Center for Jewish Living & Learning
Classes, Lectures and Programs Winter/Spring 2012
Click here for a schedule of Center for Jewish Living & Learning classes, lectures and programs
Kulanu: An Adult Jewish Learning Collaborative
Kulanu is an initiative for adult Jewish learning developed in cooperation with Jewish organizations across Houston. Kulanu, which means "all of us," is designed to offer learning opportunities for adults of all backgrounds and interests. The following mini-courses will be offered.
Beginner Conversational Hebrew
This course will teach the foundations of everyday spoken Hebrew. You will learn to build simple sentences and have a basic conversation. Acquaintance with Hebrew alphabet required.
Advanced Conversational Hebrew
This course is suitable for those who read and comprehend Hebrew at a more advanced level but wish to expand their vocabulary and develop their fluency.
Beginning Hebrew - Level 1
This introductory course is a program of letter recognition, reading proficiency, building vocabulary, and learning basic phrases using the Hebrew textbook series Aleph Isn’t Tough. Bring your lunch to class.
Beginning Hebrew - Level 2
This class builds on the reading skills established in the level one class. The focus will be on building reading fluency and a basic vocabulary to increase understanding. The course uses the Hebrew textbook Aleph isn’t Enough.
Read Hebrew America
Via the National Jewish Outreach Program, thousands of Jewish Adults gather in hundreds of locations across North America to learn to read Hebrew. You can be one of them! This is a good course to take in preparation for the ERJCC course Beginning Hebrew - Level 1
The Women's Beit Midrash
Join a group of Women for the study of Biblical and Rabbinic texts. A basic knowledge of Hebrew is helpful.
Turn it and Turn it
Join us for a weekly discussion of the Torah portion using both classic and modern commentaries. No knowledge of Hebrew required.
Lectures
Center for Jewish Living & Learning Scholar Series
The Last Century that Shattered the World and Transformed the Jewish People
A four lecture series will bring a single scholar to our community for a series of lectures over the course of 4 - 5 months. Learn more...
The Jewish Ethicist: A Five Part Series on Everyday Ethics for Life
Explore practical, contemporary ethical dilemmas spanning medicine, business and legal topics, discussed through the prism of Jewish ethics and philosophy. Session 1: Negotiating with Terrorists and Prisoner Exchanges in Light of Gilad Shalit. Session 2: Cosmetic Surgery. Session 3: Email Ethics. Session 4: Contending With Catastrophe: Jewish Perspectives on 9/11. Session 5: Gender Reassignment.
The Presidents and the Jews
Since George Washington wrote to the Jews of Rhode Island, American Jews have had an ongoing relationship with our nation’s highest office. This course will discuss the relationship that American presidents have had both to the Jewish community and to Jews within their administration. Administrations to be discussed include those of George Washington, Ulysses S. Grant, Theodore Roosevelt, William Howard Taft, and Warren Harding.
Should Women Study Torah?
Now in its third year, join a group of women for the study of Bible and Rabbinic texts each Monday night at the Women’s Beit Midrash. In these sessions we will explore the Talmud’s discussion on the authority of women to study Torah. Texts may be studied in English or the original.
In the Kitchen with Laykie Donin of Laykie’s Gourmet
Join us for four sessions with Laykie Donin of Laykie’s Gourmet, one of Houston’s exceptional kosher caterers. Laykie, a former math and Jewish Studies teacher with a passion for gourmet food in a beautiful setting, opened her catering business three years ago to rave reviews. Here is your opportunity to learn a few of her secrets and taste some delicious food. Classes are held at a private, kosher home.
The Book was Better: Jewish Literature from Stage to Screen
Since the inception of modern cinema, literature has always been a potent source of ideas, stories, and themes for the big screen. Jewish literature in all its varieties has also spawned many cinematic adaptations. In this course we will take a closer look at five different works of Jewish literature – originally written in Yiddish, Hebrew, and English – and their film versions. We will discuss both the themes and ideas raised by the literature itself and the similarities and differences between the texts and the films; with special attention to the way that historical context affects cultural productions.
Maimonides on the Issues of Our Times
One of Judaism's greatest thinkers, Moses Maimonides, addressed the most pressing issues of his own times for Jews - many of which reflect concerns today. His life experience and writings included addressing the challenge of radical Islam, conversion, women's issues, anti-Semitism, interfaith relations, secular versus religious education, Jewish communal responsibility and medical ethics. We will explore these and other related topics in Maimonides' writings such as his Mishneh Torah, Guide for the Perplexed, various letters and other writings.
The Menorah at the Alamo?
Unlocking the Myths and Secrets of Jewish Identities in the Americas
The idea of secret Jews in the southwest United States is an intriguing subject that has captivated readers for the past two decades. In this course, narratives surrounding the idea of hidden Jews that came to the Americas from Spain after 1492 will be discussed and analyzed, including a story about two menorahs located in the Alamo museum. The Mexican colonial period will be presented as well as present day explorations of American families who attest to having a secret Jewish heritage that dates to Sephardic Spain. This two part series is in collaboration with the Jewish Studies Initiative of the University of Houston.
Click here for schedules of all Center for Jewish Living & Learning classes, lectures and programs currently offered. For more information please contact Naomi Barancik at nbarancik@erjcchouston.org or 713-729-3200 ext. 3288.
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