Congregation

EMANU-EL

Fall/Winter 2014 – 2015

The Madeleine Haas Russell Institute of Jewish Learning

acenterforlearning

lifelong

Opening minds to the heart of Jewish tradition

What questions are most meaningful to you? What questions challenge you? What more are you curious to know?

At Emanu-El, we are an active community of lifelong Jewish learners in endless pursuit of spiritual growth and exploration. As Jews, we are compelled to question and debate. These conversations energize us as we gain new perspectives and challenge our own long-held beliefs. Our shared desire for knowledge and for community enriches us as individuals and bonds us as a congregation.

Emanu-El thrives when we are learning together — when we dig deeply into our cultural roots and when we celebrate our rich and resilient ancestry. We are building on a strong foundation of texts and teachings — bringing Jewish values to life in inspiring and creative ways.

As we embark on a brand new year, we hope that you will find time on your calendar and in your mind to join us on a thought-provoking and powerful Jewish journey.

Lifelong learning at Emanu-El is led by Rabbi Jonathan Singer and the congregant group, Salon Judaica. To learn more about Salon Judaica or to attend a meeting, contact lifelonglearning@emanuelsf.org or (415) 751-2541 x 411.

The Madeleine Haas Russell Institute of Jewish Learning

electives Tauber Jewish Studies Program

Indulge your appetite for a taste of Jewish culture, history and the arts with one of our bite-sized electives. These classes are taught by our clergy or guest lecturers and meet approximately six times over the course of a trimester.

» pg 4 Electives at our Temple location (evenings) » pg 6 Electives at a convenient downtown location

in-depth learning opportunitiesReady to take your love of Jewish learning to the next level?

» pg 8 Learn more about our more in-depth classes and find new ways to further deepen your connection to Judaism.

torah» pg 12 Learn about the two different weekly Torah study

opportunities at the Temple.

the emanu-el scholar» pg 14 Congregation Emanu-El is fortunate to have

esteemed scholar-in-residence Rabbi Lawrence Kushner actively engage our congregants and community in innovative and meaningful learning experiences.

the forum» pg 16 Be part of the new Emanu-El Forum and explore

important contemporary and historical issues through a Jewish lens.

lectures» pg 18 An exciting line-up of Jewish thought leaders and

innovators

Questions? Contact us: lifelonglearning@emanuelsf.org or (415) 751-2541 x 411

The Golden Age Of Spain and its Influence On Contemporary Jewish Life

One of the most exciting chapters in Jewish history is marked by Muslim sovereignty in Spain—an era that lasted over 700 years. We are excited to offer a fall, winter and spring elective devoted to this fascinating time in our history. A trip to Spain to round out this experience is also in discussion!

Fall (HISTORY) Professer Fred Astren, Chair of the Department of Jewish Studies at San Francisco State University Under Islamic rule, the Jewish experience in the Golden Age of Spain ranged from political dominion and cultural dynamism to oppression under extremist religious policies. Join us for an intriguing exploration of this dynamic era and learn how these historical lessons can be applied to our own times.

Winter (THOUGHT) Rabbi Jonathan Singer The Golden Age of Spain produced some of the greatest thinkers of Jewish history. Their writings were developed in a society that was open to interchange between different religious and intellectual communities and inspire we who live in a similar milieu today.

Spring (CULTURE) Cantor Roslyn Barak Indulge in a sweet taste of the cultural richness of the Golden Age. More information about the spring trimester coming soon!

on Thursdays at 7:00 – 8:30 pm Fall Oct 23, 30; Nov 13, 20; Dec 4 Winter Jan 8, 15, 22, 29; Feb 5, 12 Emanu-El member price $36, price $50

More information on the spring trimester of this course coming in early 2015.

Tauber Jewish Studies Electives

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DON’T MISS THIS!

electivesRegister for all classes online at emanuelsf.org/register

It’s a Mitzvah!

We say it all the time. But what do these commandments really mean? Over six Thursdays, we will explore in depth the meaning, idea and practice of the uniquely Jewish idea of doing mitzvot. We will define, discuss and imagine how a mitzvah-oriented life informs a Reform Jewish life and how these acts can have a deep impact on our everyday lives.

with Rabbi Beth Singer on Thursdays at 7:00 – 8:30 pm Oct 23, 30; Nov 6, 13, 20; Dec 4 Emanu-El member price $36, price $50

Jewmba and Israeli Dancercise

Dance is inextricably bound to Jewish culture, history and community. As your week winds down, prepare for a high-energy beginners’ level workout infused with Jewish learning led by Cantor Attie. As the upbeat sounds of a Middle Eastern marketplace fill the room, we’ll move to the rhythms of a lively warm-up routine and slowly introduce Israeli dance steps. No dance background required. Dress in comfortable shoes and breathable clothing.

with Cantor Marsha Attie on Thursdays at 7:00 – 8:30 pm Jan 8, 15, 22, 29; Feb 5, 12 Emanu-El member price $36, price $50

The World According to Heschel

Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel was one of the great Jewish thinkers of the twentieth century. Over six Thursdays, we will take a pause out of our busy lives to swim in his mystical imagination using his essays as our guide. No prior knowledge of the text is necessary. You can expect to leave each class with a new way of viewing the world.

with Rabbi Ryan Bauer on Thursdays at 12:00 – 1:00 pm Oct 23, 30; Nov 6, 13, 20; Dec 4 Emanu-El member price $18, price $25 in Conference Room Mechanic’s Institute, 57 Post Street San Francisco

Downtown Tauber Jewish

Studies Electives

These noon time, hour-long courses are offered at our downtown campus for our congregants’ convenience. Bring your lunch and join us!

More daytime electives in a convenient downtown location

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Register for all classes online at emanuelsf.org/register

The New Jewish Story: A Brief Look at Contemporary Jewish Fiction

There has been a recent explosion of edgy new writers like Shalom Auslander, Nicole Krauss, Nathan Englander and others who are challenging notions of American Jewish fiction. Join us as we explore this new generation of writers and discover how their short story fiction relates to bigger themes in the Jewish world and our lives today.

with Rabbi Carla Fenves on Thursdays at 12:00 – 1:00 pm Jan 8, 15, 22, 29; Feb 5, 12, 19 Emanu-El member price $18, price $25 in Conference Room Mechanic’s Institute, 57 Post Street San Francisco

This two-year curriculum is designed to impart knowledge of the central Jewish texts, thinkers and ideas. Combining lectures with hevruta (traditional partner study), Yesod creates a true community of committed, lifelong Jewish learners.

Yesod Year Two: The World of the Rabbis*

This year-long program begins this fall with the Rabbinic Period. Reading from the Mishnah, Tosefta, Midrash Halacha, Midrash Aggadah, Jerusalem Talmud and Babylonian Talmud, we will explore the following themes: debate, interpretation, authority, community.

Only students who have completed year one of this incredible two-year learning opportunity are eligible to register for year two. This popular program will begin again in Fall 2015 so mark your calenders and be sure to join this journey next year.

on Thursdays at 7:00 – 9:00 pm Fall Oct 23, 30; Nov 6, 13, 20; Dec 4, 11, 18 Winter Jan 8, 15, 22, 29; Feb 5, 12, 19, 26 Spring Mar 19, 26; Apr 16, 23, 30; May 7, 14, 21 Emanu-El member early bird cost (by Oct 1) $190; price $310 Emanu-El member price $240; price $360

*Requires completion of Yesod Year One. This two-year program will begin again in Fall 2015.

More information on the spring trimester of this course coming in early 2015.

In-depth Learning

OpportunitiesYesod (which means “foundation”) is the centerpiece of the Tauber Jewish Studies Program

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Register for all classes online at emanuelsf.org/register

Introduction to Modern Hebrew

Let’s speak Hebrew!

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to build a linguistic foundation with a full semester of Hebrew learning. You’ll be introduced to the Aleph Bet, Modern Hebrew vocabulary, and the basics of conversation and idioms. Hebrew songs are integral parts of the course. Advanced students can register and join the class in the spring semester.

Yaffa Tygiel has taught Hebrew for three decades. She has taught at The Hebrew University in Jerusalem, Hebrew College in Boston, San Francisco State University, University of San Francisco and Sonoma State University. A native of Israel, she received her teaching credentials from the Israeli army and the Hebrew University.

with Yaffa Tygiel on Sundays at 9:15 – 10:15 am Sept 14, 21, 28; Oct 12, 19, 26; Nov 2, 16, 23; Dec 7, 14; Jan 4, 11 Emanu-El member price $250, price $275

More information on the spring semester of this course coming in early 2015.

Introduction to Judaism

Join with Emanu-El clergy to learn about the breadth and wonder of Jewish tradition. This class is a pathway for the adult learner who wishes to discover or deepen their Jewish knowledge, non-Jews who are marrying a Jewish partner, and those who are considering conversion to Judaism.

Intro to Judaism meets on Tuesday evenings over three trimesters and has rolling admission. A student can begin in any of the trimesters. Trimesters do not have to be completed in a particular order.

with Emanu-El Clergy on Tuesdays at 7:00 – 9:00 pm Fall: Seasons of Joy Oct 7, 21, 28; Nov 4, 11, 18; Dec 2, 9 Winter: Space and Place Jan 6, 13, 20, 27; Feb 3, 10, 17, 24 Spring: Peoplehood Mar 17, 24, 31; Apr 14, 21, 28; May 5, 12 Emanu-El member price $36, price $50 (+ one-time book fee $65)

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Register for all classes online at emanuelsf.org/register

Anshei Mitzvah

Anshei Mitzvah, taught by Cantor Roslyn Barak, has been in session for over 20 years and offers an opportunity for Emanu-El congregants who never officially became Bar or Bat Mitzvah to finally experience this milestone event. The study of basic Hebrew reading, Shabbat prayers, and Torah and Haftarah texts prepares participants for a ceremony held as part of a Shabbat morning service.

with Cantor Roslyn Barak on Sundays at 10:30 – 11:45 am Ongoing classes from October - May as schedule permits Anshei Mitzvah classes begin on October 19 and occur most Sundays. A schedule will be given out at the first class.

Anshei Mitzvah ceremony will take place in May 2015 in the Main Sanctuary.

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torah

Join us on Saturday mornings for two types of Torah study! Emanu-El offers two approaches to learning from our sacred texts. There is no fee and no advanced registration required for Saturday Torah study.

Weekly Torah Study

Drop-in and join us as we study the weekly Torah portion each Saturday. No prior Torah study is required and no Hebrew background necessary. Just bring an open mind and a thirst for new insight.

with Emanu-El Clergy on Saturdays at 9:15 – 10:15 am

Torah

No registration required for these learning opportunities

A Mystical Torah: Readings from Classical Kabbalistic & Hasidic Sources on the Weekly Portion

The Jewish Publication Society has just released London Rabbi Larry Tabak’s anthology of Kabbalistic and Hasidic insights into the weekly parasha. These short texts, available in both Hebrew and English, are accompanied by notes and commentary.

Each Shabbat morning the class will read some or all of the selections in the original and use them as lenses through which to refract the Torah and our own spiritual search.

Starting September 13! with Rabbi Lawrence Kushner on Saturdays at 9:15 - 10:15 am

All classes in this program are taught by the Emanu-El Scholar Rabbi Lawrence Kushner. The Emanu-El scholar program was created by Senior Rabbi Emeritus Stephen Pearce and this innovative offering has greatly enriched learning at Emanu-El.

Rabbi Lawrence Kushner has served as the Emanu-El Scholar since 2002. He is the author of eighteen books including the just published I’m God; You’re Not: Observations on Organized Religion & Other Disguises of the Ego; a novel, Kabbalah: A Love Story; and a screenplay, Your Good Friend (with Matthew Jacobs); Honey from the Rock; God Was in This Place and I, i Did Not Know; Invisible Lines of Connection; and Five Cities of Refuge (with David Mamet). He has been a commentator on National Public Radio’s All Things Considered.

He was the first chairman of Reform Judaism’s Commission on Religious Living and has served on the board of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations. Prior to his move out to San Francisco, he was the Rabbi-in-Residence at the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in New York City. He continues as an adjunct member of the faculty of the Hebrew Union College at the Los Angeles campus where he teaches an annual seminar for rabbinic students.

Before that, Rabbi Kushner served for 28 years as the rabbi of Congregation Beth El in Sudbury, Massachusetts.

Special lecture with Rabbi Kushner on Friday Feb 6 at 7:00 pm Join us as Rabbi Kushner shares the life of the spirit of the 21st century.

The Emanu-El Scholar

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Register for all classes online at emanuelsf.org/register

Buber on Hasidism

Explore and analyze readings from Buber’s classic, very short text on Hasidic teachings on menschlichkeit and living a spiritual existence. This may be the single most important book on Jewish spirituality ever published in English.

text Hasidism and Modern Man, Martin Buber

on Mondays at 4:30 – 5:45 pm Oct 27; Nov 17; Dec 22; Jan 26; Feb 23; Mar 23; Apr 20; May 18 Emanu-El member price FREE, price $20

Kabbalah: Jewish Mystical Imagination

What is Kabbalah? Is it relevant to my Judaism? Why is it dangerous? How is Jewish mysticism unique? Am I a Kabbalist? This class continues in March 2015 as a spring downtown series.

texts The Way into Jewish Mystical Tradition, Lawrence Kushner, Jewish Lights Publishing, 2001 Kabbalah: A Very Short Introduction, Joseph Dan, Oxford University Press, 2006

on Thursdays at 7:00 - 8:30 pm Oct 23; Nov 6, 20; Dec 4, 18; Jan 8, 22; Feb 5, 19 Emanu-El member price $18, price $25

forum

The new Emanu-El Forum is open to congregants and the wider community and will meet several times a year to explore important contemporary and historical issues through a Jewish lens.

Forum events often include live stream interactive discussion from Hebrew Union Colleges’ Campus Commons Program. Participants will be able to tweet or email from their phone/tablet/laptop and have questions answered by the presenter.

Additional information about the Forum will be available after the publication of this brochure. There is no fee to attend forums. For complete up-to-date information on The Forum, please visit emanuelsf.org/forum

The Forum

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No registration required for these learning opportunities

Anti-Semitism: Roots and Reality

Join Dean of the Los Angeles Campus and Associate Professor of Jewish History at Hebrew Union College, Dr. Joshua David Holo for a discussion about the rise of European racism and anti-Semitism and the idea that although American Jews are enjoying the most successful time in our history, we are facing stereotypes and anti-Israel movements with increasing uncertainty.

with Dr. Joshua David Holo on Sunday Nov 9 at 9:30 am *This is a live stream event

Enchantress: A Novel of Rav Hisda’s Daughter

Maggie is the winner of the 2006 Benjamin Franklin Award for Best Voice – Fiction and the 2005 Forward Magazine Award – Best Historical Fiction. Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to meet this celebrated author in person!

with Maggie Anton on Sunday Dec 9 at 9:30 am

Maggie Anton, the award-winning author of

Rashi’s Daughters

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lectures

Our robust lecture series brings internationally renowned thought leaders to the Temple throughout the year. We are proud to host distinguished scholars, diplomats and authors who share our commitment to exploring Jewish culture and questions of identity in the 21st century.

For the most current list of scheduled lectures, please visit emanuelsf.org/lectures

LECTURES

Rabbi Dr. Arthur Green

Professor Sandra Lubarsky

No registration required for these learning opportunities

What God Should I Believe In Or Not Believe In!

This lecture sponsored by The Charles Michael Lecture Endowment Fund of Congregation Emanu-El

Widely recognized as one of the most influential teachers of Judaism in America today, Rabbi Dr. Arthur Green is a Professor and Rector of the Rabbinical School of Hebrew College in Newton, MA and Professor Emeritus at Brandeis University. Congregation Emanu-El is delighted to welcome this distinguished author and thought leader to the Temple.

Rabbi Green will come to Emanu-El as the Scholar-in-Residence from Friday, November 21 – Sunday, November 23. His visit will include leading Torah study and an evening lecture as part of Friday’s 6:00 pm Shabbat service entitled What God Should I Believe In Or Not Believe In!

with Rabbi Arthur Green, Professor and Rector of the Rabbinical School of Hebrew College on Friday Nov 21 at 6:00 pm

Reaffirming Beauty: Toward Sustainability and Spirituality

Professor Sandra Lubarsky, a leader in sustainability and higher education, Jewish theology and process thought will teach us about her work in reintroducing beauty as a central value in the conversation on sustainability.

with Dr. Sandra Lubarsky, Chair of Appalachian State University’s Sustainable Development Department on Thursday Feb 25 at 7:00 pm

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