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!
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 2023
Join the incredible learning happening this Spring on Zoom. We offer an excellent line-up of opportunities geared for curious learners from all walks of life. At Melton, we engage in thought-provoking discussions where we ask lots of questions while exploring Jewish text and it’s continued relevance today. Come add your voice to the intriguing, impactful on-going conversation.
CORE: Purposes in Jewish Living meets Wednesday evenings with Rabbi Adam Schaffer. If you have heard about Melton and always wanted to check it out, now is the time. No interested learners are ever turned away and we are offering special pricing for those of you aged 40 and under.
Learn more at https://www.meltonwestvalley.org/course-descriptions.
Experience the still relevant Call to Holiness, the Book of Vayikra with Rabbi Shana Leon; explore how Psalms of Praise and Comfort continue to impact our lives with Muriel Dance; discover What’s Bothering Rashi with Michael Raileanu; reflect on the Book of Deuteronomy and it’s timely ethical teachings with Revital Goldreich, engage in healthy arguments with the Rabbi’s Who Became our Guides with Benzy Kogen; debate Post-Zionism and where we go from here with Revital Goldreich.
Come together with thoughtful people, participate in meaningful dialogue, and make life-long friends with the Conejo West Valley Community of Adult Learners where you will find a variety of diverse and interesting courses.
Please review course descriptions below.
You may register for classes at https://tec.shulcloud.com/form/Melton-Registration.
If you have any questions or need help with registration or payment, please contact Pamela Rooks, Conejo West Valley Melton Director, at pamela@templeetzchaim.org. Pamela is always ready to help you find the right Melton class to fit your needs.
*Special Event! Conejo-West Valley Melton School together with the Melton School at Stephen Wise Temple invite you to our annual community event. Join fellow lifelong learners on Sunday March 12, from 11:00 a.m. -12:30 p.m., when we receive Melton International Director Rabbi Dr. Morey Schwartz for a morning lesson that promises to be, not only interesting, but timely with Passover around the corner.
No cost to attend, but please register by completing form at Morey’s March 12 Event.
Please remember to donate to our on-going giving campaign and help sponsor Jewish literacy in our community by clicking here.
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.
Nov 2, 2021 | Adult Education
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 someone today!
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 9, January 13, February 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.
Sep 20, 2021 | Adult Education
Virtual Classes – via Zoom
A Taste of Judaism & Jewish Literacy
with Rabbi Mike Lotker
Wednesdays & Thursdays, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
9/29/21 – 2/10/22
Rabbi Lotker’s Zoom Room – https://zoom.us/j/8190896166
The three-part Taste of Judaism class, designed to introduce the main tenets of Judaism, will be followed by a 15-week Jewish Literacy class. These classes are ideal for Jews, for their spouses, for those who are exploring conversion, and those who simply wish to broaden their knowledge about the fundamentals of Judaism’s extraordinary history, beliefs, and faith. The 15 sessions of Jewish Literacy touch on most of the areas of concern and interest to adults who wish to explore the holidays, sacred literature, history, spirituality, mysticism, and living a full Jewish life. This class is required for conversion candidates.
Jewish Literacy, Wednesday nights. This class is intended for non-Jews interested in conversion to Judaism, non-Jews just interested in learning more about Judaism, and to Jews who would like an in depth exploration and discussion of our traditions.
Conversion Discussion, Thursday nights. For those of you contemplating conversion (no commitments necessary at this time), Rabbi Lotker will host a much smaller and more informal session on Thursday evenings following our main class on Wednesdays. This will be an opportunity for non-Jews to raise question and engage in discussions that you might not feel comfortable with in the larger sessions.
New for this year: Each week we will have a Thursday evening small session for those who are not Jewish and especially those interested in Conversion to Judaism.
Texts: No texts required for the 1st Three “Tastes” sessions
For the Jewish Literacy sessions, the following texts will be used:
- Lotker, A Christian’s Guide to Judaism, Paulist Press 2004 (available from Rabbi Lotker or online)
- Olitzky & Isaacs, The Complete How To Handbook for Jewish Living (3 Volumes in 1), KTAV, 1993 (available online)
Introductory Sessions (3 session overview)
- 9/29 A Taste of Judaism—God (Jewish views of God, spirituality etc.)
- 10/6 A Taste of Judaism—Torah (Jewish sacred texts, Jewish way of life)
- 10/13 A Taste of Judaism—Israel (the land, people, and modern state)
Sacred Time
- 10/20 The Hebrew Calendar, cycle of holidays and Shabbat
- 10/27 The High Holy Days
- 11/3 Chanukah, Purim, Pesach, Shavuot, and Sukkot
Sacred Literature
- 11/10 Bible
- 11/17 The Mishna & Talmud
- 12/1 Midrash, Halacha, Jewish legal codes and issues
- 12/8 Jewish mysticism: Kabbalah & Zohar
- 12/15 The Prayer book
Jewish History
- 12/22 All of Jewish history in 90 minutes
- 1/5/22 Judaism and Christianity—the parting of the ways
- 1/12 The 20th century (Zionism, antisemitism and the Holocaust)
Living a Jewish Life
- 1/19 Temple and Synagogue: Home and kashrut
- 1/26 Life Cycle: Brit Milah, B’nai Mitzvah, marriage (and inter-marriage), divorce, funerals
- 2/2 Jewish community: Conversion, movements, synagogue life, etc.
- 2/9 What does Judaism say about sexuality and ??? (students select topics)
And here are some key things to remember as we begin:
- The first three sessions (Sept. 29, Oct. 6 and Oct. 13) will be a broad overview called “A Taste of Judaism.” Since there’s so much to cover, these first 3 sessions may last a bit longer than the 90 minutes planned.
- The following 15 sessions called “Jewish Literacy” will be a more detailed investigation of Judaism.
- Thanks to the sponsorship of the Jewish Federation of Ventura County, there is no charge for these classes. Those wishing to make a contribution to the Federation may do so at https://www.jewishventuracounty.org/ways-to-give
- There will be two books to buy for the Jewish Literacy class but nothing to buy for the “Taste” sessions.
- Sessions will be recorded and available for viewing on my website https://www.lotker.com/Lotker.html and on my You Tube Channel.
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
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