Please note that all courses will meet in person unless otherwise noted.
1) LUNCH AND LEARN WITH RABBI MICAH
We will explore the text of the weekly Torah readings and delve into aspects that are relevant in our world today, explore the practice of interpreting our ancient words and teachings with various types of exegesis, and the critical study and explanation of the biblical text. We will explore questions such as: What does the text help teach us today? How do we relate to the historical or scientific aspects of the deep mythology and meaning of the Torah? Together, we will explore the possibilities in a fun, engaging, and dynamic setting. No experience or Hebrew knowledge is necessary. An open mind, an open heart, and your own dairy/vegetarian lunch are all you need.
Dates: One Thursday/month 9/12, 10/17, 11/7, 12/19, 1/16/25, 2/13, 3/27, 4/10, 5/22, 6/12.
Time: 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
Join Rabbi Micah in person or on Zoom for Torah study!
2) SHABBAT MORNING LEARNING WITH RABBI MICAH
Rabbi Micah will lead us in this new and evolving practice at University Synagogue. Having led Shabbat morning engaging activities for many years, we are thrilled that Rabbi Micah will help develop this opportunity for our community! The mornings will begin with 30-45 minutes of prayerful singing with selections from the Shabbat morning prayers and meditation to awaken our hearts and minds to study. Looking at the weekly text of the Torah for the next hour, we will study, discuss, and dialogue through the weekly Torah portion. Beginning with the first book of the Torah, Genesis, or Bereshit in Hebrew, we will journey together through the year and the text of the Torah. Join us for a joyful, insightful, mindful, and engaging morning learning together and continuing to build an engaged community. We welcome veteran members and new friends to join us!
Join Rabbi Micah once a month for Saturday mornings of prayerful singing, meditation, and Torah study!
Dates: 9/28, 10/26, 11/16, 12/14, 1/18/25, 2/15, 3/8, 3/22, 4/26, 5/10, 6/7, 6/21
Time: 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.
3) BASIC JUDAISM AND BEYOND (BJB)
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: Rabbi Micah and Director of Congregational Learning Jessica Bram
Semester 1 Dates: 9/11, 9/18, 9/25, 10/16, 10/23, 10/30, 11/6, 11/13, 11/20, 12/4, 12/11, 12/18
Semester 2 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
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 - 7:30 p.m.
5) 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, September 12 - November 21
Time: 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. via Zoom
Cost: Free
6) 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
7) CHA-CHA? WALTZ? LET’S DANCE!
Come dancing! ‘What a charming amusement for young people it is, Mr. Darcy! There is nothing like dancing, after all. I consider it one of the first refinements of polished societies.’ Jane Austen (1813) Pride and Prejudice captures the essence of dance. Join me for an introduction to the lively rhythms of samba, rumba, cha-cha, salsa, and the elegant flows of waltz! Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or stepping onto the floor for the first time, this class offers a warm welcome and a fun atmosphere to explore diverse dance styles.
Instructor: Professor Martine Jago
Dates: Thursday, November 14, 21 and December 5; Time: 7:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Cost: $18 per participant
8) 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 for specific dates, Time: 5:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Cost: Free for members. $18 for non-members
9) ISRAELI DANCE FOR BEGINNERS
For those who think they can’t dance or have always wanted to learn to Israeli dance, this class is for you! Join Tessa Kershnar as she introduces the fun, beauty, and history of Israeli dance. No prior experience is needed- just come ready to move!
Instructor: Tessa Kershnar
Dates: Tuesday, September 10, 17, 24 and October 15, 22, 29; Time: 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Cost: $75. Class size limited
10) A TASTE OF BJB
Join Rabbi Micah Becker-Klein and Jessica Bram for a taste of Basic Judaism & Beyond with three sessions exploring Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot/Simchat Torah. Discover the customs, history, liturgy, and food that make these holidays special for Jews worldwide. Classes meet in person at University Synagogue September 18, 25 and October 16, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
To register, please make your selections below or email Danica Bishop: dbishop@universitysynagogue.org.
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