ADULT JEWISH LEARNING WINTER & SPRING 5774 CONGREGATION B NAI ISRAEL LITTLE ROCK

ADULT JEWISH LEARNING WINTER & SPRING 5774 CONGREGATION B NAI ISRAEL LITTLE ROCK

DEAR FRIENDS, Be strong, be strong, and let us be strengthened! Chazak, chazak, v nitchazeik! are the words that we say in unison each time we conclude the reading of one of the Five Books of the Torah. Chazak is a blessing aimed at the entire congregation marking the milestone and accomplishment that occurs throughout each and every year. The Torah readings are re-cycled each year. We begin the cycle anew every Simchat Torah and even though the written words of the text stay the same from year to year, there is always more to learn. What we bring to the Torah changes as our views and experiences change. Rabbi Harold Kushner expresses, When I pray, I speak to God. When I study Torah, I keep quiet and let God speak to me. If we are open, we can draw strength from the Torah s teachings, just as the Torah draws strength and life from us. We are blessed to be presenting the second semester of Adult Learning opportunities in a new calendar format, providing many occasions for God to speak to you. We hope you discover programs in this calendar/ catalog that strengthen you personally. Our tradition teaches that when we examine and wrestle with the texts of the Bible and other Jewish books, we are able to find meaning and purpose in our lives. And when we connect to our greater purpose, our community is also strengthened. We encourage you to take advantage of these opportunities to enrich your mind and strengthen your soul, which will make us all even stronger. With blessings, Rabbi Barry Block Ellyn J Polsky, Director of Lifelong Learning Dorian Stuber, Chair, Adult Education Committee The Lifelong Learning program of Congregation B nai Israel is supported in part by a generous grant from the Ottenheimer Brothers Foundation. Our special thanks to Jane and Scott Levine/ RiverCity Print and Imaging for funding the 2013-2014 Congregation B nai Israel Adult Learning catalog. t ABOUT THE ARTWORK ON THE FRONT COVER Chazak, Chazak, V Nitchazaik Be Strong, Be Strong, And May We Be Strengthened Hebrew prayer illumination by Adam Rhine 2013 www.hebrewart.com. Used with permission. CONGREGATION B NAI ISRAEL 3700 NORTH RODNEY PARHAM ROAD LITTLE ROCK, AR 72212

ONGOING LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES COFFEE, CAKE, AND CONVERSATION Facilitated by Rabbi Block The second Tuesday of the month Through June 11:30 a.m. 1:00 p.m. Woodland Heights, 8700 Riley Drive Light lunch and informal conversations with the Rabbi addressing a variety of Jewish topics. TORAH LUNCH AND LEARN Thursdays 11:30 a.m. 1:00 p.m. BYO Lunch and study with Rabbi Block Study the Book of Isaiah, continuing this group s awesome 13-year journey through the history and heritage of our people. No Hebrew knowledge is required and you can join the group at any time. JUDAISM 101 Instructor: Rabbi Block Thursday evenings through April 10 7:00 p.m. 8:30 p.m. in the Temple Library A basic introduction to Judaism class is taught with intellectual rigor. No prior knowledge is assumed. Required of those pursuing conversion to Judaism and of interfaith couples asking Rabbi Block to officiate, but intended for all, including Temple members who have been Jewish all their lives, and are eager to strengthen the foundations of their Jewish knowledge. ADULT BAR/BAT MITZVAH: CREATING COMMUNITY IN LEARNING Facilitated by Ellyn Polsky Wednesdays, January 22, 2014 late spring 2015 7:00 p.m. 8:30 p.m. Expand Jewish and Hebrew literacy skills and confidence. Deepen your knowledge and commitment to Torah, Prayer and Community with others celebrating your Jewish learning in the Temple community. Join the group of adults who will study to become B nai Mitzvah together (basic Hebrew reading skills required). Congregational Bar/Bar Mitzvah fees for materials will apply. READ HEBREW AMERICA BEGINNING HEBREW READING CRASH COURSE Sundays through May 11 9:00 a.m. 10:00 a.m. Instructors: Kathy Bauman and Meg Marion Participants learn to read Hebrew using materials designed for Jews with little or no background in Hebrew. Materials are provided by the National Jewish Outreach Project. READ HEBREW AMERICA HEBREW READING II Sundays through May 11 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Instructors: Kathy Bauman and Meg Marion Students continuing from last year s Hebrew 1 class use the more advanced National Jewish Outreach Project materials.

PHOTO BY BECKY SCALLET SHABBAT MORNING TORAH STUDY Saturdays 9:30 a.m. 10:45 a.m. TORAH ON TAP Members and friends in their 20 s 40 s, meet old friends and make new ones around a little informal study and a lot of food and fun. (RSVP to the office) SATURDAY, FEB. 8: Brews and Schmooze 7:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m. location TBD Special guest will be Malkie Schwartz, Director of the Department of Community Engagement at The Institute for Southern Jewish Life and selected as one of the Jewish Week s 36 under 36. ONLINE LEARNING Jewish study is online 24/7. Here is a sampling of what s available to us. TEN MINUTES OF TORAH www.urj.org/torah/ten/ Join the Reform Movement s initiative to study Torah for ten minutes daily. Sign up with the Union for Reform Judaism to receive an email Torah lesson Monday through Friday. There are many other online study opportunities on that website, too. BIG TENT JUDAISM/THE JEWISH OUTREACH INSTITUTE www.joi.org/ Creating a more inclusive Jewish community through outreach to all, including unaffiliated and intermarried families and children of intermarriage. HAZON http://www.hazon.org Creating healthier, more sustainable communities in the Jewish world and beyond. JEWISH WOMEN S ARCHIVE: SHARING STORIES, INSPIRING CHANGE http://jwa.org/aboutjwa/programs Instructor: Rabbi Block Look for meaning in the weekly parasha (section). No Hebrew knowledge is required, only a willing heart and an open mind. A dynamic collection of documents, narratives, and video detailing the roles of Jewish women making history in the United States. MY JEWISH LEARNING www.myjewishlearning.com A transdenominational website of Jewish information and education offering articles and resources on all aspects of Judaism and Jewish life. The site is geared toward adults of all ages and backgrounds. RITUALWELL http://www.ritualwell.org/ Find, create and share Jewish rituals of all kinds THE ALEPH SOCIETY http://theglobalday.com/categories/thebigq/ Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz and others pose big Jewish questions for worldwide discussion. Jews from all denominations are invited to read, reflect and comment. PHOTO BY DORIS KRAIN

YOUR EVENT DESERVES THE BEST. YOUR EVENT DESERVES THE BEST. Perfect for private luncheons, dinners, cocktail receptions, weddings, business meetings and lectures, the Center boasts more than 10,000 square feet of unparalleled event space for any occasion. YOUR EVENT DESERVES THE BEST. SERVICE AWARDS 2013 WINNER Our award-winning culinary team also provides full-service catering for events at your home or other venues. CLINTON CENTER Perfect for private luncheons, dinners, cocktail receptions, weddings, business meetings and lectures, the Center boasts more than 10,000 square feet of 1200 President Clinton unparalleled Avenue Little Rock, event Arkansas space 72201 501.748.0454 for any occasion. www.clintonpresidentialcenter.org Perfect for private luncheons, dinners, cocktail receptions, weddings, business meetings and lectures, Our award-winning the Center boasts culinary more team than also 10,000 square feet of SERVICE AWARDS 2013 Perfect provides full-service catering for events WINNER for private unparalleled luncheons, dinners, event space cocktail for any receptions, occasion. weddings, business meetings and lectures, at the your Center home boasts or other more venues. than 10,000 square feet of unparalleled Our award-winning event space culinary for any team occasion. also SERVICE AWARDS 2013 provides full-service catering for events WINNER Our award-winning culinary team also at your home or other venues. SERVICE AWARDS 2013 provides Our award-winning full-service culinary catering team for events also SERVICE AWARDS 2013 WINNER provides at your full-service home or catering other venues. for events WINNER at your home or other venues. 1200 President Clinton Avenue Little Rock, Arkansas 72201 501.748.0454 www.clintonpresidentialcenter.org 1200 President Clinton Avenue Little Rock, Arkansas 72201 501.748.0454 www.clintonpresidentialcenter.org DECEMBER 2013 JEWISH PARENTING & FAMILY MATTERS Sundays, Dec. 8 and 15 10:00 a.m. 11:15 a.m. Facilitators: Silvana Berlinski Amanda Ferguson Ellyn Polsky Parents are their children s most important and powerful Jewish teachers. Whether Jewish or not, bringing up Jewish children is an active enterprise steeped in tradition. From morning until night, from birth to Bar Mitzvah, learning to drive and going off to college, parents frame and celebrate time. Join the conversation. JEWISH FAMILY RESOURCES: The Blessing of a Skinned Knee, Using Jewish Teachings to Raise Self-Reliant Children by Wendy Mogel, Ph.D Hanukkah: The Family Guide to Spiritual Celebration by Ron Wolfson How to Be a Jewish Parent: A Practical Handbook for Family Life by Anita Diamant Jewish Family and Life Traditions, Holidays and Values for Today s Parents and Children by Yosef I. Abramowitz and Rabbi Susan Silverman Raising a Spiritual Child, A Jewish Perspective by Stephanie Hubert Schneider, Ph.D Sacred Parenting, Jewish Wisdom and Practical Guidance for Your Family s Early Years by Elaine Rose Glickman www.urj.org/learning/forparents/

DECEMBER 2013 KISLEV - TEVET 5774 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY NIGHT 5 OF CHANUKAH 1 NIGHT 6 OF CHANUKAH 2 NIGHT 7 OF CHANUKAH 3 NIGHT 8 OF CHANUKAH 4 5 6 7 Senior Chanukah Luncheon Chanukah Dinner & Party 6:00 pm Torah on Tap 6:00 pm Jewish Parenting & Family Matters 10:00-11:15 am 8 9 10 URJ BIENNIEL 11 URJ BIENNIEL 12 URJ BIENNIEL 13 URJ BIENNIEL 14 5:45 - Led by Andy Lawton Lynn & Bruce Greenberg URJ BIENNIEL 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 Jewish Parenting & Family Matters 10:00 am - 11:15 am 5:45-22 23 24 25 26 27 28 5:45-29 30 31 PHOTO BY DORIS KRAIN

JANUARY 2014 TU B SHEVAT: THE ORIGINAL EARTH DAY Sunday, January 12 10:00 a.m. 11:30 a.m. Facilitator: Marianne Tettlebaum Celebrate the New Year of the Trees with an environmentally sustainable seder encouraging us to appreciate the bounty that we so often take for granted, and to develop a good and generous eye for the world around us. POT-LUCK DINNER AND A MOVIE TO BE OR NOT TO BE PHOTO BY DORIS KRAIN directed by Ernst Lubitsch Saturday, January 25 5:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m Facilitators: Dorian Stuber and Marianne Tettlebaum An uproariously funny, but ultimately poignant and remarkably prescient film, directed by the great Ernst Lubitsch, about the fate of an acting troupe following Hitler s invasion of Poland. Starring Jack Benny and Carole Lombard, in her final screen role. Not to be missed! (RSVP to the office) BRINGING BIENNIAL HOME Sunday, January 26 10:00 a.m. 11:15 a.m. Facilitators: Emily Adams and Carmen Arick PHOTO BY DORIS KRAIN Congregants who attended the 2013 URJ Biennial share their experiences and learning. Catch the excitement generated by thousands of Reform Jews from across the U.S., Canada, and Israel

JANUARY 2014 TEVET - SHEVAT 5774 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 2 3 4 5:45 - Classical Style Shabbat 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 5:45 - Led by Andy Lawton Led by Meg Marion Religious School 9:00 am - 12:15 pm Tu B Shvat Seder 10:00 am - 11:30 am 12 13 14 EREV TU BISHVAT 15 TU BISHVAT 16 17 18 Coffee, Cake & Conversation Woodland Heights 11:30 am 5:45-19 20 21 22 23 24 25 5:45 pm - Shabbat Evening Service Film, Havdallah & Dinner 5:00 pm 26 27 28 29 30 31 Bringing Biennial Home 10:00 am - 11:15 am 5:45 pm - Sisterhood s Heschel Shabbat Service

FEBRUARY 2014 HISTORY AND TRAJECTORY OF REFORM JEWISH WORSHIP Sunday, February 2 10:00 a.m. 11:15 a.m. Instructor: Rabbi Block Review the evolution of Reform prayer books and worship styles over time, and peek into the future. POTLUCK DINNER AND A MOVIE - GOD IN THE BOX Saturday, February 22 5:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m. The documentary explores the mystery and controversy behind what God looks like and means to us as Americans in the 21st century. Scholars, religious leaders and a mythologist give historical and relevant contexts. RSVP to the office. WOMEN S TORAH STUDY THROUGH LITERATURE: WRESTLING WITH ANGELS by Naomi H. Rosenblatt and Joshua Horwitz (Delacorte Press) Available for purchase on Amazon.com Facilitators: Emily Lewis and Annabelle Tuck Wednesdays Feb. 19, 26, Mar. 5, 12, 19 9:30 a.m. 11:00 a.m. Naomi Rosenblatt, author and psychotherapist, retells and interprets the multigenerational saga of the first family of the Bible, showing how their all-too-human struggles are decidedly relevant to the issues confronting us today. DYNAMIC GIVING: LIFE ENHANCING FOR ALL Sunday, February 9 10:00 a.m. 12:00 noon Facilitator: Malkie Schwartz Director of the Department of Community Engagement at the Goldring/Woldenberg Institute of Southern Jewish Life Jewish texts, history, contemporary life, holiday, culture, rituals, prayer, spirituality and theology can inform the way in which we approach service work. Examine messages found in the different aspects of Judaism and how they relate to our engagement in social justice. PHOTO BY DORIS KRAIN MODERN JEWISH HISTORY Sunday, Feb. 23 10:00 a.m. 11:15 a.m. Instructor: Phillip Spivey What Were We Thinking? First of a three-part series. The Jewish Enlightenment, Haskalah (1729-1896), was the Jewish People s response to the Modern Age. Come learn about the movers, shakers, and thinkers who shaped and defined the Jewish Enlightenment from Moses Mendelssohn (1729-1786) to Theodor Herzl (1860-1904). TORAH ON TAP: BREWS AND SCHMOOZE WITH MALKIE SCHWARTZ Saturday, February 8 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Special guest will be Malkie Schwartz, Director of the Department of Community Engagement at the Institute for Southern Jewish Life. Malkie was selected as one of the Jewish Weeks "Under 36" that recognizes 36 individuals under the age of 36 who are "reshaping and broadening" the Jewish community.

FEBRUARY 2014 ADAR I 5774 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 History & Trajectory of Reform Jewish Worship 10:00 am - 11:15 am 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 5:45 - Shabbat Evening Service Torah on Tap with Malkie Schwartz 7:00-9:00 pm Dynamic Giving: Life Enhancign for All 10:00 am - 11:15 am 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Coffee, Cake & Conversation Woodland Heights 11:30 am 5:45-16 17 18 19 20 21 22 Contemporary Women s Torah Study Wrestling With Angels 9:30-5:45 pm - Shabbat Evening Service 23 24 25 26 27 28 Film God in the Box, Havdalah & Potluck 5:00 pm Modern Jewish History 10:00 am - 11:15 am Contemporary Women s Torah Study Wrestling With Angels 9:30-5:45 pm -

MARCH 2014 MODERN JEWISH HISTORY Sunday, March 2 10:00 a.m. 11:15 a.m. What Were We Doing? The Rise of Reform, Orthodox, and Conservative Judaisms Instructor: Phillip Spivey A key to navigating through the diverse movements of modern Judaism is to know how they developed historically. Come find out how the Jewish People began to re-evaluate the roles of tradition and rabbinical authority in the 19th century. flowers gifts entertaining richard estelita 3400 old cantrell road little rock, ar 72202 501.603.9200 www.aboutvase.com MODERN JEWISH HISTORY Sunday, March 9 10:00 a.m. 11:15 a.m. Where Are We Going? Judaism between the Wars (1918-1938) Instructor: Phillip Spivey The period between the two World Wars (1918-1938) marked the beginning and end of a Jewish Modern Renaissance in philosophy, literature, and art in Europe. Come find out how Jews - from German-Jewish philosopher Martin Buber to Russian-Jewish painter Marc Chagall (Moshe Shagal), contributed to and influenced modern European intellectual achievements in the early-20th century. WOMEN S TORAH STUDY THROUGH LITERATURE: WRESTLING WITH ANGELS Wednesdays, Mar. 5, 12, 19 9:30 a.m. 11:00 a.m. Facilitators: Emily Lewis and Annabelle Tuck Author Naomi Rosenblatt, also a psychotherapist, interprets the all-too-human struggles in the multigenerational saga of the first family of the Bible. Rabbi Sue Levi Elwell presents: CHAPTERS OF THE HEART: JEWISH WOMEN SHARING THE TORAH OF OUR LIVES Saturday, March 22, 2014 (following morning worship) Shabbat Lunch and Learn (sponsored by Sisterhood) Rabbi Dr. Sue Levi Elwell invites readers into the lives of twenty women for whom Jewish language and texts provide a lens for understanding their experiences. All of the writers wrestle with Jewish texts while growing as rabbis, as feminists, and as interfaith leaders. They open their hearts and minds, telling when Jewish tradition has helped make meaning and, on occasion, when it has come up empty. Readers will find new insights into God, into Judaism, and into themselves.

MARCH 2014 ADAR I - ADAR II 5774 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Modern Jewish History 10:00 am - 11:15 am Contemporary Women s Torah Study 9:30-5:45 - Shabbat Evening Service DAYLIGHT SAVINGS BEGINS 9 10 11 12 13 14 EREV PURIM 15 Modern Jewish History 10:00 am - 11:15 am Coffee, Cake & Conversation Woodland Heights 11:30 am Contemporary Women s Torah Study 9:30-5:45 - Shabbat Evening Service PURIM 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 Adult Purimschpiel & Dinner 9:30 - Contemporary Women s Torah Study 9:30-5:45 pm - Classical Style Shabbat Lunch & Learn with Rabbi Sue Levi Elwell 12:15 pm 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 5:45 pm - Sisterhood Shabbat Service

APRIL 2014 MIRIAM S SEDER presented by Sisterhood Thursday, April 3, 2014 6:30 p.m. 9:30 p.m. The Journey Continues is a special Haggadah that enriches and renews by exposing the voices and experiences of women in our past. By recognizing them, we reclaim women s participation in Jewish history. Each year the themes change. Everyone is invited. RSVP to the office. PASSOVER RESOURCES ONLINE: Religious Action Center RAC.org/pubs/holidayguides/Passover 214 M. L. King Drive P.O. Box 2140 Little Rock, AR 72203 Union for Reform Judaism URJ.org/holidays/pesach/ Haggadahs-R-Us www.haggadahsrus.com (501) 376-2081 www.ikelectric.com

APRIL 2014 NISSAN 5774 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 2 3 4 5 Sisterhood s Miriam Seder 6:30-9:30 pm 5:45 - Shabbat Evening Service 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Coffee, Cake & Conversation Woodland Heights 11:30 am 5:45 - Classical Style Shabbat 13 PASSOVER BEGINS 14 PASSOVER 15 PASSOVER 16 PASSOVER 17 PASSOVER 18 PASSOVER 19 Passover Breakfast & Morning Service 8:30 am Congregational Seder 6:00 pm TEMPLE OFFICE CLOSED 5:45 - PASSOVER 20 PASSOVER 21 22 23 24 25 26 YIZKOR Men s Seder 6:00 pm Passover 7th Day Service & Yizkor TEMPLE OFFICE CLOSED 5:45 pm - YOM HASHOAH 27 28 29 30 PHOTO BY DORIS KRAIN

MAY 2014 Join Join Poe Poe Travel Travel as as we we explore beautiful Poland & Prague! SCHOLAR-IN-RESIDENCE: DR. JOYCE ANTLER presented by Sisterhood Saturday, May 3 & Sunday, May 4, 2014 Scholar in Residence Dr. Joyce Antler Joyce Antler is the Samuel Lane Professor of American Jewish History and Culture, and Women s and Gender Studies at Brandeis University. She is the author of the book, You Never Call, You Never Write. (copies are available in the Temple s library) Saturday, May 3 luncheon and book discussion (about 12:30, following Shabbat worship) Sunday, May 4 Luncheon and lecture A History of Southern Jewish Women SHARING OUR JEWISH STORIES Sunday, May 18 10:30 a.m. noon Facilitators: Rich & Emily Lewis Temple members candidly share their unique and personal connections to Jewish history, thought, and observance.

MAY 2014 IYAR - SIVAN 5774 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 2 3 5:45 - Classical Style Shabbat Luncheon & Book Discussion 12:30 pm 4 YOM HAZIKARON 5 YOM HA ATZMAUT 6 7 8 9 10 5:45 - Luncheon and Lecture 10:30 am - 12:00 pm Shabbat Evening Service 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Coffee, Cake & Conversation Woodland Heights 11:30 am 5:45 - LAG B OMER 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Sharing Our Jewish Stories 5:45 pm - Panel Discussion 10:30 am - 12:00 pm MEMORIAL DAY 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 5:45 pm - TEMPLE OFFICE CLOSED Synaplex Shabbat & Dinner

JUNE 2014 A proud supporter of Congregation B nai Israel and continuing Jewish education... Please join us for CONFIRMATION 5774 Tuesday, June 3 6:15 p.m. Reception Hosted by the families of the Confirmands 7:00 p.m. Service of Confirmation TIKKUN LAYL SHAVUOT Dairy Treats & Late Night Study Instructor: Rabbi Block Explore the Book of Ruth Tuesday, June 3 9:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m. 11511 Huron Lane Little Rock, AR 72211 O: 501-227-5000 F: 501-223-3166 www.rcpionline.com Torah is our most basic Jewish nourishment. Therefore, we celebrate the gift of Torah on Shavuot by engaging in the tradition of study mixed with dairy treats. Rabbi Block will lead the text study on the Book of Ruth, traditionally read on Shavuot.

JUNE 2014 SIVAN - TAMMUZ 5774 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 2 EREV SHAVUOT 3 SHAVUOT 4 5 6 7 YIZKOR Shavuot Eve Service Confirmation 7:00 pm Tikkun Layl Shavuot Shavuot Morning Service & Yizkor TEMPLE OFFICE CLOSED 5:45 - Classical Style Shabbat 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Coffee, Cake & Conversation Woodland Heights 11:30 am 5:45 - FATHER S DAY 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 5:45-22 23 24 25 26 27 28 5:45 pm - 29 30 PHOTO BY DORIS KRAIN

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