Adult Jewish Learning
Contact for Adult Jewish Learning:Cantor Allen Leider
(703) 532-2217, ext. 231
aleider@templerodefshalom.org |
The Study of Torah is at the center of our lives. Temple Rodef Shalom fulfills the mitzvah of Jewish learning by providing numerous opportunities for adult study and growth. Scholarly lectures, formal and informal study and discussion groups, formal study classes, Hebrew classes, and other unique learning opportunities offer our members various ways to enrich spiritual and intellectual growth.
Judaism is a tradition of life-long learning. The study of ancient texts and modern interpretations enriches our lives and provides a framework for Jewish living. To that end, Temple Rodef Shalom is truly a house of study for all ages.
Torah Study
Shabbat mornings at 9:00 am, you will find a crowd gathered to study Torah. We engage in an informal study of Torah verse by verse. This always leads to interesting discussion with a variety of opinions and perspectives shared. Drop-ins are more than welcome. A light nosh of bagels and coffee are offered.
Melton Class
Join the Great Jewish Conversation! Melton classes offer a pluralistic and in-depth exploration of Judaism designed for busy adults. No tests, No Homework, Know Judaism. Join us! Adults of all ages and backgrounds are welcome.
The Florence Melton Adult Mini-School Ethics and Dramas of Jewish Living course addresses the relationship between Jewish life and ethical behavior. The focus is on how Jewish tradition shapes our relationships with other human beings. Dramas of Jewish Living presents the significant moments that have shaped Jewish memory from the Biblical period through the formation of the modern State of Israel.
Classes are Wednesday evenings (7:15-9:15 PM), Oct. 26, 2011-June 13, 2012 here at TRS
For further information and to register, please visit www.pjll.org or 240-283-6200. Sponsored by the Partnership for Jewish Life and Learning.
Introduction to Judaism
The Introduction to Judaism Course, provided by the Union for Reform Judaism, provides an opportunity to learn about Jewish history, traditions, holidays and life cycle ceremonies. Participants will gain comfort and familiarity with the symbols, liturgy, music, traditions and Hebrew blessings that accompany Jewish celebrations in the home and synagogue. A welcoming and engaging Reform rabbi teaches this in-depth course. Introduction to Judaism is designed for individuals and couples wishing to explore Judaism, whether they are Jewish or not, as well as for those individuals considering becoming Jewish. We welcome you to come learn about Judaism with us! Visit here for information about an upcoming class.
Rosh Chodesh
Any woman of our Temple community is invited to celebrate Rosh Chodesh, the New Moon Festival, at our monthly gathering. Women of all ages get to know one another, sing, dance, study and create opportunities for our personal and spiritual growth with different activities each month. There is no charge for this event but reservations are very helpful for planning purposes. Please visit our calendar for the date and time of the next gathering.
Holy Sparks Meditation
Explore how Jewish meditation can help quiet your mind, keep you centered, and bring a greater sense of spirituality to your life. Join our monthly meditation group facilitated by Cantor Leider. We’ll explore different styles of meditation in a comfortable setting. Great for adults or teens; no experience is needed. We’ll meet on Wednesday evenings from 7-9 pm on Nov 9, Dec 7, Jan 11, Feb 8, Mar 14, Apr 11, and May 9.
Biblical Hebrew
In the Biblical Hebrew classes students learn the grammar and vocabulary to enable them to read and translate the Bible and then apply the knowledge to studying biblical texts together. There are three levels, with a new Beginning class starting every other year. The most recent class started in October 2011.
Beginning Biblical Hebrew
This class starts with the aleph-bet. Students learn the basic verb forms and enough basic grammar to enable them to read simple stories in Hebrew, to translate short texts, and to begin reading The Book of Ruth in simplified form. This takes about a year and a half of once monthly classes. The text book used is "The First Hebrew Primer: An Adult Beginners Path to Biblical Hebrew.
Intermediate Biblical Hebrew
This class continues working in the same text book on additional verb forms, more advanced grammar concepts, and vocabulary. It usually takes at least another year and a half to complete the text
Continuing Biblical Hebrew
This class is for students who have completed Intermediate Biblical Hebrew, or who have enough knowledge of grammar and vocabulary to read and translate biblical texts. This class is on-going and meets once a month, usually on Sunday morning. The textbook used is "The First Hebrew Reader; Guided Selections from the Hebrew Bible.
Adult Hebrew
These eight week classes are taught for an hour and a half in the evenings and in the morning depending on the registration numbers by Na'ava Feder. Visit our calendar for information about upcoming classes.
Beginning Hebrew
The beginners are introduced to the Hebrew letters, vowels and learn reading the basic blessings and prayers. Basic prayers are explained. No previous knowledge in Hebrew is needed.
Advance Hebrew
For more advanced students who can read Hebrew, new prayers and blessings are introduced. This class starts with a short review of
reading easier prayers, in order to evaluate what level the class will be.
Rodef Chochma
The Rodef Chochma (Pursuer of Wisdom) program is Temple Rodef Shalom’s version of a group Adult B’nai Mitzvah, an opportunity for adults to learn the skills to be called to the Torah. Each class member will read from the Torah and will also lead the congregation in prayer in a group Shabbat service. Visit our webpage here.
jJourneys
J*Journeys is our model for transforming Jewish learning for adults, families, teens and youth at Temple Rodef Shalom. Please visit our webpage here.