Jewish Study Center
Course Schedule, March-June 2003

Tuesdays at the DCJCC
16th & Q Streets, NW

Jews at the Wake: FINNEGANS WAKE, part III
Ask about the final installment-underway soon
Members $45/Non-members $55
DCJCC
This continuing exploration of James Joyce's masterwork will focus on Shem and Shaun, brothers struggling to differentiate their identities, and other themes of interest to Jews at the Wake. Participants areencouraged to offer a ten minute presentation on anything of personalJoycean interest during the course. This course will begin with Part II of Finnegans Wake, at "Every evening at lighting up o'clock sharp..." (p.219). Those who did not take Part I are encouraged to join at this point -- after all, the book begins in the middle of a sentence! (Part III, the final section of the course, will follow.)
Rich Blaustein is a veteran Jewish Study Center teacher, whose many courses include two on Joyce's Ulysses.

Mondays at the DCJCC
16th & Q Streets, NW

How to Host a Great Seder
Mondays, March 31 and April 7 (two classes)
7:00 - 8:15 pm
DCJCC
$25 Members/$35 Non-Members
One-evening rate: $15 Members/$18 Non-Members
Learn how to lead a meaningful and fun seder for your family and friends, no matter what your level of observance or familiarity with the Haggadah. This course will give you ideas on how to select a Haggadah and involve seder participants, both young and old (including non-Jewish guests). It will also give you a useful roadmap to the multi-media rituals and traditions of this favorite holiday.
Julia Gordon, a member of Adas Israel Congregation and active participant in the Traditional Egalitarian Minyan, loves hosting seders more than almost anything.

Readings in the Haggadah
Monday, April 7 (one class)
8:30 - 9:45 pm
DCJCC
Two-night program: $25 Members/$35 Non-Members
One-evening rate: $15 Members/$18 Non-Members
This workshop will select a few elements of the Seder ritual or narrative and puff them up a little bit -- you know, the only kind of leavening that's allowed on Passover! Advance requests for topics are welcome. The goal of the evening, like the goal of every Seder, is to take the familiar, ask lots of questions about it, and discover again why the Seder is among the very most important evenings in our lives as Jews each year.
Joel Alter is coordinator of Middle School Jewish Studies at the Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School.

Melodies for the Seder
Monday, March 31 (one class)
8:30 - 9:45 pm
DCJCC
Two-night program: $25 Members/$35 Non-Members
One-evening rate: $15 Members/$18 Non-Members
The Hebrew verb "to sing" appears for the first time in the bible directly after the Israelites cross the Sea of Reeds, out of bondage and into freedom. Singing is a major part of Passover experience. This workshop will cover tunes basic to the seder, such as the festival kiddush as well as traditional and altern ative melodies for songs such as Avadim Hayinu and Baruch HaMakom. Melodies for Hallel, the psalms of praise ending the seder meal and enriching festive services throughout the Jewish year will also be covered. Participants are urged to bring a Haggadah, if possible, for Hebrew and English lyrics.
Jeremy Kadden is active in DC Minyan and DC Beit Midrash.

"Dayenu" is Not Enough:
Take Your Turn in Hebrew
Cancelled

Basic Judaism
Mondays, March 3 - May 19 (9 classes)
(no class on Mar 17/Purim or April 14-21/Pesach)
7:00 - 8:15 pm
Members $95/Non-members: $105
DCJCC
This course will outline core Jewish beliefs, customs, and practices. It will introduce basic Jewish textual sources and avenues for further exploration, such as study, home observance, and synagogue life. "Field trips" will present opportunities to experience Judaism directly and get to know a range of synagogues and other resources in the local Jewish community. We will discuss what it means to live a Jewish life and consider next steps in what can become a lifetime of Jewish study.
Tom Diaz is a lawyer. He and his wife are members of Adas Israel Congregation and also attend the DC Minyan. He last taught Basic Judaism for the Jewish Study Center in Spring 2002.

Beyond the Basics
Jewish Practice, Prayer, and Study
Mondays, March 3 - May 19 (10 classes)
(no class on Mar 17/Purim or April 14/Pesach)
7:00 - 8:15 pm
Members $105/Non-Member $115
DCJCC
This course is designed for those who already know "the Basics" (from our Basic Judaism or other sources) and want to delve deeper. Emphasis will be on contemporary Jewish topics, the study of basic prayers, and the celebration together of the holidays of Purim and Passover, as well as a Shabbat. Phonetic Hebrew reading (or willingness to learn) required.
Bob Rovinsky is a Jewish storyteller who enjoys belonging to many of the Jewish communities of Washington, from Adas Israel to the Zoo Minyan. When not at home with his wife and two young daughters, at prayer, or studying, he can be found at the Federal Aviation Administration. He has previously taught many courses, including Basic Judaism, for the Study Center.

Poetry and Prayer
Mondays, March 3 - April 7 (5 classes)
(no class March 17/Purim)
7:00 - 8:15 pm
$55.00 members/$65.00 non-members
DCJCC
This interactive writing workshop will explore the Hebrew language, poetry, and prayer, using the roots of Hebrew words to discover new insight and read between the lines. We will delve into the symbolic meaning of words and explore how writing and prayer work together as a vehicle for self expression, spiritual insight, and healing. Previous Hebrew background is helpful but not required. Texts will include The Book of Proverbs, Psalms, daily prayer book, and Hebrew songs.
Amy Melrose has a background in Jewish Studies, psychology, and creative arts. She has been passionate about writing poetry for over 15 years and has a strong interest in Jewish philosophy and kabbalah. She studied at a private Jewish day school and has a degree in psychology. She hopes to inspire others to greater awareness through creative and expressive arts.

Discussions on Israel
and the American Jewish Community
Mondays, March 24, April 28, and May 19 (3 classes)
7:00 - 8:30 pm
Members: $10/session or $25 for series
Non-members: $15/session or $35 for series
DCJCC
For over a year, Study Center students have been discussing their varying levels of involvement with the State of Israel and their wide-ranging views of the US-Israel relationship. Participants have found both variety in their views and unity in their desire to learn from one another and from representatives of organizations working in the area. New participants are encouraged to join in this vibrant learning opportunity.
Liana and Brad Brooks-Rubin, able organizers of this series for the past year, will continue to bring guest speakers and facilitate discussion. Liana Brooks-Rubin works in the Refugees Bureau at the State Department, has Masters Degrees in Middle Eastern Studies and Public Policy, and previously lived in Israel for three years. Brad Brooks-Rubin is an international trade lawyer in DC and co-taught "Human Rights and Religion" for the Study Center.

Digitizing Judaism
TBA
Learn to use digital audio, digital photography, and web-design to enhance Jewish educational and cultural projects.
Doug Fox, designer of the interactive nusach education site for Adas Israel's Traditional Egalitarian Minyan, will lead this special course at the DCJCC.

Jewish Law Perspectives
on Current Bio-Ethical Issues
Mondays, May 5 - June 9 (5 classes)
(no class, Memorial Day, May 26)
7:00 - 8:15 pm
Members: $55/Non-Members: $65
DCJCC
New bio-medical techniques continue to raise questions for Jews today that were not explicitly addressed by sages of the past. This course will consider how traditional Jewish law texts and contemporary Jewish teachings are being utilized as a basis for resolving such bio-ethical issues as stem cell research, cloning, organ transplantation, surrogate motherhood, and care of the terminally ill. Participants in the Winter 2002 course on Bio-Ethics are encouraged to return to this discussion, as new topics are added and new evidence considered.
Rabbi Ben Mintz, ordained at Yeshiva University, is Professor of Law at Catholic University and 1997 recipient of the Foundation for Jewish Studies “Master Teacher” award. A veteran Study Center teacher, he last taught “for the Study Center in the High Holiday program in the fall of 2002.

Wednesdays at Adas Israel
2850 Quebec Street, NW

Can There Be Jews Without God?
Wednesdays, March 5 - April 2 (5 classes)
7:00 - 8:!5 pm
$55.00 members/$65.00 non-members
Adas Israel Congregation
In this short journey, we will consider two broad questions: "What have atheists themselves and philosophers - Jewish or otherwise - thought about atheism?" and "Do the Jewish people really exist apart from Judaism, or are they dependent on the religion for their continuity and coherence?". For the first question, we will study "Why Atheism," by George H. Smith. For the second question, we will draw upon our own experiences to seek an answer. Whatever your own position on these questions may be, expect to be challenged and enlightened by the thinking of some of the greatest minds of human civilization as well as those of your classmates.
Jim Kay holds a BA (Biology), an MA (Education), and an MBA (Information Systems). He has been a computer systems engineer since late 1968. He has lived in the US, Belgium, and Norway and has worked in the US and throughout Western Europe.

The Origins of the Devil
Wednesdays, March 5 - April 2 (5 classes)
7:00 - 8:15 pm
$55.00 members/$65.00 non-members
Adas Israel Congregation
Making use of both biblical and extra-biblical sources, this course will explore the origins and development of the devil in Judeo-Christian traditions. In particular, we will focus on the individual characteristics of the devil and discuss how these characteristics continue to manifest themselves in contemporary depictions of the devil.
Daniel Kirsch expects to receive his PhD in Hebrew Bible from Johns Hopkins University in May 2003. He currently resides on Capitol Hill with his wife Rachel and four cats.

Israeli-Palestinian Peace:
Illusion or Reality?
Wednesdays, March 5-March 26 (4 classes)
8:30 - 9:45 pm
$45.00 members/$55.00 non-members
Adas Israel Congregation
To many people, it has seemed that the hopes for settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict after the Oslo Agreements of 1993 have completely disappeared. Have they? What brought about the hopes that were so widespread in the 90's, and why did they end? And, perhaps most important, are there any chances for peace left? This course will examine the background of Israeli-Arab peacemaking and look at the accomplishments and flaws of Oslo and related agreements. It will consider the factors that prevented their full implementation, and how they related to the reality of Israeli and Palestinian life. The course will also examine some of the civil society contacts that still remain between Israelis and Palestinians, and whether, and under what conditions, a new peace process could arise.
Paul Scham, formerly a lawyer, spent the years 1996-2002 developing and working on Israeli-Palestinian and Israeli-Jordanian joint projects at the Truman Institute for the Advancement of Peace of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.This year he is a Visiting Scholar at George Washington University.

You Can Read from the Torah
Wednesdays, March 5 - April 2 (5 classes)
8:30 - 9:45 pm
$55.00 members/$65.00 non-members
Adas Israel Congregation
It is said that the scroll is the body of the Torah, while the individual reading provides the breath or soul. Leyning, or chanting from the Torah, is a musical skill. Perhaps more importantly, leyning punctuates the text and makes it come alive, for the reader and for those who hear. This practical course will help those able to read biblical Hebrew master the art of chanting the Torah text. Basic instruction will be combined with one-on-one and small group learning. The musical phrases, or trope, that are used to leyn will be learned by ear in class and presented on cassette for practice outside of class. Ability to read music, although helpful, is not at all necessary. Phonetic reading of Hebrew is required. The Study Center will help match participants with a congregation or minyan in which to debut their new skills.
Eric Fendler, who helps with the leyning at Adas Israel Traditional Egalitarian Minyan and Zoo Minyan, has helped prepare bnei mitzvah and many adults for their first readings from the Torah.

Haftarah of the Week
Wednesdays, March 5 - April 2 (5 classes)
8:30 - 9:45 pm
$55.00 members/$65.00 non-members
Adas Israel Congregation
Haftarah readings, passages from the prophets read in conjunction with the weekly Torah portion, include stories of David and Solomon; visions of Ezekiel and Isaiah; and ethical charges of Jeremiah and others. These readings were chosen centuries ago to complement the Torah reading or the calendar, e.g., an up-coming holiday or the new moon. We will study each weekly haftarah, with a brief introduction to the prophetic book from which it is taken and an exploration of the light it casts on the Torah or calendar theme. The haftarot for these weeks are from the books of Samuel, Kings and Ezekiel. Weekly preparation: The JPS Bible Commentary - Haftarot Commentary by Michael Fishbane (copies will be arranged for those who do not have access to this text).
Norman Shore is a veteran teacher of Jewish studies.

Yiddishe Yoga
Wednesdays, May 28 - June 11 (3 classes)
7:00 - 8:15 pm
$35 members/$45.00 non-members
Adas Israel Congregation
The course uses Judaic chanting with beginning Yoga postures. The three classes use both explanation and "hands-on" learning to introduce a wonderful way of looking at relaxation, Judaism, and spirituality. We approach the Yoga positions gently. Come to unwind from life's daily stress and to re-energize your body, mind, and Jewish spirit.
Please bring a mat for protection of knees, wrists, and feet; and a blanket. Wear comfortable clothing. (Extra thick Yoga mats will be on sale; please reserve in advance.)
Lynne Feingold is a classically trained singer and certified Hatha Yoga Instructor from the world-wide Integral Yoga (R) Institutes and Satchidananda Ashrams. She has been influenced by Modern Hassidic Rabbi Joseph Gelberman who has practiced Yoga for many years and who has been avery close friend and supporter of Integral Yoga (R) and its founder, Swami Satchidananda. In their popular seminars, "The Swami and the Rabbi," both men discussed the similarities between Kabbalah and the philosophy of Yoga.

Synagogue Skills:
the Preliminary Shabbat Morning Service
Postponed
The Saturday morning service opens with Birkot HaShachar (morning blessings) and Psukei d' Zimra (verses of song). Participants will learn the beautiful brachot (blessings) and psalms, many of which are sung, that prepare the congregation for the communal prayer of the Shacharit (morning) and Musaf (additional) service. This course is designed to familiarize participants with the liturgy and melodies of the service and at the same time provide a context for exploration of our personal connections with the service and with Judaism in general. Newcomers are welcome, including those who "can't sing" or don't yet read Hebrew. At the conclusion of the course, participants will lead a service at Fabrangen.
John Spiegel, a member of Fabrangen, has taught this series of courses on the Sabbath services since 1990. It is one of the highlights of his year.

The Vocabulary of Jewish Spiritual Life
April 30 - May 28 (5 classes)
7:00 - 8:15 pm
$55.00 members/$65.00 non-members
Adas Israel Congregation
This class will explore a recent book by Rabbi Arthur Green. In it, he lists the Hebrew words that you need to know to truly understand Jewish life, particularly its spiritual side. We will discuss entries in the first 2 sections of the book: (1) "God and Worlds Above," and (2) "Torah: Text and Process." For each Hebrew term, Rabbi Green tries to pinpoint what is "significant, interesting, or untranslatable." No knowledge of Hebrew is required. Participants must buy the book, These Are the Words: A Vocabulary of Jewish Spiritual Life. Copies will be sold at the first class.
Barbara White, a medical copy editor, davens at Tifereth Israel, the Zoo Minyan, and the Silver Spring Egalitarian minyan. She is addicted to the Jewish Study Center and often studies or teaches here.

Psalms
April 30 - May 28 (5 classes)
8:30 - 9:45 pm
$55.00 members/$65.00 non-members
Adas Israel Congregation
The one hundred and fifty strange and passionate religious poems that make up the Book of Psalms are an enticing invitation to the casual reader and also a challenge. The psalmist's voice addressing God is emotional and immediate; the ideas and the language are difficult, literary and complex. In this class we will approach a handful of psalms primarily as poems to be read, untangled and savored. We will spend some time on psalms central to literary and liturgical tradition (the 23rd, the 92nd) and choose others based on class preferences. We will compare various translations and look at the Hebrew to a limited degree, depending on the preferences and fluency of class members.
Amy Schwartz, a Washington journalist, has taught many Study Center courses on poetry.