Rimon Mission

The mission of Rimon is to provide the MetroWest community with a program of quality, innovative adult Jewish learning opportunities.

Rimon is a collaboration among the synagogues and agencies of MetroWest who have come together in the spirit of sharing resources. Every partner has committed to host classes, have one or more lay or staff representative on the Rimon committee, and provide publicity.

Rabbi Mark Cooper, of Oheb Shalom Congregation, describes the choice of “Rimon” for our name: “The name Rimon, Hebrew for pomegranate, was chosen because of its rich Jewish symbolism. According to tradition, the pomegranate is a symbol of righteousness because it is said to have 613 seeds, one for each of the mitzvot. This image matches the aspirations of Rimon, for through this new program we seek to plant seeds of Jewish learning and values that will take root in the soul and blossom for a lifetime and beyond.”

Rimon is a new and unique model for community partnership and organization around adult Jewish education. Pirkei Avot teaches, “Make for yourself a teacher and acquire for yourself a friend.” (1:6) Through Rimon, you can learn about your heritage and connect with your community.

Rimon Partners By Region

Montclair Area

Congregation Beth Ahm of West Essex, Verona
Congregation B'nai Keshet, Montclair
Congregation Shomrei Emunah, Montclair
Temple Ner Tamid, Bloomfield
Temple Sholom of West Essex, Cedar Grove

Morris/Sussex Area

Adath Shalom Congregation, Morris Plains
Congregation B'nai Israel, Basking Ridge
Jewish Congregation of Kinnelon
Jewish Learning Institute, Randolph
Morristown Jewish Center Beit Yisrael
Mount Freedom Jewish Center, Randolph
Pine Brook Jewish Center, Montville
Temple Beth Am, Parsippany
Temple B'nai Or, Morristown
Temple Hatikvah, Flanders
Temple Shalom, Succasunna
White Meadow Temple, Rockaway
Jewish Historical Society of MetroWest
Lester Senior Housing
Morris County Connection
The Partnership for Jewish Learning and Life
UJC Community Relations Committee
UJC Holocaust Council
UJC Legow Family Israel Program Center
UJC Rabbinic Cabinet
UJC Synagogue Council
UJC Waldor Memorial Library
United Jewish Communities MetroWest 

Summit Area

Chavurat Lamdeinu, Madison
Congregation Beth Hatikvah, Summit
Summit Jewish Community Center
Temple Beth Ahm Yisrael, Springfield
Temple Sha'arey Shalom, Springfield
Temple Sinai, Summit  

Greater Essex Area

B'nai Shalom, West Orange
Chai Center of Short Hills & Millburn
Congregation Agudath Israel, West Caldwell
Congregation Beth El, South Orange
Congregation B'nai Israel, Millburn
Congregation B'nai Jeshurun, Short Hills
Congregation Etz Chaim, Livingston
Jewish Cultural School and Society, West Orange
Lubavitch Center of Essex County, West Orange
Oheb Shalom Congregation, South Orange
Temple Beth Shalom, Livingston
Temple B'nai Abraham, Livingston
Temple Emanu-El of West Essex, Livingston
Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel, South Orange
DOROT
JCC MetroWest

 

 

Contacting the Rimon Director

 

 

Do you need help deciding on which class to take or at what level? Are you new to adult Jewish learning and unsure where to begin? Are you an adult Jewish learning veteran and anxious to find an advanced-level class? Are you unsure how the new Jewish Exploration Program works?

Whatever questions you have, don’t leave them unanswered. Michael S. Jay, the Rimon Director, is here to help you. He can answer your questions and serve as your Personal Guide, providing direction and helping you figure out just which class is right for you.

Give him a call or send him an email at 973-530-3489 or mjay@jccmetrowest.org.

If you know anyone who would like to receive a copy of this catalogue, please provide Michael with that person’s name and address (email or U.S. mail), and Michael will gladly send out a catalogue.

And if you’d like to be on the Rimon mailing list, so you don’t miss future copies of the catalogue, please provide Michael with your name and street address or email address.

Rimon This Week

Philospher's of February - Rabbi Judah Loew- the Maharal of Prague- and the Golem. Taught by Rabbi David Nesson
Wed Feb 10th and Feb 24th.
7:30 PM.
Free/No registration required.
Location and Sponsor: Morristown Jewish Center.

African Refugees in Israel: YOHANNES BAYU, Founder and Director: African Refugee Development Center. The voice of refugees and asylum seekers in Israel. The African Refugee Development Center (ARDC), founded in 2004 by refugees and Israeli citizens, is a non-profit organization created to assist, support and empower refugees and asylum seekers in Israel. Bayu has led the ARDC from the early days of a handful of asylum seekers gathering in his living room to arranging accommodation for hundreds in makeshift bomb shelters to leading an influential organization and implementing partner of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees with an annual budget of over $300,000.
Thursday, February 11^th at 7:30 p.m
Free, No Registration required
Location & Sponsor: Temple Ner Tamid.

Kavod, Nichum, Chevre Kaddish - Honor ,Comfort and Holiness. David Zinner, director of Kavod VeNechum- a national organization for Chevre Kaddisha will speak at Friday night services at 8:15 PM and at Shabbat Services Feb 13th at 9;30 am. The entire community is invited.
Free/No registration required.
Location and Sponsor: Morristown Jewish Center.

Advanced Yiddish - This course is for those with at least two years of Yiddish study or the equivalent. Instructor: Rebecca Levine.
Thursdays             Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25; Mar. 4, 11, 18, 25; Apr. 13, 20.
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm                                            
$130; registration required - call 973-530-3521
Location: Lautenberg JCC; Sponsor: JCC MetroWest

Intermediate Yiddish - Do you know a bisel Yiddish? Practice what you know and learn more vocabulary, phrases and grammar. Instructor: Rebecca Levine.
Tuesdays              Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23; Mar. 2, 9, 16, 23; Apr. 13, 20
12:30 pm - 1:30 pm                                         
$130; registration required - call 973-530-3521
Location: Lautenberg JCC; Sponsor: JCC MetroWest

Yiddish for Beginners - Begin to understand and speak Yiddish by learning basic vocabulary, grammar and conversation skills. Instructor: Rebecca Levine.
Thursdays                 Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25; Mar. 4, 11, 18, 25; Apr. 1, 8.              
8:10 pm - 9:10 pm                                            
$130; registration required - call 973-530-3521
Location: Lautenberg JCC; Sponsor: JCC MetroWest.

Tuesday Talmud - Join this independent Talmud study group, which has been meeting for many years. Instructors: Each week a different rabbi (all denominations) from the MetroWest community.
Tuesdays              
12:30 pm ­- 2:00 pm.
Free; registration not required
Location: Oheb Shalom Congregation
Sponsor: David Schechner

Torah Portion of the Week - Oheb Shalom Congregation. After reviewing the general ideas and themes of the weekly Parasha (Torah portion), Rabbi Mark Cooper and participants will focus, in depth, on select verses, using commentaries in English from every era of Jewish history.  Knowledge of Hebrew is not necessary. Mondays,  9:00 am - 10:00 am. (Classes will not be held on legal, or Jewish, holidays.)
Free; no registration required.  Call 973-762-7067 for more information.

Kabbalah, Introduction to the Zohar -- Congregation Beth Ahm of West Essex A pre-Lurianic study of the original introduction to the Kabbalah with an emphasis on understanding the secrets necessary to uncover the Kabalistic approach to the mysteries of Judaism (and to existence in general).  This class will be presented in English from a direct translation of the Aramaic text. . Mondays at 10:00 AM and Wednesdays at 4:20 PM.
Free; No Registration required. For more information call 973-239-0754.

Reading The Book of Psalms, Congregation Beth El.  Join Rabbi Francine Green Roston for great discussions about faith, God, suffering and the meaning of life. As we read each psalm we ask ourselves what the psalmist is trying to communicate and how the psalm speaks to our own spiritual lives. No knowledge of Hebrew required.   Every Wednesday, 9:00am - 10:00am.  Free; no registration required. Call 973-763-0111

Weekly Parsha Class, Congregation Agudath Israel, Discuss the weekly Torah portion in an open, friendly, and intellectually stimulating atmosphere with Jewish Educator Susan Werk.   Saturdays from 9:00 am to 10:00 am. Call 973-226-3600 for more information.

Every Week Kabbalah, Jewish Learning Institute of Morris County, Tune up the engine of your soul. Using the template of the Kabbalists, this course will provide tools for powering your personality for maximum perfor­mance and efficiency. Instructor: Rabbi Avraham Bechor. Mondays, 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm. Free; registration not required.
Call 973-895-3070 for more information.

 

 

 

Trees, Miracles, Humans and Torah

Parashat Beshallach is so full of God's wonder; so packed with miracles, that it is sometimes hard to recognize them as such.  A Rod being raised to split a sea, wood making bitter water become sweet, manna from heaven, a rod hitting a rock so water will come from it; All truly miraculous. So many miracles happening at one time and the Israelites do not seem to notice.  They complain at every turn.

But what I want to focus on a specific piece of the Beshallach narrative that intrigued me.  Central to the entire Moshe story is the rod that Moshe carried.  It helps him to perform magic.  .  It was a literal and figurative support; a symbol for him of personal strength and of his connection to God

It is not a great leap to see that Rod, and the piece of wood that sweetened the waters at Mara, as being symbolic of a tree. And since this year Parashat Beshallach is read on Tu B'Shvat, finding a tree is very important.

Before we go any further, I want to tell you a little story.

When I was a young boy I lived in a big house in Monsey, at least to my young mind it was a big house.  I lived with one of my older brothers in a room on the second floor that had a window that looked out over our back yard.  The yard had several big trees scattered over it, but my favorite was a birch tree that was in the middle of the yard in a direct line with the window.  It wasn't the biggest tree, but I liked it because it had two little branches that came out of it on either side that I saw as hands waiving to me. I also saw a face in the bark that looked back at me whenever I peered out that window in my room.  Every morning when I woke up, I had a ritual to stand up on my bed and look out the window and say good morning to my friend the tree.  And every morning, there he was waiving back at me.  As if to say, "I hope you slept well, everything is fine out here. 

In 1967 my younger brother was born and, that summer, at the age of 6, my parents shipped me and my two older brothers off to summer camp in order to bring some peace and quiet to the big house in Monsey.  When I returned from camp, some 8 weeks later, the first thing I did was run upstairs and jump on my bed to look out the window and say hello to my friend the Birch tree.  I hopped on the bed, opened the shutter and, when I looked out, the tree was gone. I ran down to my parents to tell them my tree was missing and they told me that it was not doing well and they had decided to cut it down.  Besides, they said, without that tree the yard would be clear my brothers and I could play ball back there.  I didn't want to play ball back there, I wanted my tree back there.  But it was too late.  I lost a friend. I lost a ritual.  There was nothing there to waive back to me anymore.

That is one little boy's small, sad, story about a short-lived relationship with a tree. It wasn't until much later that I would learn that our tradition had a holiday that celebrated the Birthday of the Trees; A holiday devoted to taking note of the glory of trees and the natural environment God created around us.

And it wasn't until reading Parashat Beshallach this past week that I realized that our tradition has a deeply rooted connection to trees; a connection that has its seeds in the very creation of the world.  I want to delve into this just a bit, and I want to start by pointing out just a few of the many times that trees play a part in our Texts and in our liturgy.  Perhaps you will conclude, as I did, that we have been taking the trees in our Texts for granted (like the Israelites took those miracles for granted).  Indeed, trees often play a key part in a story, even if they are just in the background.  Let's take a look at a few examples of trees being present in key places in Torah.

We know that trees play a pivotal role in the creation narrative, but now let's look at the Text to see just how key.

In Genesis, Chapter 2, we are told that God planted a garden in Eden and that He put the man whom He had formed in the garden. We also learn that God made every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food in the garden including the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

In Genesis, Chapter 3, we learn that God actually kicks Adam out of the garden because of a concern that Adam would eat from the Tree of Life and become immortal.

In Genesis, Chapter 18, after Abraham is circumcised, he is visited by three angels while he is sitting outside his tent by the "Terebrinths of Mamre".  According to commentators, Terebrinths large and old trees that marked certain places.  The angels are told to drink water, wash their feet, and sit under a tree.  Then Abraham stood under the tree as the angels ate.

Trees are also treated in a special manner.  In Deuteronomy 20:19-20 the Torah tells the Israelites that when they besiege a city they are forbidden from destroying any tree that is capable of bearing edible fruit for, the Torah asks, "is the tree of the field man, that it should be besieged by you?"

In Chapter 18 of the Second Book of Samuel a tree actually plays an active role in helping David achieve ultimate victory.  Absolam was an adversary of David known in large part for his long flowing hair.  That hair got tangled in the branches of an oak tree enabling David's followers to kill Absolam.

 Our liturgy, too, is full of references to trees, often comparing humans, or the Torah, to trees.

For instance look at Psalm 92 which is featured prominently in our Shabbat liturgy:

יג  צַדִּיק, כַּתָּמָר יִפְרָח;    כְּאֶרֶז בַּלְּבָנוֹן יִשְׂגֶּה.	13 The righteous shall flourish like the palm-tree; he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.
יד  שְׁתוּלִים, בְּבֵית יְהוָה;    בְּחַצְרוֹת אֱלֹהֵינוּ יַפְרִיחוּ.	14 Planted in the house of the LORD, they shall flourish in the courts of our God.
טו  עוֹד, יְנוּבוּן בְּשֵׂיבָה;    דְּשֵׁנִים וְרַעֲנַנִּים יִהְיוּ.	15 They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be full of sap and richness;
טז  לְהַגִּיד, כִּי-יָשָׁר יְהוָה;    צוּרִי, וְלֹא-עלתה (עַוְלָתָה) בּוֹ.	16 To declare that the LORD is upright, my Rock, in whom there is no

Or look at the text of Proverbs 3:18 which we recite every time we put the Torah back into the ark after we read it:

 She is a tree of life to those who grasp her, and whoever holds onto her is happy.

   עֵץ-חַיִּים הִיא, לַמַּחֲזִיקִים בָּהּ; וְתֹמְכֶיהָ מְאֻשָּׁר.

 I have only culled out a fraction of what we see in our Text and liturgy, but why such a focus on trees?  And why are humans and the Torah compared to trees?  Is it, perhaps, because trees are incredibly versatile and useful? Let's take a look at just a few of the things that trees do:

They provide shade;
They provide food by means of fruit and leaves;
They provide homes for animals and the Swiss family Robinson;
They provide stability to the earth;
They turn Carbon dioxide into oxygen;
If there is too much water, they can drink it up;
The wood they supply, when felled, can be used to create anything from homes to picture frames; and
When full grown, they can be seen as a connection between earth & heaven.

What we see is that there is something inherently special about trees and their unique place in this world that God created.  So I pose this question:  Is it possible, that just as humans are the highest form of animal God created, that trees are the highest form of flora that God created?   Perhaps the reason that Torah often reminds us our relationship to trees is that we are kindred Kings of our respective flora and fauna realms; God's crowning achievements in different branches of creation?  (I note that Genesis 1:28 specifically places humans as masters over fish, birds and living things that creep, but not over of trees.)

This thought, leads me to another interesting observation.  We call the Torah a "Tree of Life" and fasten the Torah scroll on to wooden poles - also called eitzay chayim, trees of life.  To me, this perpetuates the idea of trees and Torah giving us life. But, we also dress the Torah in human garb.  We give it a crown and a breastplate; we dress it in royal garments.  Is this, perhaps, to acknowledge how intimately connected humans and trees are with one another?  Are we somehow inextricably bound together?  And bound together by Torah?

So Torah gives us miracles; sometimes those miracles are so frequent that we fail to take note of them.  It is sort of a Biblical version of losing the forest for the trees.  When we look outside we see so many trees that, perhaps, we forget how special they are. 

Now back to Moshe's rod.  Why should Moshe need a rod to help him?  As I wrote before, it is not a great stretch to see that rod as symbolic of a tree. Perhaps Moshe's use of the rod is God's way of showing that we should recognize the special place that God intended trees to have in His, and our, world.  If we need trees for shade, or shelter, or food, perhaps it also possible that we need them to help us to perform miracles?  A rod to split the sea; a branch to sweeten the water; A Tree of Life to show us how to live our lives appropriately, in God's image.

One cannot have any discussion about trees without reciting my wife, Sheri's, favorite poem

Written by Joyce Kilmer, Trees:

I think that I shall never see
A poem lovely as a tree.
A tree whose hungry mouth is prest
Against the sweet earth's flowing breast;
A tree that looks at God all day,
And lifts her leafy arms to pray;
A tree that may in summer wear
A nest of robins in her hair;
Upon whose bosom snow has lain;
Who intimately lives with rain.
Poems are made by fools like me,
But only God can make a tree.

Shalom - Michael S. Jay

1/29/2010

 

RIMON UPDATES

LOOK HERE TO SEE UPDATES TO THE OFFERINGS OF RIMON PARTNERS

Philospher's of February - Rabbi Judah Loew- the Maharal of Prague- and the Golem. Taught by Rabbi David Nesson
Wed Feb 10th and Feb 24th.
7:30 PM.
Free/No registration required.
Location and Sponsor: Morristown Jewish Center.

African Refugees in Israel: YOHANNES BAYU, Founder and Director: African Refugee Development Center. The voice of refugees and asylum seekers in Israel. The African Refugee Development Center (ARDC), founded in 2004 by refugees and Israeli citizens, is a non-profit organization created to assist, support and empower refugees and asylum seekers in Israel. Bayu has led the ARDC from the early days of a handful of asylum seekers gathering in his living room to arranging accommodation for hundreds in makeshift bomb shelters to leading an influential organization and implementing partner of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees with an annual budget of over $300,000.
Thursday, February 11^th at 7:30 p.m
Free, No Registration required
Location & Sponsor: Temple Ner Tamid.

Kavod, Nichum, Chevre Kaddish - Honor ,Comfort and Holiness. David Zinner, director of Kavod VeNechum- a national organization for Chevre Kaddisha will speak at Friday night services at 8:15 PM and at Shabbat Services Feb 13th at 9;30 am. The entire community is invited.
Free/No registration required.
Location and Sponsor: Morristown Jewish Center.

Tuesday Talmud - Join this independent Talmud study group, which has been meeting for many years. Instructors: Each week a different rabbi (all denominations) from the MetroWest community.
Tuesdays              12:30 pm ­- 2:00 pm.
Free; registration not required
Location: Oheb Shalom Congregation 

Rimon Regional Panel Discussion, Morris/Sussex Area.
God On Trial?
"God on Trial" reenacts an episode which took place at Auschwitz in which a cell of prisoners argue whether God should be convicted of breaking His Covenant with the Jewish people.  After the screening, local rabbis will engage in a panel discussion which will include audience Q&A. Panelists will include a cross section area Rabbis including:
Rabbi Donald Rossoff, Rabbi David Nesson, and Rabbi Menashe East 
Monday, Februrary 22  7:00 - 9:00 PM * FREE. Refreshments will be served.
Registration is requested: Call Michael Jay, Rimon Director, at 973-530-3489
Or The Temple Ner Tamid Office, at 973-338-1500.
Sponsor: Rimon, Location: Temple B'nai Or.

Evolution of Jewish Law.  This course will trace the evolution of Halakha, Jewish Law, from the early Biblical Texts through modern rulings by each movement.  Emphasis will be placed on the development of systems for interpretation, eventually using specific issues (medical ethics, identity and gender classification) as examples.  Taught by Rabbi Steven Bayar.
Monday Mornings: 9:30 am. - 10:30 am.
Location and Sponsor: Congregation B'nai Israel, Millburn. 

Torah Text.  Study and interpret the Five Books of Moses, starting in Genesis and working consecutively through Deuteronomy.  Emphasis is placed on comparing Pshat (the literal meaning of the text) with classical and modern Drash (interpretation).  Taught by Rabbi Steven Bayar.
Tuesday Evenings:  7:30 pm - 8:30 pm.
Location and Sponsor: Congregation B'nai Israel, Millburn.

Jewish Mysticism.  Examine selected classical Midrash (Narrative interpretations on the Bible) and learn about Rabbinic mystical issues and beliefs. Taught by Rabbi Steven Bayar.
Thursday Mornings:  10:00 am. - 11:00 am. 
Location and Sponsor: Congregation B'nai Israel, Millburn.

Lunch N' Learn - Join Rabbi Mark Cooper for lunch and discussion of a topic of Jewish interest, on the second Wednesday of each month. Bring your own kosher dairy lunch. Coffee and dessert will be served. 
Wednesdays: Feb. 10; March 10; April 14; May 12; June 9
12:00 - 1:00 pm.
Free; registration not required 
Location & Sponsor: Oheb Shalom Congregation

THE "BIG THREE" OF NEWARK: OHEB SHALOM, B'NAI ABRAHAM, B'NAI JESHURUN - Linda Forgash, Executive Director of the New Jersey Jewish Historical Society, will describe the evolution of Newark's three largest liberal  congregations. This program is part of Oheb Shalom's celebration of its 150^th anniversary.
Sunday  May 16
10:00 AM - Noon
Free; no registration required, however, if you register in advance you will receive a complimentary breakfast
Location & Sponsor: Oheb Shalom Congregation

The Spectrum of Life in Modern American Judaism: Past, Present, and Future-
A panel of three rabbis - Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform -- will discuss trends in their respective denominations, including religious life, communal involvement, and causes or impediments to growth.  The panelists are Rabbi Rex Perlmeter, Director of the New Jersey and West Hudson Valley Region of the Union for Reform Judaism; Rabbi Eliezer Rubin, Principal of the Joseph Kushner Hebrew Academy in Livingston; and Rabbi Mark Cooper of Oheb Shalom Congregation. This program is part of Oheb Shalom's celebration of its 150^th anniversary.
Sunday             March 21
10:00 AM - Noon
Free; no registration required, however, if you register in advance you will receive a complimentary breakfast
Location & Sponsor: Oheb Shalom Congregation

 

 

Morristown Jewish Center presents:

Philospher's of February

Rabbi Judah Loew- the Maharal of Prague- and the Golem

Wed Feb 10th and Feb 24th

7:30 PM
Taught by Rabbi David Nesson

Rimon Catalogue

Rimon is happy to announce that Rimon's Spring/Summer 2010 offerings are listed on the website and that the Spring/summer 2010 catalogue will be available shortly in pdf format.  Hard copies will be available upon request. 

Torah, and Sacred Texts

Torah Text - In this course we study and interpret the Five Books of Moses, starting in Genesis and working consecutively through Deuteronomy.  Emphasis is placed on comparing Pshat (the literal meaning of the text) with classical and modern Drash (interpretation). Instructor: Rabbi Steven Bayar
Tuesday Evenings
7:30pm - 8:30 pm
Free; No registration required
Location & Sponsor: Congregation B'nai Israel (M)

Torah Portion of the Week - After reviewing the general ideas and themes of the weekly Parasha (Torah portion), Rabbi Mark Cooper and participants will focus, in depth, on select verses, using commentaries in English from every era of Jewish history.  Knowledge of Hebrew is not necessary.
Mondays               (Classes will not be held on legal, or Jewish, holidays.)
9:00 am - 10:00 am.
Free; no registration required
Location & Sponsor: Oheb Shalom Congregation

Shabbat Morning Torah Study and Minyan - Join Rabbi Matthew D. Gewirtz, Rabbi Matthew A. Reimer, Richard Abrams, and Rabbinic Intern Karen Perolman as they discuss the weeks Torah portion and then hold a short and informal Shabbat morning service. Newcomers are always welcome and no prior (or Hebrew) experience is necessary
Saturdays
Torah Study: 8:45 - 9:45 am; Minyan: 9:45 am - 10:15 am.
Free; no registration required.
Location & Sponsor: Temple B'nai Jeshurun

Half-Hour of Torah Talk - An informal class on the week's portion each Friday following the Morning service in the Beit Midrash. Just come and enjoy!
Instructor: Rabbi Richard Hammerman
Fridays                   following Morning Service (Except legal holidays)
7:30 - 8:00 AM
Free; registration not required
Location & Sponsor: Congregation Agudath Israel

Torah On Tap - Men's Torah Study Group -- If you have a "Thirst" for knowledge and beverages from local Microbreweries, then this is the class for you. Torah will come alive and be meaningful as you study in an amiable group setting. Instructor: Rabbi Mark Mallach.
Thursdays             Feb. 25, Mar. 18, Apr. 15, May 20, June 17, July 15, Aug.19.
 7:45 pm
Free; no registration required -  For information contact Temple Beth Ahm Yisrael office at  973-376-0539
Location & Sponsor: Temple Beth Ahm Yisrael

Pirke Avot -- Discuss the wise teachings of our ancestors. Learn how these ancient lessons are still most relevant to guide us in our lives each day. Class led by Cecille Asekoff.
Saturday                Feb. 6, Mar. 20, April 10.
11:00am-noon.
Free; No Registration required.
Location & Sponsor: B'nai Shalom

Reading The Book of Psalms - Join Rabbi Roston for great discussions about faith, God, suffering and the meaning of life. As we read each psalm we ask ourselves what the psalmist is trying to communicate and how the psalm speaks to our own spiritual lives. No knowledge of Hebrew required. 
Wednesdays                        
9:00am - 10:00am.
Free; No registration required.
Location & Sponsor: Congregation Beth El

Weekly Parsha Class - Discuss the weekly Torah portion in an open, friendly, and intellectually stimulating atmosphere in this class facilitated by Jewish Educator, Susan Werk.
Saturdays              Every week.
 9:00 am - 10:00 am.
Free; registration not required.
Location & Sponsor: Cong. Agudath Israel

Shabbat Torah Study -- What does the Parasha say to me? Join in the discussion and learn with others to expand one's knowledge of the Torah. Learners on all levels are welcome led by Janice Colmar Michaelis.
Saturday mornings              February 13 (Mishpatim),
                                        March 13  (Vayakhel/Pekude),
                                        April 24 (Acharei Mot/Kedoshim).
10:30 am - Noon.
Free; No Registration required.
Location & Sponsor: B'nai Shalom

The Forgotten Bible -- The Hebrew Bible may be the most read book on earth but Jews generally confine their knowledge of this seminal collection to the Torah and Haftarot read each week, the Psalms included in the liturgy, and the five other megillot read a different holidays. But the Bible contains whole books like Daniel, Ezra, and Nehemiah, that tend to get ignored but contain much wisdom relevant to modern life. Join us as we delve into these "forgotten" books. Instructor: Rabbi Benjamin Adler.
Tuesdays              Ends May 11.
8:15 - 9:15 PM.
$18; registration required - call 973-627-4500.
Location & Sponsor: White Meadow Temple

Parashat Hashavuah -- Join the lively discussion of legend and lore, the ancient world and the modern one, the Jewish people's feelings about its God, and God's feelings about His people. Through our reading of the weekly portion, and occasional forays into the traditional commentators, we seek not only to understand the profundities of Torah, but also to understand the world and ourselves a little better. Parallel Eng/Hebrew texts will be used. We hope you'll stay for services, but even if you can't, stop by for a weekly dose of Torah! Led by Rabbi Clifford Kulwin.
Saturday mornings
 9:00 AM-9:45 AM.
Free; No registration required.
Location & Sponsor: Temple B'nai Abraham

Ethics of our Fathers-- Instructor Rabbi Moshe Herson, Dean of the Rabbinical College of America.
Every Shabbos.
One hour before sunset, except for early winter days.
Free; registration not required.
Location & Sponsor: Lubavitch Center of Essex County

Parsha Class - The weekly Torah portion comes to life with colorful stories and melodies. Instructor: Rabbi Mendy Kasowitz.
Free; registration not required.
Mondays
3:30 pm - 4:30 pm.
Location: Brighton Gardens Assisted Living; Sponsor: Lubavitch Center of Essex County

The Living Torah - The weekly Torah portion comes to life with colorful stories and melodies. Instructor: Rabbi Mendy Kasowitz.
Various                  Mondays 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm Location: Brighton Gardens Assisted Living.
                            Tuesdays 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm Location: Margulies Senior Center JCC.
Free; registration not required.
Location & Sponsor: Lubavitch Center of Essex County

Weekly Torah Portion - The weekly Torah portion is brought to life. Instructor: Dr. Devorah Smith.
Wednesdays
1:15 pm - 2:00 pm.
Free; registration not required.
Location & Sponsor: Lester Senior Housing

Talmud B'rakhot - Join a lively and insightful discussion of Talmud Tractate B'rakhot, in English. Instructor: Dr. Arnold Brenner.
Sundays                Every week.
8:50 am.
Free; registration not required.
Location & Sponsor: Cong. Agudath Israel

Bible: The Book of Samuel - Study the rise of the Israelite Kingship system with Rabbi Alan Silverstein.
Wednesdays                         Feb. 10, 17, 24; Mar.  3, 10, 17, 24; Apr. 7, 14, 21, 28; May 5.
9:20 am - 10:20 am.
$150.00/ 12 Sessions; Registration required -- call 973-530-3521.
Location: Lautenberg JCC; Sponsor: JCC MetroWest

Talmud Sanhedrin - Join a lively and insightful discussion of Talmud, Tractate Sanhedrin, in English. Topic: The rabbis' perspective on the world to come and resurrection. Instructor: Dr. Arnold Brenner.
Saturdays              Every week .
Between the Afternoon and Evening Services.
Free; registration not required.
Location & Sponsor: Cong. Agudath Israel

Bible: Fact or Fiction - Often the stories, laws , and teachings we think are in the Torah and the Bible are actually not there.  They are often part of Midrash and family traditions. Learn how these Midrash evolved and why they carry valuable truths for us today. Instructor: Rabbi Daniel Cohen.
Monday                 May 3.
7:00 pm.
Free; no registration required.
Location & Sponsor: Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel

Pirkei Avot -  Weekly discussion of Pirkei Avot, literally: Chapters of the Fathers, also called Ethics of the Fathers.  It is a compilation of the ethical teachings and maxims of the Rabbis of the Mishnaic period. Instructor: Derek Fields.
Friday Evenings                   Between Mincha and the early Shabbat service.
Free; No registration required.
Location & Sponsor: Congregation Agudath Israel

Torah for the Ages: Adult/Child Study:  Join us to study the timeless classic, Pirkei Avot: Values of the Fathers, this meeting will cater to students of all ages and backgrounds. Taught by Rabbi Menashe East.
Saturdays
Every Shabbat Afternoon, between Mincha and Maariv.
Free; No registration required.
Location & Sponsor: Mount Freedom Jewish Center

Tuesday Talmud - Join this independent Talmud study group, which has been meeting for many years. Instructors: Each week a different rabbi (all denominations) from the MetroWest community.
Tuesdays
12:30 pm ­- 2:00 pm.
Free; registration not required.
Location: Oheb Shalom Congregation, Call 973-325-2411; Sponsor: David Schechner.

Bagels and Bubbe Maisehs --  Come to study the classic stories of our sages and how those tales speak to us today, while we nosh on a light bagel breakfast. This class will meet every Sunday. All levels are welcome. Taught by Rabbi Menashe East.
Sunday Mornings
9:00 am.
Free; No registration required.
Location & Sponsor: Mount Freedom Jewish Center

Talmud Berachot, Chapter 9 - This Talmud Shiyyur will emphasize the theological underpinnings of Jewish and of all life.  The Gemara questions when, in extraordinary times, we need blessings, and what the efficacy of blessing s mean to us.  The course is presented in English with ample reference to the comments of Rishonim and Acharonim.  While the class meets three times a week, students and guests are invited during any session to uncover the true philosophies of Judaism. Instructor: Rabbi Aaron Kriegel.
Monday, Wednesdays, and Fridays
9:00 am
Free; No registration required
Location & Sponsor: Cong Beth Ahm of West Essex

Shalom Hartman Institute @ Mt Freedom Jewish Center-- The renowned center of modern Jewish scholarship and thought in Jerusalem comes to Mt Freedom Jewish Center this winter with a chavrutah peer preparation and multi-media presentation of classes by the Hartman Institute's scholars.  Sign up now for this special learning opportunity.
Sunday Mornings                TBA (This is an 8 session course) For more details, contact Mt Freedom Jewish Center office 973-895-2100.
$100.00/semester; No registration required.
Location & Sponsor: Mount Freedom Jewish Center.

 

Hebrew

Conversational Hebrew- Learn Hebrew, Ulpan style, with Morah Etty: Beginners or Intermediate in 7 Sunday Sessions.
Sundays           Jan. 17, 24, 31, Feb. 7, Feb, 21, March 7.
7th session Israeli Cafe and Kumsitz- May 2 Lag B'omer.
6:00-7:00pm.
$75 members fee (applies to Rimon participants).
For information contact Leslie Gleaner Program Coordinator at B'nai Shalom.973-731-0160 ext. 207 or programs@bnaishalom.net.
Location & Sponsor: B'nai Shalom

Learn Hebrew -- Learn to read Hebrew or review what you once knew in a relaxed and non threatening environment. Designed to help you understand what's inside the prayer book. Instructor: Carol Shapiro.
Tuesdays
7:00 - 8:00 PM.
$18; registration required - call 973-627-4500.
Location & Sponsor: White Meadow Temple.

Advanced Hebrew Ulpan - Discussion of current events and news of the day using Israeli newspapers and literary publications. Must be able to use Hebrew in all tenses. Instructor: Judy Bendory.
Thursdays             Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25; Mar. 4, 11, 18, 25; Apr. 1, 8, 15, 22.
9:30 am - 11:00 am.
$240.00; registration required - call 973-530-3521.
Location: Lautenberg JCC; Sponsor: JCC MetroWest.

Hebrew Boot Camp -- You know how to read the words in the siddur; but do you ever wonder WHAT those words mean? Hebrew Bootcamp may be for you.  In this "basic training" course, we exercise our language skills, flex our vocabulary, and whip ourselves into shape to appreciate the rich and beautiful language of liturgy.  Instructor: Nikki Pusin (Morah Nehama).
Sunday mornings,    Meets whenever Jewish Learning Center is in session.
 9:40am -10:40am.
Free; No registration required.
Location & Sponsor: Congregation Beth El. 

Advanced Hebrew Ulpan A - Modern conversational Hebrew for those familiar with all three tenses (or at least past and present) and ready to read Israeli newspapers. Instructor: Rachel Kushner.
Wednesdays         Jan. 6, 13, 20, 27; Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24; Mar. 3, 10, 17, 24.
6:15 pm - 7:30 pm.
$240; registration required - call 973-530-3521.
Location: Cooperman JCC; Sponsor: JCC MetroWest .

Advanced Hebrew Ulpan B - Modern conversational Hebrew for those who are ready to learn or learning the present tense. Instructor: Rachel Kushner.
Wednesdays         Jan. 6, 13, 20, 27; Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24; Mar. 3, 10, 17, 24.
7:30 pm - 8:45 pm.
$240; registration required - call 973-530-3521.
Location: Cooperman JCC; Sponsor: JCC MetroWest

Beginner's Hebrew Ulpan - Modern conversational Hebrew for those with no or little prior exposure. Instructor: Rachel Kushner.
Mondays               Jan. 4, 11, 18, 25; Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22; Mar. 1, 8, 15, 22.
5:30 pm - 6:45 pm.
$240; registration required - call 973-530-3521.
Location: Cooperman JCC; Sponsor: JCC MetroWest

BEGINNING HEBREW-- Learn the alef-bet and some simple Hebrew grammar and phrases. Instructor: Rabbinic student Anne Laurant.
Sunday mornings                Meets whenever Religious school is in session.
 9:30 am to 10:30 am.
 Fee TBA; Registration requested.
Location & Sponsor: Temple Ner Tamid.

INTERMEDIATE HEBREW-- For those who already know the alef-bet, learn more Hebrew
grammar and vocabulary and practice speaking.
Sunday mornings                Meets whenever Religious school is in session).
11:15 am to 12:15 pm.
Fee TBA; Registration requested.
Location & Sponsor: Temple Ner Tamid.

Intermediate Adult Hebrew Level 1 - For those with some background and facility with the letters and vowels in the Hebrew Aleph-bet, this course will allow you to take the next steps toward learning Biblical and Siddur/Prayerbook Hebrew, incorporating vocabulary and grammar to enhance your prayer practice and Torah study.  This course begins with the second in the "Aleph Isn't" series with "Aleph Isn't Enough" Instructor: Richard S. Abrams, Director of Lifelong Jewish Learning.
Mondays               Weekly through June 14.
10:30 am - 11:30 am.
Free; registration not required.
Location & Sponsor: Cong. B'nai Jeshurun.

Biblical Hebrew: Parasha Translation- Hone your Biblical Hebrew skills by translating the weekly Torah portion. Instructor: Rachel Kushner.
Sundays                Jan. 10, 17, 24, 31; Feb. 7, 14, 21, 28; Mar. 7, 14, 21, 28.
10:00 am - 1100 am.
$240; registration required - call 973-530-3521.
Location: Cooperman JCC; Sponsor: JCC MetroWest.

Intermediate Adult Hebrew Level 2 - You know who you are....For those of you whom have virtually finished with Aleph Isn't Enough, and a fairly good background and facility with prayerbook Hebrew, this course will allow you to take the next steps toward both Modern Hebrew and Biblical Hebrew incorporating vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension by translating prayer book and biblical texts. After a review, we will proceed to the textbook Bet is for B'reishit.  Extra enrichment material is included, such as commentary on the Torah selections. Instructor: Richard S. Abrams, Director of Lifelong Jewish Learning.
Mondays               Weekly through June 14.
9:30 am - 10:30 am .
Free; registration not required.
Location & Sponsor: Cong. B'nai Jeshurun.

Biblical Hebrew: Advanced Parasha - Hone your Biblical Hebrew skills by translating the weekly Torah portion. Knowledge of the aleph-bet and basic Hebrew required. Instructor: Rachel Kushner.
Wednesdays         Jan. 6, 13, 20, 27; Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24; Mar. 3, 10, 17, 24.
8:45 pm - 9:40 pm.
$240; registration required - call 973-530-3521.
Location: Cooperman JCC; Sponsor: JCC MetroWest

Yiddish

Advanced Yiddish - This course is for those with at least two years of Yiddish study or the equivalent. Instructor: Rebecca Levine.
Thursdays             Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25; Mar. 4, 11, 18, 25; Apr. 13, 20.
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm                                            
$130; registration required - call 973-530-3521
Location: Lautenberg JCC; Sponsor: JCC MetroWest

Intermediate Yiddish - Do you know a bisel Yiddish? Practice what you know and learn more vocabulary, phrases and grammar. Instructor: Rebecca Levine.
Tuesdays              Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23; Mar. 2, 9, 16, 23; Apr. 13, 20
12:30 pm - 1:30 pm                                         
$130; registration required - call 973-530-3521
Location: Lautenberg JCC; Sponsor: JCC MetroWest

Yiddish for Beginners - Begin to understand and speak Yiddish by learning basic vocabulary, grammar and conversation skills. Instructor: Rebecca Levine.
Thursdays                 Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25; Mar. 4, 11, 18, 25; Apr. 1, 8.              

8:10 pm - 9:10 pm                                            
$130; registration required - call 973-530-3521
Location: Lautenberg JCC; Sponsor: JCC MetroWest.

We are happy to announce that the Spring/Summer atalogue will be available shortly in pdf format.

Prayer Classes

Deeper Insights Into Prayer - Join women of all affiliations and ages to expand your Jewish knowledge and consciousness in an intimate, soulful setting. Instructor: DevorahKlar.
Wednesdays         Every week.
12:30 pm - 1:30 pm.
$18; includes lunch; registration not required.
This class is limited to women only.
Location & Sponsor: Lubavitch Center of Essex County

Tefillati, My Prayer: Making sense of the Siddur--This participatory class will explore the basics of prayer, investigate the meaning of our communal practices and will allow you to ask questions you've always thought, but never asked...Open to all levels. Taught by Rabbi Menashe East.
Tuesday Evenings             
8:00 pm
Free; No registration required
Location & Sponsor: Mount Freedom Jewish Center

Jewish History

Evolution of Jewish Law - This course will trace the evolution of Halakha, Jewish Law, from the early Biblical Texts through modern rulings by each movement.  Emphasis will be placed on the development of systems for interpretation, eventually using specific issues (medical ethics, identity and gender classification) as examples. Instructor: Rabbi StevenBayar.
Monday Mornings
9:30 am - 10:30 am.
Free; Registration not required.
Location & Sponsor: Congregation B'nai Israel (M)

A Stroll Along the Timeline of Biblical History - Rabbi Daniel Cohen will lead participants in a visual journey through Torah, Prophets and Writings with an eye toward the great many periods of history in our ancient texts.
Monday                        April 12
7:00 pm.
Free; no registration required.
Location & Sponsor: Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel.

Unraveling the Mystery of Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel's Torahs - Join Torah scribe and educator Zerach Greenfield as he deciphers and shares the stories behind Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel's Torahs. What part of the world do they come from? How old are they? What clues can teach us about a Torah scroll's unique history?
Wednesday                  April 28
7:00 pm.
Free; no registration required.
Location & Sponsor: Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel.

A History of Jewish Thought - Study the history of Jewish thought from Philo to Mendelsohn. Instructor: Rabbi Alan Silverstein.
Wednesdays         Feb. 10, 17, 24; Mar.  3, 10, 17, 24; Apr. 7, 14, 21, 28;  May 5
10:30 am - 11:30 am.
$150; registration required - call 973-530-3521.
Location: Lautenberg JCC; Sponsor: JCC MetroWest.

AWe are happy to announce that the Spring/Summer 2010 catalogue will be available in pdf format shortly.  Read below for current classes. 

Holocaust

Holocaust Lunch and Learn - Each month, hear the stories of people who lived through the Holocaust. Speakers are survivors, liberators and POWs. Lee Merel, George Greene, and Herman and Lee Loewenstein. Facil­itator: Barbara Wind, Director, UJC Holocaust Council.
Tuesday                Feb.  9, May 11
Wednesdays          Apr. 14, June 2
Noon - 1:30 pm
Free; registration not required.
Bring a dairy lunch.
Location: Aidek Fam Camp; Sponsor: Holocaust Council.

How Do Historians Argue about the Holocaust - Join Rabbi Norman Patz as he teaches this unique course.
Tuesday                March 9 and March 16
7:30 pm.
Free; No registration required.
Location & Sponsor: Temple Sholom of West Essex.

Live Theater at Temple Sholom  - See a staged reading of "The Last Cyclist". Originally written by Karel Svenk in the Terezin ghetto at the end of 1943 and adapted and reframed by Naomi Patz, this show is a dark, absurdist comedy that opens a window onto a little known aspect of Jewish resistance to the Nazis during the holocaust. 
Saturday               May 1 
Sunday                 May 2
For times call 973-239-1321.
Free; No registration required.
Location & Sponsor: Temple Sholom of West Essex.

Philosophy/Theology

Lunch N' Learn - Join Rabbi Mark Cooper for lunch and discussion of a topic of Jewish interest, on the second Tuesday of each month. Bring your own kosher dairy lunch. Coffee and dessert will be served.
Wednesdays                         Feb. 10; March 10; April 14;May 12; June 9
12:00 - 1:00 pm.
Free; registration not required
Location & Sponsor: Oheb Shalom Congregation.

The Theology of Meaning, purpose and Suffering: An Interfaith Dialogue  -- Why are we here?  Do we have some kind of purpose for living?  While we are here, why do we sometimes experience suffering?  Indeed, the ideas of meaning, purpose and suffering are concepts as age-old as the world itself. In this course, Rabbi Matthew D. Gewirtz will address these questions as well as many others through the study of some of some of the most prominent and distinguished theologians. As a special feature, we will also invite a Christian theologian
and a Muslim theologian to offer their perspective on these paramount questions as well.
Sundays                                March 7, 14, and 21
9:45 am - 11:30 am
Location & Sponsor: Cong. B'nai Jeshurun. 

Jewish Mysticism - In this course we will examine selected classical Midrash (Narrative interpretations on the Bible) and learn about Rabbinic mystical issues and beliefs. Instructor: Rabbi Steven Bayar.
Thursday mornings 
10:00 am - 11:00 am.
Free; No registration required.
Location & Sponsor: Congregation B'nai Israel (M).

Kabbalah, Introduction to the Zohar- A pre-Lurianic study of the original introduction to the Kabbalah with an emphasis on understanding the secrets necessary to uncover the Kabalistic approach to the mysteries of Judaism.  This class will be presented in English from a direct translation of the Aramaic text.  Instructor: Rabbi Aaron Kriegel.
Mondays at 10:00 AM; Wednesdays at 4:20 PM
Free; No registration required.
Location & Sponsor: Cong. Beth Ahm of West Essex.

Lessons in Tanya - Chabad Chassidus is an all-embracing world outlook which sees the Jew's central purpose as a unifying link between the Creator and His world. Written by the Alter Rebbe, Tanya is the central text of Chabad Chassidus. Instruc­tor:  Rabbi Mendy Kasowitz.
Mon-Fri Every weekday
After 8:00 am Schacharis Minyan 8:45 am for 15 minutes.
Free; registration not required.
Location & Sponsor: Lub. Center of Essex County.

Chasidic Discourse - This class is not your average lesson. It's actually quite an intense experience - more like a spiritual journey. Instructor: Rabbi Moshe Herson, Dean of the Rabbinical College of America.
Saturdays              Every Shabbos morning
8:30 am.
Free; registration not required.
Location & Sponsor: Lubavitch Center of Essex County.

Every Week Kabbalah - Tune up the engine of your soul. Using the template of the Kabbalists, this course will provide tools for powering your personality for maximum perfor­mance and efficiency. You'll learn how to restore balance and meaning to your life. Instructor: Rabbi Avraham Bechor.
Mondays               Every week
7:30 pm - 9:00 pm.
Free; registration not required.
Location & Sponsor: Jewish Learning Institute of Morris County.

Shabbat Scholars - Join Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel as it welcomes monthly Shabbat Scholars to give talks on various topics at the congregation's 6:00 pm worship service. If you have a "Thirst" for knowledge and beverages from local Microbreweries, then this is the class for you. Torah will come alive and be meaningful as you study in an amiable group setting. Instructor: Rabbi Mark Mallach.
Fridays                   March 12: The Internal Battle for Islamic Identity in the Middle East. Jonathan Schanzer is the Deputy Executive Director of the Jewish Policy Center in Washington, D.C. and author of the new book Hamas Vs. Fatah: The Struggle for Palestine. He was a counterterrorism analyst for the Office of Intelligence and Analysis at the U.S. Department of the Treasury. He has published widely and has appeared on American television such as Fox News and CNN, as well as Arab television including Al-Jazeera.
                             April 23: From Krakow to Krypton: Jews and Comics.  Arie Kaplan is a screen and comedy writer, entertainment journalist and author of From Krakow to Krypton, a National Jewish Book Award Finalist and a Sophie Brody Award Honor Book. His work has appeared on Cartoon Network and in Entertainment Weekly, MAD magazine, MTV's Total Request Live, National Lampoon and Reform Judaism Magazine.
6:00 pm. Continue learning at the Shabbat Dinner following services.                          Services and Lecture Free; Fee and Registration required for dinner -  For information contact Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel office at  973-763-4116 0r email thorwitz@tsti.org.                Free; No registration required.
Location & Sponsor: Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel.

We are happy to announce that the Spring/Summer 2010 catalogue will be available shortly in pdf format. Current classes are also listed here. 

Rituals, Holidays, and Lifecycles

Rosh Chodesh: A Monthly Women's Gathering - Join a warm community of women as we celebrate the study in the Jewish tradition. This year, we look at a different Kabbalistic sefirah (emanation of God) each month; you may join at any time. Instructor: Rabbi Robin Nafshi.
Thursdays             Feb. 25 (Assisted Suicide)
                           Mar. 25 (Body Art & Cosmetic Surgery)
12:30 pm - 2:00 pm.
$15 per session; registration required - call 973-530-3521.
Location: Cooperman JCC; Sponsor: JCC MetroWest.

Good Grief: Judaism, The End of Life and Finding Peace - Learn about: 1) Jewish beliefs about death and the afterlife; 2) Grieving and Jewish Traditions for mourning; and 3) Finding solace and ultimate healing.  With Rabbi Clifford Kulwin and Ann L. Hicks, LCSW JFS Social Worker Consultant.
Wednesday      Feb. 24 and Mar. 3
7:30 pm.
Free; registration requested - call Ann Hicks at 973-994-2290 or email her at ahicks@tbanj.org.
Location & Sponsor Temple B'nai Abraham.

Shabbat Seder -- Gather to enjoy a traditional Shabbat dinner, sing Zemirot (songs) and meet new friends. Families and singles are encouraged to attend. Facilitators: Rabbi Benjamin Adler and Cantor Matthew Klein.
Fridays                   Feb. 5, March 5, April 16
6:15 - 9:00 PM.
$18 per adult for all programs; less for children; registration required - call 973-627-4500.
Location & Sponsor: White Meadow Temple.

 At Home in ... -- This series of three classes will help students feel more familiar with parts of Jewish life that can seem overwhelming: services and kashrut. Instructor: Rabbi Benjamin Adler.
Sunday                  April 25 At Home in a Kosher Kitchen Are you interested in making you home kosher but just too overwhelmed by the thought of learning all the rules? Have you made the mistake of washing your friends meat dishes with the milk sponge by accident? Learn the ins and outs of keeping kosher and what it takes to abide by the Jewish dietary laws in the 21^st century. (This class will be taught in someone's home).
9:30 AM.
$18; registration required - call 973-627-4500.
Location & Sponsor: White Meadow Temple.

Next Steps on your Jewish Journey -- This year-long program is for those who are actively seeking the next step in their Jewish journey. The diverse, in-depth curriculum will include training for those wishing to celebrate Adult B'nai Mitzvah. For those who have already celebrated Bnai Mitzvah, this course will also provide the "next steps" to enable you to learn new synagogue skills, adopt the practice of additional mitzvot or learn more about Jewish law, and allow us to explore Jewish beliefs and practices. We will conclude our year of study with a joyous Shabbat celebration on June 19, 2010 which will provide us the opportunity to share our newly acquired skills & learning! Instructors: Rabbi Francine Roston, Cantor Perry Fine, Director of Congregational Learning Sherri Morris and Rabbinic Intern Micah Liben.
Thursday evenings
7:30pm-9:30pm.
Free; No registration required.
Location & Sponsor: Congregation Beth El.

Israel, Diaspora, and Denominations

The Spectrum of Life in Modern American Judaism: Past, Present, and Future-
This Lichtman Lehrhaus will feature a panel of three rabbis - Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform. Following a light breakfast, they will present their views on trends in their respective denominations, including religious life, communal involvement, and causes or impediments to growth.  The panelists are Rabbi Rex Perlmeter, Director of the New Jersey and West Hudson Valley Region of the Union for Reform Judaism; Rabbi Eliezer Rubin, Principal of the Joseph Kushner Hebrew Academy in Livingston; and Rabbi Mark Cooper of Oheb Shalom Congregation.
Sunday             March 21
10:00 AM - Noon.
Free; no registration required, however, if you register in advance you will receive a complimentary breakfast.
Location & Sponsor: Oheb Shalom Congregation

Israeli Night Out -- Karachi lectures in Hebrew (unless otherwise noted)--  This fascinating series of lectures will give us a unique outlook on Judaism and Jewish Philosophy, and its relevancy in our day-to-day lives. All are welcome. No preliminary knowledge is necessary. All lectures are based on Biblical Talmudic and Kabbalah sources. All lectures are given by Rabbi Yinon Kalazan, world renowned lecturer, and a senior speaker in Arachim Israel. For further information on Arachim, check www.arachim.co.il
Saturday Night  Feb-6-2010   7:30PM - 9:00PM   
It's All about Love: What is love ? How can we bridge the gap between the expectations and the reality? We will have a short Havdalah ceremony before the lecture *       
Friday Thru -Monday, February 12-13-14-15
Arachim Retreat on Presidents' Day  Weekend  Join us for this amazing long              weekend. We are offering 5 star accommodations in Stamford, CT at a beautiful retreat (an hour drive from MetroWest). We offer full 4 days camp for your kids, so you can really be relaxed and enjoy the content and  atmosphere.  We will have sessions about  understanding G-D, Torah and science, Torah  and modern Psychology, the Jewish nation as the chosen people, how it all started, relationship & personal growth, children's education, the recipe to keep the next generations Jewish... and more. We are running 2 parallel sessions in Hebrew and English and we will have 6 of the top Jewish educators in the world. This is a paid event. Call or email for details.
Monday night    March-8-2010   8:15PM - 10:00PM 
Respect your Parents. As one of the Ten   Commandments, this topic is a very high priority   in Judaism. Why is it so important? What is the relevance of it to us as adults, and to the upbringing of our children? How should one respect his parents?
Monday night April-12-2010   8:00PM -9:30PM   
Rabbi Shimon Bar-Yochai & Torat Kabbalah: Who was Rabbi Shimon Bar-Yochai ? What is Kabbalah? How is Kabbalah applicable in our time?
Monday May-3-2010   8:00PM -9:30PM  
The National Revelation at Sinai Did it really happen? Is it a belief or a historical fact? What really happened there?
Lectures are free; registration is not required, but appreciated.  Suggested donation is $10 per person.
For any questions: Guy 646-552-6666 guy@netef.com or Shay Savy (973) 570-0385.
Location for all lectures: Cooperman JCC, West Orange.
Sponsor: Legow Family Israel Program Center, UJC of MetroWest NJ.

THE "BIG THREE" - FROM NEWARK TO THE SUBURBS: OHEB SHALOM, B'NAI ABRAHAM, B'NAI JESHURUN - The annual Beth Torah Lecture will be co-sponsored by Oheb Shalom's Men's Club, who will prepare a "pancakes-plus" breakfast for the Lecture attendees. Following breakfast, Linda Forgash, Executive Director of the New Jersey Jewish Historical Society, will discuss the historical evolution of Oheb Shalom from its origins in Newark to the present time. Her talk will show how Oheb Shalom's history related to that of B'nai Abraham and B'nai Jeshurun, as well as to Beth Torah and Beth El.
Sunday  May 16
10:00 AM - Noon.
Free; no registration required, however, if you register in advance you will receive a complimentary breakfast.
Location & Sponsor: Oheb Shalom Congregation

Tough Love: Rethinking What's Best for American Jews - Professor Jack Wertheimer, former Provost of the Jewish Theological Seminary, is one of the most respected, eclectic and talked-about Jewish scholars in the world. He has written books on Jews in 19^th century Germany and 20^th century America, as well as volumes focusing on education, Jewish practice, and challenges confronting contemporary Jewry. His most recent work challenges long held assumptions about assimilation and anti-Semitism, as he articulates a way forward for a healthy, vibrant American Jewish community in the 21^st century. Not everyone agrees with him which makes his message all the more important.
Wednesday           March 17
7:30 pm.
Free; no registration required.
Location & Sponsor: Temple B'nai Abraham.

We are happy to announce that the Spring/Summer 2010 catalogue will shortly be available in pdf format. Check here for current classes.

 Politics, Current Events, Culture, and Interfaith

 Christian-Jewish Dialogue -Church of the Holy Spirit, Congregation Beth Ahm with other churches will begin a 7^th semester of our Christian-Jewish dialogue. This program will highlight the text from the prophets, including Isaiah, Jeremiah and zekiel.
Mondays                              
7:30 PM.
Free; No registration required.
Location & Sponsor: Congregation Beth Ahm of West Essex

Family Meals: Coming Together to Care for an Aging Parent: Michael Tucker and Jill Eikenberry
Michael Tucker was born into a very large extended family which lived locally and gathered frequently. He and his wife Jill Eikenberry fostered a more modern approach to family - they both pursued their careers and then when their children grew, they moved far away.  Jill's mother was widowed and soon after fell into a pronounced dementia, resulting in a change in the family dynamic.  Michael and Jill's "sandwich generation" story will resonate with all who hear it.
Friday Evening                     March 19
7:00pm
Location & Sponsor: Cong. B'nai Jeshurun

Heavenly  Sex: Sex in the Jewish Tradition--Dr. Ruth Westheimer is a Psychosexual Therapist who helped pioneer the field of Media Psychology with her radio program "Sexually Speaking" which began in September, 1980 as a 15-minute taped show that aired in New York. Today "Sexually Speaking" can be heard across the country and is part of a communications network that distributes Dr. Westheimer's expertise via television, books , newspapers, games, home video and computer software. Dr. Westheimer is a pioneer in spreading what she has labeled "sexual literacy." She has been twice named "College Lecturer of the Year."
Friday Evening                     April 16
7:00pm.
Location & Sponsor: Cong. B'nai Jeshurun.

An Exclusive Conversation with Marlee Maitlin and Henry Winkler - Henry Winkler became Marlee Maitlin's mentor after he saw her in a production at the Center on Deafness, a community theater.  Together for the first time on stage, Winkler and Matlin delight audiences with an intimate dialogue revealing their profound connection and individual journeys. Through humorous anecdotes, inspirational life lessons and moving stories, Winkler and Matlin explore themes of overcoming adversity and believing in oneself. And like most family members, they interrupt each other - but often to finish each other's sentences. Their magical bond and engaging chemistry is enhanced by their shared belief that anything is possible if you follow your dreams.
Thursday Evening               April 29
7:30pm.
Free/Registration required.
Location & Sponsor: Cong. B'nai Jeshurun.

Sermons in Song: Songs of Faith -  Join Cantor Howard M. Stahl and the volunteer and professional Choir as they enhance and give life to the worship experience.  From Bach to Broadway, from shtetl to symphony hall, composers have been moved to express their belief and faith in God through glorious music in a diverse array of styles.  Come and hear beautiful musical examples from the secular, sacred, classical and popular repertoire, along with enlightening commentary.
Friday Evening                     May 21
7:00pm.
Location & Sponsor: Cong. B'nai Jeshurun.

Workshops and Talks - Join Rabbi Amy Small and selected congregants and speakers as they teach and lecture on various topics.
Saturdays           Feb. 6: Book Club, The Coffee Trader by David Liss, led congregant and editor Leslie Weber.
                                Feb. 20: Rabbi Amy Small, Maimonides and the healing of souls.
                                February 27: Rabbi Amy Small, A Women's Passover Seder.
                        March 5: Natasha Gluzman, Shlicha, Israeli Emmisary Topic TBA.
                        March 13: Ariann Weitzman, Rabbinical Student, Topic TBA.
                        March 26: Joel Bogorad, Esq. American rights versus Jewish Obligation.
                        April 3: Rabbi Amy Small, workshop The Divergence of & Distinctions.
                        between Christianity from Judaism. 
                                April 10: Rabbi, author and  translator Lenny Levin, Introduction to            the work of Abraham Joshua Heschel.
                        April 17: Author Pamela Erens will lead a book club discussion, book TBA.
                        April 23: Rabbi Lenny Levin, Heschel and Reconstructionism.
                        May 1: Rabbi Amy Small, Jews and the Civil Rights Movement.
                        May 8: Ariann Weitzman, Rabbinical Student, Women in Jewish Justice & Tradition, Part  1.
                        May 15: Ariann Weitzman, Rabbincial Student  Women in Jewish Justice & Tradition, Part 2.
                        May 22: Ariann Weitzman, Women in justice & tradition, Part 3.
                        May 29: Rabbi Amy Small, The Future of Judaism.  Can Jewish social   networking tools trump rising tides of intermarriage?
                        June 12: Rabbi Amy Small, Books that Almost made the Bible.
9:45 am - 10:45 am.
Free; No registration required.
Location & Sponsor: Congregation Beth Hatikva.

Tuesdays at the TBJ Cafe - Join us for drop in sessions on various topics.  Bring your lunch and we'll provide dessert.
Tuesday                March 2 - Art Docent Catherine Lawrence
                            April 13 - Led by Rabbi Matthew Gewirtz
                            May 4 - Led by Richard S. Abrams
11:30 am - 1:00 pm.
Free; No registration required.
Location & Sponsor: Temple B'nai Jeshurun.

Pre-Service Meditation - Are you curious about Jewish Meditative Practices? There is evidence in the Talmud that our Rabbis meditated before they prayed in order to focus their hearts in worship of God. Rabbi Mark Mallach will lead a guided meditation /study based on the weekly Torah Portion every Saturday morning before the service.
Saturdays              Beginning March 6 
 8:45 am - 9:15 am.
Free; no registration required.
Location & Sponsor: Temple Beth Ahm Yisrael

Meet the Author  - Frances Wexler O'Connell will talk about her book The Apostate's Daughter . A powerful novel that centers on a young woman's dilemma perpetuating her family's lie or revealing the truth.  
Saturday                May 15
11:00 am.
Free; No registration required.
Location & Sponsor: Temple Sholom of West Essex

Meditation - Tuesday morning and Wednesday evening meditation class are available through the JCC Fitness Center. Instructor: Karen Frank, RN.
Tuesdays              9:30 am -10:30 am
Wednesdays        7:30 pm-8:30 pm
Dates vary; for details check  jccmetrowest.org.
Fees vary; registration required ­- call 973-530-3515.
Location: Cooperman JCC; Sponsor: JCC MetroWest.

Music of the Great Jewish Broadway and Hollywood Composers -- Join a discussion and performance of the music of three great Jewish Composers of the 20^th Century. Be ready to sing along to some of their songs from The Wizard of Oz, West Side Story, Guys and Dolls and How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying. The last of a three-session series led by Seth Saltzman.
Sunday              March 14 (The Music of Frank Loesser)
7:00 PM.
$8 per session; Registration Requested
Location & Sponsor: Congregation B'nai Shalom.

Meditation Open Sit - The Health and Healing Center Meditation Room at the Cooperman JCC is available for anyone to come in and sit in a relaxing quiet space. Come to meditate, open your mind, or just relax.
Mon-Fri
6:00 am - 8:00 am
Free; registration not required.
Location: Cooperman JCC; Sponsor: JCC MetroWest.

Kol Dodi: The MetroWest Jewish Community Chorale - Our mission is to sing and perform high quality Jewish choral music, and to serve as ambas­sadors to the community at large. If you like to harmo­nize, please contact either instructor: Cantors Riki Lippitz (973-762-7067) or Joel Caplan (973-226-3600).
Thursdays             Jan. 7, 14, 21, 28; Feb.4, 11, 18, 25; Mar. 4, 11, 18, 25
7:50 pm - 9:45 pm.
$55 (if both spouses/partners join, the second pays $25); registration required - call 973-530-3521.
Location: Cooperman JCC; Sponsor: JCC MetroWest.

Israeli Music: Its History and Diversity - Join us for a series of three lectures. Instructor: Cantor Inna Serebro-Litvak .
Friday                     February 25, April 22 
7:30 pm
Free; No registration required.
Location & Sponsor: Temple Beth Am, Parsippany.