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Adult Education

Classes on many different aspects of Jewish life (see calendar) are held at The Second Church, 60 Highland Street, West Newton.

Explorations in Israeli History and Culture

In 2008, the 60th anniversary of the founding of the state of Israel, CDT is planning its first congregational trip to the Holy Land! This fall we are hosting two scholars who will explore aspects of Israeli history and culture and current challenges facing the Jewish state. Come to the whole series or just a class or two. These classes are free for CDT members; $10/session for non-members. All classes will be held at 60 Highland Street, West Newton.

Jewish Identity, Israeli Identity-Images & Questions

Dr. Irit Aharony

Monday evenings, November 19 & 26, December 3, 7:30-9:15 p.m.

Session 1: From the "New Jew" to the "Lost Sabra" Figurative and textual images of people and land in Israeli culture from the end of the 19th century until today. An exploration of the changing image of the Israeli, and changing values in Israeli society.

Session 2: Dividing lines: Right versus Left, Secular versus Orthodox, rich versus poor. A discussion of the differences among Israelis through the lens of poetry and short stories by writers from diverse sides of the socio-economic-political map.

Session 3: "Yordim/Olim - Back and Forwards" We will watch a prize-winning Israeli documentary about the aliyah of three young Israelis/Americans and their decision to serve in the Israeli army. It raises many questions of identity, most centrally "Is service in the army enough to give one an Israeli Identity?"

Dr. Irit Aharony is one of our most popular teachers at Congregation Dorshei Tzedek. She is returning for her third year teaching in the Adult Education Program. Dr. Aharony was born in Israel, and received her Ph. D. from Bar Ilan Univeristy in Modern Hebrew Literature. Since 1996, she has taught Modern Hebrew and Israeli Literature at Harvard University.

Torah, Prayer and Practice

Wondering how to make Shabbat morning services more meaningful? Hoping to incorporate more spiritual practice into your daily life? Eager to study a little Torah? These classes are for you! No fee for these classes; all classes will be held at 60 Highland Street, West Newton.

Judaism & Practice: A Path of Transformation

Rabbi Toba Spitzer

Thursday morning 8:00-9:00 a.m, beginning October 18th, (October through May)

Traditional Jewish practice is known as "halakhah," a term usually understood as "Jewish law" but literally meaning "the way." At its core, Judaism is a "way," a continually evolving set of spiritual and ethical practices that can lead to profound personal and social change. In this weekly class we will study Jewish texts, teachings and practices that will enable us to live more mindfully and with greater patience, compassion, courage and peace. Meditation instruction will be an ongoing component of the class. No previous experience or knowledge necessary!

Shabbat Morning Learners' Minyan

Dr. Minna Bromberg, CDT Rabbinic Intern

Shabbat mornings, 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. November 17, December 1, 8, and 15

Looking for a way to familiarize yourself with the Shabbat Morning Service (Shacharit)? We will spend four sessions learning the structure, content, and meaning of the prayer service, focusing on a different part each Shabbat. Our learning, singing, and praying together will include time for reflection not only on what the prayer service can bring to you but what you bring to it. The sessions will be appropriate both for beginners and for those who wish to deepen their connection. All are welcome to drop in or come to all four sessions. (Participants are invited to join the Torah service and discussion in the main sanctuary at 11:00 a.m.)

Looking for a way to familiarize yourself with the Shabbat Morning Service? We will spend four sessions learning the structure, content, and meaning of the prayer service, focusing on a different part each Shabbat. Our learning, singing, and praying together will include time for reflection not only on what the prayer service can bring to you, but what you bring to it. The sessions will be appropriate both for beginners and for those who wish to deepen their connection. All are welcome to drop in or come to all four sessions. (Participants are invited to join the Torah service and discussion in the main sanctuary at 11:00 a.m.)

Shabbat Morning Study with Rabbi Toba Spitzer

Saturday mornings, 8:45 am - 9:45 am Fall dates: October 13, November 17, December 15

Once a month, we gather before Shabbat morning services to explore a variety of traditional and modern commentaries on the weekly Torah portion. This study group is appropriate for Torah study regulars and for folks who wouldn't know Genesis from Deuteronomy. Bring your questions, your interest, and your own cup of coffee or tea!

Bible Study Group

Dr. Sandy Goldfess

Thursdays 7:30-9:15 p.m. starting December 6

An ongoing reading group is an effective, stimulating, and enjoyable setting for adults to attain broad familiarity with the literature of the Tanakh (Hebrew Bible). In this group we will read extensively, in English, from the Torah, Prophets and Writings. Dr. Goldfess will guide the study and provide context for interpretation, both from what is known about the biblical world and from the intricate relationships between one biblical text and another.

While the emphasis will be on experiencing the text itself and learning to listen for meaning in its tone, its choice of words, and the arrangement of its parts, we will also encourage a free-ranging discussion of the text's implications. Although no prior knowledge of Hebrew is necessary, the Hebrew language will be an essential part of our group's experience. We will introduce language basics and key biblical terms in Hebrew as we go along, pacing ourselves by the interest and energy of the participants.

Sandy Goldfless began studying the Hebrew Bible as a child in yeshiva and then at Yeshiva University, in New York City. He later earned a PhD in biblical studies and Near Eastern languages, religions and literature at Harvard. He has taught biblical Hebrew for adults and has led Bible study groups in the Boston area for many years. Sandy is a retired software engineer.

A New Theology of Creation, A Talk by Dr. Arthur Green

Wednesday, December 12, 7:30 pm at Congregation Dorshei Tzedek 60 Highland Street, West Newton. Co-Sponsored by Hebrew College. Free. Public invited.

Dr. Arthur Green, one of today's leading authorities on contemporary Jewish spirituality, will read from his forthcoming book on a contemporary theology of creation, and will discuss new ways of looking at the relationships between God, world and humanity. Dr. Green is the author of many books including Seek My Face, Speak My Name and Ehyeh: A Kabbalah for Tomorrow. He is the Low Professor of Jewish Thought at Brandeis University, the Rector of the Rabbinical School program at Hebrew College in Newton, and former president of the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College in Philadelphia.