Adult Education
Kane Street Synagogue is committed to teaching anyone who wants to explore Judaism. Our approach is pluralistic and informal. Our teaching materials are taken from the many voices of Jewish tradition; our goal is to create a passionate, caring community of learners. The Adult Education Committee would like to hear from you.
To register for a course: contact our Adult Education Chair Tim Rucinski at Tim_Rucinski@Yahoo.com or Rabbi Sam Weintraub at rabbi@kanestreet.org.
Adult Education Programs – Winter Spring 2010
Introduction to the Aleph Bet and Prayerbook Hebrew
Meets: Mondays, 7:30 – 8:45 PM, beginning February 22
Fee: $200
Instructor: Peysa Altman
This 15 session course will introduce students to the aleph bet, nouns and pronouns, adjectives, prepositions, word pairs, past and future tense. Each lesson will use examples from the Prayerbook to enhance the learning process and students will apply what they learn to understand various components of the Prayerbook including blessings, The Shema, The Aleinu and Ein Keloheinu to name just a few. Students will need to purchase a copy of Prayerbook Hebrew the Easy Way, available from Eks Publishing, approximate cost $25.00.
The Judeo-Christian-Muslim Tradition: Law and Covenant in the Three Major Western Religions
Meets: Thursdays, 7:30 – 9:45 PM
1/21, 2/4, 2/11, 2/25, 3/4, 3/25, 4/8, 4/15
Fee: $375.
Instructor: Dr. David Kraemer
Sometimes we understand ourselves best by comparing ourselves to those who are most like us. In the case of Jews, Christians and Muslims, this means considering what we bear in common as well as how we differ. In this course we will read the central narratives of law in the Torah, New Testament and Quran, asking how each faith, based upon its founding document came to understand the place of law and covenant. “Who are we and what is required of us?” How do each of these sister faiths answer this central question of human existence?
Portion of the Week
Meets: Tuesdays, 7:30 – 9 PM
January 19 – March 9
Fee: $25/$40 (members/non-members)
Instructor: Rabbi Sam Weintraub
Over the next two months we read on Shabbat mornings the Book of Exodus, one of the most dramatic and influential religious texts in world history. In this informal weekly group, we will discuss the Torah portion of the week, beginning with Bo, the third Portion, and continuing through the conclusion of Exodus. The course will explore what this book wants us to believe, especially about G-d, spiritual and moral growth, living with doubt, the relationship of spirituality and politics, the Jewish mission and the relationship of Jews and other peoples.
The Rabbi will bring in commentaries from the Midrash, medieval Jewish philosophers, the Musar, Chasidism, and modern historical, literary and feminist criticism of the Torah. In this drop-in class, students may come as often as they like. Participants are encouraged to read the Portion of the week beforehand. (First session is “Bo”, Exodus 10:1-13:16) All readings will be in English translation, and no Hebrew or Jewish background is required.
Portion of the week flyer
Meet the Kane Street Faculty
Pesya Altman has taught Hebrew professionally for over 15 years at numerous venues including The Ramaz School, Ha-ulpan and Congregation Beit Elohim.
Rabbi Reuven Greenvald is the Director of Community Initiatives at MAKOM – the Israel Engagement Network, Jewish Agency for Israel.
Rabbi Joshua Gutoff has been teaching and writing about Jewish texts and ideas to and for people of all backgrounds. A contributing editor at the Jerusalem Report, he is currently working on a dissertation on Talmud and the moral imagination.
Dr. David Kraemer is the Joseph J. and Dora Abbell Librarian and Director of The Jewish Theological Seminary. Prof. Kraemer is a popular lecturer and teacher. He has been associated for many years with CLAL, The National Jewish Center of Learning and Leadership under whose auspices he has lectured around the country.
Fred Terna is a consummate artist, survivor of four concentration camps, and longstanding, beloved adult education teacher at Kane Street.
Rabbi Sam Weintraub is the spiritual leader of Kane Street Synagogue and has taught Judaism to people of all ages, in formal and informal ways, for twenty-five years.
Rabbi Simkha Weintraub is Rabbinic Director of the Jewish Board of Bamily and Children’s Services, guiding its New York Jewish Healing Center and National Center for Jewish Healing.
Joey Weisenberg is the Music Enrichment Director of Kane Street Synagogue where he leads Shabbat services, teaches classes and tutors students of all ages.
Shabbat and Holiday Learning
Torah Study Session
Shabbat mornings 10:45 AM – 12 PM, the first Saturday of each month
The Torah study group continues this year led by Rabbi Josh Gutoff. Background in Hebrew or the Bible is not required. Bring only your desire to learn and grow in Jewish knowledge. Each session will take an in-depth look at a particular issue raised in each week’s parsha. We will both engage in close reading and use additional texts to understand the issue in its textual and historical context and/or its development in later Jewish thought.
Learner’s Services
Shabbat mornings 11 AM – 12:15 PM
Discover the melodies, meanings and choreography of the prayers – Why do we stand here? – Why do we bow there? – How do you take a Torah honor? – Can I say this if I don’t believe in G-d? – How can I relate to the chosen people, sin, miracles and other challenging ideas? Learner’s Services are led by David Grupper, Bob Marx and Jason Gitlin. No prior Jewish or Hebrew knowledge is required. See calendar for schedule
Talmud Study Circle
Saturdays following Kiddush
A great way to honor the Sabbath and increase your knowledge at the same time. We study the Mishnayot of the first Order of the Talmud, Zeraim (Seeds), in both Hebrew and English. Our discussion, like the Talmud, is far-ranging, deep, fun, and intellectually stimulating. Unlike the Talmud, discussions are in English! All levels of learners are welcome to join us in the sanctuary. No previous background or knowledge of Hebrew necessary.
Y. L. Peretz Distinguished Writer Series
Shabbat Afternoons in Winter
Join prominent writers in discussions about major works following Shabbat morning services and Kiddush. Sessions are advertised as they are scheduled. Book salons are free
April 24, 2010 – A Tale of Love and Darkness by Amos Oz BookTalk Flyer
Study into the Night
Our congregation gathers together for three late-night evenings to study and worship late into the night. On Selicot, Erev Shavuot and Erev Tisha B’av we distribute texts and discuss.
Study sessions are free.