Please note that all courses will meet in person unless otherwise noted.
1) INTRODUCTION TO RECONSTRUCTIONISM AND UNIVERSITY SYNAGOGUE
For those who are interested in learning more about all that our community offers, please join us for this informal hour to learn about Reconstructionism and hear about University Synagogue's many programs and services. We encourage your family and friends to come and join us! A complimentary dinner will be provided at 6:00 p.m. to all prospective members who attend the Intro Night.) Please call the office at (949) 553-3535 to RSVP.
2) BASIC JUDAISM AND BEYOND
Who are "the Jews"? What do we collectively and individually believe or not believe? Basic Judaism & Beyond is a year-long journey designed to unlock and unpack Judaism through learning and discussions that explore Jewish philosophy, theology, ritual, history, religious practice and so much more. Whether you're new to these concepts or looking to deepen your understanding, this class offers an inclusive space for all, including those considering conversion, to engage with the Jewish life and thought within our University Synagogue community. We encourage sharing experiences. We will compare and contrast approaches to Judaism to see how we are the same and different. We view many aspects of Jewish rituals and practices, including the celebration of Jewish holidays and life cycle rituals (from a liberal and Reconstructionist lens) to better understand why we do what we do, how it has evolved, and what it means to us today. As time permits, we will explore "What Judaism Says" about current topics of the day. Classes on September 18, 25, and October 16 (our pre-High Holiday and Sukkot/Simchat Torah classes) are open to the whole congregation. This class will be held in person in the synagogue library. A syllabus will be given out at our first session.
Instructors: Director of Congregational Learning Jessica Bram
2025 Dates: 1/8, 1/15, 1/22, 1/29, 2/5, 2/12, 2/19, 2/26, 3/12, 3/19, 3/26, 4/2, 4/9, 4/16, 4/30, 5/7, 5/14, 5/21
Cost: Free for members; $250 per semester for all others, plus a one-time $75 book fee for all students. Minimum number of students: 10
3) 35th ANNUAL ORANGE COUNTY INTERNATIONAL JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL, founded by University Synagogue.
2024 2025
January 8 & 9, 2025: This Is My Mother
November 20 & 21: Running on Sand January 22 & 23: Monkey House
December 4 & 5: Home February 5 & 6: Unspoken
February 19 & 20: Hila
March 5 & 6: Pink Lady
March 19 & 20: The Boy In The Woods
April 2 & 3: Auction
April 23 & 24: Prosecuting Evil: The Extraordinary World of Ben Ferencz
4) SHABBAT UNPLUGGED: THE FASCINATING WORLD OF JEWISH LITURGICAL MUSIC
Learn about the various styles of music that we use at our Friday night services. Jewish music has been influenced by the various cultures and locales in which Jews have lived for over thousands of years. We'll study the differences between Ashkenazic, Sephardic, and Mizrahi music, and we'll learn the diverse melodies that, in every age, including our own, have become part of the Jewish liturgical tradition.
Instructor: Cantor Braier
Dates: 2/3/25 and 2/10/25; 6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
5) Poetry and Creative Writing Workshop
Join us for an inspiring workshop that will spark your imagination! This session features a three-part writing prompt, including pre-writes that build toward a final short poem or flash fiction piece. Participants will have the chance to share their work in a supportive environment.
Facilitator: Robbi Nester, author of five books of poetry, editor of three poetry anthologies, and curator of two monthly poetry events.
Instructor: Robbi Nester
Date: Tuesday, February 18, 2025 7:00-8:00 p.m. at University Synagogue
Cost: Free for members
6) Mastering Mobile Photography: Capture Stunning Shots with Your Smartphone!
Discover the hidden potential of your smartphone's camera! In this fun and informative session, you’ll learn essential skills like composition, lens settings, and color correction. While we’ll focus on iPhone features, Android users will also benefit from similar techniques.
Instructor: Bill Jacobs
Date: Tuesday, March 4 6:30-7:30 p.m. at University Synagogue
Cost: Free for members
7) How to Be the Best Jewish Grandparent You Can Be! (4-Part Series)
Let’s come together to discuss one of the nicest roles life can bring us—being a biological or honorary grandparent! Whether you’re new to the role or an experienced grandparent, this series offers a space to share how you have (or hope to) pass along Jewish rituals and values to younger generations. Topics will include:
- Is it our obligation to pass along Jewish values?
- What if our grandchildren live far away?
- What if their parents don’t share the same aspirations?
- How do we navigate interfaith households?
- What if our grandchildren aren’t interested in our opinions?
Instructor: Carol Richmond
Date: Thursdays, March 6, 13, 20, and 27 10:00-11:00 A.M. at University Synagogue
Cost: Free for members
8) Writing for Publication or Family Legacy: Crafting Your Memoir or Manuscript
Whether you dream of publishing your story or preserving family memories, this 90-minute session will provide the inspiration and tools to begin your writing journey. Please bring a notebook.
Instructor: Barbara Pronin, author of eight novels and two non-fiction books
Date: Friday, March 28 1:00-2:30 P.M. at University Synagogue
Cost: Free for members
9) Real Estate Class: “Mastering the Real Estate Market: A Comprehensive Presentation to Achieve Real Estate Success”
Join us for valuable insights on 2025 market trends, interest rates, and inventory updates. Learn about available financing options, negotiating interest rate buy-downs, and the latest rule changes affecting buyers and sellers.
Instructor: Sheila Ivary Marsh and Mark Gold
Date: Mondays, March 24, April 28, and May 19 7:00-8:00 P.M. at University Synagogue
Cost: Free for members
10) BEGINNING HEBREW READING COURSE
Join us for "Gentle Hebrew"! Is your Hebrew "rusty"? Would you like to be able to read the Hebrew words we sing in the service and know what the words mean? Join us for a 6-week Beginning Hebrew Reading Course taught on Zoom by Karen Zfaty. Karen has a Master's degree in Semitic Languages with an emphasis in Biblical Hebrew. She greatly appreciates the meaning of Hebrew and would love to share that with you!
Instructor: Karen Zfaty
Dates: Thursdays, Time: 7–8 p.m. via Zoom. Start day September 12
Cost: Free
11) UNIVERSITY SYNAGOGUE ADULT CHOIR
Learn classical and modern Jewish choral music, and share that music with the congregation at services during the year. We welcome singers who read music, as well as those who learn music by ear in all vocal parts (Soprano, Alto, Tenor, and Bass/Baritone).
Director: Shannon Fowler; Dates: Mondays; Time: 7:20-8:30 p.m.
To register, email Shannon at shan.fowler@icloud.com
12) UNIVERSITY @ UNIVERSITY: THE GROWN-UPS CLASSROOM
Dive back into the world of education with the vibrancy and curiosity of your younger years, but with the wisdom and maturity of adulthood. We are proud to introduce University@University, a new learning experience tailored for adults of all ages, post-B'nei Mitzvah and beyond. Start the evening by coming to savor a delightful meal and engage in stimulating conversation with fellow lifelong learners. After dinner, immerse yourself in one of our carefully curated classes. Each evening will explore a contemporary topic, breaking it down to view all the angles. Engage in profound discussions about developments in medical technologies by an expert from A.R.P.A-H, learn what you can do now to ease the burden on loved ones at the end of life, and use an analytical lens to explore the foundational primary sources that ground each side of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Instructor: Jessica Bram and guest presenters
Dates: Stay Tuned Time: 5:30-8:00 p.m.
Cost: Free for members. $18 for nonmembers
This schedule is subject to change, so always RSVP at least one week prior to the class and check our website at www.universitysynagogue.org for added classes and events.
To register, please make your selections below or email Danica Bishop: dbishop@universitysynagogue.org.
Log in to your account to see University Synagogue member rates.
