Jan 2, 2025 | Adult Education
Pathways to Purpose: How Mysticism Can Inspire Our Daily Lives
Sunday, January 26, 2025
9:30 – 11:00 AM
via Zoom (participate via Zoom from anywhere or gather in the youth lounge with Rabbi Barry Diamond)
Join special guest Rabbi Shmuel Diamond for an enlightening study of the Book of Tanya, a guide to daily spiritual life from the Chabad Hasidic tradition. Rabbi Shmuel Diamond, a kabbalist and cousin of Rabbi Barry Diamond, will share his deep knowledge and practical insights!
ABOUT RABBI SHMUEL DIAMOND:
Rabbi Shmuel Diamond, born into a secular family in North London, discovered his spiritual path following a transformative journey through India in his late teens. For the past 25 years, he has studied the inner dimensions of the Torah under the guidance of renowned tzaddikim and kabbalists in Jerusalem, where he resides with his wife and children. Join the Zoom here >>
If you plan to join from home, please log into the Zoom room a few minutes early to ensure access. For questions, please call our temple office at (805) 497-7101.
Mar 5, 2024 | Adult Education
BOOK GROUP
Exploring “Cynical Theories,” by Helen Pluckrose and James Lindsay
Selected Wednesdays, at 7:00 PM, at TAE
Dates are listed below.
Facilitated by Rabbi Diamond
Join us at the synagogue for an engaging, highly philosophical exploration into the roots of contemporary conflicts affecting the Jewish community. In our group, we will delve into the book “Cynical Theories,” examining the intellectual underpinnings of ideologies contributing to antisemitism and anti-Zionism, which have emerged in various spheres including college campuses and among traditional allies.
As we navigate through the pages of “Cynical Theories,” we will confront the intersection of these ideas with concepts like diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as the nuances of woke culture. Together, we will critically assess which elements of these ideologies merit preservation and which demand reevaluation within our community.
Come be a part of this thought-provoking dialogue as we seek to deepen our understanding and forge a path forward rooted in knowledge, introspection, and collective wisdom.
April 10, 2024 – Introduction and Chapter 1 & 2
Postmodernism: The Modern is So Yesterday or Things Aren’t Getting Better
May 2, 2024 – Chapter 3 & 4
Post-Colonial Theory: White Guys=Jewish Guys=Bad Guys?
Queer Theory: I Can Be Whatever I Want to Be
May 29, 2024 – Chapter 5
Critical Race Theory: Fighting Racism with Race
June 19, 2024 – Chapters 6 & 7
Feminism and Gender Studies: Patriarchs & Matriarchs
Disability and Fat Studies: I’m good just the way I am
July, 2024 (exact date is TBD) – Chapter 8, 9 & 10
Social Justice in Thought and Action: At least it sounds good on paper
An Alternative to Social Justice: Don’t Throw Out the Baby with the Bathwater Join the Book Group Here
Apr 21, 2023 | Adult Education, Brotherhood, Upcoming Temple Event
May 7, 2023
9:15 – 11:15 a.m.
TAE Social Hall
Kabalah, Mysticism, and the Mysteries of the World
If traditional belief in God doesn’t excite you, then prepare yourself for some Jewish ideas that are so insightful, so radical, and so modern, that many rabbis tried to suppress them. But they couldn’t. Join Rabbi Diamond on May 7 and learn how ancient insights can transform our lives, whether or not we believe.
Rabbi Diamond’s Sunday morning events have always been entertaining and insightful. This one promises to be the same. We hope to see you there!
THIS EVENT IS OPEN TO OUR ENTIRE COMMUNITY.
For those of you who plan to attend, PLEASE RSVP TO EITHER BROTHERHOOD PRESIDENT BOB SALFI, rsalfi@alumni.stevens-tech.edu OR HERB SHUKIAR, herb@rand.org to know how much food to provide. Our normal bagel brunch fare includes lox, bagels, cream cheese, herring, onions, tomatoes, fruits and other tempting treats.
There is no charge for this event, but we do suggest a $5 donation to help defray the event’s cost.
Sponsored by Brotherhood
Mar 4, 2023 | Adult Education, Brotherhood, Upcoming Temple Event
TAE Sunday Morning Speaker Event
March 19, 2023 in the TAE Social Hall
9:15 – 11:15 a.m.
The New Israeli Government: Views from Israel and Elsewhere
Our Own Alan Greenbaum, Rabbi Emeritus of TAE!
The newly-elected Israeli government is the most controversial in the 75 year history of the state. Based on Rabbi Greenbaum’s recent visit to Israel along with his own reading, he will address these and other questions:
- What is the feeling on the street regarding the government?
- Who are the central figures and what are they doing/saying?
- How did this all come about?
- And finally, the question that Rabbi Greenbaum’s mother always asked of matters ranging from current affairs to the L.A. Dodger pitching lineup: Will this be good for the Jews or bad for the Jews?
Rabbi Greenbaum is always an enlightening and entertaining speaker. Everyone in our TAE community is welcome, not just Brotherhood members. If you plan to attend, please RSVP to Brotherhood President Bob Salfi (rsalfi@alumni.stevens-tech.edu) or Herb Shukiar (herb@rand.org).
Sponsored by Brotherhood
Aug 10, 2022 | Adult Education
Welcome to Melton!
Discover what it means to be Jewish through engaging, interactive learning with a world-class curriculum and outstanding faculty. Melton offers stimulating, pluralistic classes where you can explore Jewish texts and ideas in a welcoming, non-judgmental environment—with no homework, exams, or Hebrew required!
About Conejo Valley West Melton School of Adult Learning
Melton engages learners in a life-enhancing study of Jewish texts and ideas that nurtures and deepens Jewish community worldwide.
- Engaging Curriculum – Developed by top scholars and taught by expert educators.
- Interactive Classes – Encouraging open dialogue, discussion, and exploration.
- Wisdom for Life – Making Jewish learning accessible, meaningful, and inspiring.
- Global Community – Connect with learners worldwide through online courses and travel seminars.
Join us and be part of a vibrant, worldwide movement of Jewish learners. If you have questions, please email Pamela Rooks, Conejo/West Valley Director here >>.
Upcoming Classes, Spring 2025
Nov 23, 2021 | Adult Education
Join Rabbi Michael Lotker for this important and interesting program described below. All the 30 minute sessions will be recorded. By clicking to register, you will receive links to join live or view afterwards. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE EVENT
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meetings.
The program for the Eight Evenings of Chanukah will look like this:
#1 (Sunday, 11/28) – 7:00 p.m. (PT) Join Rabbi Lotker for a discussion – “Why is Antisemitism Still Around”
#2 (Monday, 11/29) – 7:00 p.m. (PT) Join Rabbi Lotker for a discussion – “Whose Fault is Antisemitism?
#3 (Tuesday, 11/30) – 7:00 p.m. (PT) Join Rabbi Lotker for a discussion – “Is Criticizing Israel Antisemitic?
#4 (Wednesday, 12/1) – 7:00 p.m. (PT) Join Rabbi Lotker for a discussion – “Do Jews Cause Antisemitism?
#5 (Thursday, 12/2) – 7:00 p.m. (PT) Join Rabbi Lotker for a discussion – “Is Antisemitism Still Relevant?
#6 (Friday, 12/3) – Shabbat Shalom: Rest and Rejoice!
#7 (Saturday, 12/4) – 7:00 p.m. (PT) Join Rabbi Lotker for a discussion – “Could a Holocaust Happen Again? Could It Happen Here?
#8 (Sunday, 12/5) – Join Our Community Chanukah Festival at the Collection in Oxnard from 2:30 – 4:30 p.m. for food, music, crafts, kids activities, shows, free gifts, and our Menorah lighting.
