Jewish Study Center Bob Rovinsky, President Rachel B. Miller, Exec. Director

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1 Jewish Study Center Bob Rovinsky, President Rachel B. Miller, Exec. Director Fall 2007 Guide to Classes and Events Refresh Your Outlook Classes in four locations: Chinatown: Sixth & I Synagogue Cleveland Park: Adas Israel Dupont Circle: St. Margaret s Episcopal Church, National Museum of American Jewish Military History Destinations include: Eco-Kosher: Infusing Environmental Issues into Jewish Life Borekas, Bagels, & Biryani: A World of Jewish Cooking Jewish Wanderlust Sing a Song of Jewish Life Short Stories from Jewish- American Literature Jewish Time in 5768 Innovative. Independent. Connective. The Jewish Study Center is an independent nonprofit institute for Jewish education in Washington D.C. Founded in 1978, we have a reputation for teaching and learning in an open, participatory environment. We explore traditional topics and contemporary Jewish culture in diverse, accessible classes. We welcome teachers and students of all backgrounds. Please register at or call

2 2 High Holiday Mini-Session, September 4-6 Tuesday, September 4 at the Sixth & I Historic Synagogue 600 I St, NW, in Chinatown, two blocks from Chinatown Metro Station, four blocks from Mt. Vernon Metro Station Tuesday, Sept. 4 7:00 9:00 PM Members: $25 non-members: $30 Tuesday, Sept. 4 7:00 8:15 PM Beyond Apples and Honey: Cooking for the High Holidays Prepare a meal that would make your bubbie (grandma) proud. Roll up your sleeves and join us as we learn tasty recipes that can be used for the High Holidays, Shabbat, and other special occasions. We will make challah, honeycake, kugel, applesauce, sweet carrot tzimmes, and various chicken dishes (such as apricot-glazed and honey mustard). This class is suitable for meat-eaters and vegetarians. Larry Liss, a chef for over 20 years, is both self-taught and restaurant-trained. He has worked as a caterer and personal chef.! This class is in memory of Muriel Levy and her love of fine cooking.! Art Inspired by the High Holidays The words of some High Holiday prayers such as Avenu Malkenu (Our Father Our King) and Kol Nidre (All Vows) evoke familiar images from many different times and places. For instance, the Book of Jonah (read on Yom Kippur), is filled with imagery that has inspired artists throughout the ages. We will explore artwork, paintings, sculpture, and other media that portray these themes. Myrna Teck, Ph.D. is a former art teacher and art museum educator. She currently serves as a visual arts consultant, with an emphasis on Jewish art. In Spring 2006, she taught Behind the Frame: Jewish Art and Artists for the Jewish Study Center. Tuesday, Sept. 4 8:00 9:15 PM Roadmap to the High Holidays Whether it s your first time sitting in High Holiday services, or your umpteenth time trying to keep your place in the prayer book, this class will help you orient to the basic concepts, prayers, and spiritual tasks of the High Holidays. Starting from where you are, we ll define the spiritual destinations of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, and discuss how the prayer book, language, and customs provide meaningful directions for getting there. This class is designed for beginners as well as those who want to refresh their understanding of the holidays. Rabbi Gilah Langner is a local teacher, chaplain, and co-editor of the journal Kerem: Creative Explorations in Judaism. Wednesday, September 5 at Adas Israel 2850 Quebec St, NW, in Cleveland Park, one block north of the Cleveland Park Metro Station. Parking is available. Wednesday, Sept. 5 7:00 8:15 PM Remebering through Yizkor This class will study Yizkor, the memorial service of Yom Kippur and the shalosh r galiim, the pilgrimage holidays. We will discuss the two memorial prayers Yizkor elohim and El malei rachamim, which both speak of God remembering the souls of the departed and granting them rest. We will examine different variants of these prayers, traditional and contemporary. We will also discuss memory, the soul, the Garden of Eden, dying to sanctify God s name, and praying and giving charity on behalf of the dead. In addition, we will look at Psalm 23 The Lord is My Shepherd. Norman Shore is a veteran teacher for the Jewish Study Center and elsewhere in the Washington Jewish Community.

3 High Holiday Mini-Session, September Wednesday, September 5 at Adas Israel 2850 Quebec St, NW, in Cleveland Park, one block north of the Cleveland Park Metro Station. Parking is available. Wednesday, Sept. 5 7:00 8:30 PM Renew Your Life at the Jewish New Year Advertising campaigns, self-improvement programs, and all kinds of therapies urge us to change our lives. Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are also a call to change. But how do people change? This one-session course will compare the processes of teshuvah (repentance) and psychotherapy to see what each can learn from the other and how each applies to our lives. This class will be co-taught by Renee Garfinkel, a clinical psychologist and author, and Sarah Barak, a writer and editor who lives in Washington D.C. Wednesday, Sept. 5 7:00 9:00 PM Shofar-Blowing: How to Toot Your Own Horn In this practical course, we will learn the historical use of the shofar and general customs of shofar-blowing for the High Holiday season. We will study the musical notes, how to produce them on the shofar, and how to call them out for the shofar-blower. This course will teach the basics so that you can continue to develop shofar skills on your own and better appreciate shofar-blowing in the synagogue. You may bring your own shofar or purchase one through us. Open to children and adults. Michael Bloom is an experienced High Holiday prayer leader, shofar blower, and former trumpet player. Thursday, September 6 at St. Margaret s Episcopal Church, 1830 Connecticut Ave, NW, in Dupont, 2.5 blocks north of the Dupont Circle s north Metro exit. Street parking is available. Thursday, Sept. 6 7:00 9:00 PM Thursday, Sept. 6 7:00 8:15 PM Thursday, Sept. 6 8:30 9:45 PM A Musical Mindset for the High Holidays Get your heart, mind, and musical soul ready for the High Holidays with this engaging sing-along class. We will sing traditional melodies that you might hear in synagogue services, contemporary melodies that interpret the traditional prayers, and songs that teach the meaning of the holidays. We welcome those of all ages, backgrounds and singing talents, those comfortable with the High Holiday service, and those just starting out on their spiritual journey. Lyrics will be provided for the songs, which will be in English and Hebrew. Lisa Baydush is a is a singer, songwriter and Jewish music educator in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area. Forgive Me: Modern Poetry of Atonement The Yom Kippur prayer book is filled with poetic evocations of remorse and pleas for forgiveness themes that have spoken powerfully to modern poets as well. We ll look at the ways in which some familiar American poets William Carlos Williams, Robert Bly, Liz Rosenberg, and others have expressed remorse and regret or sought absolution for faults great and small. Amy Schwartz, a Washington journalist, has taught many courses on poetry. Texts on Repentance and Personal Freedom Throughout the High Holiday liturgy, we find texts to help us in soul-searching. Join us as we explore the possibilities for self-searching and self-judgment. Max Ticktin teaches Judaic Studies at George Washington University. He is a member of Fabrangen.

4 4 Mondays at St. Margaret s Episcopal Church, Dupont Circle 1830 Connecticut Ave., NW, 2.5 blocks north of the Dupont Circle s north Metro exit. Street parking is available. Oct. 15 Dec. 3 8 Sessions Members: $85 non-members: $95 Oct. 15, 29, Nov. 5 8:30 9:45 PM Members: $40 non-members: $50 Oct. 29 Nov. 26 (no class Nov. 12) 4 Sessions December 3 1 Session Judaism 101 Curious about core Jewish beliefs, customs, and practices? This course is designed for you. We will examine basic Jewish texts to explore what Jews study, how they observe Judaism in their homes, and what prayer and community mean to them. We will take field trips to visit synagogues and other resources in the local Jewish community. We will conclude the course by celebrating the Sabbath with a festive meal and helping interested students go deeper into what can become a lifetime of Jewish living and study. Bob Rovinsky, president of the Jewish Study Center, belongs to many of the Jewish communities of Washington, from Adas Israel to the Zoo Minyan. He has taught numerous courses, including Basic Judaism. Judaism, Buddhism, & Loving-kindness It has been said that an understanding of Buddhism enriches comprehension of Judaism, and vice versa. Some see compatibility between the two religions and practice as Jewish Buddhists, or Jubus. Join us as we delve into some of the commonalities and differences between the two religions, including modes of practice, participation in social action, and traditions concerning death. We will use materials from several texts, including Zen Mind, Beginner s Mind by Shunryu Suzuki, and Jewish Liturgy as a Spiritual System by Arnold Rosenberg. Ira Zukerman has formally studied Buddhism over the past 30 years through Shambhala, and has formally and informally studied and practiced Judaism over his lifetime. Ethiopia and Jews: Intertwined Through the Ages During long years of exile, Jewish culture in Ethiopia developed through innovation, self-reliance and mutual influence. Beta Israel, a group that retained significant Jewish identity in Ethiopia over 2500 years, represents a valuable thread of the Jewish cultural tapestry. Taking advantage of the sizable local (but primarily non-jewish) Ethiopian community, this course will examine politics, languages, foods, and faiths of the recent Ethiopian Diaspora. We ll compare the dynamics of preservation and innovation in both Diasporas, and listen to presentations from experts and community members. The class may meet for an optional Ethiopian meal. Scott Dinsmore is an educator who has worked in Jewish political and religious settings. His interest in Ethiopian culture began in the mid-1980s, through an Ethiopian friend who made the community s issues more tangible to him. Jewish Wanderlust Seven hundred years before Marco Polo, Jewish explorers had already established trade routes to Asia. These were dynamic, courageous adventurers who climbed mountains, explored volcanos, hunted for Big Game, and dug for dinosaur bones. Yet, they also had to deal with the downsides of exploration, struggling with discomfort, deprivation, and uncertainty. They were mostly secular Jews who had a powerful urge to explore and document what they saw and heard. Jay Garfinkel compiled some of these first-hand accounts for his book Wanderlust. He will share his research and insights with us in this one-night discussion. Jay Garfinkel is a documentary filmmaker and TV producer. He wrote and produced Christopher Columbus: God, Gold, and Glory, the critically acclaimed documentary commemorating the 500th anniversary of the Columbus expedition. Volunteer for the Jewish Study Center! The Jewish Study Center. runs almost entirely on volunteer effort, and we are always looking for people to help us with various tasks. As a thank you, volunteers can take classes for free. Check out our website at or call us at (202) for ways you can help out.

5 Mondays at the National Museum of American Jewish Military History 1811 R St. NW, two blocks northwest of the Dupont Circle Metro s north exit. Limited street parking. 5 Oct. 15 Nov Sessions, (No class Nov. 12) Members: $60 non-members: $70 War in the Middle East This class will provide a brief overview of the strategic and military aspects of some of the most important Middle Eastern conflicts. Analyzing these wars shows surprising commonalities. We will discuss the common threads while examining how military forces in the region are organized and equipped. We will also look at the social, political, and ideological factors that affect military performance. Students will decide which group of conflicts they wish to cover. Dr. Jeffrey Greenhut is a professional military historian who served as a program director for the U.S. Army Center of Military History. He is also a veteran of Vietnam and the first Gulf War. Tuesdays at Sixth & I Historic Synagogue, 600 I St, NW, Chinatown Two blocks from Chinatown Metro Station, four blocks from Mt. Vernon Metro Station Oct. 9, 16, 23 7:00 9:00 PM All 3 nights: Members: $65 non-members: $75 Individual Nights: Members: $25 Members: $30 This class has a limited number of spots. Please register in Advance. Borekas, Bagels, & Biryani: A World of Jewish Cooking Come explore Jewish cuisine around the world in this three-part culinary journey. This hands-on class will be kosher, using dairy and vegetarian recipes. All levels of cooking experience are welcome. October 9: Sephardic Delights. Explore the wonderfully rich and varied flavors of Sephardic food, one of today s most popular cuisines. The class will be a tasty mix of culinary history and cooking as we prepare and eat some vegetarian Sephardic favorites including borekas. Susan Barocas is a writer, filmmaker, and teacher who loves cooking with kids and adults. She has grandparents from the Ottoman Empire and Sephardic cooking helps connect her to her heritage. October 16: Indian-Jewish cooking. For more than 2000 years, Jews have been living and cooking in India. We ll explore this cuisine by preparing vegetarian, curry-based dishes. Nissim Reuben is a program officer on Indian-Jewish-American relations at the American Jewish Committee. His wife, Lavina Reuben, works at the Embassy of India in Washington D.C. October 23: Bagel-Making. Embrace your love for carbohydrates and learn how to make bagels! In this class, you will learn how to knead dough and use different styles and techniques to prepare bagels. We will hear a short history of the round bread. Judith Levy is a non-profit consultant and the former Executive Director of Sixth & I Synagogue. She learned to make bagels due to nostalgia and desperation while living abroad. Support the Jewish Study Center by:! Becoming a member (see page 11)! Donating to the general Jewish Study Center fund! Contributing through United Way/CFC our number is 8366! Sponsoring a class, a JSC project, or an event (contact us for the wish list) Donations to the Jewish Study Center, a tax-exempt non-profit, enable us to meet administrative expenses, provide scholarships, and support the Jewish community of Washington, D.C. All contributions are tax-deductible. For more information, call Executive Director Rachel Miller at

6 6 Tuesday at Sixth & I Historic Synagogue, 600 I St, NW, Chinatown Two blocks from Chinatown Metro Station, four blocks from Mt. Vernon Metro Station Tuesday, Oct Session Tuesday, Nov Session Tuesday, Nov Session 7:00 9:00 PM Members: $20 non-members: $25 Tuesday, Dec Session 7:00 9:30 PM Members: $20 non-members: $25 Preservation of the Iraqi Jewish Archive Historical and modern books, documents, and parchment scrolls pertaining to the Iraqi Jewish community were found in the flooded basement of the Mukhabahrat headquarters in Baghdad in early May These materials were removed from the water and subsequently packed into trunks and frozen to stabilize the collection. National Archives and Records Administration preservation staff Doris Hamburg and Mary Lynn Ritzenthaler traveled to Baghdad in June 2003 to assess the condition of the materials and develop preservation options. They will discuss the interesting work undertaken to preserve these Iraqi Jewish books and documents. Doris Hamburg is the Director of Preservation Programs at the National Archives and Records Administration. Mary Lynn Ritzenthaler is the Chief of the Document Conservation Laboratory at the National Archives and Records Administration. Freedom of/from Religion: Church-State Relations in America Is America a religious nation? Was it intended to be? From America s schools to its prisons, from its hospitals to its statehouses, religion is becoming an increasingly visible and influential force. This class surveys the law governing church-state relations in America and examines the growing role of religion in public life. Aram Schvey serves as Litigation Counsel at Americans United for Separation of Church and State, a non-partisan religious-liberty watchdog group. Kosher on the Rocks: White Spirits Learn about gin, vodka, rum, tequila, and other white spirits during this fun-filled evening. What are the differences, what are the similarities, and why are some considered kosher while others are not? We will discuss the kashrut issues surrounding these spirits and learn how to appreciate them by tasting each. Refreshments will be served. Joshua London is an author, lobbyist, and weekly contributor to the Washington Examiner. He has led several spirit tastings for the Jewish Study Center and elsewhere. The Chanukah Seder Who can retell the things that befell us? There are many ways to tell the story of Chanukah, but nothing is like the Chanukah Seder, a smash hit of last year. During this innovative program, we celebrate the holiday with a ceremonial meal full of exuberant singing and storytelling about the ancient Israelite victory over the Greeks. Held on the last night of Chanukah, this hilarious event is like nothing you ve ever seen, with original and classic songs written and led by David J. Smolar and Rebecca Weiner. Everyone is welcome from all backgrounds to share in our story but remember to bring your singing voice! Vegetarian and dairy Mediterranean food will be served. David Smolar writes his own Passover Haggadahs and occasionally plays piano for the ComedySportz improv group. We want to hear from you. Visit for information on other semesters and events and to make suggestions for future classes. If you have a subject in mind you d like to learn or teach, let us know at info@jewishstudycenter.org, and we ll try to make it happen.

7 Wednesday classes at Adas Israel, 2850 Quebec St, NW, Cleveland Park One block north of the Cleveland Park Metro Station. Parking is available. 7 Oct. 10, 24, Nov. 14 Members: $40 non-members: $50 Oct. 10, 17, 24 All 3 nights: Members: $40 Non-members: $50 Individual nights: Oct Sessions Members: $50 non-members: $60 Oct. 10 Nov. 7 5 Sessions 8:30 9:45 PM Members: $60 non-members: $70 Short Stories from Jewish-American Literature In this class, we will read and discuss short fiction by prominent Jewish American writers. We begin with Cynthia Ozick s brilliant short story and novella collection, The Shawl, a powerful representation of a young mother s witness to her infant s murder during the Holocaust and her traumatic postwar life in America. On October 24, we will study stories from Bernard Malamud s The Magic Barrel ( The Last Mohican and The Magic Barrel ) that feature complex modern characters, literary descendents of classic Yiddish figures. We will conclude with Philip Roth s novella, The Ghost Writer, a quest drama exploring the relationship of life and art by a young Jewish American writer in post-holocaust America. S. Lillian Kremer, Kansas State University Distinguished Professor of English, Emerita, is author of Witness Through the Imagination: Jewish American Holocaust Literature, Women s Holocaust Writing: Memory and Imagination, numerous articles on Jewish American literature, and editor of Holocaust Literature: An Encyclopedia of Writers and Their Works. Eco-Kosher: Infusing Environmental Issues into Jewish Life Organic, environmentally-sensitive living adheres to many principles in Judaism. But combining Jewish practices with this eco-mindset presents challenges in daily life: for example, where do you find organic kosher food? Join us for three sessions discussing ways to integrate environmentalism and Judaism. October 10: Obtaining grass-fed, pasture-raised kosher meat October 17: Connecting environmentalism with Judaism October 24: Integrating environmental practice in your synagogue and home Devora Kimelman-Block started a CSA (Consumer Supported Agriculture) project at Tifereth Israel Congregation with support from Hazon, a Jewish environmental organization. Through this CSA, members financially support small, local, organic farmers and receive weekly produce in exchange. Recently, Devora started a kosher, organic, local, pasture-raised meat project. Allison Fisher is the coordinator of Greater Washington Interfaith Power and Light. She works with communities of all faiths to become better stewards of the environment and stop global warming through education and technical assistance. Jewish Time in 5768 According to Jewish reckoning, this is the 5768th year since the creation of the world. This class will explore the Jewish calendar today and how it has evolved over time. Control over the calendar has been a critical way of defining power and authority in the Jewish community. We will read biblical and rabbinic texts relating to the calendar and discuss issues such as how Jewish time works and why the day begins at sundown (rather than midnight). We will also discuss the interplay between the Jewish calendar and other systems. Norman Shore is a veteran teacher for the Jewish Study Center and elsewhere in the Jewish community. Savoring the Psalms The one hundred and fifty mysterious and passionate religious poems that comprise the Book of Psalms are an enticing invitation to read, untangle, and savor. The psalmist s voice addressing God is emotional and immediate; the ideas and language are difficult, literary and complex. In this class, we will spend some time on psalms central to the literary and liturgical tradition, compare various translations, and look at the Hebrew to a limited degree, depending on the preferences and fluency of class members. Amy Schwartz, a Washington journalist, has taught many Jewish Study Center courses on poetry.

8 8 Wednesday classes at Adas Israel, 2850 Quebec St, NW, Cleveland Park One block north of the Cleveland Park Metro Station. Parking is available. Oct. 17 Nov Sessions Members: $60 non-members: $70 Oct Dec. 5 5 Sessions All 5 classes: Members: $60 non-members: $70 Individual classes: Non-members: $20 *if you know you will miss a session, you can send someone in your place or bring a friend to another session Nov. 7, 14, 28 Members: $40 non-members: $50 Roots and Renewal of the Hasidut Drawing from the teachings of the Baal Shem Tov, we will study texts, sing niggunim (wordless melodies), and seek opportunities for meditation. We will also reflect on the Hassidic legacy and its lasting effect on the Jewish heart and mind. Students will work during class time in small groups (chevruta), sharing their thoughts on the Baal Shem Tov s writings dealing with The Divinity of All Things and Occurrences, the Divinity of Evil, The Gift of Human Potential, and Coming to God. Handouts will be in Hebrew as well as translation. Mark Novak earns his living as a hazzan, band leader, and storyteller. During his spare moments he is a 3rd year rabbinical student in the ALEPH smicha program. He is also a faithful husband, father, gardener, third baseman, and God seeker. Sing A Song of Jewish Life Connect with Judaism on a spiritual and musical level during this 5-part series. All classes will involve plenty of student participation, with joyful singing that you can incorporate into your praying, your spirituality, and even your dishwashing. Oct. 24: An Acoustic Celebration of Jewish and Israeli Music Elie Greenberg is the Youth, Family, and Young Professionals Program Director at Adas Israel. An accomplished guitarist, Elie has worked as a music specialist and song leader in numerous Jewish organizations. He enjoys sharing his love of Jewish and Israeli music. Nov. 7: Jewish Rounds Workshop Joelle Novey misses singing with Mizmor Shir, Harvard s Jewish singing group. She learned most of the Jewish rounds she knows from folks at the National Havurah Committee s Summer Institute. Nov. 14: Songs honoring Israel at 60 Robyn Helzner is well-known as an interpreter of World Jewish Music. Her trio has just released a new recording, Signs and Wonders. This class will be co-taught with Dov Weitman. Nov. 28: Songs to end the Sabbath: Melaveh Malka Dov Weitman manages the EPA s national program to reduce water pollution. He moonlights as an eclectic musician with Robyn Helzner, Mark Novak, and other friends. Dec. 5: The role of singing in tefilah (prayers) and leading davening Shalom Flank has been learning, singing, and sharing niggunim for the last 20 years with havurot in Boston, Berkeley, and Washington, most frequently with the Zoo Minyan. Jewish Spiritual Direction At the midpoint between the intense introspection of the High Holy Days and the lights of Chanukah, this interactive class examines questions such as: How we can maintain a sense of Godliness and spirituality, even as the days grow short and dark nights lengthen? Jewish Spiritual Direction is a contemplative practice of working with a companion to develop a deeper spirituality or a closer relationship with God. It does not demand a particular level of observance, bur may offer an opportunity to create a more meaningful prayer or ritual life. Jewish Spiritual Direction can also lead to a path of personal growth and social action. Readings, partnered and group exercises, and journaling will all be used. Martha Hare, a medical anthropologist, and Deena Goldsmith, a psychotherapist, are certified in Spiritual Direction from Lev Shomea. Both are members of Adat Shalom Reconstructionist Congregation.

9 Wednesday classes at Adas Israel, 2850 Quebec St, NW, Cleveland Park One block north of the Cleveland Park Metro Station. Parking is available. 9 Nov. 28 Dec Sessions Members: $50 non-members: $60 Nov Dec. 5 2 Sessions 8:30 9:45 PM Members: $30 non-members: $40 Nov. 28, Dec. 5, 12 All 3 nights: Members: $40 Non-members; $50 Individual nights: Dec. 5 Dec. 19 Members: $40 non-members: $50 Art Inspired by Stories of Genesis From the ancient world to modern times, Jewish artists have created powerful images in response to stories found in the book of Genesis. Join us as we explore this art, starting with the mosaic of Akeda (the binding of Isaac) created in the 6th century B.C.E. and continuing through medieval manuscripts, modern paintings, and sculptures. Myrna Teck, Ph.D. is a former art teacher and art museum educator. She currently serves as a visual arts consultant, with an emphasis on Jewish art. In Spring 2006, she taught Behind the Frame: Jewish Art and Artists for the Jewish Study Center. Old and New Israeli Historians and Post-Zionists Starting in the late 1980s, a group of young Israeli historians began writing a version of Israeli history that contrasted sharply with what Israelis had learned about the origins of the Jewish State. This new movement also became entwined with Post-Zionism, a distinct but overlapping movement. Since then, the debate between old and new Israeli history has been turned lively and acrimonious. This course will succinctly discuss the origins and contentions of the old and new movements, putting them in the context of Israeli politics. Basic knowledge of Israeli history is advisable, but not required. Paul Scham has taught a number of courses for the Jewish Study Center since 1989, and has been writing and teaching about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict for most of that time period. He is a Scholar at the Middle East Institute, and co-editor of Shared Histories: A Palestinian-Israeli Dialogue. Make Your Own Greeting Cards Tired of mass-produced cards that say nothing special? Here s an opportunity to let Jewish art and calligraphy inspire you to fill that void and make the perfect holiday card. You can tailor projects to your own needs making Jewish, interfaith, or secular cards. We will provide proper guidance, along with basic calligraphy supplies and drawing materials. You may also bring your own favorite drawing or painting media. This class is designed to be an open studio, and students may attend as many nights as they choose. The focus for the first night will be on making Chanukah cards. Heike Bailin has been painting since the age of three. Her preferred media are watercolor, pencil and ink. Ethics of Ritual We often think of mitzvot (commandments) governing interactions among people, and mitzvot between God and humans as occupying separate spheres. But there is an ethical dimension to Godcentered rituals, just as there is a sacred dimension to human-centered rituals. Join us as we explore the values and ethics that underlie rituals such as kashrut and Shabbat. Dr. Richard Lederman is Director of Public Policy and Social Action Executive Director of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism s Seaboard region.

10 10 Weekends, all over town Friday Nights and Saturday Mornings Oct. 13 Nov Sessions Meeting times to be determined You may attend any or all services Sundays, Oct Nov. 3 2 Sessions 11:00 12: 15 PM Members: $20 non-members: $25 Shul-Hopping Ever wanted to explore the many synagogues in our area but have not, for whatever reason? Let us be your guide and friend to sit with during services! Join us as we visit five area synagogues of different denominations for Shabbat services on Friday nights and Saturday mornings. Following each service, we will meet as a group with a leader from the synagogue to answer questions and discuss our experience. Each location is within reasonable walking distance from the Metro. Our first visit will be to Adas Israel. The other four weeks, we will visit Reform, Conservative, Secular Humanist, and Modern Orthodox synagogues. Advance registration is required so we know to wait for you! Saturday, October 13 Adas Israel Traditional Egalitarian Conservative Service Friday, October 19 Sixth & I Historic Synagogue/MesorahDC Orthodox Service Saturday, October 27 Temple Sinai Reform Service Friday, November 2 Machar Secular Humanistic Service Saturday, November 10 Magen David Sephardic Congregation Modern Orthodox Service Suzanne Meyer is a writer and editor in Washington, D.C. She has enjoyed services at a broad range of area synagogues. Jewish Architectural Photography If you ve been looking for an opportunity to take a beautiful photograph of a giant Star of David, Hebrew cornerstone, or mezuzah, or have wondered whether it s okay to photograph Jews in prayer or other religious settings, then bring your camera and sharp eye for this fun, hands-on class. In this two-day field course, photographers of all ages will learn the Jewish customs and rules regarding photography and apply what they have learned. We will visit local, Metro-accessible destinations The first class such as current and former synagogues, community centers, historical sites, museum displays, and will meet at the commercial establishments to photograph a wide range of Jewish symbols and architecture. This west exit of the class will be enjoyable for all levels of photographers. So come experience Judaism and Jewish Cleveland Park D.C. through the lens of your camera! Metro Station Michael Bloom is an award-winning nature The second will photographer and docent at the Sixth & I meet at the Historic Synagogue. He has served as a Chinatown Metro volunteer architectural assistant at a Jewish Station historical society, and has a Masters in City and Regional Planning from Harvard. Sunday, October 21, 4:00-7:00 PM at Sixth & I Historic Synagogue Expressing Creativity: A Visual Concert The words and images of life inspire a thousand Jewish melodies. On this night, the Jewish Study Center brings together nationally acclaimed artists Avram Ashery and Cantor Ramon Tasat for a fine evening of Jewish cultural expression. We will explore more than a dozen original pieces of artwork by Mr. Ashery, while Cantor Tasat performs inspirational Jewish melodies in Ladino, Hebrew, and Yiddish that interpret each creation. A delightful reception with wine, hors d oeuvres, and desserts will follow the performance. Artworks by Mr. Ashery will be available for purchase, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Jewish Study Center. This event is $50 for members of the Jewish Study Center and $60 for non-members. This is a fundraiser for the Jewish Study Center and a portion of your ticket is tax-deductible.

11 Guide to Jewish Study Center Classes Every semester, each class falls into one or more of these 8 categories: (Re) Introduction to Judaism American Jewish Experience Global Jewish Culture Judaism in Everyday Life Text Study Synagogue and Home Rituals Language and Literature Israel As part of our Core Curriculum program, after you have taken a class in each category, you will be awarded a congratulatory certificate to celebrate your achievement at a Jewish Study Center event. Become a member of the Jewish Study Center! The Jewish Study Center is a volunteer-based organization, and we invite you to become part of it by joining as a member. By contributing in this way, you can support the mission of the Jewish Study Center and receive benefits in return. Members pay discounted rates all year at the Jewish Study Center, with $10 or more off for multi-session classes. Members also have access to exclusive events and closed-out classes. Membership lasts for one full year. Contributions to the Jewish Study Center are tax-deductible. Individual Membership $36 Family/Dual Membership $72 Chaver (Friend) $108 Kveller (Admirer) $180 To sign up for membership, you may visit our website at or contact our Executive Director, Rachel Miller, at or Rachel@jewishstudycenter.org Enroll in JSC Fall 2007 classes Amount Name: Course name: $ Address: City, State, Zip: Daytime Phone: Become a Jewish Study Center member: $36 individual, $72 household $ I ll support the JSC with a donation $ I pay discounted rates as a member of TOTAL ENCLOSED: $ Study Center Adas Fabrangen Hill Havurah NMAJMH To RSVP, call us at , Go to the registration page at I first learned about the JSC from: this information to rachel@jewishstudycenter.org Or mail this to: 1634 I St, NW, Suite 700, Washington DC 20006

12 September Important Dates for the Fall 2007 Semester October 4 Beyond Apples and Honey: Cooking (1 session) 9 Borekas, Bagels, & Biryani: Cooking (3 sessions) 4 Art Inspired by the High Holidays (1 session) 10 Short Stories from Jewish-American Lit. (3 sessions) 4 Roadmap to the High Holidays (1 session) 10 Eco-Kosher (3 sessions) 5 Remembering Through Yizkor (1 session) 10 Jewish Time in 5768 (4 sessions) 5 Renew Your Life at the New Year (1 session) 10 Savoring the Psalms (5 sessions) 5 Shofar-Blowing (1 session) 13 Shul-Hopping (5 sessions) 6 A Musical Mindset (1 session) 15 Judaism 101 (8 sessions) 6 Forgive Me: Modern Poetry (1 session) 15 Judaism, Buddhism (3 sessions) 6 Texts on Repentance (1 session) 15 War in the Middle East (5 sessions) 17 Roots and Renewal of the Hasidut (5 sessions) 21 Visual Concert (1 session) 24 Sing a Song of Jewish Life (5 sessions) 28 Jewish Architectural Photography (2 sessions) 29 Ethiopia and Jews: Intertwined (4 sessions) 30 Preservation of the Iraqi Jewish Archive (1 session) November 7 Jewish Spiritual Direction (3 sessions) 13 Freedom of/from Religion (1 session) 20 Kosher on the Rocks: White Spirits (1 session) 28 Art Inspired by Stories of Genesis (4 sessions) 28 Old and New Israeli Historians (2 sessions) 28 Novel Approach to Midrash: Hannah (4 sessions) 28 Hallmark, Shmallmark (3 sessions) December 3 Jewish Wanderlust (1 session) 5 Ethics of Ritual (3 sessions) 11 Chanukah Seder (1 session) Board of Directors Bob Rovinsky, President Daniel Juceam, Vice President of Programming Michael Pinck, Vice President of Operations Ken Goldstein, Secretary Roz Timberg, Treasurer Deborah Brody Jay Caplan Andrew Davis Amy Schwartz David Smolar Manny Thorne Executive Director Rachel B. Miller 1634 I St, NW, Suite 700 Washington DC (202) Rachel@jewishstudycenter.org