| September 2010 |
Who is wise? The one who learns from everyone. As it is said, “From all who would teach me have I gained understanding.” Pirkei Avot 4:1
As this wonderful summer comes to an end, we turn our attention to the High Holy Days and the activities that begin our new year, 5771. For many families, this includes the start of a new school year. As you know there are many opportunities for learning across the age span at Temple Sinai and within our Jewish Community.
Our educational programs for our school age children continue to thrive under the talented direction of Ilan Adar with administrative and teaching assistance from Pauline Rosenberg. Our expert teachers and our enthusiastic Madrachim are ready to receive our children as religious school classes begin on Sunday September 12th. Our toddler program, Sprouts, is back for another dynamic year under the creative direction of Roseann Kraus beginning Sunday, September 26th.
There are also many opportunities for adults to continue their Jewish education at Temple Sinai and within the broader Jewish community. On Sundays, during religious school sessions, our Rabbis will continue to offer a series of mini-courses. These classes are exciting and intellectually stimulating with topics that explore the different streams of Judaism, understanding God, Jewish history, and anti-Semitism, among others. You are welcome join any and all of these sessions. A complete listing of the dates and topics can be found on our temple website (www.tsinai.org), or by contacting our Temple office.
If you are interested in expanding your knowledge and facility in Hebrew, our talented instructors will support all levels of proficiency from beginning levels (learning how to decode words) to more advanced levels (gaining insight into the meaning of words we recite or read in the prayer book). Hebrew classes are also offered on Sundays mornings. Check the Bulletin and Snippets for the schedule.
Are you interested in learning more about Torah? There is a special opportunity for adults to learn through text and conversation with our Rabbis on Saturday mornings. You don’t have to have a background in Torah or Hebrew to join in this energizing discussion!
We are pleased to be launching a very exciting new program this year called Basic Judaism from a Liberal Perspective! This 20 session series provides an introduction for those who might be unfamiliar with (or who might want a little refresher about) the basics of Judaism. This program, held on Sunday mornings, from 10-11, will be especially helpful for anyone committed to an interfaith relationship or those considering conversion. Class members will learn together throughout the program so that conversation and questions can take place in a supportive atmosphere. The program is open to Temple members for the cost of materials. Non members are welcome for a fee of $75.00 which includes the cost of materials. Look for more information about this new program coming soon, or call the Temple office.
Finally, I’d like to highlight a wonderful community learning opportunity offered through the Jewish Community Federation: The Global Day of Jewish Learning. This special event will be held on November 7, 2010 at the JCC. It was conceived to celebrate Rabbi Steinsaltz who has compiled and published the widely acclaimed Talmud commentaries in English, making this text which is so central to the Jewish people, accessible to countless numbers of Jews and those interested in Judaism for whom the original languages (Mishnaic Hebrew and Aramaic) posed a barrier. The Global Day of Jewish Learning marks Rabbi Steinsaltz’s concluding his comments on the last volume of Talmud, completing 40 years of work! There will be four separate tracks of learning for: adult learners, teachers, teens and youth, and young families. In this way, Rochester will be joining with people all over the world to gather and learn Jewishly together. Whether you are an expert or novice, this will be a place to learn Jewish text, along with music, cooking, drumming, arts, etc. with friends, colleagues and families (you may even make some NEW connections) in courses offered throughout the day.
With all of these choices to study, learn and develop, let’s take advantage of these great opportunities for expanding our Jewish knowledge. In doing so, not only do we grow but we also model the value of ongoing learning for our children – a value that we cherish.
“The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows.” Sydney J. Harris
L’Shalom,
Ann Leonard
