University Synagogue is proud to share with you our dynamic and diverse Adult Education Program for 2010-2011.  We invite you to explore the many classes and programs and participate as frequently as you wish.   Please be sure to register for the classe(es) of your choice.  Classes with insufficient enrollment may be cancelled, so please help your fellow congregants and yourself by registering today!  Click here to register online!  AREAS OF STUDY STUDY WITH RABBI RACHLIS OTHER JUDAIC STUDIES PARENT EDUCATION SPECIAL PROGRAMS AND SPEAKERS SPECIAL INTERESTS

STUDY WITH RABBI RACHLIS    LUNCH AND LEARN: THE BOOK OF GENESIS  Rabbi Rachlis will continue to teach the formative myths and stories of our tradition - Creation, Garden of Eden, Tower of Babel, Noah and the Flood, Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebecca, Jacob, Rachel and Leah, and Joseph and his Brothers.  The fifty short chapters of Genesis are the foundational text of Western civilization and continue to shape Judaism, Christianity and Islam.  The text will be handed out at each class.  Bring a dairy lunch if you wish; drinks will be provided. Dates: Tuesdays, 10/5, 11/2, 12/7, 2/1, 3/1, 4/5; Time: 12:00-1:15 p.m.   SEX, CHRISTMAS, GOD AND JEWS – taught by Rabbi Rachlis.  A contemporary 3-session course on hot button issues (come to one class or all three). Rabbi Rachlis will focus on both Jewish tradition and a modern Reconstructionist approach. Dates: Sundays, 11/7, 12/5, 1/30;  Time: 9:00-10:30 a.m.   11/7 – Sex: Judaism encourages mutual pleasure and sees it as holy within certain parameters.  How have those parameters changed in regard to pre-marital sex, women’s equality, homosexuality, older couples living together without a marriage license and more.   12/5 – Christmas:  How should intermarried couples celebrate Christmas and Hanukkah?  How should Jewish-Jewish couples deal with Christmas in schools, on TV, at the mall and more?   1/30/11 – God: How much can one differ from a traditional belief in God and still be Jewish?  How has the “God idea” in Judaism changed over the millennia?  What do people mean when they call themselves a “humanist,” “naturalist,” “agnostic,” “atheist,” “secularist,” “progressive” or “liberal?”   PRIVATE TUTORIAL WITH RABBI RACHLIS Rabbi Rachlis will teach you anything that you want to learn. Just set up an appointment; he’ll give you a syllabus and you’ll meet with him approximately once a month for individualized study.   ADULT BAR/BAT MITZVAH WITH RABBI RACHLIS Call the office to schedule an initial meeting with Rabbi Rachlis.  It’s never too late! Combining privately scheduled tutorials with a tutor and  meetings with Rabbi Rachlis, it will take you between six months and a year (depending on your background, time available for study and motivation) to prepare for this simcha.  (Also, if you are 83 years old or older, you’re entitled to a second Bar/Bat Mitzvah!) INTRODUCTION TO JUDAISM For those (born Jewish or not) with little formal Jewish background as well as those interested in conversion. This course is taught by various rabbis for the whole community on Monday evenings. In addition, Rabbi Rachlis wants to meet with you in a private tutorial once a month. Call the office for information regarding location and times.  OTHER JUDAIC STUDIES     A TASTE OF TORAH TROPE                                                                               Instructor:  Cantor Ruti Braier Learn to read and chant from the Torah in the traditional trope used at Shabbat morning services. A simple reading knowledge of Hebrew is required. Dates: Mondays, 3/28, 4/4; Time: 6:30-7:30 p.m.   SHABBAT BLESSINGS AND SONGS                                                                  Instructor:  Cantor Ruti Braier Learn prayers and songs to celebrate the joy of Shabbat at home and experience how you can create a meaningful, musical experience on Shabbat. Dates: Mondays, 4/11, 5/9; Time: 6:30-7:30 p.m. JEWISH BODY LANGUAGE AND THE LANGUAGE OF PRAYER Taught by Rabbi Rachlis and Cantor Braier  Learn the structure, body language, and melodies of Shabbat services. Sunday, 2/27; Time: 10:00-11:00 a.m.    CONGREGATIONAL SEDER –  Join us for a Community Seder led by Rabbi Rachlis and Cantor Braier. We will serve a traditional kosher for Pesach meal and use the Reconstructionist Haggadah. Date: Friday, April 22; Time: 6:00 p.m.; Cost: $45 for adults, $25 for children 7 and under.   STUDY OF TORAH AND SELECTED BOOKS OF THE BIBLE Facilitator: Michele Walot Life experience is the only tool you'll need to join this group. Using the newly published Women's Torah commentary, and guided by an experienced Torah Study group participant, we will discuss specific parashot (Torah portions) and books of the bible, emphasizing concepts and themes that have concerned us through the ages. Women and men from all backgrounds, levels of Jewish education (or not) and ages 16 and above are welcome to attend. Our first studies will include the Book of Ecclesiastes, read for the fall holiday of Sukkot. Dates: Tuesdays, 9/21, 10/5, 10/19, 11/2, 11/16, 11/30, 12/14, 12/28, 1/11, 1/25, 2/8, 2/22, 3/8, 3/22, 4/5, 4/26, 5/10, 5/24, 6/21, 7/5, 7/19; Time: 7:00–9:00 p.m.   BEGINNERS HEBREW Instructor: Tammy Zappo Every October, tens of thousands of Jewish adults gather in hundreds of locations across North America to learn to read Hebrew – the language of our people. This is an ideal way to learn how to follow synagogue services, keep up with your kids’ Religious School education or simply enhance your own Jewish knowledge. Eight 1½-hour sessions for beginners and those who need a refresher. Dates: Mondays, 10/11, 10/18, 10/25, 11/1, 11/8, 11/15, 11/22, 12/6; Time: 7:00-8:30 p.m. Price: $80.00;  Note: This class requires a minimum of 8 students.   CONTINUING HEBREW Instructor: Tammy Zappo After completing Beginner’s Hebrew or the equivalent, continue to hone your Hebrew skills. This class will further build reading fluency and teach basic dialogue. Dates: Mondays, 1/10, 1/24, 1/31, 2/7, 2/28, 3/7, 3/14, 3/21; Time: 7:00-8:30 p.m.      Cost:  $80.00; Note: This class requires a minimum of 8 students       PARENT EDUCATION   NOBODY TOLD ME HOW HARD IT IS TO BE A PARENT! GUIDED CONVERSATIONS ABOUT 2-5 YEAR OLDS. Facilitated by: Carol Richmond, MS ED, Educational Therapist Dates: Wednesdays, 10/20, 11/3, 11/10, 11/17, 12/1; Time:  11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.   Topics: 10/20 Child Development: Physical, emotional and social milestones, why they matter (or not). 11/3  TV or not TV? A big question – Baby Einstein Videos, Sesame Street, Magic School Bus, etc.  Am I or am I not a terrible parent if I do/don’t expose my kids? 11/10 Grandparents near and far: How to manage and enhance relationships between you, your children and their grandparents. 11/17 How to evaluate/buy books and toys for children – what do I need to know? 12/1 Religious Education: Why? When? Where?   UNDERSTANDING AND WORKING WITH YOUR MIDDLE SCHOOL CHILD Instructor: Nancy Lander Nancy, a University Synagogue member, was a middle school principal for 15 years and has a 7th grade granddaughter.  She’ll share her knowledge and expertise as she helps us to figure out what is happening in the middle school years. Date:  Sunday, January 23; Time:  9:00–11:00 a.m. SPECIAL PROGRAMS AND SPEAKERS  JEWISH-CHRISTIAN DIALOGUE ON “THE WORLD WE LIVE IN” Led by: Rabbi Rachlis and Reverend Paul Tellstrom of Irvine United Congregational Church, co-sponsored by University Synagogue   Tuesday, 11/23, 7:30 p.m. Pre-Thanksgiving service and presentation. Keynote Speaker: Dr. Jerry Campbell, President, Claremont School of Theology. Topic: Creating the World’s First Jewish/Christian/Muslim Seminary Location: Irvine United Congregational Church   Wednesday, 3/16, 7:30 p.m. Topic: Global Ethics and Religion – Are there universal religious ethical values? What is the relationship between religion and ethics? Is religion or God necessary to have an ethical society? Speaker: Assistant Professor Dr. Santiago Slabodsky, Claremont School of Theology, an Argentinean born ethicist, social activist and rabbi. Location: Irvine United Congregational Church.   FASCINATING SPEAKERS SERIES Throughout the year, well known speakers will address fascinating topics at University Synagogue. Some highlights are:   Sunday, September 12, 2010 Time: 10:00-11:00 a.m. Rabbi Joseph Telushkin will speak on “The Sky is Not Falling: God, Love And Money In Times of Crisis.” Co-sponsored by CSP – For ticket information, call (949) 682-4040.   Friday, October 8, 2010 – Synaplex Shabbat Dr. Rick Hodes will speak on “Saving Lives In Ethiopia – One Person At A Time.” Dinner at 6:00 p.m.; Services at 7:00 p.m.; Speaker at 8:15 p.m.   Sunday, October 17, 2010 Author Cambria Gordon will speak on “How To Address Global Warming If You’re Jewish.” Time:  9:00-11:00 a.m. Friday, November 12, 2010 – Synaplex Shabbat/JRF ConventionUCI Law School Dean Erwin Chemerinsky will speak on “The Crumbling Wall Separating Church and State: What Will It Mean For Jews?”Dinner at 6:00 p.m.; Services at 7:30 p.m. (Note change of time); Speaker at 8:45 p.m. (Note change of time) Friday, December 3, 2010 – Synaplex Shabbat/Hanukkah Educator Lauren Joseph will speak on “Ensuring Equality For Both Jews and Arabs In Israel.” Dinner at 6:00 p.m.; Services at 7:00 p.m.; Speaker at 8:15 p.m. Friday, January 21, 2011 – Synaplex Shabbat  Professor Stephen Berk will speak on “Jesus, Masada and Yavneh.” Dinner at 6:00 p.m.; Services at 7:00 p.m.; Speaker at 8:15 p.m.   Friday, February 25, 2011 – Synaplex Shabbat Guest Speaker: Political Analyst Dr. Norm Ornstein Dinner at 6:00 p.m.; Services at 7:00 p.m.; Speaker at 8:15 p.m.   Friday, March 25, 2011 – Synaplex Shabbat Roger Cohen, New York Times Correspondent, will speak on “Israel, Iran And The World: Reflections Of A New York Times Correspondent.” Dinner at 6:00 p.m.; Services at 7:00 p.m.; Speaker at 8:15 p.m.   Friday, April 15, 2011 – Synaplex Shabbat Professor Mehnaz M. Afridi and writer Jordan Elgrably will speak on “Jews And Muslims: Celebrating and Sharing Our Cultures Together.” Dinner at 6:00 p.m.; Services at 7:00 p.m.; Speaker at 8:15 p.m.   Friday, May 6, 2011 – Yom HaShoah/Holocaust Memorial Service Author Chris Nicola will speak on his new book “The Secret of Priest’s Grotto: A Holocaust Survival Story” Services at 8:00 p.m.   Friday, May 13, 2011 – Synaplex Shabbat/Yom Ha’Atzmaut Professor Eli Berman will speak on “Radical, Religious And Violent: Economics And Terrorism In The Middle East And Afghanistan.” Dinner at 6:00 p.m.; Services at 7:00 p.m.; Speaker at 8:15 p.m.   Check our newsletter, HaMakor, for additions and/or changes, since we are constantly adding topics and speakers.       The 21ST ANNUAL ORANGE COUNTY INTERNATIONAL JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL Sponsored by University Synagogue Each year, our congregation features award winning films from around the world on Jews, Judaism and the Jewish experience, followed by a lively discussion led by screenwriter, Michael Berlin.   Dates: Sundays, 1/ 9, 1/23, 2/6, 3/13 and 3/27                 Films to be announced. Location:  Regal (Edwards) Westpark, Irvine Time: 9:00 a.m. and repeated at 11.30 a.m.   Dates: Wednesdays, 1/19, 2/2, 2/16, 3/2 and 3/23            Films to be announced. Location: Regal (Edwards) Westpark, Irvine Time:  7:00 p.m.   Cost:  $150 for all 10 films (5 on Sundays, 5 on Wednesdays)             $ 90, Sunday Series 9.00 a.m. – includes bagel breakfast at 8.15 a.m.             $ 90, Sunday Series, 11.30 a.m. – includes refreshments             $ 80, Wednesday Series             $ 20 per ticket, if purchased through the Synagogue             $ 25 per ticket, if purchased at the door   SNEAK PREVIEW OF THE AWARD WINNING MOVIE “THE YANKLES” A heartwarming comedy about a Jewish baseball team. Great for all ages.  Rated PG. Date:  Sunday, October 3; Time:  1:00 p.m. Location: Lido Theatre, 3459 Via Lido, Newport Beach, CA 92663 Tickets: $10.00, purchase from University Synagogue SPECIAL INTERESTS  UNIVERSITY SYNAGOGUE ADULT CHOIR                                                   Choir Director: Shannon Fowler Learn classical and modern Jewish music and then share that music with the congregation on High Holidays and monthly at Shabbat services during the year. The only prerequisite is a love of singing. Dates: Mondays; Time:  7:30–9:30 p.m.   YOGA                                                                                                            Instructor: Lynn Friedman Appropriate for beginners and intermediate students. Bring your own Yoga mat. Instruction will begin with a warm-up, and progress to Yoga asanas. We will end the hour with a short relaxing meditation. Dates: Wednesdays, beginning 10/6; Time: 6:00–7:30 p.m. ISSUES IN MEDICAL ETHICS AND POLICY: A STUDY GROUP NOT FOR HEALTH    PROFESSIONALS ONLY Coordinators: Dr. Miriam Piven Cotler, Dr. Marc Richmond, Dr. Ken Bell As professionals, we all struggle to do the “right thing.”   Medical technologies, financing, research, and related political pressures influence the opinions of the general public, patients, and their families, professionals and politicians - each of whom is looking to discern what the ethical response should be in a particular circumstance.  Please join us in discussing a variety of these issues. Readings will be distributed before class to all who RSVP. Topics to include: Who makes life and death decisions in the case of estranged families or for a person without family; what defines futile care; how to avoid making ethical decisions at the bedside of the ill and dying; what is death – brains, bodies and spirit, genetic engineering, reproductive choices and many more. Dates:  Thursdays, 11/4, 2/10, 3/24, 5/12; Time: 7:00-8:30 p.m.   COLLEGE ADMISSIONS AND YOU Instructor: Paul Kanarek, The Princeton Review Calling all 10th and 11th grade students and their parents.  Do you know that UC. has changed their entrance requirements? Come and learn about it from our own expert, Paul Kanarek of The Princeton Review. Now that PSAT scores are back, how do 10th and 11th graders best prepare for college? Date: Thursday, 3/10; Time: 7:00 p.m.   GLOBAL MENTSHLICHKEIT Facilitated by: Lynn Friedman, Anita Mishook and Clarita Karlin Living an ethical, Jewish life in contemporary society. “Do not corrupt or destroy my world, for if you do, there will be no one to repair it for you.” (Midrash Ecclesiastes Rabba 7:15)   Dates: Oct. 4, 7:00 p.m. “Race to Nowhere” – Documentary (Tickets must be purchased from www.racetonowhere.com) Oct. 17, 9:00 a.m. Author Cambria Gordon – “How To Stop Global Warming If You’re Jewish” – Family Program Dec. 15, 7:00 p.m. - “On Common Ground: Three Faiths, One Journey” - Documentary Jan. 12, 2011, 7:00 p.m. Laura Miller, Director of Orange Coast Interfaith Shelter Feb. 13, 9:00 a.m.  “Praying with Lior”  - Documentary - Family Program Mar. 9, 7:00 p.m.  “Processed People” - Documentary Apr. 6, 7:00 p.m. Sheri Loveland, Orange County Interfaith Council on the Environment May 11, 7:00 p.m. “Consuming Kids: The Commercialization of Childhood” - Documentary   WALKING THROUGH 150 YEARS OF ART IN FLORENCE WHILE TOUCHING ON BIBLICAL JEWISH HEROES AND HEROINES Instructor:  Professor Lyle Massey, UCI Art Historian Dates: Thursdays, 11/18, 12/9, 1/27, 2/24;  Time: 7:00–8:00 p.m.   NESIAH TOVAH! (BON VOYAGE): PREPARING FOR YOUR TRAVELS OVERSEAS Instructor: Susan Fybel Join a travel enthusiast for numerous tips on planning and researching your trip. Learn how to organize what you take and to pack light. Included is a demonstration of luggage, packing methods and accessories. Dates: Sundays, 11/7, repeated on 3/27; Times:  9:00-11:00 a.m. Click here to complete the registration form online.