Shabbat Torah Study

Saturday, May 25, 2013, 08:30am

Shabbat Torah Study is held every Saturday, 8:30-9:45 a.m.

Come occasionally or come every week. Discover Torah’s relevance in your life. These lively discussions about the week's Torah portion are insightful, inspirational and unforgettable. Young and old, scholars and beginners are all welcome. Bagels and coffee provided. Led by Beth Israel clergy. No fee, no reservation needed.

The Best Coast? A History of Jewish Life in the Western United States with Dr. Joellyn Zollman

Tuesday, June 11, 2013, 10:00am

This class meets Tuesdays (4 sessions) 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. (June 11, 18, 25, and July 2)

The New York experience has long served as the template for understanding American Jewish history.  This class will explore what we can discover when we start with a blank slate, and consider the impact that regional life and the history of the west has had on the Jewish experience. Fee: $60/JCC or Beth Israel Member; $75/Non-member. Co-sponsored by Center for Jewish Culture. To register and for more information, contact Susan Hagler at (858) 362-1150. 

Adult Learners Network (ALEINU) Book Club

Thursday, June 20, 2013, 07:00pm

Meets every 3rd Thursday, beginning October 18
No meeting in December

This stimulating evening book club welcomes new members.

October 18: The German Mujahid by Boualem Sansal,
presented by John Urey
November 15: Prague Winter by Madeleine Albright,
presented by Leslie Mark
NO GATHERING IN DECEMBER
Janruary 17: Jerusalem, Jerusalem by James Carroll,
presented by Zoe Kessler, Nancy Abelon
February 21: What We Talk About When We Talk About Anne Frank by Nathan Englander, presented by Ina Rosenthal
March 21: The Hare with the Amber Eyes, by Edmund de Waal,
presented by Vivian Rich and Louise Winheld
April 18: Peace and Violence in Judaism by R. Eisen,
presented by Milton Kodmur
May 16: Jewish Pirates of the Carribbean by E. Kritzler,
presented by Arnie Gass and Ken Gross
June 20: In the Garden of Beasts by Erik Larson,
presented by Edith Kodmur

All book club selections are readily available in libraries or through Amazon used or in paperback. No fee. For additional information or to RSVP, please email Louise Winheld or Nancy Abelon.

The Middle East: Transition or Turmoil? with Prof. Sandy Lakoff

Wednesday, July 03, 2013, 10:00am

This class meets Wednesdays (5 sessions) 10:00 – 11:30 A.M. (July 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31)

In this course we will look at major developments in the region, including the effects of the “Arab Spring” in Tunisia, Libya, and Egypt, the civil war in Syria, Iran’s nuclear program, and the deadlock in Israeli-Palestinian negotiations. We will do so both to assess the prospects for progress in the region and the implications for Israel and American foreign policy. Readings will be recommended and the instructor’s forthcoming article, “Leading from Behind: the Obama Doctrine and U.S. Policy in the Middle East,” will be provided by internet posting. Fee: $75 Beth Israel Member; $90 Non-member Co-sponsored by Center for Jewish Culture. To register and for more information, contact Susan Hagler at (858) 362-1150.

Introduction to Kabbalah with Noah Hadas

Tuesday, July 09, 2013, 10:00am

This class meets Tuesdays (4 sessions) from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. (July 9, 16, 23, and 30)

Jewish mysticism, or Kabbalah, has been shrouded in mystery and tied in “red strings.” It is, however, simply a way of understanding the relationship between the infinitely incomprehensible (G-d) and the finite universe. In this class we will study the history of mystical Judaism and the Kabbalistic understanding of G-d, creation, and the human soul. Fee: $60 Beth Israel Member; $75 Non-member. Co-sponsored by Center for Jewish Culture. To register and for more information, contact Susan Hagler at (858) 362-1150.