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 Rabbi Sam Weintraub at rabbi@kanestreet.org.
Adult Education Programs – Fall/Winter 2011-2012
Introduction to Judaism
Meets: 7:15 – 9:15, beginning October 11, 2011 for 20 Tuesday evenings
Fee: Kane Street member $150 Non-member, $300
Instructor: Jason Gitlin, with Rabbi Sam Weintraub
This 20 session course will study the fundamentals of Jewish thought and practice. Topics include Jewish Holidays, the Shabbat, prayer, theology, Mitzvot, Israel and life cycle events. We will engage with the texts and observances that are the foundation of Jewish life in the home and Synagogoue. Download the flyer here.
What Do Jews Believe
Meets: 7:15 – 9:15 PM, 9/20/11, 10/4/11, 11/1/11, 12/6/11, 1/3/12, 2/14/12
Instructor: Rabbi Sam Weintraub
The Rabbi will present classical Jewish beliefs about life’s core spiritual questions. Six classes will be spread over the Fall and Winter months on Tuesday evenings. All Hebrew texts will be studied in English translation. Students need not have any background in Jewish studies. Come only with a desire to learn! Download the flyer here.
Learn Hebrew, Level I
Meets: Monday, 6:30 – 7:30 PM, October 3 – December 5, 2011
Fee: Kane Street members $50 Non-members $100
Instructor: Andreea Adereth
This course is designed for students who have no or minimal familiarity with the Hebrew alphabet. We will take you to a point of confidence in reading LaShon HaKodesh, the holy tongue, right to left! Download the flyer here.
Learn Hebrew, Level II
Meets: Monday, 7:45 – 8:45 PM, October 3 – December 5, 2011
Fee: Kane Street members $50 Non-members $100
Instructor: Andreea Adereth
This course is a continuation of the Hebrew reading course offered last winter at Kane Street Synagogue by Andreea Adereth. However, anyone with a reading knowledge of Hebrew may join in. We will continue to gain fluency in reading the Shabbat prayers, and use knowledge of the words of prayer as an entree into forming simple conversations in modern Hebrew. Download the flyer here.
Learner’s Services
Meets: Saturday, 11:00 AM – 12:15 PM, 9/17/11, 10/15/11, 10/29/11, 11/5/11, 11/19/11, 12/3/11, 12/17/11, 1/7/12, 1/21/12
Instructor: Music Enrichment Director, Joey Weisenberg with Rabbi Weinstraub
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? Download the flyer here.
Meet the Kane Street Faculty
Rabbi Joshua Gutoff has been teaching and writing about Jewish texts and ideas 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.
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.
Joey Weisenberg is the Music Enrichment Director of Kane Street Synagogue where he leads Shabbat services, teaches classes and tutors students of all ages.
Jason Gitlin is a Kane Street member and a rabbinical student at the Jewish Theological Seminary.
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.
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.
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.