discussed within the context of the development of the Islamic Empire. There is no general required text, but articles will be emailed throughout the course.
Mondays: 10:00 am - 11:00 am
March 18, 25, April 15, 22, 29, May 6
Fee: $60
Introduction to Hebrew Conversation CANCELLED DUE TO LOW REGISTRATION
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)
Thursdays: 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm VIA ZOOM
March 7, 14, 21, 28, April 4, 11
Fee: $50
Beginning Hebrew Reading
Gene Spiro
This course is geared for the beginner or the student who needs a refresher course. The student will progress from learning the Hebrew alphabet and vowel system to reading words and phrases. Useful vocabulary will be introduced along the way. This course is geared towards prayer reading. Please purchase the book "Shalom U-v'racha The New Hebrew Primer" (blue cover), by Behrman House publishers. It can be purchased either through the publisher or Amazon. Please wait for class confirmation before purchasing book.
Mondays: 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
March 4. 11. 18, 25, April 2, 9, 15, May 20, June 3, 10, 17, 24
Fee: $60
Tuesday Thoughts: Justice, Justice Shall You Pursue
David Orange
Thursday Thoughts continues with another ten-session course covering various current issues facing our global population.
Thursdays: 9:45 am - 10:45 am
March 7, 14, 21, 28, April 4, 11, 18, 25, May 2, 23
Location: St. John's Meadows Chestnut Court
Classes are free to all. Walk in/sign in
Jewish Living
Mike Miller and Shannon Megna
A Jewish Family Services (JFS) program, this 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 and times. For fee information and information about joining please contact:
Shannon Megna, smegna@jfsrochester.org or call 585-371-6759
Registration is open now. Please register 2 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. Cancelations 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
