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Adult Education

Photo: Adult B’nai Mitzvah Cohort 2022.

Temple Isaiah offers many opportunities for you to explore Jewish ideas, traditions, and texts, and to get to know other members of the community while you learn! Questions about any of these programs? Contact Rabbi Greninger at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Mission Statement and Goals

Temple Isaiah Adult Learning Mission Statement
At Temple Isaiah, we strive to create Jewish learning programs for adults that engage the mind, touch the heart, and move the soul. We do this by exploring the wisdom and mystery of Jewish texts and affirming the richness of Jewish culture. Our mission is to inspire a deeper understanding of Judaism and Jewish identity for all of our members at every stage in their journey of Jewish Learning

Goals:
Through our adult learning programs and initiatives, Temple Isaiah will inspire and support efforts by our members to:
1. Explore their Jewish identity and deepen their spiritual awareness
2. Expand their Jewish knowledge and increase their skills for Jewish living
3. Examine important intellectual, cultural, social and political issues through a Jewish lens
4. Develop and sustain a vibrant learning community
5. Engage in a thoughtful, animated and respectful exchange of ideas
6. Recognize the value of lishma-the joy of Jewish learning for its own sake

Beginning Hebrew

Designed for those with little or no previous exposure to Hebrew, this introductory course will focus on developing the foundation for Hebrew prayer, reading, and a basic Hebrew vocabulary. We will learn the basics of prayer-book Hebrew, beginning with the alphabet and moving through some of the basic vocabulary and themes of the siddur (prayer book), including key texts and melodies of prayers and blessings. This course combines attendance at JQuest tefillah (a prayer service geared toward children, but which helps adults learn, too) and class time with a Hebrew teacher. This is an excellent course to help you feel more comfortable with Hebrew and Jewish prayer! Book(s) for the course will be announced; please note that books are not included in the price for the course.

This course will return in 2025-2026!

If you are interested in potentially taking this course and would like to be notified, please reach out to our main office to be added to our “Adult Education” email list!

Beit Midrash 2024-2025

Eat, Learn, Grow Jewishly!

Location: Oneg Room
Timing:
6:30-7pm Dinner
7-8:15pm Classes

Calendar

Session 1 – Oct 30, Nov 6, Nov 13 - God Talk with Rabbi Greninger
Session 2 – Nov 20, Dec 4, Dec 11 - Mussar: Inner Ideals Become Lived Practices with Rabbi Shanks
Session 3 – Jan 8, Jan 15, Jan 29 - The Book of Job with Rabbi Graetz
Session 4 – Feb 5, 12, 19 – Who Changed My Service? The Evolution of Reform Worship with Cantor Korn
Session 5 – Mar 5, 12, 19 - The Jewish Way to Argue with Rabbi Torop
Session 6 – Apr 30, May 7, May 14 - Israel, Zionism, and Me with Rabbi Greninger

Cost and Dinner Information

MEMBERS: Free, suggested donation: $40 per session (or $180 for the year)
NON-MEMBERS: Required fees: $80 per session (or $360 for the year)

Dinner: Beit Midrash always starts with DINNER! The meal will vary each week, and registrants will be notified in advance of what’s on the menu that week (Pizza, Pasta, Mexican, Sushi, Salads, Panda Express, and more). You can sign up for meals for the whole year at $300. If you opt out of the year plan, you can do drop-in dinners for $20 per week.

Session 1 - God Talk with Rabbi Greninger
Oct 30, Nov 6, Nov 13
Last year Rabbi Greninger led “God Talk” at Beit Midrash, in which participants learned about different views of God from Jewish tradition and Jewish theologians. This year, we will explore conversations about God through the lens of spirituality. Rather than focusing on the question of whether we believe in God, “God Talk” will a place to explore our confusion, our doubts, our fears, and our hopes when it comes to God. In these tumultuous and difficult times, we will ask questions such as: Where do we feel most spiritual? How do we create and/or discover our own unique sense of spirituality? Where and how do we enter into relationship with God? What can we learn about spirituality and a relationship with God from Jewish tradition and Jewish texts? Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with other members of Isaiah while also deepening your own sense of spirituality!

Session 2 - Mussar: Inner Ideals Become Lived Practices with Rabbi Shanks
Nov 20, Dec 4, Dec 11
It’s common to hold high standards for our own behavior. We strive to be humble, patient, tranquil in the face of conflict, careful with our speech and compassionate with others. Yet — we often disappoint ourselves (and others) when we fall short in real life situations. Mussar study and practice helps us bridge that gap and puts us on a path toward a deeper understanding of ourselves, our souls and our connection to the Holy One. This class is open both to those who have never studied Mussar and those who want to deepen their practice.

Session 3 – The Book of Job
Jan 8, Jan 15, Jan 29
Come and immerse yourself in the text of a little gem hidden in the Hebrew Bible, the Book of Job. Bold and daring, it is different from all other books in the Tanach. It challenges not only God, but the childish notions about God that many – even to this day – share. You may want to read the book of Job before our class starts, or just trust Rabbi Graetz’s selection of texts to guide our shared conversations.

Who Changed My Service? The Evolution of Reform Worship with Cantor Korn
February 5, 12, 19
In this class we will begin by studying the Eastern European origins of Reform liturgy and music. We will then explore the American influences on the development of worship and music throughout the twentieth century. Finally we will explore how contemporary music made its way into our Reform “tradition” as well as the influence of the State of Israel on our American Reform worship.

The Jewish Way to Argue with Rabbi Torop
March 12, 19, and 26
It’s a common trope that Jews love to argue, debate, and share their opinions - a tradition that goes back to our earliest ancestors! This three-week course will explore common modes of Jewish argument, constructive conflict, and how Jewish tradition helps us build relationships through these difficult conversations. In a world of heightened tension and often rancorous public discourse, Jewish texts and values can help us speak our truth and still love each other when all’s said and done.

Israel, Zionism, and Me with Rabbi Greninger
April 30, May 7, May 14
This 3-week Beit Midrash session coincides with Israel’s “holy days” – Yom Ha’Zikaron and Yom Ha’atzma’ut. In honor of these days, we will explore Zionism past, present, and future. What was Zionism in its earliest iterations? What is going on in Israel today? How do we feel about what’s happening in Israel? In these sessions, we will lean into conversations with one another that are meaningful, help us clarify our own thoughts and feelings about Israel at this time, and help us feel less alone as Jews in the world today.

Exploring Judaism

This course is a year-long exploration of the history, beliefs, traditions, and practices of the Jewish people. Exploring Judaism will be interesting and meaningful whether you are becoming an adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah, you are just beginning to explore Jewish studies, you are considering choosing Judaism, you are in an interfaith relationship, or you are simply looking for a deeper and more mature understanding of Jewish history and tradition. Students are encouraged to expand their Jewish literacy by taking this course in conjunction with Beginning Hebrew.

This course will return in 2025-2026!

If you are interested in potentially taking this course and would like to be notified, please reach out to our main office to be added to our “Adult Education” email list!

Isaiah Speaks - New!

Introducing a New Speaker Series at Temple Isaiah: Isaiah Speaks!

What is Isaiah Speaks?

Our synagogue’s namesake, the prophet Isaiah was not one to shy away from the most central and difficult questions of the day – and neither do we today. Isaiah Speaks is a new speaker series at Temple Isaiah featuring subject matter experts and opinions makers who will help us navigate today’s most relevant issues, all in the safe setting of our community. Utilizing the lens of our Jewish wisdom and tradition, Isaiah Speaks will lift up Judaism’s moral voice to help us better understand and respond to today’s most controversial concerns. At Isaiah, we do not shy away from difficult questions; instead, we embrace that our community is exactly the place where rigorous, respectful, and thoughtful discussion and debate are celebrated and where we can translate Jewish values into action and repair. Look for Isaiah Speaks programs throughout the year!

Announcing our First Isaiah Speaks Program!

Two Months Out: The 2024 Election and the American Jewish Vote
Monday, September 9, from 7 to 8:30pm in the Sanctuary, In-Person Only
Trained as a political scientist, Dr. Steven Windmueller will be examining the issues that engage Jewish voters as well as the competing political ideas that have motivated Jewish Americans to become community activists, campaign funders, and even political candidates. Dr. Windmueller will provide a historical overview of American Jewish political behavior against the backdrop of this upcoming election. He will explore why this election has taken on such a distinctive profile, and what it may mean for America’s Jews.

Following Steven Windmueller’s talk, Temple Isaiah will provide small group opportunities for further conversation on the ideas presented by our speaker led by trained facilitators. Dessert will be provided during the small group discussion.

This event is for member and non-members. RSVP by Sunday, September 8.

About our Isaiah Speaks Speaker: Steven F. Windmueller
Dr. Steven Windmueller is an Emeritus Professor of Jewish Communal Studies at the Jack H. Skirball Campus of Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in Los Angeles. Prior to coming to HUC, Dr. Windmueller had served on the staff of the American Jewish Committee (1969-1972), directed the Albany (NY) Jewish Federation (1973-1985), and the JCRC (Jewish Community Relations Committee) of the Los Angeles Jewish Federation (1985-1995).

During his tenure at the College, Dr. Windmueller served for ten years as the Director of its School of Jewish Nonprofit Management and in 2005 was named to the deanship of the LA campus (2006-2010). In 2009 he was named to an endowed chair and in 2014 was awarded an honorary doctorate by Hebrew Union College. The author of four books and numerous articles, Professor Windmueller holds a Ph.D. in International Relations from the University of Pennsylvania. His research has been primarily focused on Jewish communal trends, anti-Semitism, and Jewish political behavior. His articles have appeared in a number of secular and Jewish publications.

He recently served as guest editor for USC’s Casden Institute, producing The Impact of Donald Trump’s Presidency on American Jews and Israel, (2021) and is now focused on producing a volume analyzing 21st Century American Judaism and continues to write on Jewish political behavior for the Times of Israel and other publications in advance of the November 2024 elections. Dr. Windmueller serves as a Fellow of the Jerusalem Institute of Public Affairs and as a Board Member of the Pat Brown Institute at Cal State, Los Angeles. For the past eight years, he has been on the faculty of the Memorial Foundation for Jewish Culture, teaching across the globe.

Lunch and Learn Series

Temple Isaiah is pleased to offer a series of Lunch and Learn programs featuring Temple Isaiah’s clergy discussing a variety of topics. These programs take place at lunchtime (12-1pm) on Zoom. Click here to watch the YouTube playlist.

Lunch & Learn

2nd Wednesdays of the month from 12-1pm on Zoom, Free and open to all!

January 8 – Intro to Mikvah with Rabbi Greninger

March 12 – Intro to Jewish Wedding Rituals with Rabbi Perlman

May 14 – Intro to Haftarah with Cantor Korn

RSVP Here

Special Zoom Learning Event on Monday, December 9
Death and Dying in the Jewish Tradition
With Sinai Memorial Chapel and Rabbi Perlman
Monday, December 9 at 12pm over Zoom

Temple Isaiah and Sinai Memorial Chapel are coming together to offer a session on Death and Dying in the Jewish Tradition, specifically on how we can be prepared and plan in advance. Sinai and other funeral homes can help give us greater peace of mind by helping people understand how they can make advance plans for their end of life, both for a funeral and a final resting place. This program will take place at 12pm on Monday, December 9, over Zoom. Please register by clicking the button below. Once you have registered you will be emailed the zoom link.

RSVP Here

Sunday Clergy Course

Members: Suggested donation: $30 per series
Non-Members: Required fees: $60 per series

Sunday Clergy Course:

Diverging Miracles: Purim and Pesach with Rabbi Perlman
Sundays February 9, February 23, March 2, 11:15am-12:30pm
Social Hall or Sanctuary
In this three-week series, Rabbi Perlman will address the two holidays of Purim and Passover: their similarities, differences, and how when considered together, they offer up the fullest picture on our relationship to God and our responsibility to one another.

Talmud with Rabbi Torop - NEW!

Year-Round Text-Based Drop-In Class

Talmud with Rabbi Torop
Starting Thursday, October 31 in the Beit Knesset from 11 to 12pm

Join Rabbi Aaron Torop for a weekly exploration through one section of the Talmud, Masechet Ta’anit. Filled with prayer, magical rains, droughts, practical advice, classic rabbinic arguments and more, Ta’anit has something for everyone. Accessible for first-time Talmud students and Talmud pros alike, this class is a wonderful way to study an ancient text with modern-day relevance and impact! This class will meet hybrid in-person andon Zoom on Thursdays at 11am, beginning October 31st. This is a drop-in class; however, if you plan to attend and/or would like to be added to the email list, please email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Torah Study

Torah Study
Saturdays at 8:45am in the Beit Knesset and on Zoom
We want Torah study to guide our way as individuals and as a community. It is from Torah and all of Jewish sacred literature that we derive the values that shape our lives. Torah Study when we study the weekly Torah portion is offered Shabbat mornings at 8:45am and led by a member of our clergy team. Newcomers are always welcome.

Cost: Free and open to the public.

Zoom meeting information can be found on the Adult Education email sent by Temple Isaiah, or by calling (925) 283-8575 or emailing .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Visiting Scholars

An Afternoon with Anat Hoffman: Mimi Epstein Memorial Lecture
Sunday, January 12, 2025
3:30 Reception
4:00pm A Conversation with Anat Hoffman
Anat Hoffman is the former Executive Director of the Israel Religious Action Center (IRAC), the legal advocacy arm of the Reform Movement in Israel and a founding member of Women of the Wall. Anat specializes in issues of religion and state in Israel.

Isaiah Speaks: Dr. Steven Windmueller
Monday, September 9, 2024, 7 p.m., Sanctuary

Isaiah Speaks is a provocative new series featuring dynamic speakers and dialogues rooted in Jewish thought and values on some of the most important and relevant issues of our day.
For our inaugural program, Dr. Steven Windmueller will present “Two Months Out: The 2024 Election and the American Jewish Vote,” a historical overview of American Jewish political behavior against the backdrop of this upcoming election. Trained as a political scientist, Dr. Windmueller will examine the issues that engage Jewish voters as well as the competing political ideas that have motivated Jewish Americans to become community activists, campaign funders, and even political candidates. He will explore why this election has taken on such a distinctive profile, and what it may mean for America’s Jews.

Poetry Since October 7th with Renowned Teacher Rachel Korazim
Thursday, June 20, 2024, 7 - 8:15pm on Zoom
The calamity of October 7th and the war that followed has left Israel and the Jewish world in shock and despair. The unimaginable became our reality. As more details of the horror unfold, we are facing the painful daily losses in battle and the plight of the hostages and their families. No less troubling are the terrible losses and devastation in Gaza. We find ourselves less and less able to talk about it. The expression most commonly used is אין מילים ein milim – No Words! And yet – there are those who struggle and do find words to express pain and anger, despair and abandonment. In this program we will read and discuss poetry written since October 7th. The poems are often raw and painful, while at the same time full of love and even hope. The poems come from different parts of Israeli society and reflect a large variety of voices. As one previous participant noted, “I think that poetry allows the expression of complex and sometimes conflicting feelings, vivid images, and resonance - which is why it touches the heart and soul so deeply.

More About Rachel Korazim: Rachel Korazim
Rachel Korazim is a Jewish education consultant in curriculum development for Israel and Holocaust education. Rachel opens for her audiences a window to Israeli society through literature; through stories, poems and songs of the best of Israel’s writers, she invites listeners to engage with Israel in an innovative way. Since the beginning of the Covid 19 pandemic, Rachel created a global community of hundreds of learners who meet to study Israeli poetry online regularly. Rachel teaches at Israel’s well-known learning centers such as Pardes and the Shalom Hartman Institute, as well as numerous world Jewish communities. In her free time, Rachel enjoys scuba diving in the cenotes of Playa del Carmen in Mexico and the amazing coral sites of the Red Sea. Rachel is also a very active grandmother of eight grandchildren who all live in Israel. For more about Rachel and access to many of her lectures, see https://www.korazim.com.

True Stories of High-Stakes Negotiations to Free Americans Captured Abroad with Mickey Bergman
Sunday, June 9, 2024, 7- 8:30pm, In-Person Only in the Social Hall at Temple Isaiah

Brittney Griner, Danny Fenster, Otto Warmbier, Trevor Reed, Paul Whelan, Xiyue Wang…When an American citizen is unjustly imprisoned overseas, that’s when Mickey Bergman’s phone starts to ring. Embark on a riveting journey behind the scenes of international negotiations with Mickey Bergman, who has played a pivotal role in the sensitive Israeli hostage discussions with Hamas. As the Vice President of the Richardson Center for Global Engagement and a special operations veteran, Bergman brings unparalleled insights from the front lines of diplomacy and determination. Join us for an exclusive event that sheds light on his daring missions, innovative strategies for freeing political prisoners, and a look into his compelling book, In the Shadows. Delve into the untold tales of global engagement and the critical challenges of negotiating with some of the world’s most formidable adversaries.

100 books will be available at no charge (one per family) with the hope that people will make a contribution in memory of beloved Temple Isaiah member, Micah Bycel to our Temple Isaiah Education and Youth Fund for camp scholarships. Cash and/or check will be accepted as donations at the event.

About our Speaker:
Mickey Bergman is the CEO of Global Reach, and VP of the Richardson Center for Global Engagement, nongovernmental, non-profit organizations that negotiate the release of political prisoners and hostages around the world. A special-operations veteran of the Israel Defense Forces, he has spent the past decade freeing Americans from some of the most complex and insulated countries on earth, including Iran, North Korea, Russia, Venezuela, Syria, Gambia and Sudan. He is an adjunct professor at the Georgetown University Walsh School of Foreign Service, where his graduate courses focus on the art of emotional intelligence in international relations. He was nominated for the 2019 and 2023 Nobel Peace Prize alongside former Governor Bill Richardson.

About our Interviewer:
Rabbi Lee Bycel is the Vice Chair of the California state council on developmental disabilities, the author of Refugees in America, the Sinton Visiting Professor at USF, and a very proud grandfather of five!

This program is presented generously by the Bycel family and Mark Seiler in memory of beloved Temple Isaiah member, Micah Bycel, z"l.

To sign-up, please check the Shavua Tov or call our front office at (925) 283-8575.

Year Two Prayerbook Hebrew

This course is designed for those who have taken Beginning Hebrew, and/or already know the Hebrew alphabet and some basic Hebrew vocabulary. The goal of the class is to deepen knowledge of Hebrew vocabulary and Hebrew prayers, and to develop stronger fluency in reading Hebrew. Similar to the Beginning Hebrew course, Year 2 Hebrew combines attendance at JQuest tefillah (a prayer service geared toward children but which helps adults learn, too) and class time with a Hebrew teacher.

Year-long Course (21 sessions):
Sundays, Sept 22, 29, Oct 6, 20, 27, Nov 3, 10, 17, Dec 8, 15, Jan 12, 26, Feb 2, 9, 23, Mar 2, 9, 23, Apr 20, 27, May 4

10:00-11:00 a.m. in the CCJDS Building
(starts at 9:45am on Sept 22, the first day, for an introduction)

Instructor: Tammy Yahud

Community Partners