Welcome to our Adult Learning Opportunities! Below are the anticipated times and dates for our upcoming programs. For the most up to date information, please check our calendar or contact us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it !

A Historical Perspective on What it Means to Be a Modern Jew: Scholar-in-Residence, Professor Marsha Rozenblit

Dr. Marsha Rozenblit, a social historian who has extensively studied the Jews of Central Europe, joins us as this year’s Scholar-in-Residence from the University of Maryland.  A dynamic speaker, Professor Rozenblit is also the author of The Jews of Vienna, 1867-1914: Assimilation and Identity and Reconstructing a National Identity: The Jews of Habsburg Austria During World War I which explores both Jewish identity and ethnic and national identity in general.  She edited, along with Pieter M. Judson, a collection of essays entitled Constructing Nationalities in East Central Europe.

Professor Rozenblit served on the editorial boards of the Association for Jewish Studies Review and Jewish Social Studies, and served as Director of the Meyerhoff Center for Jewish Studies from 1998 to 2003. She is also a fellow of the American Academy for Jewish Research.

Friday, February 3, 2012 and Saturday, February 4, 2011

A Personal Perspective on Prayer: Shabbat “Lunch ‘N Learn” Series

Our Shabbat “Lunch ‘N Learn” series is back!  Join us this year as we explore aspects of prayer together.  Rabbi Jacob will spend three Saturday mornings with us as we pursue the history of Jewish prayer, the concept of kavanah, communal prayer vs. individual prayer, and related topics.   Feel free to stay and let the discussion continue – or just schmooze and catch up – as we share a Shabbat lunch together.

Saturday, November 12, 2011 * Saturday, January 28, 2012 * Saturday, March 31, 2012

A Lighter Perspective on Jewish Life: A Celebration of Jewish Humor

As we prepare for Purim, Shaare Torah invites members and friends to attend a Shabbat dinner to remember – challenging them to begin the month of Adar with a celebration of Jewish humor, including a Jewish-themed joke-telling contest.   Of course, there will be prizes – and that’s no joke.

Friday evening, February 24, 2012

Dr. Matthew Biberman, Associate Professor of English at the University of Louisville, comes to Shaare Torah to share his perceptions of anti-semitism in the 21^st century.   He is the author of Masculinity, Anti-Semitism, and Early Modern English Literature: From the Satanic to the Effeminate Jew and an editor of "Shakespeare after 9/11," part of the Shakespeare Yearbook. He also chronicled the mending of his relationship with his father through the restoration of a custom-built motorcycle in the autobiographical Big Sid's Vincanti. January 8, 2012

A Fresh Perspective on Jewish Parenting: The “Mensch Initiative”
Do you want your child (or grandchild) to be a mensch?  Of course you do!  So join Rabbi Jacob this fall as he leads a lively morning discussion group that will explore the challenges of raising ethical children in today’s world.  Come investigate ways for teaching meschlikhkeit, instilling respect, and encouraging acts of kindness – and share your invaluable experiences with one another.

A Refreshing Perspective on Aliyot:

The Torah Honors Workshop

Ken Dretchen leads his Torah Honors Workshop in both the fall and the spring this year.  This is perfect for all who would like to “brush up” on how to properly participate in the Torah service.  It’s also great for families with upcoming b’nai mitzvah!

Sunday mornings, December 4, 2011 and February 12, 2012

 

A Traditional Perspective on Torah Study: Shavuot

Come teach, learn and share a little cheesecake!  Join us for a celebration of the festival of Shavuot with an evening of Torah study and incredible dairy desserts.  Commemorate the anniversary of the giving of the Torah with a collegial evening where we can learn together and share experiences as a spiritual community.

 

Saturday evening, May 26, 2012

A Detailed Perspective on Hebrew Texts: Mishnah Study Group

 

The Mishnah Study Group will embark on the study of a new text this year.  We will be reading an 18^th century text that is a wonderful example of “Mussar” literature, Mesillat Yesharim – “The Path of the Upright” by Rabbi Moshe Hayyim Luzzato.  The group meets on Thursdays, from noon to 1:00 p.m. for text study.  Contact Rabbi Jacob for more details!