S1. Jewish Beliefs and Practices: What Are They and Do All Jews Agree?
REGISTRATION IS CLOSED
Wednesdays, 9:30-10:45
- Instructor: Leslie Goldress
- 12 sessions in person
(online participation allowed only if necessary)
starting February 5 - Cost: $210
This course will try to answer some questions about Judaism. Which is more important in Judaism, belief or practice? Do you have to believe in God to be a good Jew? We will explore topics delving into Jewish views on: the divinity of the Torah; death and the afterlife; resurrection of the dead; the Messiah and the messianic era; magic, the evil eye and witchcraft; cremation; tattoos and suicide. Come with your questions and other topics of interest.
S2. Riding the Roller Coaster of Jewish History from the years 1200 - 1900
Wednesdays, 11:00-12:15
- Instructor: Rabbi Daniel Pernick
- 10 sessions in person or online (hybrid)
starting February 26 - Cost: $180
Though most of us value stability, Jewish history has often been filled with inspiring highs and crushing lows. We will look together at ten of the highest highs and an equal number of the lowest lows between the 13th and early 20th centuries. In addition to the factual matter, we will discuss causes, consequences and what we can learn from these highlights (and lowlights) of history
S3. The Jewish Directors
Thursdays, 9:30-10:45
- Instructor: Rabbi Brian Leiken
- 12 sessions in person or online (hybrid)
starting February 6 - Cost: $210
Join Rabbi Leiken for a deep dive into a study of films by Jewish directors. We will look at the choices that these directors made in these films, the themes presented and how each director has a unique paradigm for looking out at the world. We will look at the director’s biographies and think about the Jewish connection to their directing.
During our sessions, we will look at the films of Stanley Kubrick, Stephen Spielberg, Billy Wilder, Joel and Ethan Cohen, Woody Allen, William Friedkin and Mike Nichols. Class sessions will include opportunities to watch clips of films.
Instructor Bios
Leslie Goldress
Leslie Goldress has taught Melton and Midreshet since their inception in Rockland. A Jewish educator for over 40 years, she has a graduate degree from the Jewish Theological Seminary. Leslie served as Educational Director of the NCJC for over 20 years. She has taught Dramas of Jewish Living, a Florence Melton School of Adult Jewish Learning core class, Melton graduate courses on American Jewish Experience, Contemporary Jewish Issues, Israel, and the Development of the Jewish Denominations.
Rabbi Brian Leiken
Rabbi Brian Leiken has been the Senior Rabbi at Temple Beth Sholom since June of 2012. He is passionate about social justice, Jewish history, and the study of modern American Judaism. As the religious leader of Temple Beth Sholom, Rabbi Leiken has transitioned the temple into a relational synagogue, one that is built upon the inter and intra-relationships between the clergy and its members. He attended the Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion where he was ordained in May of 2007.
Rabbi Daniel Pernick
Rabbi Daniel Pernick was ordained at the Cincinnati campus of Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion in 1982. He has served as Rabbi of Beth Am Temple in Pearl River since 1985. Rabbi Pernick has made adult education and community outreach central features of his rabbinate. A past president of the Rockland Board of Rabbis and a two-time past president of the Pearl River Interfaith Council, Rabbi Pernick served as campus minister and adjunct faculty member at St. Thomas Aquinas College for 20 years.
Financial need scholarships and spouse discounts are available.
For more information, contact Barry Kanarek at bkanarek@jewishrockland.org or (845)362-4200 ext 170.