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Lifelong Learning

Last updated September 1, 2010

 

The Mitzvah of Bikur Cholim
The Jewish Model of Visiting the Sick

Sundays, October 3, 17, 24 and 31
from 10:15 AM to 11:30 AM

Visiting the sick is one of the great forms of chesed (loving-kindness) we can perform. However, many of us do not know what to do or what to say which limits our pportunities to participate in this mitzvah.

Rabbi Frank Fischer will lead four separate discussions that will provide a framework based on Jewish tradition for you to deepen your insight and to become more comfortable performing the mitzvah of visiting the sick.

Sponsored by the
Community of Caring and the Lifelong Learning Committee
There is no fee for this class.
Donations to the Community of Caring
and/or the Lifelong Learning Committee
in honor of your studies are much appreciated.

 
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A Summer Shabbaton in the Mountains

Friday*, August 13—Sunday, August 15

Wildacres Retreat, Little Switzerland, NC
http://www.wildacres.org/

Sponsored by Beth El Synagogue and Sicha, Durham, NC

Naming Ourselves, Naming God

To name is to create. According to the sacred story, God created by naming. Name is how we are known,
how we know ourselves. Name is reputation, legacy; it is our past and our future.

Everyone has a name

Given by God

And given by father and mother… (Zelda)

Adam, invited to name the animals, became a partner in Creation . Tradition says that Adam’s partnership in
creation extended even to naming God who was eager to know: “What will you name me? How will you
bring me into the world?”

I spread out God’s names before me…

The name by which I called him so that I would fear him

And the name that I called him so that I would not be afraid… (Rivka Miriam)

High in the Blue Ridge Mountains, we will enjoy a weekend long reflection on naming ourselves and naming God.

*Thursday registration and pre-Shabbat program available!

Fees include lodging and all kosher meals,

  • For adults: $150 for two nights; *$180 for three nights
  • For children: 6-12 years: $80 for two nights; *$95 for three nights;3-5 years: $50 for two nights; *$60 for three nights

(Neither children’s programming nor child care are provided.)

Registration and $50.00 deposit, please, by June 15

bethel.sec@verizon.net / 919-682-1238

Sicha / Conversation is a project to develop conversation between Jewish tradition and modern life.

 

 

 
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Maimonides: The Man and His Writings

Wednesdays, November 3 and 17, 7:00PM – 8:30 PM
(Ma’ariv Service at 6:45 PM – open to all)

Born Moses ben Maimon, we know this influential Jewish scholar and leader of the 12 th century as Rabbi Moses ben Maimon, Rambam, or Maimonides. The Rambam’s major contribution to Jewish life is the Mishneh Torah, a systematic code of Jewish law. Maimonides is well known for his philosophical work, The Guide for the Perplexed. In addition, he constructed the “thirteen articles of faith” found in many Jewish prayerbooks and which forms the foundation of the Yigdal prayer. A medical doctor, a philosopher, a leader of the Cairo Jewish community and a writer, Maimonides left an influential legacy that extends beyond the Jewish world.

Join in discussions led by Don Goldstein who has extensive experience and background on the Rambam and his writings. The discussion sessions will provide an historical background to this great Jewish scholar and an opportunity to study passages from his works.

The class will be held in the synagogue library. There will be a break during the class time.

Sponsored by the Lifelong Learning Committee.
There is no fee for this class.
Donations to the Lifelong Learning Committee
in honor of your studies greatly appreciated.

 

 
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Reading Hebrew Class
Sundays, 11:00 AM — 12:15 PM
First Meeting September 12

This class will start with a review of the Hebrew aleph-bet and the pronunciation of the letters and the vowels. You will learn to vocalize Hebrew text with confidence and to recognize basic vocabulary. You will practice reading from the Siddur (prayerbook) and from contemporary texts.

No previous experience is necessary. This course is appropriate as a first introduction or as a refresher course with opportunities to practice and develop your Hebrew in a
friendly environment.

Questions? Contact the office or your instructor, Roger Kaplan (rjk7760@yahoo.com)
There is no fee for BE members.
Donations to the Lifelong Learning Committee
in honor of your studies greatly appreciated.
Click here for registration form.

 

Tanach: Interpretation Through Translation
Sundays, 9:30 AM — 10:45 AM
First Meeting September 12

Join this group for weekly discussions of selections from the Tanach (Hebrew Bible) chosen by the class. The emphasis will be on understanding the text by comparing published English translations with literal meanings of the Hebrew. Your instructor, Roger Kaplan, with many years of experience teaching Hebrew classes at Beth El and elsewhere, will provide guidance as each person practices with translating, and the group develops its own understanding of the text. Particulars of the Hebrew language will be discussed within the context of the text.

This class requires good reading skills with a modest vocabulary and a basic understanding of grammar. Advanced Hebrew is not required.


Questions? Contact Roger Kaplan (rjk7760@yahoo.com) or call the office.
There is no fee for BE members.
Donations to the Lifelong Learning Committee
in honor of your studies greatly appreciated.
Click here for registration form.

 

Roger Kaplan earned his PhD in Hebrew Linguistics from New York University in 1992. He has taught Hebrew at New York University, Emory University, Ohio State Univeristy and Duke. Having once made aliya, Roger has spent extended time in Israel.

Organization and Co-Sponsors

Programming for the Triangle Community School for Continuing Jewish Education is organized by the Beth El Lifelong Learning Committee and cosponsored by the following organizations: Beth El Talmud Torah and Va'ad haChinuch, Jewish Community Center Without Walls - an agency of the Durham-Chapel Hill Jewish Federation, Duke’s Freeman Center for Jewish Life, UNC Hillel, and the Elaine Perilstein Memorial Fund.