Antisemitism, Anti-Zionism, and Woke Culture: Are They Connected? 

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 1, 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

 

Sunday Morning Speaker with Rabbi Diamond

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

Sunday Morning Speaker – Rabbi Greenbaum

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

Melton Classes

WELCOME!

Welcome! Melton invites you to discover, through a world-class curriculum and outstanding faculty, a profound understanding of what it means to be Jewish.

Our interactive, pluralistic learning is designed with you in mind. 

Melton offers a structured course where you can learn, discuss and debate with others from across the Jewish spectrum, in a stimulating and non-judgmental environment.

There is no homework, no exams or Hebrew required.

 


ABOUT THE CONEJO VALLEY WEST MELTON SCHOOL OF ADULT JEWISH LEARNING

Our Purpose: Melton engages learners in a life-enhancing study of Jewish texts and ideas that nurtures and deepens Jewish community worldwide.

What You Can Expect:

  • An Engaging Curriculum: Developed by insightful scholars, taught by highly-skilled educators, and reviewed by experts at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
  • Interactive Classes: We encourage open dialogue and discussion between learners and educators as we approach every topic with curiosity and sincerity.
  • Wisdom For Life: We make Jewish texts and ideas accessible, inspirational and enriching for our learners.
  • Jewish Community: Through Melton, you become part of a worldwide movement of learners that spans many continents. Our online learning and travel seminars create meaningful global connections.

 


UPCOMING CLASSES, SPRING 2024

Tradition teaches that during wartime we must devote more time to Torah study. Melton class can help you! Participate in the life-enhancing study of Jewish texts and ideas. Classes start the week of March 12, 2024. To discover a wide range of courses in-person in Woodland Hills and online via Zoom, click here. To register for courses, click here.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD MELTON SPRING COURSES

 If you have questions, please email Pamela Rooks, Conejo/West Valley Director by clicking here.

Melton West Valley Spring 2024

Rabbi Lotker – Shine a Light on Antisemitism

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.

URJ Happenings Nov., 2021

From classes to fellowships to Chanukah… There are opportunities from the Union of Reform Judaism for our entire community!

Explore the biblical roots of this ancient Jewish water ritual that has soared in popularity in the last decade. Experience a virtual tour of the Mayyim Hayyim Community Mikveh of greater Boston – without getting wet! Learn what happens at an immersion and the many reasons – ancient and contemporary – that bring people of all genders to the mikveh waters. ASL Interpretation/Live captioning available with two weeks advance request. Contact Learning@urj.org.

  • Jew v’Nation JOC 2022 Cohort – Application Deadline: November 19, 2021

We’re launching our fifth JewV’Nation Fellowship cohort, the 2022 Jews of Color (JOC) Cohort. This is a six-month fellowship supporting Jews of Color through professional development, networking opportunities, identity work, community building, and the opportunity to engage with leaders in the Reform Movement and beyond. Learn more, apply, or nominate someonetoday!

Lights in our Homes, Light in Our Souls: Hanukkah Mussar with Alan Morinis and Guests -November 21, 2021, 4-5 PM ET

Join The Mussar Institute’s founder Dr. Alan Morinis and guests, as we open the hidden treasury of the Mussar tradition’s teachings on Hanukkah. How can Mussar, and the much-needed soul-traits of determination, persistence, hope, trust, and faith, help us make our celebration of this year’s Festival of Lights even more uplifting as we bring light to our souls as well as our world?

Live closed captioning and/or ASL Interpretation available with two weeks advance request. Contact Learning@urj.org.

  • Celebrate Hanukkah with the Reform Movement as together we bring more light into the world through inspiring music, stories, and teachings. Join us on Facebook Live November 28, 8PM ET. Keep an eye out for more information on other ways to access the video and share with your congregation.
  • Jewish & New-ish: A Supportive Online Space for Those Who Have Recently (0-5 Years) Converted to Judaism–Thursdays, December 9January 13February 10, 8-9 PM ET; Plan to attend 1, 2 or all 3 free sessions.

Have you converted to Judaism in the past five years? Join an online gathering where you can make connections, process your experiences, and continue your learning through a Reform Jewish lens. Ask questions without fear, share triumphs and challenges in a nurturing environment, and continue to explore your journey with Judaism in a community of care. Facilitated by Sue Bojdak (she/her) and Yanira Quiñones (she/her). Live captioning and/or ASL interpretation available with 2 weeks advance request. Contact Learning@urj.org.

Finally, we are excited to share that we are launching new cohorts of both Introduction to Judaism Online and Learn to Read Hebrew for Adults in January 2022. Be in touch with Ellen or Emily (respectively) for questions about either program. Learn to Read Hebrew images and Intro Online images are available for you to share.