Rabbi Lotker Zoom Classes – July and August

TWO Classes:

Introduction to Kabbalah

Wednesday evenings, July 14th, 21st, and 28th at 7:00 p.m.

Children of Abraham: Comparing Judaism, Christianity, and Islam

Wednesday evenings, August 4th, 11th, 18th, and 25th at 7:00 p.m.

Via Zoom: Rabbi Lotker’s Zoom Room –  https://zoom.us/j/8190896166


“Introduction to Kabbalah (July 14, 21, 28)

A three-week exploration of the world of Kabbalah we will explore the simple (is it kabb-a-LAH or ka-BAL-ah?) to the deep (how does the interpretation of word echad in the Shema affect our understanding of God’s nature and our relationship with God). Learn about the history and practices of Kabbalah. There will be time for questions and discussions. CLASS ONE: An Introduction to some of the key ideas about Kabbalah and its interesting history.  CLASS 2: Introduction to the central text of Kabbalah, The Zohar which is a work of pseudepigrapha (don’t know what that means?  Come and find out!).  Discuss the 10 Sefirot, the world of Gematria, the mystical names of God and more.  CLASS THREE: Explore Lurrianic Kabbalah, the Soul, Angels, Hasidim and focus on enhancing Jewish spirituality.

Children of Abraham:  Comparing Judaism, Christianity and Islam.(August 4, 11, 18, 25)

About half the people of the world worship the God of Abraham as members of faith traditions that trace themselves back 4000 years to this inspired individual.  In four classes, Rabbi Lotker will introduce these three faiths with a special emphasis on their similarities and differences. Read texts from the Hebrew Bible, the Christian Scripture and the Koran relating to the Garden of Eden, Abraham, Moses, and others to help understand the fascinating history and theology that shape our worlds to this day.  Explore differences in beliefs, historical origins and the reasons behind historical and current conflicts.  Take a detailed look at Holy Neighborhood of Jerusalem and the sacred sites to be found there.


Will the sessions be recorded?  Yes and they will be sent to you by email and also posted on my YouTube channel.

Is There a Fee?  No, the classes are sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Ventura County and Joel & Barbara Aaronson & The Affordable Living Choices Trust in my role as Community Rabbi.  You can donate to them here at  https://www.jewishventuracounty.org/ways-to-give.

How do I register?  Simply Email Rabbi Lotker lotker@aol.com (you will get class reminders and alerts of changes -if any)

Can Bring a Friend?  Sure!  Just pass along this e-mail

Many Jews are surprised to learn that Judaism has always held that there is something beyond the grave – a life in the “world to come.”  We just don’t know (or teach) the details because no one has come back to tell us and because Judaism’s focus is on this life.   In this class, we will explore the wide range of authentic Jewish beliefs about the afterlife and how these beliefs have affected Jewish traditions of burial and mourning.  In our sessions we will examine what the Bible has to say, the Rabbinic and Talmudic thoughts and commentaries, the amazing world of medieval commentary, mystical and kabbalistic insights and well as what modern thinkers contribute.  We will also explore the world of Jewish funeral and mourning customs and their origins.

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ECC Registration

How to Register:

Temple Adat Elohim, Early Childhood Center, or Infant Center Current Members:

Follow these simple steps!

  1. Go to www.adatelohim.org and select “login” (even if you forgot/don’t know your password – the email address is the one we have on file)
  2. If you know your email and password combo enter the information. If you forgot/don’t know your password select “forgot password” and follow the prompts.
  3. After you login, select the “My Enrollments” box.
  4. Then, find “Early Childhood Center 2021-2022 Open for Enrollments.”
  5. Select “Enroll Now” and follow the prompts to complete the enrollment information.
  6. Last, remember to select “Complete Enrollment.”
  7. Check your email for and automated message confirming your enrollment.
  8. Click here to complete a New Student Packet.

 

NEW FAMILIES: 

Email Donna Becker for a tour or to receive the Registration Forms.

Nar-Anon Family Group

DRUG ADDICTION IS A FAMILY DISEASE

While our nation is in the midst of an epidemic of drug addiction, the addict’s family and friends are also victims as their lives are encompassed with the question of “What To Do?”

As there are recovery programs for the addicts, there are also programs for the families and friends as well.  The Nar-Anon Family Group is a worldwide non-profit organization with a program designed for those who have known a feeling of desperation concerning the addiction problem of a loved one.  When you join a Nar-Anon Family Group, you are no longer alone, but among true friends who understand your problem as few others could.

We are fortunate to have a Nar-Anon Family group in Thousand Oaks, CA.  It meets every Thursday evening at 7:30 to 9:00 pm on Zoom due to Covid. (previously at Temple Adat Elohim). There are no dues or fees. 

Not only will you find comfort being with people who share their own experiences strength and hope, but you will be introduced to literature that will help guide you in this journey with addiction.

There are no professionals or experts in our meetings. There are only other members who have struggled with the addiction problem of someone they love. All members are treated with respect, confidence, and anonymity. What you hear stays within the walls of the meeting rooms

Please join us at Nar-Anon on a Thursday evening of your choice if a friend or family member is experiencing a problem with addiction.  For further information and our Zoom Link please contact Jack at (805) 852-5333, Michelle at (818) 620-0566, or Jannice at (818) 522-6259

 

Many Mansions Summer Camp 2021

Did you know that in addition to low-income housing, Many Mansions provides many great services such as summer camp for their residents?

This year summer camp will be held virtually to keep their children and teens engaged and connected. The children will be engaged in arts, crafts, and more!

“Due to the current circumstances, Children Services will not be able to hold in-person Summer Camp this year. Instead, they are working diligently to create a virtual Summer Camp to keep our children and teens engaged and to ensure we are staying connected and supporting them as much as possible during this time. They will be sending home weekly packets for arts, crafts, and activities that we have prepared and that we will be demonstrating with them online. There are seven themed weeks planned that the children are very excited for.”

You can help provide a summer camp experience for the children by shopping the Many Mansions Amazon Wish List
They also provide theme-based raffle prize baskets for participating children.

For item donations, contact Heather at heatherM@manymansions.org.
For monetary donations, contact Ann at AnnS@manymansions.org.

Learn more about our Children Services program.