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Full Array of Adult Education Programs Slated for 2007-08.........posted Sep 20, 2007

From presentations on Israel at 60 years old and the state of Conservative Judaism to a three-night film fest and a course in Jewish literacy, the 2007-08 lineup of adult education activities at Tikvat Israel promises to whet everyone's appetite for learning.

RSVPs for all classes is essential. Reservations can be made by phone (301-762-7338) or via e-mail ( execdir@tikvatisrael.org). A nominal fee will be charged for some events.

Here's a rundown of what's planned (in no particular order).

• Sunday Morning Discussions. Topics are "Jewish Perspectives on Dissent," Dec. 16 and "The Supreme Court Decision on Abortion," Jan. 13.
• Six for 60: Six Lectures on Israel at 60. Events related to Israel in celebration of Israel's 60th anniversary in 2008. Details forthcoming. Dates: Nov. 11, Feb. 3, Feb. 24, March 9, April 13 and a final date to be determined.
• Israeli Film Festival. Saturday evenings, Jan. 5, 12 and 19 (snow date Jan. 26). Refreshments and lively discussions following each movie. Film titles to be announced shortly.
• Classes led by Rabbi Howard Gorin.
  • "Jewish Literacy 101: Finding God in the Masterworks of Judaism's Library." Biblical Literature (Oct. 11), Rabbinical Literature (Nov. 8), Codes of Law (Dec. 13) and Bible Commentary (Jan. 10)
  • "Whither?/Wither? The Conservative Movement." Commitment ceremonies and the ordination of gays and lesbians -- their impact on the future of Conservative Judaism (10/30, 11/6, 11/20 and fourth session (TBA)
  • "History of the Siddur?" (May 13, 20 and 27)
  All sessions with the rabbi begin after minyan.
• "The Jewish Diaspora: Scattered Among the Nations." 8 p.m. on Thursdays Oct. 18, Nov. 1, Nov. 15 and Nov. 29, led by Neil Newman. The four-part seminar will try to answer these questions: How did the Jewish people survive in the Diaspora? Who were the "heroes" and the "villains?" This is designed as an interactive exploration and survey of the Jewish Diaspora. This course has been postponed.
• Scholar's Weekend. March 28 and 29. The visiting scholar this year is Rabbi Burton Visotzky from the Jewish Theological Society. Details on the topics he will address will be forthcoming.
• Kabbalah Discussion Group. 8 p.m. Wednesdays. Sessions to be led by Rabbi Yaakov Lipsky. Contact Louise Chatlynne for more information at 301-330-9349
• Sessions led by Rabbi Alana Suskin.
  • "Feminism and Liturgy Discussion Group." Dates to be announced.
  • "Chevruta B'kehila: Friendship in the Holy Community." Dates to be announced.
  For information, contact Rabbi Suskin at rabbi.al@gmail.com.
• Jewish Literacy 101. Four sessions to be offered in the spring, led by Rabbi Alana Suskin and Rabbi Moshe Faierstein. "Mystical and Hasidic Literature," February 4, 2008; "Philosophical Literature," March 3, 2008; "Musar - Ethical Literature," April 7, 2008; and "Reponsa," May 5, 2008.
• Shabbat Study Group. A chance to study the weekly Torah portion with fellow congregants. Facilitators will rotate among members of the congregation. The group will meet after Kiddush for 45 minutes to an hour beginning Oct. 6.
• Sunday Morning Chumash Study. For specifics, contact Michele Eisenberg (301-774-0481 or michelebe@aol.com ) or Richard Stoll (301-946-8435 or artfabel@comcast.net ).

Other Events of Interest at Tikvat Israel:

• Discussion on Global Warming. Nov. 4. Led by Lisa Van Susteren, this session is sponsored by the Environmental Committee. For more information, contact Art Fabel at 301-460-5716 or artfabel@comcast.net.
• Shabbat with a Historic African American Jewish congregation in Philadelphia, Nov. 30. Rabbi Gorin will lead a group of congregants to spend Shabbat at Congregation Temple Beth El. Details forthcoming.
• Meditation. Weekly on Monday nights and Shabbat afternoons. Explore meditation using such techniques as silent meditation, chanting, walking meditation, and guided visualizations. Meditations are grounded in Torah study, and through contemplation, we seek a deeper understanding of Torah. Contact Janaki Kuruppu at jkuruppu@gmail.com or 301-509-1895.

If you are interested in planning programs or volunteering for individual events, please contact Betsy Miller at 301-279-0453 or bnahmiller@hotmail.com or Susan Apter at 301-460-9657 or skapter@comcast.net.