Adult Education

Throughout the year, our rabbi offers classes in varying topics of Judaic interest.  Each Shabbat morning we offer a Chevrah Torah discussion on the weekly portion.  This year, we plan to offer:

Book Club:  Monday, September 15, 8:15 PM

Kabbalah: A Love Story, by Rabbi Lawrence Kushner

Although Kabbalah has become one of today's pop-cultural buzzwords, neither this mystical branch of Judaism nor its masterwork, the Zohar, a mystical commentary on the Torah, are well understood. In his first novel, Kushner bypasses the instructive tone used in his nonfiction and plunges into the heart of Kabbalah, opening up the topic so that stories about time, history, and love come swirling out.

SPECIAL CLASS:  Entering the Mishkan (Sanctuary)

—an introduction to our new Prayer Book.

Monday, October 29, 8:15 pm

Join Rabbi Goloboy as we take a close look at the Reform Movement’s (and our own) new Prayer Book.  We’ll begin a conversation that will continue throughout this inaugural year.

 Lunch and Learn

All are welcome to join in this discussion class.  No outside reading is required, and both regular and occasional students will feel comfortable participating.

This year’s topic will be Themes of Kabbalah:  Dipping our Toes into the Jewish Mystical Tradition.

This class meets biweekly, 12 pm, beginning Wednesday, October 15.  Please bring a bag lunch.  Fall 2008 Meeting Dates:  October 15 and 29; November 12 and 26; December 10.

Adult B’nai Mitzvah

Introductory meeting:  Wednesday, October 15, 7:30 pm.

If you have not had the opportunity to celebrate Bar or Bat Mitzvah, or if you did so long ago and would like to refresh your Jewish knowledge, Hebrew ability, and service leading skills, please come to this information session.  Those who are interested will complete Hebrew I  and Basic Judaism in the fall, then prepare for a late spring or early fall Shabbat service beginning in January.

Hebrew I for Adults

Wednesday Evenings, 7:30-8:30 pm, October 22 through December 17 (no meeting November 26)

For all those interested in learning to read Hebrew toward the goal of prayer proficiency.  A requirement for those considering adult B’nai Mitzvah, highly recommended for parents of our Religious School students, and open to all.

Text:  Aleph Isn’t Tough, Book 1, Linda Motzkin

Charge for Textbook:  $16.00

Basic Judaism

Wednesday Evenings, 8:30-9:45 pm, October 22 through December 17 (no meeting November 26)

This will be both an introduction and a review of the basic concepts of Judaism.  Topics will include calendar, life cycle, history, texts, comparative religion, prayerbook, and theology.  This class is open to all, Jewish or not, but is a requirement for those considering Adult B’nai Mitzvah or conversion.

Text:  Settings of Silver, 2nd Edition, Stephen M. Wylen,

Charge for Textbook:  $20.00

Supplemental handouts and recommended reading list will be provided.

Other Adult Education Opportunities

Melton Adult Mini-School,

Sunday mornings at PJC, beginning September 14, and other locations in Nassau and Suffolk Counties

The Florence Melton Adult Mini-School offers the opportunity to acquire Jewish literacy in an open, intellectually stimulating learning environment.  You will continue through a sequential two-year course developed specifically for adult learners. Classes meet one day a week, in this case Sunday mornings at PJC, throughout the academic year. There are no examinations, and the only prerequisite is a commitment to learning. 

For more information about this and other J-Learn programs, please visit www.ujafedny.org/jlearn or contact Beverly Wachtel at J-Learn, 516-677-1830. 

2.  Herbert Tarr North Shore Institute for Adult Education:  This program meets in the fall at Temple Sinai in Roslyn and involves both a lecture series and local rabbis teaching 3-week classes.  Rabbi Goloboy will be teaching “Women in the Talmud” in November.  For more information, please pick up a brochure at PJC or visit www.HerbertTarr.org. 

Our Rabbi always welcomes suggestions and considers requests for classes.  In addition, she is available to members for individual educational direction.

In addition, Port Jewish Center partners with regional organizations.  Beginning fall, 2008, PJC will be a host site for J-Learn's regional offering, the Florence Melton Adult Mini-School.

PJC also participates in the Herbert Tarr North Shore Institute for Adult Education.