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It’s Always A Good Time To Learn
University Synagogue is proud to share with you our dynamic and diverse Adult Education Program for 2011-2012. We invite you to explore our many classes and programs, and participate as frequently as you wish.
Please be sure to register for the class(es) of your choice. Classes with insufficient enrollment may be cancelled, so please help your fellow congregants and yourself by registering today via phone or email: 949-553-3535 or Office@universitysynagogue.org.
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Study with Rabbi Rachlis
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Lunch and Learn: The Book of Genesis
Instructor: Rabbi Rachlis
Tuesdays, 11/8, 12/6, 1/24, 2/7, 3/6, 4/3; Time: 12:00 – 1:15 p.m.
Rabbi Rachlis will continue to teach the formative myths and stories of our tradition, Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebecca, Jacob, Rachel and Leah, and Joseph and his Brothers. The fifty short chapters of Genesis are the foundational text of Western civilization and continue to shape Judaism, Christianity and Islam. The text will be handed out at each class. Bring a dairy lunch if you wish; drinks will be provided.
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Interpersonal Jewish Ethics
Instructor: Rabbi Rachlis
Sundays, 10/16, 11/20 and 12/4; Time: 9:15 – 10:45 a.m.
What can Judaism teach us about the way we should treat ourselves and each other? How can we grow in mentschlichkeit, using words to heal and not to harm, and improving our altruistic impulses and actions? What does our tradition teach about gossip, anger, kindness, honesty and so many other everyday emotions and behaviors?
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Private Tutorial with Rabbi Rachlis
Instructor: Rabbi Rachlis
Call the office to schedule an appointment
Rabbi Rachlis will teach you anything that you want to learn. Just set up an appointment; he’ll give you a syllabus and you’ll meet with him approximately once a month for individualized study.
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Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah
Instructor: Rabbi Rachlis
Call the office to schedule an initial meeting with Rabbi Rachlis.
It’s never too late! Combining privately scheduled tutorials with a tutor and meetings with Rabbi Rachlis, it will take you between six months and a year (depending on your background, time available for study and motivation) to prepare for this simcha. (Also, if you are 83 years old or older, you’re entitled to a second Bar/Bat Mitzvah!)
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Introduction to Judaism
Instructor: Various Rabbis
Call the office for information regarding location and times.
For those (born Jewish or not) with little formal Jewish background as well as those interested in conversion. This course is taught by various rabbis for the whole community on Monday evenings. In addition, Rabbi Rachlis wants to meet with you in a private tutorial once a month.
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Jewish-Christian Dialogue
Instructor: Rabbi Rachlis and Reverend Paul Tellstrom of Irvine United Congregational Church.
Schedule TBD
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Jewish Body Language And The Language Of Prayer
Instructor: Rabbi Rachlis and Cantor Braier
Sunday, 3/4; Time: 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
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Other Judaic Studies
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Jewish, Alive and American
Facilitators: Carol Richmond, Rabbi Rachlis and Education Director, Sue Penn
JAA is an intensive survey course covering all things Jewish and is designed to meet the needs of adult learners who have never been exposed to this material, were exposed but would like a refresher, or who are not Jewish and want to learn what Judaism is all about. This very interactive, experiential class will explore the hows and whys of the complete Jewish holiday cycle, take a look at the Reconstructionist view of God and prayer, compare the four main branches of Judaism today, take a quick tour of Jewish Great Books, and pay close attention to what we do and why in all life cycle rituals. We will also look at “What Judaism Says” about current topics of the day. (This course fulfills one of the requirements for conversion to Judaism, if desired.)
Dates: First Semester: Wednesdays 9/21, 10/05, 10/12, 10/19, 10/26, 11/2, 11/9, 11/16, 12/7, 12/14, 1/4, 1/11, 1/18, 1/25; Second Semester: Wednesdays 2/1, 2/8, 2/15, 2/22, 2/29, 3/4 (Sunday), 3/7, 3/14, 3/21, 3/28, 4/6 (Friday), 4/11, 4/18, 4/25, 5/2, 5/9, 5/16, 5/26 (Saturday; Graduation at Shavuot Service).
Time: 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Cost: $175 per semester; $25 one-time book fee. Minimum number of students: 15
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Congregational Seder
Friday, April 13, 2012; Time: 6:00 p.m.
Join us for a Community Seder led by Rabbi Rachlis and Cantor Braier. We will serve a traditional kosher for Pesach meal and use the Reconstructionist Haggadah.
Cost: $45 for adult members, $25 for children 7 and under, $55 for adult non-members.
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Study of Torah and Selected Books of the Bible
Facilitator: Michele Walot
Tuesdays, 10/18, 11/1, 11/15, 11/29, 12/13, 1/10, 1/24, 2/7, 2/21, 3/6, 3/20, 4/3, 4/17, 5/1, 5/15, 5/29; Time: 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Life experience is the only tool you’ll need to join this group. Using the newly published Women’s Torah commentary, and guided by an experienced Torah Study group participant, we will discuss specific parashot (Torah portions) and books of the bible, emphasizing concepts and themes that have concerned us through the ages. Women and men from all backgrounds, levels of Jewish education (or not) and ages 16 and above are welcome to attend.
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Beginning Torah Class
Instructor: Pat Schlup
Alternate Tuesdays, 10/11, 10/25, 11/8, 11/22, 12/6, 12/20; Time: 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
This class will prepare students to further study Torah. It includes a discussion of the history of the Torah and famous commentators of history, the meaning of the spies’ story, various approaches to the study of Torah, why and how we use Midrash to study while using Sarah and Hagar as a springboard for studying women in the Torah.
Note: This class requires a minimum of 5 students.
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One Hebrew Marathon
Instructor: Barbara Colitz
Sunday, 9/25; Time: 1:00 – 6:00 p.m.
One Day Adult Hebrew Marathon taught by Barbara Colitz. Immerse yourself in Hebrew study so that you can join in services in time for High Holidays! Bring a dairy lunch and snacks if you wish. Drinks will be provided. RSVP to Sue Penn at spenn@universitysynagogue.org.
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Beginners Hebrew
Instructor: Barbara Colitz
Mondays, 9/19, 10/3, 10/17, 10/24, 11/7, 11/21, 12/5; Time: 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Every October, tens of thousands of Jewish adults gather in hundreds of locations across North America to learn to read Hebrew – the language of our people. This is an ideal way to learn how to follow synagogue services, keep up with your kids’ Religious School education or simply enhance your own Jewish knowledge. Eight 1½-hour sessions for beginners and those who need a refresher.
Cost: $80.00; Note: This class requires a minimum of 8 students.
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Continuing Hebrew
Instructor: Barbara Colitz
Mondays, 1/9, 1/23, 1/30, 2/6, 2/27, 3/5, 3/12, 3/19; Time: 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
After completing Beginner’s Hebrew or the equivalent, continue to hone your Hebrew skills. This class will further build reading fluency and teach basic dialogue.
Cost: $80.00; Note: This class requires a minimum of 8 students.
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Introduction to Yiddish /Class
Instructor: Professor Hardy Mayer
Tuesdays, 1/10, 1/17, 1/24, 2/7, 2/14, 2/21; Time: 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
A Yiddish class for everyone who would like to learn more about our “mother tongue.” All proficiency levels welcome. Learn fun Yiddish expressions and the history of this animated language.
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Special Interests
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Global Mentshlichkeit
Instructor: Lynn Friedman, Anita Mishook and Clarita Karlin
This film course is about contemporary political, moral and ethical issues currently facing our society, how others have approached these issues and how we can attempt to build a better world together. The following documentaries will be screened and followed by a guided discussion.
Tuesdays, Time TBD
1/17, 7:00 p.m. Inside Job – The Economic Crisis of 2008
2/21, 7:00 p.m. The Harmonists
3/20, 7:00 p.m. Unlikely Heroes
4/17, 7:00 p.m. Capitalism: A Love Story
5/22, 7:00 p.m. Please Vote For Me
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Issues in Medical Ethics And Policy: A Study Group Not For Health Professionals Only
Coordinators: Dr. Miriam Piven Cotler, Dr. Marc Richmond, Dr. Ken Bell
Thursdays, 11/3, 2/2, 3/15, 5/17; Time: 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Whether as professionals or patients, we all struggle to do the “right thing” when faced with medical decisions. Technologies, financing, research, and related political pressures influence the opinions of the general public, patients, their families, professionals and politicians – each of whom is looking to discern what the ethical response should be in a particular circumstance. Please join us in discussing a variety of these issues. Readings will be distributed before class to all who RSVP.
These discussions are open to health professionals, allied professionals, patients and families as well as anyone who has a stake in these topical issues.
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University Synagogue Adult Choir
Choir Director: Shannon Fowler
Mondays; Time: 7:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Learn classical and modern Jewish music and then share that music with the congregation on High Holidays and monthly at Shabbat services during the year. The only prerequisite is a love of singing.
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Yoga
Instructor: Lynn Friedman
Mondays, beginning 10/3; Time: 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Appropriate for beginners and intermediate students. Bring your own Yoga mat. Instruction will begin with a warm-up, and progress to Yoga asanas. We will end the hour with a short relaxing meditation.
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Baroque Art And Architecture In Rome: From St. Peter’s Basilica To The Jewish Ghetto
Instructor: Professor Lyle Massey, UCI Art Historian
Tuesdays, 11/29, 12/13, 1/17, 2/7; Time 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
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Let’s Talk About Sex – a program for parents of 4th graders and up
Instructor: Sari J. Schrieber, L.C.S.W.
Tuesday, 1/24; Times: 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
We will show the documentary “Let’s Talk About Sex.” Sari Schreiber will lead a discussion for parents of 4th graders and up. This is an “Adults Only” program.
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Assisted Living Communities And Residential Care Facilities (Board And Cares) In Orange County.
Facilitator: Susan Levine
Tuesday, 10/25; Times: 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Susan Levine retired in 2009 after 10 years working for the Department of Social Services/ Community Care Licensing, the Agency responsible for licensing and monitoring compliance issues and conducting complaint investigations. Topics will include evaluating a facility, licensing reports, basic services, food, activities, the admission agreement, fee increases, 30 days notice, your rights and responsibilities. There are approximately 920 licensed residential communities in Orange County.
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University Synagogue is renowned for our love of discussion, interesting topics, and our Synaplex Speakers Series. Each monthly Shabbat Alive service is followed by a noted speaker, selected to stimulate ideas and engage the audience. Throughout the years, we have hosted many fascinating speakers, including, “An Evening of Jewish Stories” with Jeremy Piven, Rabbi Marvin Tokayer speaking on the “Exotic Jews of China, Japan and India,” Sam Harris on his book: “The End of Faith; Religion, Terror and the Future of Reason,” L.A. Times Movie Critic Kenneth Turan on the “World of Yiddish Film and Culture,” and many more.
Click here to see our upcoming speakers.
For a complete list of speakers we have featured through the years, click here.
