Introduction from Rabbi Meltzer

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Introduction from Rabbi Meltzer During 2015 we have conducted an extremely successful education program aimed at members of the ACT Jewish Community and members of the wider Canberra community.

3 Introduction from Rabbi Meltzer During 2015 we have conducted an extremely successful education program aimed at members of the ACT Jewish Community and members of the wider Canberra community. Our Jewish University classes travelled from A Z, looking at Abraham, through to Zionism, and everything in between including; kashrut, Shabbat, holidays, philosophy, Jewish values, and halachic responses to emerging technologies. These classes ran on Monday evenings at 7:45pm, and saw around 20 students each week exploring Jewish topics, and sharing ideas and thoughts between themselves. This class was a survey class that was aimed at those wanting to explore the basics of our faith, culture, and religion, while still being challenged. Our Exploring Tanach classes looked at a variety of topics from our Bible and explored them in depth. We ranged from Art through the book of Exodus, an in depth analysis of Melachim I (Kings I), to the apocrypha of Maccabees II. This was aimed at a more intermediate class. Both classes were run in the style of university classes, with source books and occasional guest lecturers. They were interactive and allowed participants to engage with a variety of topics, talking and sharing anecdotes that related to the topics and enhanced our learning experience. Throughout this booklet you will find a variety of programs throughout the week at different times of the year. Please have a look through the booklet and do not hesitate to be in touch with me if you have any questions. Have a fantastic summer, Rabbi Alon Meltzer

5 Contents Jewish Journeys Join us on Monday evenings as we explore eight different topics over the course of ten months. We will engage in discussions and open our minds to the smells, tastes, sights and sounds of Judaism in very practical terms. Please see our curriculum for details on specific classes and topics. This class will be stimulating and engaging, and is intended to those looking to build a foundation of Jewish knowledge. Two semesters. Members pay cost of books to be advised at the beginning of the semester & Non Members $90 (covers materials and course books) Semester one begins on February 8 th Semester two begins on August 8th Pressing Problems Join us on Thursday evenings, during the first semester, as we explore some of Judaism s greatest thinkers dealing with the most pressing issues of Judaism. We will explore in depth the responsum literature from throughout history using the source to guide us through the issues, hopefully finding the answer along the way. This class is intended as an intermediate class that is source based discussions. Sources will be provided in English as well as Hebrew/Aramaic One semester. Members pay cost of books to be advised at the beginning of the semester & Non Members $90 (covers materials and course books) Semester one begins on February 11 th Jewish Philosophy Join us on Thursday evenings, during the second semester, as we explore three important Jewish philosophical works; The Guide to the Perplexed by Maimonedes, Sefer Ikkarim by Rabbi Joseph Albo, and Kol Dodi Dofek by Rabbi Soloveitchik. The Guide to the Perplexed offers an insight into the fundamental principles of mankind, while Sefer Ikkarim deals with the building blocks of Judaism, and Kol Dodi Dofek explores the build up to the State of Israel and how the establishment of the State changed the very nature of Judaism. This class is intended as an intermediate class that is source based discussions. Sources will be provided in English as well as Hebrew/Aramaic One semester. Members pay cost of books to be advised at the beginning of the semester & Non Members $90 (covers materials and course books) Semester two begins on August 11 th Cook Jewish Be Jewish On the first Sunday of every month at 10:00am we will explore different recipes and foods of Jewish cultures from around the world. We will cook together, learn together and eat together. This will be a

6 practical class as well as an educational class. Please come with an apron and an empty stomach, willing to try new foods. Maximum 16 people per class Two Semesters of 5 classes each Members $25 per class or $100 per semester, Non Members $35 per class or $140 per semester Semester one begins February 7 th Semester two begins August 7 th Navigating the Siddur On the third Sunday of every month at 10:00am we will have a workshop exploring the siddur. We will be using the Koren Educational siddurim for weekdays and Shabbatot, to see the backgrounds surrounding the prayers, the reasons for saying them, and anecdotes regarding them. This will provide a contemporary running commentary on the prayers, and will give participants the opportunity to learn to navigate the siddur. This class will be aimed at those who are new to the siddur, all the way through to those who can lead services. Two Semesters of 5 classes each Members Free, Non Members $50 per semester Semester one begins February 7 th Semester two begins August 7 th Topical Talmud On the second Tuesday of the month, at 7:30pm, we will have an in-depth discussion of a particular topic, looking at associated Talmudic pieces, and other rabbinic literature. This will replace the running Talmud Shiur for that night (though the Talmud Shiur will continue to run all other Tuesdays). This class will be aimed at all levels, and all sources will be provided in English and in Hebrew. Two Semesters of 5 classes each Members and Non-Members Free Semester one begins February 8 th Semester two begins August 8 th Pints and Problems On one Tuesday of every month, we will explore a problem facing the Jewish people. We will be discussing the issue and seeing what Jewish sources have to say on the matter. This will be held at a local pub and will be aimed at young adults until the age of 35.

7 Two Semesters of 5 sessions each Members and Non-Members Free Semester one begins February 23 rd Semester two begins August 23 rd Hebrew Lessons We will announce more details of Hebrew lessons towards the start of the 2016 educational year.

and Music Philosophy Mysticism and Meditation

8 Monday Evenings at 7:45pm Eight Topics over Ten Months Ethics and the Real World Cinematography and Music Philosophy Mysticism and Meditation Festivals Shabbat Literature The Synagogue and Liturgy

9 Semester One February 8 Ethics and the Real World Jewish Ethics in Medicine February 15 February 22 February 29 We will have a panel of doctors who will discuss medical ethics in some of the most cutting edge procedures currently in medicine today. This will be interspersed with Jewish considerations. Jewish Ethics in Business We will have a panel of business people discussing ethical issues in business (Financial, HR, and Organisational). This will be interspersed with Jewish considerations and laws of business Jewish Ethics in Politics We will have local and federal politicians join us on a panel discussing some ethical considerations relating to foreign policy and social welfare. We will discuss the Torah views regarding these topics. Dina d Malchuta Dina How do we create a synthesis between the law of the state and the laws of the Torah? We will explore the fundamental ethics of being Jewish in a country like Australia. March 7 Mysticism and Meditation Letters to a Buddhist Jew March 14 Using Rabbi Akiva Tatz work of the same title, we will explore the Jewish fascination of religions of the east. Meditation and Hassidism Exploring some of the techniques of Hassidic

10 March 21 April 4 Meditation we will begin to understand the mystical approach that Hassidism has had over the course of its history. Madonna and Kaballah We will explore the fascination the world s super stars have with Kaballah, and why it has become so popular with non- Jewish people. Amulets and Signs We will explore how the world of amulets and signs have impacted the Jewish world of spirituality and superstition. April 11 Festivals Seder Games, Songs and Activities May 2 May 9 May 16 We will look at the practical side of running an engaging seder for kids of all ages. Seder: A time for learning During this class we will explore numerous haggadot and interpretations providing you with insight and understanding to the most observed ritual of the Jewish people. Festivals of Eight We will look at the connection between Channukah and Succot, and how the mythology of Channukah has removed its true origins. Feasting and Fasting We will look at how the feasts and fasts of the Jewish calendar are connected, and how these two physical states allow us to connect with the meanings of each festival.

11 May 23 Cinema and Music The Origins of Jewish Music May 30 June 6 June 13 We will explore the traditions of Jewish song and music from the Temple Times up until the Golden age of Chazzanut Judaism s Influence on Modern Music We will look at the role of the niggun, Jewish tunes, that have influenced modern music. Hollywood Motifs We will look at how Judaism has been represented through Hollywood cinema. Jewish Cinema We will explore the rise of Jewish cinema, and how Jews are taking back control of how our people are projected on the silver screen. June 20 Shabbat A Shabbat Table June 27 July 4 July 11 We will explore tunes of the Friday night Shabbat Table, and how stories have created a traditional Shabbat table over time. Shabbat Food We will taste our way through some traditional Shabbat foods, exploring their origins and why they became Shabbat staples. Welcoming the Shabbat Bride Explore the tunes and meanings of the Kabbalat Shabbat service. Key Moments in the Day of Rest We will explore key moments of the Shabbat service, looking at the history and reasons behind their inclusion and prominence.

12 Semester Two August 8 The Synagogue and Liturgy The Origins of the Beit HaKnesset August 15 August 22 August 29 We will look at archaeological theories as to why a Synagogue looks like it does, and will explore the transformation from simple meeting house to house of prayer and worship. Symbols of the Synagogue We will explore some of the halachic considerations to building a synagogue, and some of the traditional symbols found in synagogues around the world. Litany of Liturgy We will look at the development of prayers within the liturgy, and different theories of how they came to be, and the authority they have within the ritual of prayer. Where To Next? Prayer is one of the hardest areas to connect to. We will explore some of the ways various figures and groups are trying to revolutionise prayer. September 5 Philosophy Greek Philosophy September 12 We will explore how Greek philosophy was impacted by, and in turn impacts, Judaism. Looking at the bans on learning Greek Philosophy, and how it found its way into rabbinic literature. Ikkarim Roots of Judaism Many philosophers espoused fundamental principles of Judaism. We will look at

13 September 19 September 26 Maimonides, Joseph Albo, and the Ibn Ezra, who had various views on the non-negotiables of Judaism Rav Soloveitchik and Heschel We will explore how these two powerhouses of 20 th century American Jewish Philosophy compared to one another. Rav Kook: Planning the Establishment of the State of Israel We will look at how Rav Kook set up philosophical foundations for the State of Israel. November 7 Literature Sholom Aleichem November 14 November 21 We will explore the folk tales of Shalom Aleichem and how they have impacted the Jewish childhood. Famous Authors Exploring authors like Chaim Potok, Maurice Sendak, and Jodi Picoult, we will look at how Judaism, and Jewish thought has entered into their writing. Shakespeare and Chaucer We will look at how the Jew is portrayed in these works, and how Jewish ideas, through various avenues, have infiltrated some of the masters of English literature.

14 Thursday Evenings at 7:45pm Explore the responsa literature of some of Judaism s greatest thinkers, as we look at pressing problems and their solutions! This will be a text based class

15 February 11 Relationships and Lineage Civil Weddings February 18 February 25 We will look at the topic of whether civil weddings without a religious Jewish wedding require a Get. Ethiopian Jewry We will explore how it was decided that Ethiopian Jewry were a part of the Jewish people. Polygamy in Judaism We will explore the Takkanat Rabeinu Gershom prohibiting polygamy within Judaism. March 3 Medicine and Halacha Death in Judaism March 10 March 17 March 31 We will look at what constitutes as death in Judaism, cardiac or brain death? Organ Transplantation We will look at the halachic decision to Organ Donation, and the process that must be taken when donating and receiving. Womb or DNA We will explore whether the carrier or the DNA creates Jewish lineage a Jewish child. Life Support We will look at the halachic implications of life support in Judaism. April 7 Food Technologies Wine or Grape Juice We will explore the halachic ramifications of wine and grape juice with regards to making Kiddush on Friday nights or at the Seder

16 April 14 Microwaves on Shabbat We will look at whether Microwaves are suitable for use on Shabbat, based on Rav Moshe Feinstein s responsa. May 5 Men and Women Gender May 19 May 26 Does Judaism accept only two genders, or do we view gender on a spectrum. We will look at gender and gender transformations. Talmud Torah We will explore the revolution that was women learning Torah and how the sages of the day responded to the changes. Male and Female Roles in the Synagogue We will explore various views as to what is appropriate for men and women to lead during services. June 2 Music To Listen or Not to Listen June 16 We will look at whether prohibitions about listening to music during periods of mourning extends to recorded music Music After the Destruction of the Temple We will look at various views as to whether one can listen to music after the destruction of the Temple June 23 Israel Census in Israel The Torah advises that one cannot count the Jewish people, which created the question around a national census. We

17 June 30 July 7 will look at response based on this topic. Yom Haatzmaut We will look at whether it was appropriate to create a new festival for the entire Jewish people, and whether prayers like Hallel can be said. National Service We will explore the halachic ramifications of national service and the draft as debated by some of the Rabbis of the founding State.

18 JEWISH PHILOSPHY Thursday Nights at 7:45pm Semester Two Explore the philosophy of Maimonedes, Albo and Soloveitchik This will be a text based class

19 August 11 August 18 Maimonides s Moreh Nevuchim, The Guide to for the Perplexed The Guide for the Perplexed is the literary masterpiece of Moses Maimonides, who is considered the greatest Jewish thinker of all time. It compares the rationalism of Aristotle's philosophy from medieval scholars to Christian theologians in order to disclose the sublime mysteries of the divine. August 25 September 1 September 8 September 15 September 22 September 29 Joseph Albo s Sefer Ha Ikkarim The theme of Albo s magnum opus, Sefer haikkarim ( Book of Principles ), is the investigation of the theory of Jewish religious dogmas. Maimonides, in a non-philosophical work, set the number of dogmas at 13, whereas Albo, following a doctrine that seems to go back to Averroes, limited the number to three: the existence of God, divine providence in reward and punishment, and the Torah as divine revelation. One section, usually including the philosophical and the traditional religious interpretations side by side, is devoted to each of these dogmas. Albo s principal and relatively novel contribution to the evolution of Jewish doctrine is the classification, in his introduction, of natural, conventional, and divine law. November 10 November 17 November 24 Rav Soloveitchik s Kol Dodi Dofek On Yom ha-atzma ut, 1956, the RAV delivered a public address at Yeshiva University entitled: Kol Dodi Dofek; The Voice of My Beloved Knocks. The address, which has become a classic of religious Zionist philosophy, enumerates, and elaborates upon, the instances of God s tangible presence in the recent history of the Jewish people and the State of Israel. It also issues a clarion call to Diaspora Jewry to embrace the State of Israel and commit itself and its resources to its development.

20 COOK JEWISH BE JEWISH First Sunday of every month at 10:00am for a class of culture, cooking and eating Maximum 16 People Per Class

21 Semester One February 7 Yemenite Join us as we explore Yeminite cooking, making lafa, sauces and salatim (small plates of Salad). We will learn about the history of Yeminite Jews and some of their unique customs. March 6 Polish Explore the rich history of Polish Jewry and the foods that graced the shtetl table. Learning about the nuance of Polish culture, and how Polish food, assimilated into Jewish cooking. April 3 Seder Cooking Charoset and Matzo Balls in Chicken Soup are staples at any Pesach Seder (at least for Ashkenazim). But did you know there are several versions of Charoset, each one with special meanings and traditions? Join us as we taste our way around the world and through Talmudic texts. June 5 Yom Yerushalayim To celebrate the reunification of the Holy city, we will travel the shul and learn to cook some of the wonders of Jerusalem living. July 3 Shabbat Explore some of the dishes that have become staple Shabbat foods because of some of the laws of Shabbat. Semester Two August 7 Moroccan Moroccan Jewry has a rich culture, and the food has influenced much of Israeli/Sephardic cooking. We will explore several recipes, engaging in understanding the depth of the community. September 4 Rosh Hashanah We will learn creative ways to serve the traditional Rosh Hashanah symbolic foods. Learning their origins and the background to the

22 accompanying statements that are said on the evening meals of Rosh Hashanah October 9 (2 nd Sunday) Yom Tov Cooking We will explore some popular dishes that are served over the various holidays in the calendar. November 6 Ethiopian Ethiopian Jews are one of the oldest Jewish communities in the Diaspora, and since their reunification with the Jewish people, we have seen their unique style of cooking popularised in Israel. December 4 Channukah We will learn some creative latke recipes as we understand the relationship between food and Channukah which has deep meanings, perhaps more than any other festival.

23 Topical Talmud Second Tuesday of every month 7:30pm

24 Semester One February 9 Getting Drunk on Purim We will explore the Talmudic view of drinking on Purim, to understand whether this is custom or mitzvah, and the rules and limitations of the practice. March 8 Reading the Megillah Join us as we look at various sources as to when, how and where the megillah must be read on the festival of Purim. April 12 What is Matzo We will look at the Talmudic interpretation as to what constitutes Matzo to be used at the Seder. May 10 Yishuv Yisrael With the celebrations of Yom Haatzmaut on our heels, we will look at the mitzvah to settle the land of Israel as explored in the Talmud. July 12 Periods of Mourning With the statement of mishe nichnas av me ematim b simcha, when the months of Av arrives reduce your happiness, as the starting point, we will explore the Talmudic tractates to understand what is appropriate during the mourning period. Semester Two August 9 The Limits of Fasting With Tisha B Av and Yom Kippur approaching we will look at the limitations of fasting on these days, especially regarding medical issues.

25 September 13 The Calendar As we ready ourselves for the encroaching new Year we will look at the Jewish Calendar and the decision to set it, as described in the Talmud. October 19 (Wednesday evening) What is a Succah? We will explore Talmudic sections dealing with the rules and regulations of temporary building codes. November 8 Prayer for Rain We will look at whether one can say the prayer for rain in the season of the country, rather than based around the Northern Hemisphere seasons. December 13 Christmas and the Jews We will look at how our sages viewed participating in the festivities of the Non Jewish neighbours living in the land of Israel.

26 NAVIGATING THE SIDDUR Third Sunday of every month at 10:00am

27 Semester One February 21 March 20 April 17 May 22 July 19 Morning Berachot (Blessings) We will look at the various blessings said each morning, with the hope of understanding the way our sages instructed us to order or lives so that Judaism is at the heart of everything we do. Pesukei D zimara We will explore the opening psalms, looking at how they frame our day, and prepare us as we enter the primary sections of prayers Shema and its Blessings We will look at the blessings of the Shema and see how they elevate us into a mindset where we can truly experience and appreciate the Shema itself. The Amidah Part I We will look at the structure of the Amidah and the blessings within it. Here we will explore the Shabbat Amidah as well as the regular weekday Amidah. The Amidah Part II Semester Two August 21 September 18 October 30 November 20 December 11 (second Sunday due to end of year) Reading the Torah We will look at the order prayers surrounding the removal and return of the Torah scrolls. Prayers for the Queen and State of Israel We will learn about the development of these prayers, and how they along with the memorial prayers frame our Shabbat morning as citizens of the country we live in and within our families. Mussaf We will learn about the history of the Mussaf prayers and how they harken back to the Temple period Ein Kelohaynu, Aleinu and Psalm of the Day We will look at how the concluding prayers prepare us to enter into each day with Judaism at its core. Anim Zemirot and Adon Olam We will learn about these two songs and how they have been controversial within many circles.

28 PINTS AND PROBLEMS Once a Month on a Tuesday at 7:30pm A Young Adult Discussion at a local pub

29 Semester One February 23 March 22 Each week we will explore a different problem facing the Jewish people, topics will be decided by the group April 19 May 17 June 21 Semester Two August 16 September 20 Each week we will explore a different problem facing the Jewish people, topics will be decided by the group November 15 December 6

32 THE ACT JEWISH COMMUNITY IS A MEMBER OF THE JCA FAMILY OF ORGANISATIONS

Totally Torah. Summary:

Totally Torah. Summary: Totally Torah Discover why the Torah is central to Jewish Life. Explore the many stories in the Torah and the craft of the Sofer (scribe). Experience handling artefacts and have a go at being a scribe