Westchester Adult Jewish Education A Program of the ...files.ctctcdn.com/6e6b6558001/8d81bd8e-b216-4100-a... · Westchester Adult Jewish Education A Program of the Westchester Jewish

Westchester Adult Jewish EducationA Program of the Westchester Jewish Council

701 Westchester Avenue, Suite 203 East – White Plains, New York 10604Phone: 914-328-7001 • Fax 914-761-6309 • Email: [email protected]

Website: www.wjcouncil.org


Course Catalog2013-2014

Welcome to WAJE!Westchester Adult Jewish Education (WAJE) is a program of the Westchester Jewish Council, the county’s Jewish community relations agency. In the same spirit that the Council strives to connect Westchester’s 150,000 Jews to each other and to their neighbors, WAJE strives to connect Westchester Jews and interested non-Jews to Jewish learning. We offer diverse topics, welcome every education background, hire quality instructors of all Jewish denominations and hold classes throughout the county. October 2013 begins WAJE’s eighth year of connecting Jewish adults and Jewish education. We are proud of the community collaborations that have evolved over the past eight years. Private homes, business boardrooms, Conservative, Reform, Orthodox and Reconstructionist synagogues, and each of the county JCCs have generously supplied WAJE with classroom space. Jewish clergy and scholars of all denominations have created and taught WAJE classes.

The Westchester Board of Rabbis developed a comprehensive Introduction to Judaism course for both Jews and non-Jews which WAJE helps administer at five county locations. Kol Hazzanim, the association of Westchester cantors, created a survey of Jewish music for WAJE last year, and local cantors continue to create and teach WAJE classes. The Westchester Region of Hadassah co-sponsors WAJE’s One Shot classes, single session classes on topics of Jewish interest for busy adults. And providing the foundation underlying much of WAJE’s educational effort is our collaboration with UJA-Federation of New York. We are equally proud of our collaboration with hundreds of adult students who have enrolled in our courses, provided valuable feedback, suggested topics, recommended new faculty, responded to our fundraising efforts and introduced WAJE to their friends and families. We are especially grateful for the unique gift that Beth El Synagogue Center of New Rochelle offers its congregants: a generous stipend to those who enroll in the WAJE classes at Beth El. Turn the page for information about the coming year’s One Shot classes. Our other courses follow in order of their opening dates. Take a look at our courses, take note of our policies below, contact us with questions, and…consider joining the WAJE community! Joyce Claar, WAJE Committee Chair Nina Luban, WAJE Director WAJE Registration and Refund Policies• All WAJE classes require a minimum of ten students. If class is cancelled by WAJE due to under enrollment, your tuition will be fully refunded.• If you withdraw before the second scheduled session of a course, 100% of your tuition will be refunded.• If you withdraw at any time after the second scheduled session of a course, there is NO tuition refund.

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2013-2014 Officers and Board of Directors President........................................Paul Warhit Vice Presidents ..............................Marc Klee Jeff Kohn Lisa Roberts Treasurer .......................................Larry Frankel Associate Treasurer .......................William H. Schrag Secretary .......................................Joyce Claar Associate Secretary .......................Gary Trachten Past Presidents..............................Ronald E. Burton Debra Abrahams Weiner Irwin S. Davison Lester J. Millman Donald Landis Saul Singer Samuel Stein (z”l) Hon. Sam Eisenberg Hon. Samuel G. Fredman Clarice Pressner Rabbi Amiel Wohl Honorary Directors .........................Andrew Benerofe Froma Benerofe Hon. Eliot Engel Donald Fleishaker Robert Friedland Hon. Nita Lowey Abigail Mandel

Board of DirectorsMona Abramson

Daniel AlcottDavid A. Alpert

Rabbi Jaymee Alpert**Liat Altman

Marilyn ArshamHarold AspisJoy Avidan

Susan Taxin BaerScott BakenShari BalaishPeter Baum

Betsy BernsteinTracey Bilski

Louise ChallopSteven Cony

Karen FirestoneElise Flagg

David Glasser

Wayne GoldsteinJoni JablanskyMillie Jasper

Michael KarnesGary Katz**Martin KeltzMarc Klee

Rabbi Susan Mitrani KnappCantor Hayley Kobilinsky**

Stuart KolbertBetsy Landis

Arnold LinhardtLee Lowell

Harry MamayskyDavid Miller

Warren NewcornMitchell OstroveSusan PeckerKeith Reich

Mark ReismanBarry Richman

Noah RockowitzHon. Martin Rogowsky

Judy Stern RosenBeverly Rosenbaum

David RuzowHarriet Schleifer

Helene SchonbrunElisabeth Schonfeld

Dan SchorrCarolyn Schrier

Rabbi David SchuckBert SchwarzStan Selbst

Harry WaizerDiane WernerClifford Wolf

Charlotte YudinHarriett Zeller(** = ex-officio)

Who We AreThe WesTchesTer JeWish council is The cenTrAl communicATing, coordinATing, convening, Advisory And resource body for The counTy’s JeWish communiTy, represenTing neArly 150 JeWish orgAnizATions, And serving 150,000 JeWs. As WesTchesTer’s JeWish communiTy relATions orgAnizATion, The council uniTes WesTchesTer JeWry WiTh The sTATe of isrAel, fosTers communicATion Among JeWish orgAnizATions And culTivATes And sTrengThens relATions WiTh oTher eThnic groups, elecTed officiAls And The communiTy AT lArge. The council encourAges pArTicipATion in JeWish life And supporTs And develops iniTiATives And progrAms ThAT meeT exisTing And emerging JeWish communAl needs.

Westchester Jewish Council

Catalog produced by Joni Jablansky

Jewish CookingPrivate Home in Harrison

In more than enough time for Passover, discover kosher holiday recipes that are NOT the “usual.” Instructors Laurie Pearlman and Maureen Berkman of the popular cooking class Cooking Well Done will teach the class demonstration-style with lunch included. Bring nothing but yourselves. Cooks of all (and no) skill levels are warmly invited!

Tuesday, March 1110am-12:15pm (Maximum: 18 students, Minimum: 10 students)

No walk-ins...must register by March 1stCost: $60 (includes instruction and lunch )

Til Faith Do Us Part: Intermarriage in America

800 Westchester Avenue Fifth Floor Boardroom Rye, NY 10573 (near the Rye Town Hilton)

Naomi Schaefer Riley, author of Til Faith Do Us Part, will discuss the promises and perils of interfaith marriage today. Her book, based on in-depth interviews with couples, former couples, clergy, sociologists and others, lifts a taboo against public discussion of the problems of intermarriage. Ms. Riley will review the results of her 2,500 person (first of its kind) nationally representative survey on intermarriage as well as respond to audience questions.

Monday October 217:30-9:30 pm

Cost: $18

Jewish YogaJCC of Mid-Westchester

999 Wilmot Road Scarsdale, NY 10583Come explore the relationship between Jewish wisdom, yoga and meditation. This class, taught by certified yoga instructor, Laura Rotter, will help you to unwind, breathe, stretch and be inspired. The class combines movement and alignment with teachings from Torah, Kabbalah and yogic texts. All levels are welcome, including beginners. Bring a yoga mat and wear comfortable clothes.

Sunday, November 3 & Sunday, December 15 (come to one or both)1-2:30 pm

Cost: $18 each

NEW FROM WAJE!“One-Shot” Classes (single-session courses for busy adults)

In collaboration with the Westchester Region of Hadassah

Lost Voices: Women’s Perspectives in Jewish Text

800 Westchester Avenue Fifth Floor Boardroom Rye, NY 10573 (near the Rye Town Hilton)

Lilith, Eve, Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel, Leah, Dena….we know the names, but have we truly heard their sides of the story? Join Andi Rosenthal, author of the novel, The Bookseller’s Sonnets, for a session on learning about these women’s ‘lost’ voices. Together, we will explore these identities both as characters and symbols, re-imagining their voices in the context of their lives and their pivotal roles. The first part of the session will feature a group study, and the second will feature a creative writing exercise – no prior writing experience necessary!

Wednesday, May 77:30-9:30 pm

Cost: $18

Guided Tour atThe Center for Jewish History

15 West 16th Street New York, NY 10011The Center for Jewish History is one of the foremost Jewish research and cultural institutions in the world, having served over one million people in more than 100 countries. It is home to five partner organizations—American Jewish Historical Society, American Sephardi Federation, Leo Baeck Institute, Yeshiva University Museum and YIVO Institute for Jewish Research—whose collections total more than 500,000 volumes and 100 million documents and include thousands of pieces of artwork, textiles, ritual objects, recordings, films and photographs. Taken as a whole, the collections span more than 700 years of history and comprise the largest repository of the modern Jewish experience outside of Israel. At the Center, the history of the Jewish people is illuminated through scholarship and cultural programming, exhibitions and symposia, lectures and performances. Let us know in advance your personal interest and see what relevant historical material our guide may be able to locate.

Thursday, May 2211 am-12:30 pm

Cost: $18

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Hebrew Torah Study GroupPrivate Home minutes from Beth El Synagogue Center

New Rochelle, NY 10804Ever wish that you could study Torah in its original Hebrew? A group is forming to do just that! We will meet for ten weekly two-hour sessions, reading, translating and discussing (in English) a different Hebrew passage from the Torah each week. Basic Hebrew comprehension is needed for this course – whether your knowledge is in Biblical, Modern, or some other type of Hebrew language. There may be a wide variety of Hebrew skills represented in the group: some may be able to read very slowly, and some will be able to understand many of the words. All are welcomed. Students will learn how to use a biblical lexicon, and share in preparing the material for each week. If you have the equivalent of a year of formal Hebrew study beyond acquiring reading skills, this group is for you! Option to continue beyond ten weeks for those interested.

Instructor: Rabbi Molly Karp10 Sessions on Tuesday Mornings at 10:15 am-12:15 pm

October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 November 5, 12, 19, 26 December 3

Cost: $325

EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT: $300 if registered by September 15th

Introduction to JudaismRosenthal JCC

600 Bear Ridge Road Pleasantville, NY 10570Join us for an introduction (or re-introduction) to essential Judaism including Torah, Prayer, Afterlife, Mysticism, Holidays, Israel and more. A class for Jews, non-Jews, prospective Jews, folks related to Jews. A welcoming environment in which to seek answers to your questions.

Instructors: Local Jewish clergy including Rabbi Stacy Bergman, Temple Shaaray Tefila of Westchester, Bedford Corners; Rabbi Aaron Brusso, Bet Torah, Mount Kisco; Rabbi David Greenberg, Temple Shaaray Tefila of Westchester, Bedford Corners; Rabbi Steven Kane, Congregation Sons of Israel, Briarcliff; Rabbi Eli Kohl, Mt. Kisco Hebrew Congregation; Rabbi Seth Limmer, Congregation B’nai Yisrael, Armonk; Rabbi Maura Linzer, Temple Beth El of Northern Westchester, Chappaqua; Rabbi Jason Nevarez, Temple Shaaray Tefila of Westchester, Bedford Corners; Rabbi Mark Sameth, Pleasantville Community Synagogue

18 Sessions on Wednesday Evenings at 7:30-9 pm October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 November 6, 13, 20 December 4, 11, 18 January 8, 15, 22, 29 February 5, 12, 26

Cost: $180

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Introduction to JudaismJCC of Mid-Westchester

999 Wilmot Road Scarsdale, NY 10583Join us for an introduction (or re-introduction) to essential Judaism including Torah, Prayer, Afterlife, Mysticism, Holidays, Israel and more. A class for Jews, non-Jews, prospective Jews, folks related to Jews. A welcoming environment in which to seek answers to your questions.Instructors: Local Jewish clergy including Rabbi Morris Barzilai, Sinai Free Synagogue, Mount Vernon; Rabbi Gedalyah Berger, Fleetwood Synagogue, Mount Vernon; Rabbi Lester Bronstein, Bet Am Shalom Synagogue, White Plains; Rabbi Fredda Cohen, Bet Am Shalom Synagogue, White Plains; Rabbi Michael Goldman, Temple Israel Center of White Plains; Rabbi David Schuck, Pelham Jewish Center; Rabbi Daniel Schweber, Shaarei Tikvah, Scarsdale

18 Sessions on Thursday Evenings at 7:30-9:30 pm October 3, 10, 17, 24 November 7, 14, 21 December 5, 12, 19 January 9, 16, 23, 30 February 6, 13, 27 March 6

Cost: $180

Introduction to JudaismYorktown Jewish Center

2966 Crompond Road Yorktown Heights, NY 10598Westchester’s original collaborative Introduction to Judaism class, created three years ago in conjunction with the Rosenthal JCC of Northern Westchester. Join us for an introduction (or re-introduction) to essential Judaism including Torah, Prayer, Afterlife, Mysticism, Holidays, Israel and more. A class for Jews, non-Jews, prospective Jews, folks related to Jews. A welcoming environment in which to seek answers to your questions.Instructors: Local Jewish clergy including Rabbi Sol Acrish, Temple Beth Elohim, Brewster; Rabbi Eytan Hammerman, Temple Beth Shalom, Mahopac; Rabbi Jennifer Jaech, Temple Israel of Northern Westchester, Croton-on-Hudson; Rabbi Lee Paskind, First Hebrew Congregation, Peekskill; Rabbi Fred Schwalb, Hebrew Congregation of Somers; Rabbi Seth Sternstein, Yorktown Jewish Center; Rabbi Robert Weiner, Temple Beth Am, Yorktown Heights

18 Sessions on Thursday Evenings at 7:30-9:00 pm October 3, 10, 17, 24 November 7, 14, 21 December 5, 12, 19 January 9, 16, 23, 30 February 6, 13, 20 March 6

Cost: $54

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The Books of I and II Samuel: Prophets, Kings, and the Women and

Children of the Royal CircleBeth El Synagogue Center

1324 North Avenue New Rochelle, NY 10804The Books of I and II Samuel continue the Deuteronomic History (Joshua, Judges, Samuel and Kings) with the birth and election of Samuel the Prophet, the selection of Saul as the first King of Israel, and Saul’s succession by David, perhaps the most famous of all Israelite kings. Included are the stories of King David’s prolific love-life, soap-operatic tales of his many children, and battles over who will ascend the Davidic Throne. These books give the history of Israel from the concluding days of the period of the Judges—Samuel being considered the last of them—through the reigns of the first two kings, Saul and David, and continue the story through David’s old age. No prior knowledge of the Hebrew Bible is required.Instructor: Rabbi Molly Karp

10 Sessions on Thursday Mornings at 10 am-12:15 pm October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 November 7, 14, 21 December 5, 12

Cost: $325EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT: $300 if registered by September 15th

(Special note to Beth El Synagogue Center members: Beth El is once again offering a limited number of $100 stipends to its members who register for this course. They will be awarded on a first come-first served basis. Only one stipend per class per person.)

A Documentary History of Judaism in America

Beth El Synagogue Center1324 North Avenue New Rochelle, NY 10804

Jews arriving in the newly formed United States of America entered a society that – unlike any previous culture, civilization or empire – valued freedom as much as Judaism does. We will explore this unique compatibility between Jewish and American cultures by examining seldom-read source documents from colonial, wild west, Civil War, gangster, 1960’s and contemporary eras. Together we will discuss the impact of the ideas contained within, study the unique home that America has provided Jews, and assess the threat that freedom poses to the continuity of Judaism in America. Instructor: Ze’ev Aviezer

5 Sessions on Tuesday Evenings at 7:30-9 pm October 8, 15, 22, 29 November 5


(Special note to Beth El Synagogue Center members: Beth El is once again offering a limited number of $100 stipends to its members who register for this course. They will be awarded on a first come-first served basis. Only one stipend per class per person.)

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WAJE Students Weigh In My Jewish identity continues to grow with each WAJE classItake.Iamabletospeakconfidentlywithothers on my knowledge of Torah, Talmud and Jewish history. Linda B., New Rochelle. WAJE courses don’t just teach, they make you think andreflect,andtheyinspireandleadyoutopositive change…Ihavebecomeabetterpersonandbetterrole model to my family and community. Jessica M., Armonk WAJE teachers are superb, and, of course, the students withwhomIhavesatinclassyearafteryearaddso much to the pleasure of learning. Helga W., White Plains

Jewish EthicsCongregation Kol Ami

252 Soundview Avenue White Plains, NY 10605A Jewish view of personal ethics. Three books by Elliot Dorff, a leading Jewish ethicist of our day, will examine Judaism’s distinctive way of understanding our nature, our role in life, and what we should strive to be, both as individuals and as members of a community.Required texts by Elliot N. Dorff: Love Your Neighbor and Yourself (Jewish Publication Society, 2006) To Do the Right and the Good (Jewish Publication Society, 2004) Matters of Life and Death (Jewish Publication Society, 2003)

Instructor: Dr. Carol Diament10 Sessions on Wednesday Mornings at 10 am-12:15 pm

October 9, 16, 23, 30 November 6, 13, 20 December 4, 11, 18

Cost: $325


A Chapter of Talmud (Fall)Bet Am Shalom Synagogue

295 Soundview Avenue White Plains, NY 10606 Have you wondered what it would be like to plug into the process of traditional rabbinic argumentation? This is your opportunity – and to do so in a serious, focused, and non-dogmatic fashion. We will study a chapter of Talmud with the goal to “get inside of the text.” The questions we deal with will be intriguing, complex, and relevant to the contemporary Jew. We will relate what we learn to ethical dilemmas we all face. Our focus will be on both the process and the answers. The approach will be highly accessible, even to those with no background. All texts will be presented in English translation. Planned curriculum is Tractate Sanhedrin Chapter 8. It includes: The Law of the Pursuer: When and why may he be killed? How does this relate to contemporary dilemmas? Also included: Transgress or Die: The mitzvot were given so that we may live by them, but sometimes we are commanded to choose martyrdom. Why?Instructor: Rabbi David Hojda

10 Sessions on Thursday Mornings at 10 am-12:15 pm October 10, 17, 24, 31 November 7, 14, 21 December 5, 12, 19


Introduction to JudaismCommunity Synagogue of Rye 200 Forest Avenue Rye, NY 10580

Congregation KTI 575 King Street Port Chester, NY 10573

Join us for an introduction (or re-introduction) to essential Judaism including Torah, Prayer, Afterlife, Mysticism, Holidays, Israel and more. A class for Jews, non-Jews, prospective Jews, folks related to Jews. A welcoming environment in which to seek answers to your questions. First half of the course at Community Synagogue; second half at KTI.Instructors: Local Jewish clergy including Rabbi Jaymee Alpert, Congregation Kneses Tifereth Israel (KTI), Port Chester; Rabbi Leora Frankel, Community Synagogue of Rye; Rabbi Aubrey L. Glazer, Ph.D., Jewish Community Center of Harrison; Rabbi Howard Goldsmith, Congregation Emanu-El of Westchester, Rye; Rabbi Daniel Gropper, Community Synagogue of Rye; Rabbi Dena Klein, Chavurat Tikvah, Rye Brook

18 Sessions on Thursday Evenings at 7:30-9:30 pm October 10, 17, 24 (Rye) November 7, 14, 21 (Rye) December 5, 12, 19 (Rye) January 9, 16, 23, 30 (Port Chester) February 6, 13, 27 (Port Chester) March 6, 13 (Port Chester)

Cost: $18010

Judaism: Dig a Little Deeper(Three mini-courses: Sign up for one, two or all three)

Rosenthal JCC600 Bear Ridge Road Pleasantville, NY 10570

Do Jews Believe in Heaven? Do Jews believe in reincarnation? What do Jews believe? This mini-course takes us on a tour of 3,000 years of Jewish belief. When does life begin? When does it end? And what, if anything, can we expect after we die? The text for this class (recommended but not required) is Simcha Paull Raphael’s Jewish Views of the Afterlife (Jason Aronson).Instructor: Rabbi Mark Sameth

World Jewish Music: Jews have always lived in all parts of the world and, accordingly, have adapted traditions and customs from all parts of the world. This class will explore the many and diverse musical voices of Judaism. Music that will be covered includes Yemenite, Moroccan, Ugandan, Ehthiopian and Sephardic, plus music from Arab lands, as well as Ashkenazic music.Instructor: Cantor Jeffrey Shiovitz

Judaism and Science: Most Jews have no problem embracing a scientific worldview. But what would happen if we brought science into our Judaism? What would it look like if we integrated scientific findings about the universe, our world and ourselves into a religious outlook? By linking some of the most exciting findings about cosmology and neuroscience to Torah and Talmud, this mini-course will give you a worldview that is scientifically grounded and spiritually uplifting.Instructor: Rabbi Geoffrey Mitelman

Total of 9 Sessions on Wednesday Evenings at 7:30-9:30 pmOctober 9, 16, 23 (Heaven) $98 $90 Early Bird DiscountNovember 6, 13, 20 (Music) $98 $90 Early Bird DiscountDecember 4, 11, 18 (Science) $98 $90 Early Bird DiscountTotal: (all nine sessions) $294 $270 Early Bird Discount

EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT: register by September 15th

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Introduction to JudaismJCC on the Hudson

371 South Broadway Tarrytown, NY 10591Join us for an introduction (or re-introduction) to essential Judaism including Torah, Prayer, Afterlife, Mysticism, Holidays, Israel and more. A class for Jews, non-Jews, prospective Jews, folks related to Jews. A welcoming environment in which to seek answers to your questions.Instructors: Local Jewish clergy including Rabbi Billy Dreskin, Woodlands Community Temple; Cantor Margot Goldberg, Temple Beth Abraham, Tarrytown; Cantor Jonathan Ben Gordon, Woodlands Community Temple; Rabbi David Holtz, Temple Beth Abraham, Tarrytown; Rabbi Barry Kenter, Greenburgh Hebrew Center; Rabbi Mara Young, Woodlands Community Temple

18 Sessions on Thursday Evenings at 7:30-9:30 pm October 17, 24 November 7, 14, 21 December 5, 12, 19 January 9, 16, 23, 30 February 6, 13, 27 March 6, 13, 20

Cost: $180

Great Jewish WomenPrivate Home minutes from the Rosenthal JCC

The accomplishments of post-Biblical Jewish women have influenced all spheres of life: politics, business, philanthropy, literature, theater, art, journalism, science, sports. Many were trailblazers who overcame social, cultural and religious barriers to create success in their respective fields. These women include a Miss America, a Nobel Prize winner, a Prime Minister, the author of the quote on the Statue of Liberty, the Grand Dame of Advice, an Olympic Gold Medal winner and an Oscar winning screenwriter. Learn about these women’s stories, the shared Jewish values that guided them, and be inspired by extraordinary role models.Recommended text: Great Jewish Women by Elinor and Robert SlaterInstructor: Rabbi Susan Mitrani-Knapp

7 Sessions on Monday Mornings at 9:30-11:30 am October 21, 28 November 4, 18, 25 December 2, 16

Cost: $235


Born Too Late: Jewish Literature Between the Bible and the Mishnah


Written between 300 BCE and 70 CE, the 13 works of Jewish literature referred to as the Apocrypha were written in the land of Israel in Hebrew or Aramaic, except for two which were written in Greek, most likely in Alexandria. This course will provide an overview of these books, and a taste of some of the most important of them. Beginning with a brief history of the return of some Jews from the Babylonian Exile and the continuing dispersion of many Jews, we will read selections of these books that were written as responses to the Dispersion, the wake of Alexander the Great, the Romans and Herod the Great, and on through the Second Jewish Revolt. The Book of Judith, the Books of Maccabees and more will be explored. No prior knowledge of Jewish texts is required.Instructor: Rabbi Molly Karp

5 Sessions on Tuesday Evenings at 7:30-9:30 pm November 19, 26 December 3, 10, 17

Cost: $165

EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT: $155 if registered by September 15th(Special note to Beth El Synagogue Center members: Beth El is once again offering a limited number of $100 stipends to its members who register for this course. They will be awarded on a first come-first served basis. Only one stipend per class per person.)

Question: How Does One Become Wise?Answer: Study the Sayings of our Sages

Private Home minutes from the Rosenthal JCCPirkei Avot (Sayings of our Sages) has been referred to as a compendium of pithy, insightful and engaging sayings on what matters in life and how to live it with dignity. It is part of the Talmud and records the ethical insights of over 50 sages who lived around the first century BCE. Its directive of ethical behavior points us to fulfill the core teachings of Torah; for example, Ben Zoma teaches: Who is wise? One who learns from everyone.Recommended text: Ethics of the Sages by Rabbi Rami ShapiroInstructor: Rabbi Susan Mitrani-Knapp

10 Sessions on Monday Mornings at 9:30-11:30 am January 6, 13, 27 February 10, 24 March 3, 10, 24, 31 April 7

Cost: $325


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Jewish Music: Dig a Little Deeper(Three mini-courses: Sign up for one, two or all three)

Temple Israel Center of White Plains280 Old Mamaroneck Road White Plains, NY 10605

From Temple Times to Temple Tunes—Why Does it Sound So Jewish?? This course will examine the elements of Jewish music from historical, ritualistic, musical and cultural points of view. We will learn about nusach and ta’amei hamikra (cantillation modes), and their origins and applications. Be prepared to sing!Instructor: Hazzan Ellen Arad

Judaism in the Concert Hall and Opera Stage - Jewish Composers and Jewish Subjects: An in-depth look at Jewish concert and operatic music in its various aspects including music on Jewish themes (both musical themes and subject themes); music by Jewish composers of the 19th-21st centuries; a look at the instructor’s work as a composer; and the process and joy of creating new Jewish music for the concert hall and operatic stage.Instructor: Cantor Gerald Cohen

Jewish Influences in the Development of the American Popular Song: An exploration of the formation of the “American songbook” - the timeless numbers that became jazz standards and iconic love songs - and the extraordinary fact that the songbook was written almost entirely by Jews. More importantly, we will explore actual Jewish synagogue music influences in these songs, with specific examples. From Irving Berlin, to George Gershwin, to Wizard-of-Oz composer Harold Arlen (both Arlen and Berlin were the sons of cantors, and sang in their synagogue choirs as youths). Plus a brief look at later Jewish songwriters such as Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen, with a few of the instructor’s own songs thrown into the mix.Instructor: Cantor Randy Herman

Total of 9 Sessions on Monday Mornings at 10 am-12:15 pmJanuary 6, 13, 27 (Nusach) $98 $90 Early Bird DiscountFebruary 3, 10, 24 (Concert/Opera)$98 $90 Early Bird DiscountMarch 3, 10, 17 (Popular) $98 $90 Early Bird DiscountTotal: (all nine sessions) $294 $270 Early Bird Discount


I’ve Heard of the Torah, But What’s a “Nakh”?

Temple Beth Abraham25 Leroy Avenue Tarrytown, NY 10591

This 7-session course will provide an overview of the books that comprise the Hebrew Bible. We will briefly introduce the Prophets (the Nevi’im) and the Writings (K’tuvim) and devote one session each to explore the five books of the Torah - their themes, main ideas, and over-arching questions. These three sections, Torah, Nevi’im and K’tuvim, comprise the Hebrew Bible, also known as the Tanakh, an acronym made up of the first letters of each section: Torah + Nevi’im + K’tuvim = Tanakh. In addition, the course will offer an introduction to modern theories about who wrote the Bible. No prior knowledge of Judaism or the Hebrew Bible is required for this course.Instructor: Rabbi Molly Karp

7 Sessions on Tuesday Evenings at 7:30-9:30 pm January 7, 14, 21, 28 February 4, 11, 25

Cost: $235


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To Jerusalem and Back: Contemporary Israeli Literature


A course reflecting upon the instructor’s five-and-a-half-month sojourn in Jerusalem and attendance in classes on contemporary Israeli literature. In two parts: I. Jerusalem in Literature; II. The Other Israel, featuring younger Israeli writers on topics other than the City of DavidRequired texts (please purchase before the first class): Amos Oz, The Hill of Evil Counsel (to be completed before the second class) Etgar Keret, Four Stories (to be read in class)Instructor: Dr. Carol Diament

5 Sessions on Tuesday Mornings at 10 am-12:15 pm January 7, 14, 21, 28 February 4

Cost: $165


WAJE 2013-2014 Host Locations Location Course Name # Day Time Dates Cost Early Bird

Bet Am Shalom Synagogue A Chapter of Talmud (Fall) 10 Thursday 10 am-12:15 pm 10/10/13-12/19/13 $325 $300 Bet Am Shalom Synagogue Jewish Murder Trial 3 Thursday 10 am-12:15 pm 1/9/14-1/23/14 $98 $90 Bet Am Shalom Synagogue A Chapter of Talmud (Spring) 10 Thursday 10 am-12:15 pm 3/6/14-5/15/14 $325 $300 Beth El Synagogue Center Books of I and II Samuel 10 Thursday 10 am-12:15 pm 10/3/13-12/12/13 $325 $300 Beth El Synagogue Center Books of I and II Kings 10 Thursday 10 am-12:15 pm 1/9/14-3/20/14 $325 $300 Beth El Synagogue Center Judaism in America 5 Tuesday 7:30-9:00 pm 10/8/13-11/5/13 $155 $145 Beth El Synagogue Center Born Too Late: Apocrypha 5 Tuesday 7:30-9:30 pm 11/19/13-12/17/13 $165 $155 Beth El Synagogue Center To Jerusalem and Back 5 Tuesday 10 am-12:15 pm 1/7/14-2/4/14 $165 $155 CSR and KTI Introduction to Judaism 18 Thursday 7:30-9:30 pm 10/10/13-3/13/14 $180 N/A Congregation Emanu-El Israeli Policy Debates 5 Tuesday 7:30-9:00 pm 3/4/14-4/8/14 $155 $145 Congregation Kol Ami Jewish Ethics 10 Wednesday 10 am-12:15pm 10/9/13-12/18/13 $325 $300 Congregation Kol Ami Four Biblical Books: Proverbs 4 Wednesday 10 am-12:15 pm 1/15/14-2/5/14 $130 $120 Congregation Kol Ami Four Biblical Books: Scrolls 5 Wednesday 10 am-12:15 pm 2/12/14-3/19/14 $165 $155 Congregation Kol Ami Four Biblical Books: The Haggadah 3 Wednesday 10 am-12:15 pm 3/26/14-4/9/14 $98 $90 Congregation Kol Ami Joshua and Judges 8 Wednesday 10 am-12:15 pm 4/30/14-6/25/14 $265 $255 JCC on the Hudson Introduction to Judaism 18 Thursday 7:30-9:30 pm 10/17/13-3/20/14 $180 N/A JCC of Mid-Westchester Introduction to Judaism 18 Thursday 7:30-9:30 pm 10/3/13-3/6/14 $180 N/A JCC of Mid-Westchester Orthodox Judaism 8 Thursday 8-9:30 pm 1/9/14-3/6/14 $200 $185 Rosenthal JCC Introduction to Judaism 18 Wednesday 7:30-9:00 pm 10/2/13-2/26/14 $180 N/A Rosenthal JCC Do Jews Believe in Heaven? 3 Wednesday 7:30-9:30 pm 10/9/13-10/23/13 $98 $90 Rosenthal JCC World Jewish Music 3 Wednesday 7:30-9:30 pm 11/6/13-11/20/13 $98 $90 Rosenthal JCC Judaism and Science 3 Wednesday 7:30-9:30 pm 12/4/13-12/18/13 $98 $90 Rosenthal JCC/private home Great Jewish Women 7 Monday 9:30-11:30 am 10/21/13-12/16/13 $235 $220 Rosenthal JCC/private home How Does One Become Wise 10 Monday 9:30-11:30 am 1/6/14-4/7/14 $325 $300 Rosenthal JCC/private home Turning Torah Over and Over 7 Monday 9:30-11:30 am 4/28/14-6/16/14 $235 $220Private home (New Rochelle) Hebrew Torah Study Group 10 Tuesday 10:15 am-12:15 pm 10/1/13-12/3/13 $325 $300 Temple Beth Abraham I’ve Heard of Torah-What’s a Nakh? 7 Tuesday 7:30-9:30 pm 1/7/14-2/25/14 $235 $220 Temple Israel Center White Plains Jewish Music: Temple Times/Temple Tunes 3 Monday 10 am-12:15 pm 1/6/14-1/27/14 $98 $90 Temple Israel Center White Plains Jewish Music: Concert Hall/Opera 3 Monday 10 am-12:15 pm 2/3/14-2/24/14 $98 $90 Temple Israel Center White Plains Jewish Music: Popular Music 3 Monday 10 am-12:15 pm 3/3/14-3/17/14 $98 $90 Yorktown Jewish Center Introduction to Judaism 18 Thursday 7:30-9:00 pm 10/3/13-3/6/14 $54 N/A

How To Conduct a Jewish Murder Trial

Bet Am Shalom Synagogue295 Soundview Avenue White Plains, NY 10606

Order in the court. Accusation, witnesses and judges. Examination, interrogation and execution. The Mishna in Tractate Sanhedrin outlines the trial procedures and the options for capital punishment vs. justifiable homicide. Through text study and interactive discussion and evaluation we will compare the Jewish tradition with contemporary attitudes and laws in our society. Court will be in session January 9, 16 and 23.Instructor: Rabbi Moshe Edelman

3 Sessions on Thursday Mornings at 10 am-12:15 pm January 9, 16, 23

Cost: $98


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The Books of I and II Kings: Majesty and Divinity, Exile and Destruction


The Deuteronomic History, which is found in the biblical books of Joshua, Judges, Samuel and Kings, comes to a stunning and tragic conclusion with the destruction and exile of the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the destruction of the First Temple accompanied by the death or exile of the Judean leadership.Included in these books are the exciting and magical tales of the prophet Elijah, as well as the stories of King Solomon the Wise. We will explore the author’s (the “Deuteronomist’s”) view of these destructions, reading the Books of I and II Kings in some depth. We will seek to gain an understanding of their place in the Hebrew Bible, their role in describing Israelite history and the history of the divided monarchy of Judah and Israel. No prior knowledge of the Hebrew Bible is required.Instructor: Rabbi Molly Karp

10 Sessions on Thursday Mornings at 10 am-12:15 pm January 9, 16, 23, 30 February 6, 13, 27 March 6, 13, 20

Cost: $325


Orthodox Judaism: Its Judaism and its Jews

JCC of Mid-Westchester999 Wilmot Road Scarsdale, NY 10583

Orthodox Judaism often remains persistently unfamiliar, even sometimes oddly mysterious, to Jews outside its communities. In this eight-week course we will explore Orthodoxy from a number of vantage points, endeavoring to understand its principles, precepts, lifestyle, and people, with a focus, of course, on the central role of mitzvah and halakhah (Jewish Law). Emphasis will be placed on the interplay between the unifying elements of Orthodoxy and the simultaneous internal diversity of its variegated subgroups. Along the way, we will develop a deeper understanding of the history and nature of denominationalism, and an appreciation of the complex perception - and self-perception - of Orthodox Jews as a key component of the Jewish people.Instructor: Rabbi Gedalyah Berger

8 sessions on Thursday Evenings at 8-9:30 pm January 9, 16, 23, 30 February 6, 13, 27 March 6

Cost: $200


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WAJEredefinesandrenewsideasaboutwhatstrengthens a Jewish community. It is not only about learning – although the learning is always exciting, inspiring, and engaging, keeping students coming back year after year. What it is mainly about is building bridges in the Westchester Jewish world. We strengthen our Jewish identities as students, and we grow stronger in our relationships with one another. Andrea R., Larchmont

Four Biblical Books and The Passover Haggadah

(Three mini-courses: Sign up for one, two or all three)Congregation Kol Ami

252 Soundview Avenue White Plains, NY 10605In twelve weeks, these three mini-courses will take us through a number of wonderful and important books of the Jewish Bible and then to the Haggadah.

Proverbs: The first mini-course will be devoted to understanding the wisdom of the Book of Proverbs. We will see the words in their ancient context and then discover their timeless application to our own times.

Biblical Scrolls: We will then explore three of the five Biblical Scrolls - Ruth, Esther and the Song of Songs. Each tells its own story of love and faith and courage. Particular attention will be devoted to making sure that our study of Esther coincides with the holiday of Purim.

Haggadah: Finally, we will turn our attention to the Passover Haggadah. Using the Talmud text, we will trace some of the origins of the Seder and the manner in which our rabbis sought for us to find the greatest meaning in the symbols and the story of the festival.Instructor: Rabbi Jeffrey Segelman (all three mini-courses)

Total of 12 Sessions on Wednesday Mornings at 10 am-12:15 pmJanuary 15, 22, 29 & February 5 (Proverbs) $130 $120 Early BirdFebruary 12, 26 & March 5, 12, 19 (Scrolls) $165 $155 Early BirdMarch 26 & April 2, 9 (Haggadah) $98 $90 Early BirdTotal: (all twelve sessions) $393 $365 Early Bird


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A Chapter of Talmud (Spring)Bet Am Shalom Synagogue

295 Soundview Avenue White Plains, NY 10606 Have you wondered what it would be like to plug into the process of traditional rabbinic argumentation? This is your opportunity – and to do so in a serious, focused, and non-dogmatic fashion. We will study a chapter of Talmud with the goal to “get inside of the text.” The questions we deal with will be intriguing, complex, and relevant to the contemporary Jew. We will relate what we learn to ethical dilemmas we all face. Our focus will be on both the process and the answers. The approach will be highly accessible, even to those with no background. All texts will be presented in English translation. Planned curriculum is Tractate Rosh HaShana. When grappling with explanations about the Jewish New Year and the shofar blasts, the talmudic discussions delve into some of the most fundamental questions regarding mitzvot: What do we pray for? While we take it for granted that a mitzvah “professional” (like the one who blows the shofar) can do a mitzvah on our behalf, what spiritual mechanism allows that to work? Do we even have to be there? Why not have everyone listen to a previous year’s recording – or perhaps arrange to listen via a live-feed from the Kotel? Can just anyone do it for us, as long as they have the technical know-how? A child? An idolater? Will just any shofar do? Instructor: Rabbi David Hojda

10 Sessions on Thursday Mornings at 10 am-12:15 pmMarch 6, 13, 20, 27 April 3, 10, 24 May 1, 8, 15


Israeli Policy DebatesCongregation Emanu-El

2125 Westchester Avenue East Rye, NY 10580 How are controversial issues debated within Israel’s political system and society? The answer: rambunctiously! The course explores five national security decisions facing Israel from its creation to the present: Partition Resolution (1947), Incursion into Lebanon (1982), Camp David II Summit (2000), Response to Syrian Insurrection (beginning 2011), Prospect of Iranian Nuclear Capabilities (2014). The class considers positions adopted by political spokesmen, members of the security services, academics, and the public in debating each of these critical dilemmas. In each debate, the outcome was not a foregone conclusion and various points of view could be justified as consistent with Israeli security requirements.Instructor: Professor Naomi Weinberger

5 Sessions on Tuesday Evenings at 7:30-9 pmMarch 4, 11, 18 April 1, 8


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As a wife and a working mother of three older kids, my week is busy. YetIalwaysdomybesttonevermissmyMondaymorningWAJEclasses. Judy F., ChappaquaMy Jewish journey started as a child wanting to learn all things Jewish, but circumstances did not permit it. I am now retired and havethetimeIlackedtositinWAJEcoursesandenjoy-andincrease-myJewishknowledge.Rochelle B., EastchesterWAJE instructors are nothing less than amazing, and the only problemwiththecourseofferingsishavingtochoosefromamongthem. Howard G., Mamaroneck

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Joshua and Judges: Who Will Lead Israel?

Congregation Kol Ami252 Soundview Avenue White Plains, NY 10605

The books of Joshua and Judges follow the final book of the Torah, Deuteronomy, and contain two important voices that together continue the story of Israel. One voice, that of the “Deuteronomist,” finalizes the form and content of the Torah during the Babylonian exile and sets out a new way to find God in the book of Deuteronomy. This voice continues the story of promise and fulfillment that is at the heart of the Deuteronomic History (Joshua, Judges, Samuel and Kings).A companion voice, the storyteller, shares many important stories about strong men and women in Israel’s “history.” Starting with Rahab, the woman who greets Joshua as he first enters the Promised Land, and continuing to Samson and Delilah and more, we will read Joshua and Judges closely. We will view the texts through both the lens of Deuteronomic thinking and the eyes of the storyteller. No prior knowledge of the Hebrew Bible is required.

Instructor: Rabbi Molly Karp8 Sessions on Wednesday Mornings at 10 am-12:15 pm

April 30 May 7, 14, 21, 28 June 11, 18, 25Cost: $265


Turning Torah Over and Over and Over Again

Private Home minutes from the Rosenthal JCCWe are taught that great insights live inside the words of Torah, but when are we able to take the time to study them and uncover their meaning, relevance and depth? In this class we will study the Parasha of the week with commentary including Rashi, in order to derive a connection that speaks to us in our modern-day lives. Open to those who have never studied Torah as well as to the more experienced.Recommended text: JPS (Jewish Publication Society) Tanakh

Instructor: Rabbi Susan Mitrani-Knapp

7 Sessions on Monday Mornings at 9:30-11:30 am April 28 May 5, 12, 19 June 2, 9, 16


2013-2014 WAJE INSTRUCTORS

Ze’ev Aviezer Ze’ev Aviezer holds a Masters Degree in Religious Education from the Hebrew Union College-Institute of Jewish Religion and is the only graduate of that institution to have received certification as a Jewish Adult Educator. Mr. Aviezer has been teaching both Torah and Jewish history to adults for many years. The classes he teaches for WAJE are unique in their extensive use of original source documents as bases for understanding the history of the Jewish people.

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Hazzan Ellen AradUpon her investiture in 2009, Ellen joined the faculty of the HL Miller Cantorial School of the Jewish Theological Seminary, where she is an Adjunct Instructor. In addition to her position as Choral Director of Beth El Synagogue Center in New Rochelle, Ellen has served the community as a Jewish educator, lay leader and hazzan. She has been a guest lecturer, scholar-in-residence, and High Holiday hazzan in a variety of cities. This summer Ellen begins her tenure on the Executive Council of the Cantors Assembly and, for that organization,

has produced a recital featuring the compositions of her celebrated mentor, Cantor Lawrence Avery. Ellen is passionate about fostering Jewish literacy, continuity and spirituality through music and teaching. A self-taught guitarist from the age of 12, Ellen is a mezzo-soprano skilled in a wide variety of vocal styles. She is comfortable playing her guitar for community events or davening from the bimah. Ellen holds a B.A. from Brandeis University, and M.A. degrees in Communications from NYU, in Jewish Education from JTS, and in Sacred Music from the Miller School.

Rabbi Gedalyah BergerRabbi Berger has served as Rabbi of Fleetwood Synagogue in Mount Vernon since 2001. He graduated from Yeshiva College in 1994 with a B.A. in physics, studied for three years at Yeshivat Har Etzion in Israel under the tutelage of Rabbi Dr. Aharon Lichtenstein, and was ordained at Yeshiva University’s Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary (RIETS) in 1998. Rabbi Berger was a fellow of RIETS’s Bella and Harry Wexner Kollel Elyon, an advanced institute for the study of Talmud, Halakhah, and the practical

rabbinate. Rabbi Berger serves on the faculty of the Graduate Program for Women in Advanced Talmudic Studies at YU, and as a teaching assistant at Nishmat - The Jeanie Schottenstein Center For Advanced Torah Study For Women. As a long-time member and leader in Westchester’s chevra kadisha (those who prepare bodies for burial in accordance with Jewish tradition), he edited its recently re-written procedure manuals. He was a founder, and


Dr. Carol DiamentDr. Carol Diament was Director of the National Department of Jewish Education at Hadassah from 1986 to 2004. In 1991, under her guidance, the department was awarded the Shazar Prize for Excellence in Jewish Education in the Diaspora from the President of the State of Israel. Before coming to Hadassah, Dr. Diament was Professor of Jewish History at Queens College. She earned her doctorate at Yeshiva University. She is the first woman to have completed a doctorate in Jewish

Studies at Yeshiva University. Dr. Diament received the Simon Rockower Award for Excellence in Journalism. She has edited numerous Hadassah books and study guides, including Moonbeams, Ribcage, and Pray Tell. In retirement, she has been busy lecturing and teaching in Westchester County.

Cantor Gerald CohenGerald Cohen has been Cantor at Shaarei Tikvah Congregation in Scarsdale for more than 25 years, and is an Assistant Professor at the Miller Cantorial School of the Jewish Theological Seminary. As a composer, Cohen is equally at home in the composition of chamber music, choral music, opera, and liturgical music, for all of which he has won awards, and for which Gramophone Magazine noted his “linguistic fluidity and melodic gift.” His

compositions have been commissioned by ensembles including the Cassatt String Quartet, the Verdehr Trio, the Grneta Ensemble, the Franciscan String Quartet, Chesapeake Chamber Music, the Wave Hill Trio, and the New York Virtuoso Singers. Recent honors in composition include an Artist Residency with American Lyric Theater, a Copland House residency and the Copland House Borromeo String Quartet Award, and the American Composers Forum Faith Partners residency. His most recent composition is the opera “Steal a Pencil for Me,” based on the Holocaust love story of Dutch survivors (and Westchester residents) Jaap and Ina Polak. The opera was performed in Scarsdale and Manhattan in April. For additional information about Cantor Cohen, go to www.geraldcohenmusic.com.

later President, of the Westchester Interreligious Clergy Network, and a member of Lawrence Hospital Center’s Ethics Committee. He served on the Rabbinical Council of America’s Executive Committee and contributed to the 2009 re-development of the its Health Care Proxy documents. Rabbi Berger currently serves as the RCA’s Vice President, Northeast.

(Rabbi Berger continued)


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Rabbi David HojdaRabbi David Hojda is a teacher, translator, editor, and author. He is a member of the writing team that is producing a modern, new translation and commentary on the Talmud, which is being published as the Koren Steinsaltz Edition of Talmud Bavli. As a WAJE teacher for close to a decade, Rabbi Hojda specializes in presenting intellectually challenging, text-based classes on Jewish ideas to adults of diverse backgrounds. His focus on primary texts allows students to experience the underlying intellectual processes rather than simply receiving “the answer.” One of Rabbi Hojda’s published essays can be found at http://www.ou.org/pdf/

ja/5766/winter66/PersIntegrity.pdf.

Cantor Randy HermanDescended from performing vaudevillian grandparents on one side and off-the-boat Eastern European orthodox Jews on the other, Cantor Randy Herman seemed destined to integrate the worlds of musical performance and Judaism. After attending the University of Michigan, working briefly as a musician in Paris and as an actor on the East Coast, Cantor Herman settled in Chicago, where he cofounded the critically acclaimed Theater Oobleck, an avant-garde theater troupe. As a pianist, singer and songwriter,

he has performed throughout the U.S. and abroad. Cantor Herman spent a year of study at the Conservative Yeshiva in Jerusalem, where he also sang in the Great Synagogue choir; he received cantorial investiture and a Masters of Sacred Music from the Jewish Theological Seminary in 2008. He has been a featured guest cantor and concert performer in the U.S. and has led Shabbat services at the famed Chor Shul (Choral Synagogue) in Vilnius, Lithuania, and the Great Synagogue of Stockholm. Cantor Herman, who is currently completing a new CD of his original Jewish songs, serves as the cantor of Bet Torah in Mt. Kisco.

Rabbi Moshe EdelmanRabbi Moshe Edelman is one of North America’s most popular educators and scholars-in-residence. A graduate of the Jewish Theological Seminary, he was the rabbi of North Shore Jewish Center in Port Jefferson and Beth El of Cedarhurst, Long Island. As Director of Leadership Development for Conservative Judaism, he created SULAM which trained more than 1000 synagogue leaders to be effective presidents. Rabbi Edelman supervised disputes towards mediation and arbitration for all professional organizations of Conservative Judaism for 16 years.

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Rabbi Susan Mitrani KnappIn teaching, prayer and chant circles, spiritual counseling, lifecycles and

interfaith work, Rabbi Susan Mitrani Knapp aka Rav Shoshana marries a personal Judaism of the heart with the Torah of the mind. After her ordination from the Jewish Theological Seminary and six years at Conservative synagogues, Rav Shoshana now creates opportunities for Jews to connect the yearnings of their soul with the spiritual inheritance of Torah. In addition to teaching with WAJE she leads a chant circle at the JCC in Manhattan, as well as innovative programs: Makom Kadosh, a service and holy space for physical, emotional, spiritual healing, and upcoming: Makom Zahor - a place of memory - for people to gather monthly for Kaddish, song and sharing to honor departed loved ones. More detailed information about Rabbi Mitrani Knapp can be found at http://ravshoshana.com/.

Rabbi Geoffrey A. MitelmanRabbi Mitelman is the Founding Director of Sinai and Synapses, a project that strives to offer people a worldview that is both scientifically grounded and spiritually uplifting. His writing has appeared on homepages of The Huffington Post, Science and Religion Today, and Wordpress.com, and he is an enthusiastic scholar, having won multiple prizes in Judaic and Biblical Studies at Princeton University. Ordained by HUC-JIR in Cincinnati in 2007, Rabbi Mitelman received The Cora Kahn Prize for the most outstanding sermon delivery and oratory. He was selected by Clal - The National Jewish Center for Learning and Leadership - to be in the initial

cohort of the prestigious “Rabbis Without Borders” program, a national initiative that seeks to position rabbis as American religious leaders and spiritual innovators who contribute Jewish wisdom to the American spiritual landscape. Currently, he is also the Associate Rabbi of Temple Beth El of Northern Westchester.


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Rabbi Molly KarpRabbi Molly Karp is an innovative veteran Jewish educator and spiritual leader, passionate about teaching Torah, Hebrew and many other facets of Judaism. Rabbi Karp is a deep listener, a skilled counselor, and a pluralistic rabbi. She is an experienced curriculum writer, and has designed and administered many programs of Jewish Education. Rabbi Karp was ordained at the Academy for Jewish Religion in Riverdale, NY. She spent ten years in doctoral studies in Hebrew Bible at the Jewish Theological Seminary. Rabbi Karp holds a Master’s degree in Jewish Education

from HUC-JIR, and a BA in Judaic Studies from SUNY Binghamton. Her training in Mindfulness Practice and Jewish Spirituality at the Institute of Jewish Spirituality in NY is at the heart of all of her work. More detailed information about Rabbi Karp can be found at www.rabbimollykarp.com.

Rabbi Jeffrey Segelman Rabbi Jeffrey Segelman has been the rabbi of the Westchester Jewish Center since 1987. Born and raised in Boston, he received bachelors’ degrees from Boston University and Boston Hebrew College. He earned his master’s degree and rabbinic ordination from the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York.


Cantor Jeffrey Shiovitz Cantor Shiovitz has served as Hazzan at Congregation Sons of Israel in Briarcliff since 1988. His broad knowledge of both traditional and modern melodies, combined with his enthusiastic service leadership helps provide CSI with a strong musical and ritual atmosphere. As Chairman of Publications for the Cantors Assembly, he has edited some of the most widely used song books in the Conservative Movement, including B’Kol Echad: In One Voice, Roni V’Simchi: Rejoice and

Sing, Holidays in Song and the three volume series of Zamru Lo: The Next Generation. A native of Detroit, Cantor Shiovitz graduated from the Cantor’s Institute of the Jewish Theological Seminary in 1981. He is especially proud to have received the prestigious Solomon Schechter Award from the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism for his seniors program at CSI, HaMishpacha. He is surrounded by his loving family: his wife Robyn and his children, Rachel (married to Yonah Lemonik), David, Sarah and Talia.

Rabbi Mark SamethRabbi Sameth was named one of America’s “36 most inspiring rabbis” by the Jewish Daily Forward in 2013. Rabbi Sameth assumed spiritual leadership of Pleasantville Community Synagogue in 1997, and upon his ordination in 1998 became the first rabbi in Pleasantville in the 300-year history of the village. His transforming work at PCS has included adult education, inter-generational learning programs, musical services and exceptionally close guidance of bar and bat mitzvah students. Special interests of Rabbi Mark, as his congregants call him,

include Jewish mysticism, interfaith and Jewish multi-cultural issues, and healing. He was hailed as “one of the greatest preachers of our generation” by Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, which awarded him the Steven S. Wise prize in homiletics and invited him to lecture on the art of sermon writing while he was still a student at the college. These days he “tweets” on Jewish Meditation from www.Twitter.com/Fourbreaths and blogs on various Westchester editions of Patch.com.

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Last Name: _______________________ First Name: ______________Address: __________________________________________________City: _______________________ State: _____ Zip Code: __________Telephone: ____________________ Cell: _______________________E-mail: ___________________________________________________

Title Location # Cost Early Bird

Payment InstructionsWAJE tuition is payable by check only (no credit card/online payment)

made payable to Westchester Jewish Council.I have enclosed a check in the amount of $ ___________.

Please return this form and payment to: WAJE c/o Westchester Jewish Council701 Westchester Avenue, Suite 203E, White Plains, NY 10604-3001

Tel: 914-328-7001 Fax: 914-761-6309 [email protected]

Registration Form

A Chapter of Talmud (Fall) Bet Am 10 $325 $300 Jewish Murder Trial Bet Am 3 $98 $90 A Chapter of Talmud (Spring) Bet Am 10 $325 $300 Books of I and II Samuel Beth El 10 $325 $300 Books of I and II Kings Beth El 10 $325 $300 Judaism in America Beth El 5 $155 $145Born Too Late: Apocrypha Beth El 5 $165 $155 To Jerusalem and Back Beth El 5 $165 $155 Introduction to Judaism CSR/KTI 18 $180 N/A Israeli Policy Debates Cong. Emanu-El 5 $155 $145 Jewish Ethics Kol Ami 10 $325 $300 Proverbs Kol Ami 4 $130 $120 Scrolls Kol Ami 5 $165 $155 Haggadah Kol Ami 3 $98 $90Joshua and Judges Kol Ami 8 $265 $255 Introduction to Judaism JCC on the Hudson 18 $180 N/A Introduction to Judaism JCC Mid-Westchester 18 $180 N/A Orthodox Judaism JCC Mid-Westchester 8 $200 $185Introduction to Judaism Rosenthal 18 $180 N/A Do Jews Believe in Heaven Rosenthal 3 $98 $90 World Jewish Music Rosenthal 3 $98 $90 Judaism and Science Rosenthal 3 $98 $90 Great Jewish Women privatehome (Rosenthal) 7 $235 $220 How Does One Become Wise? privatehome (Rosenthal) 10 $325 $300 Turning Torah Over and Over privatehome (Rosenthal) 7 $235 $220 Hebrew Torah Study Group Private Home (New Rochelle) 10 $325 $300I’ve Heard of Torah Temple Beth Abraham 7 $235 $220 Jewish Music: Nusach TIC 3 $98 $90 Jewish Music: Concert Hall/Opera TIC 3 $98 $90 Jewish Music: Popular TIC 3 $98 $90 Introduction to Judaism Yorktown 18 $54 N/A One Shot: Till Faith Do Us Part Rye 1 $18 N/A One Shot: Jewish Yoga (11/3) JCC Mid-Westchester 1 $18 N/A One Shot: Jewish Yoga (12/15) JCC Mid-Westchester 1 $18 N/A One Shot: Jewish Cooking Private Home (Harrison) 1 $60 N/A One Shot: Meet the Author Rye 1 $18 N/AOne Shot: Guided Tour NYC 1 $18 N/A

Plusthe following Westchester clergy who are teaching individual

class sessions of Introduction to Judaism

Rabbi Sol Acrish Rabbi Jaymee Alpert Rabbi Morris Barzilai Rabbi Stacy Bergman Rabbi Lester Bronstein Rabbi Aaron BrussoRabbi Fredda Cohen Rabbi Billy Dreskin Rabbi Leora Frankel Rabbi Aubrey L. Glazer, Ph.D.Cantor Margot Goldberg Rabbi Michael Goldman Rabbi Howard GoldsmithCantor Jonathan Ben Gordon Rabbi David Greenberg Rabbi Daniel Gropper Rabbi Eytan Hammerman

Rabbi David Holtz Rabbi Jennifer Jaech Rabbi Steven KaneRabbi Barry Kenter Rabbi Dena KleinRabbi Eli KohlRabbi Seth LimmerRabbi Maura LinzerRabbi Jason NevarezRabbi Lee Paskind Rabbi David SchuckRabbi Fred Schwalb Rabbi Daniel Schweber Rabbi Seth Sternstein Rabbi Robert Weiner Rabbi Mara Young

Dr. Naomi Weinberger Dr. Naomi Weinberg’s primary academic interests are in international security studies, with expertise in the Middle East. Her publications include Syrian Intervention in Lebanon (Oxford University Press) and many articles on global peace operations and conflict resolution. She is currently pursuing research on Palestinian security sector reform (for a book to be released by Lynne Rienner Publishers) and on the regional implications of the Syrian uprising. Dr. Weinberger is Adjunct Professor at the School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA)

of Columbia University, offering courses on the Middle East at SIPA and on global governance at Columbia’s Picker Center for Executive Education. She served as Director of the UN Studies Program at SIPA (2000-2003) and has also taught at Colgate and Yale Universities. More detailed information about Dr. Weinberger’s professional background, publications and other course syllabi can be found at www.naomiweinberger.com.

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The Westchester Board of Rabbis and WAJE offer, for the second consecutive year, Introduction to Judaism

throughout Westchester. See back cover and catalog descriptions for 2013-14 dates,

times, locations and instructors. Here are comments from our 2012-13 Intro graduates.

IamgettinganswerstoquestionsIhaveheldfordecades,butneverhadaccesstosourcesofauthority,orappropriatevenue,toask.Theinstructors,withoutexception,areterrific.Mark G., EastchesterOur instructors had a real passion not just for the subject matterbutforteaching,whichkepttheclasslivelyandinteresting.HavingjustfoundoutI’mofJewishheritage3yearsago,IfeellikeI’velearnednotjustaboutJudaism,butaboutmypeopleandevenaboutmyself.ForthisIamsograteful! Mimi B. RyeSince beginning this class, I feel a deep sense of connection that isbeyondwords.Ienjoyeachrabbi’suniqueperspectiveandthe camaraderie of the group. Jane R., New RochelleIamlovingtheclass,anditisveryreaffirmingtomydecisiontoconvert.GeoffreyR.,ChappaquaItrulylovetheIntrotoJudaismclasses.Ileavefeelingexcited,engaged and informed. The classes are so much more than I hopedfor.Theyleavemewantingmore.Michele S., White PlainsI found, claimed and acknowledged my “Jewish Soul” through the process of this class. Thank you. Cynthia B., Tarrytown

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With 5,700 years of experience to draw from, these folks teach a really good class!

Introduction to Judaism •18sessioncourseatFIVEconvenientWestchesterlocations •taughtbydiverseanddynamicrabbisandcantorsfromallover Westchester •forJews,non-Jews,prospectiveJews,folksrelatedtoJews… AWELCOMINGENVIRONMENT…COMELEARNWITHUS.

PresentedbyThe Westchester Board of Rabbis

IncollaborationwithWestchesterAdultJewishEducation(WAJE)andWestchesterJewishCouncil

Each location offers the same curriculum. Nominal tuition varies by location.To register or for further information, contact WAJE Director Nina Luban

[email protected] 914-328-7001

Yorktown HeightsYorktown Jewish Center

2966 Crompond Road

Thursdays7:30pm-9:00pm

Begins: October 3rd

PleasantvilleRosenthal JCC

600 Bear Ridge Road

Wednesdays 7:30pm-9:00pm

Begins: October 2nd

TarrytownJCC on the Hudson371 South Broadway


Begins: October 17th

Rye/Port ChesterCommunity Synagogue 200 Forest Avenue, Rye and

Congregation KTI575 King Street, Port Chester


Begins: October 10th

ScarsdaleJCC of Mid-

Westchester999 Wilmot Road


Begins: October 3rd



Westchester Adult Jewish Education A Program of the ...files.ctctcdn.com/6e6b6558001/8d81bd8e-b216-4100-a... · Westchester Adult Jewish Education A Program of the Westchester Jewish

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