JEWISH STUDIES PROGRAM
A Project of The Bureau of Jewish
Education Of Greater Phoenix
DAYTIME CLASSES
Winter/Spring 2015
The Jewish Studies Institute of the Bureau of Jewish Education is pleased to announce the continuation of our twenty-fifth (25th) year
of our varied Daytime Jewish Studies Program. There are no prerequisites for any of the courses except a willingness to study
seriously and set aside time from busy schedules. Classes will meet in the classrooms of The Bureau of Jewish Education at
the Ina Levine Jewish Community Campus (ILJCC), 12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale.
MYTHS, MISCONCEPTIONS AND MYSTERIES OF JUDAISM – Mondays, 11:00 – Noon
Instructor: Rabbi Laibel Blotner
Judaism has always had it’s share of myths and misconceptions, this course will finally lay to rest the facts and myths behind the Bible,
Supernatural, Kosher and more. We will explore common Jewish myths rooted in urban legend and misunderstandings. Topics to include:
1. Myths of the Bible- Was the tree of knowledge an apple? Eye for an eye? Did the Jews cross the Red Sea? 2. Kosher-What was the
first product to be certified Kosher in America? Why is Pork the quintessential non-kosher food? 3. Is there such a thing as an evil eye?
Are we accompanied by guardian angels? Do they have wings? Which spirits are prevalent in the world. 4. Womb to tomb- Why break a
glass by the chuppa? Why do we celebrate Bar/Bat Mitzvah? Is there such a thing as arraigned marriages?
A WINDOW INTO ISLAM, UNDERSTANDING ISLAM THROUGH FILM – Mondays, 11:10 – 12:10pm
Instructor: Aaron Scholar
Curious About Islam? Then this Film and Discussion Class on Islam and the Muslim world is for you. We will take you on a thoughtprovoking, historical and fascinating visual journey from the inception of Islam in 622 CE through today.
BIBLE: SAMUEL II – Mondays, 12:15 - 1:30 pm
Instructor: Aaron Scholar
We will study the book of Samuel II using modern as well as ancient commentaries. We will learn & understand how the ancients spoke to
us in the present. Modern lessons & strategies are on every page of the text. Open to new and continuing students. No prior
knowledge is assumed. Anyone can begin studying with us.
THE U.S. PRESIDENTS AND THE JEWS-PART 6 – Mondays, 1:45 – 2:45 pm
Instructor: Aaron Scholar
Since President George Washington, our founding fathers were dealing with issues that still resonate for contemporary American Jews:
discrimination, civil rights, religious liberty, anti-Semitism and Zionism. What did/do our presidents really think of the Jews in their midst?
We will continue our study with Lyndon Johnson. Open to new and continuing students.
HISTORY MEETS MYSTERY-THE KORAN AND THE GENESIS OF ISLAM –Tuesdays, 11:10 – 12:10 pm
Instructor: Aaron Scholar
This class is taught through the lens of original Islamic sources. Expand your knowledge about the world’s second largest and fastest
growing religion. What is the impact of these sources in our post 9/11 world? Knowledge about Islam is a must!
TALMUD – Tuesdays, 12:30 – 1:45 pm
Instructor: Aaron Scholar
For nearly 2000 years, the study of the Talmud has occupied a prominent place in the life of the Jew. The Talmud offers a picture of how
Jews in the early centuries of the Common Era viewed God and man, heaven and earth, and the relationships of each to the other. The
Talmud is the refined wisdom of the Jews. We will study Baba Kamma (The First Gate) and concentrate on personal injury law. This is a
wonderful opportunity to begin the study of Talmud. Actual materials from the Talmud will be provided. No prior knowledge is assumed.
This class may qualify for continuing legal education credit and is also open to non-lawyers.
THE TEACHINGS OF MAIMONIDES – Tuesdays, 12:30 – 1:45 pm
Instructor: Aaron Scholar
Rabbi Moses Ben Maimon, known in Hebrew literature as the Rambam and in Western culture since the Renaissance as Maimonides, is
unquestionable one of the outstanding figures of Jewish history. We will study Book 4 (Teshuvah-How we return to G-d & our people) of
his Mishneh Torah. The text will be provided at the first class for purchase. No prior knowledge is assumed. This class may qualify
lawyers for continuing legal education credit and is open to non-lawyers. Open to new and continuing students.
ETHICS OF OUR FATHERS - Tuesdays, 2:00 – 3:00 pm
Instructor: Aaron Scholar
Ethics of Our Fathers will be studied in English using the actual text. This course will examine the Jewish approach to piety, ethics,
purpose of life, love of G-D and man, etc. Ethics of Our Fathers is a section of the Talmud. Open to new and continuing students.
Anyone may begin this class at any point in our journey through the six chapters of Ethics.
THE U.S. PRESIDENTS AND THE JEWS-PART 2 – Tuesdays, 2:00 – 3:00 pm
Instructor: Aaron Scholar
Since George Washington, our founding fathers were dealing with issues that still resonate for contemporary American Jews:
discrimination, civil rights, religious liberty & Zionism. What did/do our presidents really think of the Jews in their midst and how did they
react to Jewish issues. We will continue our study with President Andrew Jackson.
BROADWAY & HOLLYWOOD SING – Tuesdays, 2:00 - 3:30 pm
Instructor: Cantor Baruch Koritan
Spotlight will be on careers of talented stars, including Barbra Streisand, Neil Diamond, Danny Kaye, Walter Matthau, Fanny Brice, Al
Jolson, Leslie Ann Warren, and Judy Holiday. Cantor Koritan will sing at the piano and accompany special guest performers. Video clips
will augment lively review and discussion of these inspiring entertainers.
JUDAISM 101 – Wednesday, 11:10 – 12:10 pm
Instructor: Aaron Scholar
A Crash Course on Judaism and Jewish Life. A relevant, modern and joyful approach to learning Basic Judaism. A foundational
course to enhance and understand the depth and breadth of Jewish thought, beliefs, practices, observances and celebrations for Jews and
non-Jews alike.
BIBLE: LEVITICUS - Wednesdays, 12:30 - 1:45 pm
Instructor: Aaron Scholar
Leviticus confronts us with the Holiness Code, the Dietary Laws, and with the challenge to civilize the world. It also forces us to think about
the Biblical position on homosexuality, same sex marriages & etc in contrast with our present day views. Leviticus is a modern day text.
Open to new and continuing students. No prerequisites.
KABBALAH OF LIFE – Thursdays, 10:00 – 11:00 am
Instructor: Rabbi Laibel Blotner
Can Kabbalah provide the answers to the challenges of life? Topics to include: purpose of life, inner fulfillment, being spiritual in a material
world, does the soul die? reincarnation, why do we struggle? and what is the key to happiness? Brand new course.
BIBLE: GENESIS – Thursdays, 11:10 am – 12:10 pm
Instructor: Aaron Scholar
Unlike any other stories in our culture, the stories of Genesis have inspired the spiritual and ethical legacy, as well as the literary
imagination, not only of the Jewish people but of Western civilization in general. Indeed, the Genesis stories confront us with colorful
scenes of love and death, sibling rivalry, subtle betrayals and the frailty of the human condition. As such they have a timeless universal
appeal, provoking the minds of scholars and laymen alike.
BIBLE: GENESIS
Tues
Tues.
Wed
Wed.
Thurs.
Thurs.
Thurs.
10:0011:00
am
11:1012:10
pm
12:151:30
pm
1:452:45
pm
11:1012:10
pm
12:301:45
pm
2:003:00
pm
12:301:45
pm
2:003:00
pm
2:003:30
pm
11:1012:10
pm
12:301:45
pm
10:0011:00
am
11:1012:10
pm
12:301:45
pm
JAN
5, 12,
19, 26
5, 12,
19, 26
12, 26
12, 26
6, 13,
20, 27
6, 20
6, 20
13, 27
13, 27
6, 13,
20, 27
7, 14,
21, 28
7, 21
8, 15,
22, 29
8, 15,
22, 29
8, 22
FEB
2, 9,
16, 23
2, 9,
16, 23
9, 23
9, 23
3, 10,
17, 24
3, 17
3, 17
10, 24
10, 24
3, 10,
17, 24
4, 11,
18, 25
4, 18
5, 12,
19, 26
5, 12,
19, 26
5, 19
9, 23
9, 23
3, 17,
31
3, 17,
31
10, 24
10, 24
4, 18
5, 19
6, 20
6, 20
14, 28
14,
28
7, 21
7, 21
1, 15,
29
9, 23
4, 18
4, 18
12
12
5, 19
5, 19
13
7, 21
ETHICS OF OUR FATHERS
TALMUD
APR
MAY
BIBLE: NUMBERS
KABBALAH OF LIFE
Tues.
JUDAISM 101
BIBLE: LEVITICUS
BROADWAY & HOLLYWOO SING:
Tues.
PART 2
Tues.
THE TEACHINGS OF MAIMONIDES
Tues.
MAR
U.S. PRESIDENTS & THE JEWS –
HISTORY MEETS MYSTERY- THE
KORAN & THE GENESIS OF ISLAM
Mon.
PART 5
U.S. PRESIDENTS & THE JEWS –
Mon.
Class
A WINDOW INTO ISLAM,
Mon.
Of
MYSTERIES OF JUDAISM
Mon.
&
Dates
MYTHS, MISCONCEPTIONS &
BIBLE: SAMUEL II
List
UNDERSTANDING ISLAM THRU FILM
BIBLE: NUMBERS – Thursdays, 12:30 - 1:45 pm
Instructor: Aaron Scholar
The fourth book of the Torah, Numbers, recounts memorable events of the Israelite wanderings from Sinai, God’s mountain, to the plains
of Moab, just opposite the promised land. Thus Numbers continues the story begun in Exodus and continued in Leviticus of the escape
from Egyptian servitude, the desert journey to Mount Sinai, the revelation at Sinai and giving of the law, and the building of the Tabernacle
with instruction on its operation. Open to new and continuing students. No prerequisites.
DAYTIME CLASSES REGISTRATION:
Name: ______________________________________
Address: _________________________________________
City: ______________________________ Zip: ________
Daytime Phone: __________________________________________
Email: ___________________________________
RETURN TO:
JEWISH STUDIES INSTITUTE
12701 N. Scottsdale Rd. #206, Scottsdale, AZ 85254
Phone: 480/634-8050: FAX: 480/634-8051: [email protected]
Enclosed is payment for:
____Myths, Misconceptions & Mysteries of Judaism-Mon…....100.00
____A Window into Islam – Mon ………….……….…………... 100.00
____Bible: Samuel II - Mon …...................................................160.00
____U.S. Presidents, & the Jews-Part 5 – Mon …….…...........100.00
____History Meets Mystery – Tues……………………….……. 100.00
____Talmud - Tues .....................……………………………..... 160.00
____ Ethics of Our Fathers - Tues …...…………..................... 100.00
____ The Teachings of Maimonides - Tues….……………..…..160.00
____ U.S. Presidents & the Jews-Part 2 - Tues .......................100.00
____ Broadway & Hollywood Sing (1 ½ hrs) – Tues…............ 160.00
____Judaism 101 – Wed…………………………………….…... 100.00
____Bible: Leviticus - Wed ………..………………...………...... 160.00
____Kabbalah of Life - Thurs…..……………………....…………100.00
____Bible: Genesis - Thurs……………………….……..…….… 100.00
____Bible: Numbers – Thurs ……………………….………….... 160.00
BUREAU OFJEWISH EDUCATION
of Greater Phoenix
An Agency of The Jewish Federation
Pluralistic, Non-denominational, Egalitarian ~with respect for all
12701 N. Scottsdale Rd. #206
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
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*Less discount of $10.00 for each additional class
Total Due: $___________
NOTE: Cost for each class includes lunch, except for the 1 or 1½ hour classes.
All books and materials are extra. Scholarships and fee adjustments are available
for anyone in need. We want you to participate. We will make it easy for you.
You will tell us what you can afford and we will accept