Tifereth Israel Congregation
Adult Education
Winter Spring 2010
Dedicated to Mollie Berch
TI’s consummate educator, librarian and friend
Tifereth Israel Congregation
Adult Education
Winter Spring 2010
Dedicated to Mollie Berch
TI’s consummate educator, librarian and friend
Introduction
This booklet contains information about Adult Education and Programming at Tifereth Israel from January through June 2010. The theme for our Winter-Spring Programming is Ethics.
This year’s retreat will be held at TI on MLK weekend (Jan 15-17) and will revolve around the Civil Rights movement and Medical Ethics. Our Big Read is The Good Doctors which ties in to the weekend program.
We continue the theme of ethics on February 21st, when nationally known medical ethicist, Dr. Ezekiel Emmanuel speaks at TI, on a panel with Rabbi Ethan Seidel, about the ethics of experimentation on humans.
Our daytime programming continues to grow. In addition to offering Monday lunch, classes & programs, we also have daytime classes on Thursday and Friday.
Rabbi Seidel’s has both day and night sessions for two of his weekly classes – Beginning Hebrew and Parashat HaShavuah. He’ll also be offering advanced Hebrew and Talmud discussions.
Watch for Mollie Berch’s classes on the Holocaust and the Great Depression, both part of our Sunday educational programming.
In addition to Shabbat Kiddush and Monday learning lunch, we have a number of Friday evening dinners, including a Seder for Tu B’Shevat, a Shabbat dinner on Chol HaMoed Pesach, and a special dinner before the Shavuot Tikkun.
Enjoy our athletic department offerings of biking, karate, yoga and meditation.
Tifereth Israel’s Annual Congregational Retreat
Friday, Saturday, Sunday – Jan 15-17, 2010
At Tifereth Israel
A full weekend of activities awaits you at Tifereth Israel, beginning with Friday night Carlebach services and dinner. The retreat will culminate with the Big Read and a social action project on Sunday morning that is appropriate for families. We hope you will spend the entire weekend at TI!
The retreat weekend is our Social Action Shabbaton and the programs planned by the Social Action Committee will be the core of our retreat program. It is also the weekend that Kol Nashim is leading much of the Saturday morning service. The Social Action Committee has invited Professor John Dittmer, Bancroft prize winning author for the weekend. He will speak at Saturday morning services. After lunch he will chair a panel discussion about the Health Care Issues in the l960s-70s and social justice developments in health care since the civil rights marches. The panel will include:
After the panel discussion there will be two wonderful programs, a presentation on Women and the Civil Rights Movement by Mollie Berch and a look at Tifereth Israel’s involvement with the civil rights movement led by William L. Taylor. William Taylor is a lawyer, teacher and writer in the fields of civil rights and education. He practices law in Washington, D.C., advocating on behalf of low income and minority children. Mr. Taylor is a graduate of Brooklyn College and the Yale Law School. He began his legal career in 1954 as an attorney on the staff of the NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund. In the 1960s he served as General Counsel and later as staff director of the United States Commission on Civil Rights where he directed major investigations and research studies that contributed to the civil rights laws enacted in the 60s. After Havdalah, there will be dinner, time to prepare and present skits, and then enjoy music.
Sunday morning will start with the Sunday New York Times Crossword Puzzle with Rabbi Seidel, followed by Minyan and brunch. At 10:30am some of us will have our Big Read discussion; others will begin a clean-up of a section of Rock Creek Park. We have chosen Professor Dittmer’s latest book The Good Doctors: The Medical Committee for Human Rights and the Struggle for Social Justice in Health Care for our “Big Read” – a book we encourage the entire Congregation to read and discuss. Professor Dittmer will lead the discussion. Copies of the book are available for purchase at the TI office. We conclude the Retreat back at TI with hot drinks and a light lunch!
TI Retreat - Youth Program
This year’s TI in-house youth retreat will be one of our best ever. We have a great mix of programs and activities for kids of all ages. A full complement of staff will be supervising. And the price is phenomenal.
On Friday evening after Shabbat services and dinner, we’re doing Shabbat appropriate ice breakers, games and social activities. We hope we will be joined by youth from Hope Tabernacle Church of God, the church that rents space in our building.
Shabbat morning, children who arrive early will have retreat breakfast with their parents. Regularly scheduled Shabbat groups will meet. Teens will attend service in the main sanctuary with the congregation.
Shabbat afternoon, students will learn about different aspects of the civil rights movement. We’ll split into groups by age and then begin our afternoon programs with a general discussion of stereotypes and go through a series of exercises and activities. Each group will then visit four rooms representing different parts of the civil rights movement where students will experience and understand aspects of the following:
·
Alabama – Birmingham, Selma and Montgomery
· Personalities – Rosa Parks, Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, Jack Greenberg, Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth, Emmett Till, Marvin Caplan
· North Carolina - Greensboro, Charlotte
· Mississippi - Freedom Summer
As the age groups visits each room, appropriate programs will be presented. At the end of the afternoon, we will conclude with a discussion of current day stereotypes and the ways they affect our society.
We join the congregation for Maariv and Havdalah. After dinner we’ll have games. We’ll have a make-your-own sundae bar for our evening snack. From 9:30 -11:30 ($10 for the evening programs) we will have laser tag for ages 8 and up. For 5-7 year olds we will have a movie.
Those not sleeping over will need to be picked up by 11:30. For those who are 6 and over we will have an overnight sleepover ($10 per person).
Sunday morning breakfast will be followed by a Rock Creek Park cleanup. Hot chocolate and snacks will be served on our return. Pickup is at 12:30 pm
Sunday Learning and Activities
The Good Doctors
Discussion led by Professor John Dittmer
10:15 am – noon Sunday, January 17
This year the TI Big Read Book Discussion will be led by the author of the book! John Dittmer, author of The Good Doctors is not only giving the drash for the in-house retreat/social action shabbaton but also leading a discussion on his book on Sunday at 10:15, following Minyan. Even if you are not able to join us for the entire retreat you are welcome to join us Sunday morning to discuss this very interesting book that talks about the doctors of the civil rights movement and their struggle for social justice in health care.
The book traces a medical organization from its beginnings in the civil rights era to its decline and later demise in the 1980s. An overlooked story from the struggle for civil rights, it has ramifications for the ongoing debate over health care reform.
This book raises many health care and civil rights issues that are relevant today. This history of the civil rights movement focuses on the doctors and other medical professionals who worked to provide quality health care for those who needed it regardless of race.
The Magic Flute – Aria Club of Greater Washington
6:30 pm Sunday, January 17
The Magic Flute opera, composed by Mozart over 200 years ago, makes this complicated story of love, conflict, courage and rescues a true delight. Subtle references to the struggles of Freemasonry are sprinkled throughout. The singing is varied in German and English with English Surtitles. Translations and explanatory narration are provided to enhance your opera experience. The Aria Club is a non-profit organization that encourages the appreciation of opera.
Special $20 Rate for TI members.
The Israeli Woman, Pre- and Post-Lib
Galit Baram, Counselor for Public and Academic Affairs, Embassy of Israel
10:30am - 12:30pm Sunday, January 24
When did Women's Lib really come to Israel, and how is it playing out politically, socially, and domestically? Galit Baram, Counselor for Public and Academic Affairs at the Embassy of Israel, will enlighten us about women's status in Israel today, how it compares to yesteryear, and its overall effect on women, the family, and the body politic. Galit comes to us after 25 years of diplomatic postings in Jerusalem, Moscow, and Cairo. Sponsored by Kol Nashim.
Aging-in-Place Network
Bernie Shleien
Sunday, January 24 at 3pm
Aging-In-Place is a network to provide information, support and services for those who want to remain in their own home or apartment as they age. We will identify locally available resources to assist seniors, especially those who help in the care of a dependent parent, or are disabled, lack transportation, company or food.
Representatives of local organizations which provide information and assistance to seniors and others requiring temporary or continuing assistance will make presentations of the services their organizations offer. Others will describe “Aging-In-Place Villages” or networks. Our speakers are:
o Howard Gleckman Author of “Caring for Our Parents”
o Lynne P.Snyder Gemalut Chesed Coordinator at T.I.
o Lynn Golub-Rufrano Director of Lifelong Learning at T.I.
o Melanie Greenberg Program Coordinator - “Coming of Age in MD”
o Francesca Kranzberg J Connect (formerly JIRS)
o Bernie Shleien will serve as moderator.
We are assessing the practicality of a faith-based aging-in-place network. Your attendance and participation in this seminar will assist us in our endeavor and provide you with a wealth of useful information.
A Woman in Jerusalem
by A.B. Yehoshua
Discussion led by Lynn Golub-Rofrano
12:30 -2 PM - Sunday, February 7
The hero of this tale of guilt, penance, and public relations is the human resources manager of a major Jerusalem company. When the 87-year-old owner learns that a local newspaper is about to run a scathing article about a company employee, a beautiful Russian who was killed by a suicide bomber and whose body remains unclaimed, he directs the human resources manager to find out what happened and make amends, no expenses spared.
The many ethical dilemmas posed by this story will provide us with much to talk about during the book discussion. There are many interesting twists to the story and I look forward to hearing how others would have resolved these issues. Join us to share your thoughts and opinions.
Jewish Community in Ethiopia
Princeton Lyman & Yohannes Zeleke
7:30pm Sunday, February 7
Join the social action committee for Ethiopian Jewry Part 2. Princeton Lyman will show a French video of Operation Moses. Yohannes Zeleke will show slides taken many years ago from areas where he grew up. This program is a follow-up of last Spring’s successful program exploring the background of the Ethiopian Jewish Community before and during Operation Moses.
Jewish-Islamic Dialogue Society of Washington
2:30 – 5 pm Sunday, February 14
Help plan joint activities (political/social/charitable) in which Jewish and Islamic communities can dialog.
Rosh Chodesh Drumming Circle
Sundays
February 21 (at TI from 5-6),
March 14 (at Ohev Sholom from 6-7)
May 16 (at TI from 6-7)
Be it Djembe, shaker, cowbell, or frame drum, we feel the drum beat and our heart beat. Our styles range across at least five cultures as we play an instrument which has so many names: the Hebrew Tof; the Egyptian Tar or Deff; the Persian Daff; the Irish Bodhran; and the Native American Shaman’s drum. Together the incredibly beautiful sound is that of an assembly of hochmat ha lev, and many of us believe the Shechina rests among us. (From Steve Lipton-Shlomo’s Drash)
Medical Ethics: Human Experimentation
Dr. Ezekiel Emmanuel and Rabbi Ethan Seidel 6-8 pm Sunday February 21
Dr. Ezekiel Emmanuel is on leave as director of medical ethics at NIH to serve as a healthcare adviser to President Obama. He is the brother of White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel. His article "Principles for Allocation of Scarce Medical Interventions” published in January 2009 was used by many as a lightning rod for issues around the new health care bill. His paper focused on the allocation of "very scarce medical interventions such as organs and vaccines." He and Rabbi Seidel will discuss the ethics of medical experimentation on people.
This program is part of a series sponsored by The Institute for Science and Judaism. The Institute, headed by Rabbi George Driesen, brings noted speakers to synagogues in the Baltimore Washington area to explore the interface between Science and Judaism. This program is also co-sponsored by the Men’s Club and Kol Nashim.
Purim Carnival
12:15 – 3 pm Sunday February 28
Mark your calendar for our Annual Purim Carnival. We’ll have Games, Prizes, Food and Fun! The carnival is run by our older youth group members for the younger members of our congregation. Contact Lynn Golub-Rofrano to volunteer.
Cooking Without Intimidation
Sheilah Kaufman
10:30 am - 12:30 pm Sunday March 7
Add up 30 years of teaching across the country, 26 cookbooks, and kudos galore, and you get Sheilah Kaufman, a specialist in elegant but easy cooking drawn from cuisines around the world. At TI, Sheilah will be sharing her know-how and demonstrating the finer points of preparing, cooking, and preserving with minimum fuss. Some of her books will be available for sale during the morning. Sponsored by Kol Nashim.
Passover Food Delivery
9 am Sunday, March 28
Brighten a family’s holiday by helping us deliver pre-packaged bags of groceries to Jewish seniors, immigrants and others in need identified by local Jewish agencies. Help the entire community celebrate the holidays.
Contact: Ray Natter.
A Literary Look at the Holocaust
Mollie Berch
10:15 - noon Sunday April 11
Join Mollie Berch as she takes you through newer youth & adult books on the shelves of the Mollie Berch Library that deal with the Holocaust. These books have all been published during the past few years and will be available to borrow. Come observe Yom HaShoah by hearing about these newer materials. There is no charge for this class.
Politics & Prose Bookfair
10am - 6pm Sunday April 18
Join us Sunday at Politics & Prose for our annual Himmelfarb School fund raiser. You can expand your own library while supporting Lifelong Learning programs. As a special treat, we’ll have a reading by author Jacqueline Winspear, of her new book, The Mapping of Love and Death, due to be released on April 6, 2010. Jacqueline Winspear is the author of the popular Maisie Dobbs mysteries and a regular on the New York Times Bestseller list.
Please volunteer to help staff the TI table. This is a great opportunity to talk about the congregation to prospective members and talk about books with current members and other patrons. Most people who shop at Politics & Prose are very friendly and we have found this to be an enjoyable way to fundraise. As people of the book, we are never short of recommendations for those who stop by the table. Be sure to pick up your list of Mollie Berch’s recommendations before you shop! Also, this is a great time to pick up some new cookbooks or start gathering your summer reading.
The Thirties: American Jews and the Great Depression
Mollie Berch
10:15 am - noon Sundays, April 25, May 2, 23
In this new course, which brings together historical and literary works we have not previously studied, we look at the influence of the Thirties on Jewish life in America. While this will include a look at popular culture-- music, films, radio, and even social crazes like ‘dancing in the dark’ and the Rockettes—our emphasis will be on the literary culture, especially the ‘proletarian’ writers of the period. We will discuss the works of Henry Roth, Michael Gold, Nathanael West, Tess Slesinger, Clifford Odets, and Elmer Rice, as well as the radio work of Molly Goldberg, the music of the Gershwins, the role of the Forward, and even the impact of gangster films.
As we limp through the current ‘Great Recession’, it may be instructive to see how American Jews shaped life in the Great Depression, and how that crisis affected us.
Course fee $50/ person (minimum class size of 8 – reservations required by April 11.
Sarah’s Key
By Tatiana de Rosnay
Led by Lynn Golub-Rofrano
12:30 -2 pm Sunday April 25
On the 60th anniversary of a roundup of Jews in Paris, a journalist is asked to write an article about this black day in France's past. Through her contemporary investigation, she stumbles onto a trail of long-hidden family secrets. She begins to question her own place in France, and to reevaluate her marriage and her life. This book has been described as shocking, profoundly moving, and morally challenging. A worthy addition to our ethics discussion.
Sukkot in April
9am – 5pm Sunday, April 25
TI provides volunteers to Yachad to help renovate housing for low-income families. Whether it’s painting, hammering, light carpentry or other simple repairs, any skilled or unskilled labor you can provide is welcome.
Jewish Genealogy: Is There A Horse Thief In Your Family Tree?
Ben Fassberg
10:30am - noon, Sunday May 16
Ben Fassberg from the Jewish Genealogy Society of Greater Washington will talk about investigating your family tree. TI members, including Ruth Shapiro and Debbie Pomerance, will share their expertise and experience in this field. Sponsored by Kol Nashim
Movie: Noodle
7 pm, Sunday June 20 (also Monday June 28)
At thirty-seven, Miri is a twice-widowed, El Al flight attendant. Her well-regulated existence is suddenly turned upside down by an abandoned Chinese boy whose migrant-worker mother has been summarily deported from Israel. The film is a touching comic-drama in which two human beings -- as different from each other as Tel Aviv is from Beijing -- accompany each other on a remarkable journey, one that takes them both back to a meaningful life.
Ongoing Classes
Beginning Hebrew
Rabbi Ethan Seidel
10:15am Sunday after Minyan
7pm Sunday evenings
Mornings - Jan 10, 24, 31; Feb 7, 14, 21; Mar 7, 14; April 11, 18, 25; May 2, 9, 16; June 6, 20, 27
Evenings - Jan 17, 24, 31; Feb 7, 14, 21; Mar 7, 14; April 11, 18, 25; May 2, 9, 16; June 6, 20, 27
If you can read Hebrew words (even haltingly) and are serious about improving your Hebrew, this is the class for you. If you can stick with it, you will begin to understand the prayers you’ve been saying for years, and you will deepen your davening and your attachment to our tradition. There is homework every week. We’ll study from The First Hebrew Primer (EKS Publishing Co.), which you can buy yourself, or have the Rabbi order for you. Take the class either Sunday morning or Sunday night.
Parashat HaShavua
Rabbi Ethan Seidel
8pm Sundays; 11am Mondays
Sundays Jan 17, 24, 31; Feb 7, 14, 21; March 7, 14; April 11, 18, 25; May 2, 9, 16; June 6, 20, 27
Mondays Jan 25; Feb 1, 8, 22; March 8, 15; April 12, 19, 26; May 3, 10, 17; June 7, 21, 28
We’ll discuss the Torah portion we read in shul the day before. This class requires no preparation or special skills besides a familiarity with the Torah portion under discussion. Come to any one number of sessions. Last year we had lots of fun, delving into questions more deeply than we can in a Shabbat morning discussion after the drash. You can take the class either Sunday night or Monday morning, before the Monday lunch program.
Wednesday Evening Adult Study
Talking to God on Shabbat
Rabbi Avis Miller, Open Dor Foundation
7:15-8:30 pm Wednesdays, January 20, 27; February 3, 10, 17
We will study why, what, and how Jews pray. We will explore the structure of the liturgy and the meaning of the prayers in the Shabbat services. In class discussions we will compare various translations of the prayers, and ask ourselves whether we need to believe what we say when we pray. Although we will use both Hebrew and English texts, knowledge of Hebrew is not necessary for the class. A helpful supplement for past or current adult bar/bat mitzvah! At TI.
$75 (scholarship assistance available) Minimum registration required.
Midrashic Interpretations of Bereshit - Meah +
Jeff Davidson
7:30 – 9:30pm, Wednesday, March 3, 10, 17, 24; April 7, 14, 21, 28; May 5, 12 and additional dates to be scheduled
We are offering our own MEAH program for anyone else interested in weekly study. This course looks at selected themes within Bereshit and the Midrashic tools that are used to interpret the Book, using both traditional and contemporary sources. We will incorporate great works of art that address the themes in Bereshit. The class is in English, using English language sources. It is not a parshat of the week examination of the Book of Genesis, nor is it a close reading of the entire book.
We
will follow the MEAH model. There will be reading assignments, but no tests or
other busy work. Everyone in the class will get a notebook of readings. The
course fee is $65 (which covers the cost of the readings.)
The syllabus includes the following and two sessions on subjects selected by
the class:
1. Beginning of Desire: Creation & Avivah Gottleib Zornberg’s work
2. The Creation of Eve
3. Cain & Abel - The Nature of the Quarrel
4. Noah, Altruism and the Needs of the Beasts
5. Abraham and the Midrash Ha-Gadol
6. Lech L'Cha
7. Isaac, The Akeidah and Human Sacrifice
8. Rifka and her Torments
9. Joseph and Silence
10. The Death of Jacob
Please RSVP your interest to Jeff Davidson - jmnesd@yahoo.com
A Unique Look at a Jewish Jazz Musician - Darius Milhaud
Seth Glabman
6:30-8:00 pm Wednesdays, April 14, 28; May 5
Pianist/Clarinetist and TI member Seth Glabman presents an exciting class about a fascinating period between the two world wars in which French classical composers combined classical music with American jazz to create some sumptuous and unforgettable pieces. This class is a hands-on/class participation format in which we focus on the only Jewish member of "Les Six," Darius Milhaud. He wrote music well worth exploring, including music for piano and clarinet.
Seth will perform excerpts from Milhaud's music as well as other examples from the period covered. He will touch on musical concepts to help us enjoy not only this music, but any music you wish to listen to with greater understanding. The class culminates with a trip (you provide your own tickets and transport) to hear the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra perform one of Milhaud's most famous works, "Le Boeuf Sur Le Toit."
Thursday & Friday Classes and Cooking
Intermediate Hebrew / Beginning Tanach
Stefanie Rubin
Thursdays, 10am
Jan 7, 14, 21, 28; Feb 4, 11, 18, 25; Mar 4, 11, 18; April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29;
May 6, 13, 27; June 3, 10, 17, 24
For those who have completed Rabbi Seidel's Beginning Hebrew class or have a basic understanding of Hebrew grammar. We spend about ten minutes each week reviewing some aspect of Hebrew grammar, and the remainder of the time reading and translating from Second Samuel. We'll aim to cover about ten verses a week.
Beginning Talmud
Rabbi Ethan Seidel
Thursdays, 5:30 - 6:30pm
Jan 21, 28; Feb 4, 11, 18, 25; Mar 4, 11, 18; Apr 15, 22, 29; May 6, 13.
If you have a fairly good knowledge of Hebrew who are ready to dip their toes into some Talmud, may want to give this new class a try. We will tackle a number of different passages covering a wide variety of subjects, both legal and aggadic. Participants will be expected to prepare the passages (to the best of their ability) at home, before class. If you're not sure that this class is for you, I encourage you to come to a session and find out.
Tanach: II Samuel with Rabbinic commentary
Rabbi Ethan Seidel
11 am on Fridays
Jan 8, 22, 29; Feb 5, 12, 19, 26; March 5, 12, 19; April 16, 23; May 7, 14; June 4, 11, 18, 25
Gain expertise in Rabbinic commentary, especially that of Radak, as we look at the motivation of the story’s characters.
Volunteer Cooking for Birthday Anniversary & Green Kiddushim
7pm - Thursday evenings (usually)
January 14, February 18, March 18, April 15, May 17 (Monday), June 17
Evening Dinners (most are on Fridays)
Shabbat Dinner At the Social Action Shabbaton and Retreat
Friday, January 15
Shabbat Dinner preceded by Tu B’Shevat Environmental Seder
6:45 Seder (led by Lindsey Savoie from Shomrei Adamah)
7:30 Dinner
Friday, January 29
Carlebach Shabbat Dinner Friday, February 19
Carlebach Shabbat Dinner Friday, March 19
Carlebach Shabbat Dinner during Pesach on Friday, April 2
Carlebach Shabbat Dinner Friday, May 7
Dinner before the Shavuot Tikkun on Tuesday, May 18 (at 7:30pm)
Havdalah Neighborhood Potluck Dinners
Saturday evening, January 23 @ 6:30 pm
Saturday evening, March 6
Coordinated by Josh Furman on behalf of the Membership Committee
Check with Josh or watch for flyer or TISA with locations information
Kol Nashim Programs
The Israeli Woman, Pre- and Post-Lib
Galit Baram, Counselor for Public and Academic Affairs, Embassy of Israel
10:30 am to 12:30 pm Sunday January 24
When did Women's Lib really come to Israel, and how is it playing out politically, socially, and domestically? Galit Baram, counselor for public and academic affairs at the Israel Embassy, will enlighten us about women's status in Israel today, how it compares to yesteryear, and its overall effect on women, the family, and the body politic. Galit comes to us after 25 years of diplomatic postings in Jerusalem, Moscow, and Cairo.
Medical Ethics
Dr. Ezekiel Emmanuel and Rabbi Ethan Seidel6-8 pm Sunday February 21
Dr. Ezekiel Emmanuel is a nationally known medical ethicist, healthcare adviser to President Obama and brother of White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel. His article "Principles for Allocation of Scarce Medical Interventions” published in January 2009 was used by many as a lightning rod for issues around the new health care bill. His paper focused on the allocation of "very scarce medical interventions such as organs and vaccines." He and Rabbi Seidel will discuss the ethics of experimentation on people. This program is co-sponsored by Men’s Club and Kol Nashim,
Cooking Without Intimidation
Sheilah Kaufman
10:30 am - 12:30 pm Sunday March 7
Add up 30 years of teaching across the country, 26 cookbooks, and kudos galore, and you get Sheilah Kaufman, a specialist in elegant but easy cooking drawn from cuisines around the world. At TI, Sheilah will be sharing her know-how and demonstrating the finer points of preparing, cooking, and preserving with minimum fuss. Some of her books will be available for sale during the morning.
Jewish Genealogy: Is there a horse thief in your family tree?
Ben Fassberg
10:30am – noon Sunday May 16
Ben Fassberg from the Jewish Genealogy Society of Greater Washington will talk about investigating your family tree. TI members, including Ruth Shapiro and Debbie Pomerance, will share their expertise and experience in this field.
Monday Program
11am – 2 pm
Mondays Jan 4, 11, 25; Feb 1, 8, 22; March 1, 8, 15, 22, Apr 12, 19, 26; May 3, 10, 17, 24; Jun 7, 14, 21, 28.
Parshat Hashavuah
Rabbi Ethan Seidel
Mondays 11 am
A look at the Torah portion and discussion of its impact on your life and relevance for today’s living.
TI Job Club
Mondays 11 am
If you are unemployed, underemployed, or just looking, the job club provides support, networking and skill development. We cover a wide range of topics including resume writing, interviewing, elevator speeches, web sites, business cards, training programs and business development.
Lunch with Soupergirl Soups
Mondays Noon
After Lunch Program
Lynn Golub-Rofrano
Jewish Current Events
First Mondays of the Month - Jan 4, Feb 1, May 3, June 7
Join us as we discuss some interesting articles from the Forward on a monthly basis. These interesting articles highlight news about different movements as well as Jewish communities around the world. Each month I choose the articles that I think will provoke the best discussion. We usually cover two or three articles in the hour.
Literary Discussion
Second Mondays of the Month - Jan 11, Feb 8; Apr 12, May 10, Jun 14
We will look at and discuss poetry, short stories, newly published books of Jewish interest, and Jewish magazines of note. The goal is to highlight the Jewish written word and acquaint ourselves with contemporary and important Jewish authors, poets and writers.
Social Action
Third Mondays of the Month - May 17, Jun 21
Carolivia Herron will join us to spotlight different projects and help us get involved.
Movies
Fourth Mondays of the Month - Jan 25; Feb 22; Mar 22, Apr 26; May 24; Jun 28.
Join us after lunch on the fourth Monday of the month to watch and discuss a movie. All the movies we have chosen for the 2010 year through June deal with an ethical issue. I look forward to hearing your opinions on the issues, how they are handled, and how they reflect upon the Jews/Israelis.
Live and Become
1 PM, Monday January 25
In 1980 the black Falashas in Ethiopia are recognized as genuine Jews and many are secretly carried to Israel. The day before the transport the son of a Jewish mother dies, in his place and with his name (Schlomo) she takes a Christian 9-year-old boy. Upon arrival this second mother dies. Schlomo is adopted by a good family but remains depressed until he secretly sends a letter to his real mother. From the beginning he experiences large and small racist difficulties. This movie dealt with many taboo subjects when it was released and I know our discussion of it will be thought provoking. I look forward to hearing your points of view on this movie.
See the Social Action Ethiopia Program- Sunday, Feb 7
Jellyfish (Meduzot)
1
PM, Monday, February
22
Ilan Shaul of
the Hebrew weekly ANASHIM has a good take on the title, which means
"jellyfish." Like jellyfish, the film's characters do not control
their direction but are pushed here and there by chance; and like jellyfish,
they mindlessly sting.
Dostoevsky-- at least according to one of the characters-- could get his
writing done anywhere; nothing distracted him. In Meduzot, it sometimes seems
impossible that anyone could ever get anything done, so strong are the
buffetings of happenstance. Meduzot tells a zigzag story in which human frailty
and persistent mischance raise a new obstacle every moment as the characters
carom about in Tel Aviv losing their sleep, their jobs, and their lovers. The
humor of exaggeration and absurdity that characterizes Etgar Keret's short
stories is evident here, though he takes credit only as director. Water-- the
sea, the rain, the ceiling leak -- is a nemesis, but it also holds the promise
of rebirth.
Little Traitor
1 PM, Monday, March 22
This movie is a little gem. Definitely not a historic film, this semi-autobiography of author Amos Oz is an exploration of human interactions during the time of the British occupation in Mandatory Palestine.
Special Monday – March – April Programs
Four "Post-Modern" Talmudic Stories
Rabbi Ethan Seidel
1-2 pm March 1, 8, 15, April 19
We're tempted to think that our modern philosophies lie outside the imagination of the Talmudists, especially if we study Talmud only in carefully selected anthologies. The fact is, the relativism, confusion, acknowledgment of chaos, and distrust of authority that characterizes the pomo ethos can all be found in the unsettling (and because unsettling, somehow reassuring) stories we will study during the four sessions in this class.
Encounter Point
1 pm Monday April 26
"Encounter Point" moves beyond sensational and canned images to tell the story of an Israeli settler, a Palestinian ex-prisoner, a bereaved Israeli mother and a wounded Palestinian bereaved brother who sacrifice their safety, public standing and homes in order to press for a grassroots movement for nonviolence and peace
Arranged
1 pm Monday May 24
ARRANGED centers on the friendship between an Orthodox Jewish woman and a Muslim woman who meet as first-year teachers at a public school in Brooklyn. Over the course of the year they learn they share much in common - not least of which is that they are both going through the process of arranged marriages.
Noodle
1 pm Monday June 28 (also on Sunday June 20)
At thirty-seven, Miri is a twice-widowed, El Al flight attendant. Her well-regulated existence is suddenly turned upside down by an abandoned Chinese boy whose migrant-worker mother has been summarily deported from Israel. The film is a touching comic-drama in which two human beings -- as different from each other as Tel Aviv is from Beijing -- accompany each other on a remarkable journey, one that takes them both back to a meaningful life.
Saturday Nights
Leila Tov! Havdalah & Family Education Program
Led by Rabbi Ethan Seidel and Lynn Golub-Rofrano
6 pm Saturday, January 30
Tikkun Olam and ways to Make Your Lives a Blessing. The children will have the opportunity to discuss how they can make a difference and each child will make a tzedekah box as well as learn about opportunities for tikun olam projects. Rabbi Seidel will run a separate program for parents. The evening will start with havdalah and end with hot chocolate and snacks. Please RSVP to Lynn so we can have the right number of pillowcases. This program will be most enjoyed by children in grades K – 2 but siblings are welcome, of course. Sponsored by Lifelong Learning
$10 per family (members) and $15 for non-member families
Valentines Day Dance
Neighbors Inc.
Saturday, February 13
Aviva My Love (Café Israel)
7pm Saturday February 20
A hotel cook who longs to eschew the demands of her job and highly eccentric family furtively dreams of becoming a successful writer in writer/director Shemi Zarhin's award-winning family drama. Between struggling to keep up with orders in the kitchen, tending to the quirky peccadilloes of her three children, and acknowledging the multiple suicide threats made by her unstable mother, aspiring writer Aviva Cohen (Asi Levi) barely has enough time to take the cap off of her pen - much less put that pen to paper and get her stories published.
Adult scenes--nudity and a fair amount of sexual talk, relating to family problems, relationship problems or ethical problems.
Stretching The Body And The Mind
Kaizen Karate
Taught by Coach Viran
Adult classes:
7:30 Monday Jan 18, 25; Feb 1, 8, 15, 22; Mar 1, 8, 15, 22; Apr 12, 19, 26; May 3, 10, 17, 24; Jun 7, 14, 21, 28.
7:30 Thursday Jan 21, 28; Feb 4, 11, 18, 25; Mar 4, 11, 18, 25; Apr 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; May 6, 13, 27; June 3, 10, 17, 24.
Youth classes:
Sundays Jan 17, 24, 31; Feb: 7, 14, 21; 28 Mar: 7, 14, 21, 28; Apr 11, 18, 25; May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; Jun 6, 13, 20.
Beginner: 12:30-1:30 pm; Intermediate: 1:30-2:30 pm; Advanced: 2:30-3:30 pm
For over 10 years Kaizen Karate has been providing instruction in Tang Soo Do, a modern martial art. Its purpose is to develop every aspect of the 'self' in order to produce a mature person who can totally integrate intellect, emotions, body and spirit. Coach Viran has been teaching at TI since November of 2006.
Bike Trip to Harper’s Ferry
Led by Ray Natter
Sunday and Monday March 21-22
Join us for a 60 mile, 6 hour, off-road bike ride to Harper’s Ferry, stay overnight and bike back. Enjoy the beautiful scenery, great exercise, and companionship. Camping or hotel options are available. RSVP is a must by Feb 21 to Ray. A fee will be charged.
Meditation
7 pm Thursdays Jan 28; Feb 4, 11, 18, 25; Mar 4, 11, 18, 25; Apr 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 May 6, 13, 27; Jun 3, 10, 17, 24.
Yoga
Monday 6:30-7:30 pm April 12, 19, 26, May 3,10, 17, 24; June 7.
Amy Dara's yoga classes incorporate her
academic knowledge of physical therapy with a playful emphasis on alignment and
intense relaxation. She applies her philosophy of being flexible while
maintaining a sense of humor both on and off the mat. Her strong background in
Vinyasa, Restorative, and Ashtanga yoga results in a seamlessly flowing
sequence, be it slow or vigorous. Seeing her students' blissed smiles upon
concluding her class is Amy Dara's greatest reward.
Amy Dara Stoltz, E-RYT, BSHS, MA, MS-HPM, has been practicing yoga since
childhood and teaching for ten years in Washington, New York City and Boston. She studied physical therapy extensively in order to tailor yoga for students with
physical injuries and chronic ailments. More about Amy can be found at
www.amydara.com.
9 Sessions for $75
Drop in Rate of $10 a session
We need a minimum of six people in order for this class to happen.
10% of proceeds will be donated to Tifereth Israel Congregation.
Ongoing Social Action Programs
Shepherd Elementary School Tutoring
Sundays 5-6pm
For at least ten years, adults and teenagers from Tifereth Israel and Shepherd Park have tutored students from our local public elementary school. Each tutor is paired with a young (grade 2-6) student for the school year. The pair meet for one hour each week at the synagogue to read, practice math skills, or review homework. The weekly hour can make a tremendous difference in the academic performance of participating students by boosting their self-confidence and strengthening skills learned in school - a very high rate of return on volunteer service.
Contact: Dan Nathan
Mitzvah Knitting and Crocheting
Mondays, 7pm – January 4, February 1, March 1, April 12, May 3, June 7.
The Mitzvah Knitting group creates scarves, baby blankets, hats, and community among the knitters and crocheters of Tifereth Israel. We share patterns, stories and ideas as we knit for others in need. If you don’t know how to knit, we are happy to teach you! If you would like to join us by creating your mitzvah projects at home please call Lynn Golub-Rofrano.
SOME Shelter Casseroles
One night a month, we bake casseroles for the shelter operated by So Others Might Eat (SOME). Baking a casserole can be pretty easy for many Tifereth Israel members, but we make it even easier: we give you the recipe! If you think you can fire up your oven, even if only once during the year, then please volunteer. Bring casseroles to TI before 10am on Sundays or to the Rubin house until the following Tuesday.
Contacts: Stephanie and David Rubin.
Martha’s Table Van Run
Second Sunday of each month.
Help support those who are hungry by joining us as we drive a soup-and-sandwich van one Sunday a month, serving dinner to homeless men and women on the streets of downtown Washington, in partnership with Martha’s Table.
Contact: Gene Herman.
Luther Place Dinners
Second Sunday of each month.
Two TI families cook and help serve dinner to 25 women living in a shelter at the Luther Place church’s “N Street Village”. With your help just one Sunday a year this dinner becomes a way to get to know others from TI and do good at the same time. Arrive at 6 pm, serve at 7pm and finish by 8:30pm.
Contact: Marjorie Siegel.
Emory Shelter Overnights
Social action while you sleep: give it a try! Every week, Tifereth Israel members stay with the two families at the nearby Emory Church Beacon of Light transitional housing shelter. If overnights don’t work for you, there are alternatives, like participating in the annual Help the Homeless walk-a-thon, or other shared social action projects with Emory Church.
Contact: Pierre Dugan.
Food and Clothing Collections
We regularly collect food, clothing and other items for various “good causes”. Help us by brainstorming, planning, publicizing, collecting, sorting and delivering. There’s something for every interest and skill level in this project.
Contact: Judy Rodenstein
Jewish Holidays
Purim – Saturday evening, Feb 27 and Sunday, Feb 28
Pesach First Seder – Monday evening March 29
Pesach 1 – Tuesday March 30
Pesach 2 – Wednesday March 31
Pesach 7 – Monday April 5
Pesach 8 - Tuesday April 6
Shavuot 1 – Tuesday evening, May 18 and Wednesday May 19
Shavuot 2 – Thursday May 20
Federal Holidays
Martin Luther King Jr. Day – Jan 18
Presidents Day – Feb 15
Memorial Day – May 31