SPRING MASTER CLASS SERIES

THURSDAY, JANUARY 26^TH  

Pastoral Care presented by Rabbi Monte Sugarman

This class explores and defines Jewish Pastoral or Spiritual Care.  Bereavement and the stages of loss & grief will be discussed.  The value of being a healing presence for the sick and dying will be addressed.  Other topics include: Jewish healing prayers Vidui/confession for dying and self care.  We will talk about the importance of Jewish spiritual direction and counseling for individuals, couples and families. Some Jewish life cycle issues may be discussed

Recommended reading:  Jewish Pstoral Care: A Practical Handbook, Edited by Rabbi Dayle A. Friedman, 2nd Edition-Published Jewish Lights 2010

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 15^TH

 Pharisees: A Bridge Linking Bavel to the Present presented by Rabbi Shael Siegel

This lecture will explore the development of the Pharisees as a political, social and religious movement that challenged the conventional standards during the 2nd Temple and onward. The lecture will also explore how and why the Pharisees evolved into rabbinic/normative Judaism.

MONDAY, MARCH 12^TH

Interfaith Weddings presented by Rabbi Gloria Milner

Many young/older people are meeting and deciding to get married with religion not being a tie breaker.  Rabbi Gloria will describe how as an independent rabbi she obtains clients discuss how she ushers them through the process: meeting with them and teaching Judaism 101 to many of them.  (The class may write their own services based on the Jewish Reform ceremony.)  Rabbi Gloria will present sample services and talk about some interesting weddings she has officiated.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 28^T

Medieval Jewish Thinkers and Leaders presented by Rabbi Shael Siegel

This lecture will explore the development of Jewish Thought during the Middle Ages and how and why it attempted to merge religion and reason a radical departure from the Geonic approach. We will survey the influence of Greek philosophy on Jewish Thought and touch upon the influence Muslim Thought had on the development of Jewish Thought.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18^TH

Peoplehood: From One Person to Peoplehood presented by Rabbi Shael Siegel

This lecture will examine whether Judaism is a religion or if it is something which defies a simple definition. If Judaism is a religion than why are we referred to as a Priestly Nation in the Bible. If we are a Nation than why have we defined ourselves as a monotheistic religion. If we define ourselves in terms of Peoplehood, would that negate Zionism as a a legitimate expression of Jewish yearning?