Becoming Bar or Bat Mitzvah is the first step on the journey of Jewish adulthood, but we know that Jewish learning and leadership is a lifelong endeavor. As we grow, we pause to celebrate and recognize individuals who confirm their commitment to a life lived Jewishly. This year, Temple Emanu-El is starting an adult confirmation program for any and all adults who want to take their Jewish learning to the next level. Continued HERE.
If you are interested in learning more about the adult confirmation class, please click HERE.
Monthly Life Long Learning Classes
Early Morning Talmud Class
Rabbi Max Miller
Talmud is the fabric of Jewish life today. Join Rabbi Max for a deep dive into the stories and lessons of our rabbis of old in order to better understand our world today! This one-hour session meets every two weeks at First Watch in Dunwoody, 1317 Dunwoody Village Pkwy. #101, Dunwoody GA 30338. First class is August 6, 2019
Register HERE.
Monthly Mussar Class
Rabbi Rachael Miller
Join Rabbi Rachael for her Mussar Class. Through the study of Mussar, discover a mindfulness practice with small, incremental steps that can enhance your day-to-day life. Through the development of character traits (middot), learn to build a better relationship with yourself, your community, and God. Uncover this 1000-year-old Jewish spiritual practice that can change your life for the better.
Thursdays 12:00pm-1:30pm
Click on the date to register.
August 8 - September 12 - October 3 - November 7 - December 5
Monthly Talmud Class
Rabbi Max Miller
The Talmud, like any legendary rock band, has amazing hits and a few duds. Join Rabbi Max once a month for a look into the greatest hits of the Talmud. We will study the best of Talmud to learn lessons for our lives today. Join Rabbi Max in this exciting series which starts August 20, 2019.
Register HERE.
Weekly Life Long Learning Programs 5780
Chevrah Torah (Torah Study) Saturday Morning
9:00am in the Library
In Judaism, the study of our sacred texts is considered an act towards Divine Connection on par with prayer. It is rare that one has the time to be “spiritually selfish,” meaning to take the time to further one’s own spiritual development. Chevrah Torah is an opportunity to explore, struggle and delve in a nurturing and intimate environment.
Hosted in the intimate setting of our library, surrounded by learners of every age and various backgrounds, our Torah study lifts up our sacred stories to examine the existential and timeless societal quandaries of the human condition. No formal knowledge of Judaism or Hebrew is necessary; every study session is made accessible through commentary and translation.
All weekly Life Long Learning courses will be offered from 12:00-1:30pm AND 7:00-8:30pm. The Intro to Judaism class has its own schedule.
To register, be sure to click on the class time you prefer.
Lunch n Learn classes offer the perfect opportunity to bring a friend.
No prior knowledge, or Hebrew necessary. Each class builds on the one before it, AND functions as a stand-alone. If you can only come to some, but not all, you will still get a lot out of your time.
Judaism D’jour classes will cover a variety of Jewish topics.
For a complete list of Lunch n Learn classes click HERE.
Jewish Mindfulness Self-Compassion
Chaplain Marita Anderson
What if we treated ourselves with the friendly care and understanding that we extend to others? What if we approached Judaism as a practice of emet (truth) and chesed (compassion/lovingkindness)? What if I told you that the Jewish prayer book is filled with meditations on love that starts with ourselves? Together we will plumb our tradition for seeds of self-care and self-kindness, re-energizing prayers we often say by rote. Mindful self-compassion allows the heart to soften and receive the blessings of our lives, even amidst difficulties and suffering. This practice teaches us how to reshape our relationships, starting with ourselves.
Mondays 11:15am-12:30pm
August 5, 12, 19, 26
Register HERE.
Living Your Jewish Values in the New Year
Rabbi Rachael Miller
Living an ethical Jewish life is much more than keeping kosher, giving tzedakah, or planting the occasional tree in Israel. Let 5780 be your year of intentional Jewish living. In this course Rabbi Rachael will share her secrets to living a life full of positive Jewish choices, meaning-making, and spiritual growth. Prepare your soul for the High Holy Days and enter the New Year with a vision for your Jewish journey.
![iStock-1009027774-[Converted]Jewish-Mindfulness-Meditation-Elul-01](https://templeemanuel.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/iStock-1009027774-ConvertedJewish-Mindfulness-Meditation-Elul-01.gif "iStock-1009027774-[Converted]Jewish-Mindfulness-Meditation-Elul-01")
Jewish Mindfulness Meditation: Elul
Chaplain Marita Anderson
During the month of Elul, leading up to High Holidays, Jewish Mindfulness is a practice that comes in the direct contact with our lived experience. Our tradition, so wisely, sets aside this time of year to pay attention to the profound questions of mortality (our own and of those that we love), opening up awareness to what is essential. We meditate and practice to prepare our hearts, deepening our compassion for ourselves and others, offering forgiveness and asking forgiveness. And we cultivate a feeling of relaxed intimacy to the Divine. We practice in a supportive environment, sharing the gifts of being in community.
Jews and Money: It’s Not What You Think
Rabbi Max Miller
Leave the stereotypes at the door. For thousands of years, beginning in the Torah, the Jewish people have had a sacred relationship with money. This series will explore the ways in which we have applied and continue to apply Jewish values to finance. Going beyond Tzedakah, we will discover what it means to have Jewish ethics in our pocketbooks, stock portfolios, and economies. No prior financial knowledge is necessary.
The De-evolution of the Jewish Warrior
(From Judah Maccabee to Woody Allen…and back again?)
Rabbi Spike Anderson
Through Torah and thousands of years of Jewish history, the Jewish people had a strong self-identity as ‘warriors’. In this course we will examine the rise, fall, and eventual Zionist ascent again of our people’s ‘warrior’ identity. This course will examine our historical narrative through various bodies of Jewish literature, including Torah, The Book of Maccabees, Judith, the War Scrolls of Qumaran, Josephus’ Account of Massada, and Megillat Ta’anit. We will focus on Jewish society and historical events including the Diaspora and Bar Kochba revolts, and the accommodatist Jewish mentality that prevailed until the recreation of the State of Israel in 1948. Hang onto your hats!
A Deep Dive into Chanukah:
The Legend of the Light
Cantor Lauren Adesnik
Enhance your celebration as we go deep into an exploration of the history, customs and miracles that bring Chanukah to life. Learn the surprising story that surrounds the battles fought by Judah Maccabee and his brothers. Uncover the miraculous legend of the Chanukah light. Explore the incredible the incredible province of Chanukah traditions, symbols & music that lead us to consider the miracles in our own lives. This class will expand your knowledge of this favorite festival of light and help make your Chanukah celebrations deep, memorable and meaningful.
Making Wise Decisions in a Chaotic World
Rabbi Scott Colbert
Finding ourselves in a quandary when it comes to making some of life’s choices, we struggle for direction and wisdom. We will examine and discuss texts that have guided the Jewish people historically and in modern times. This class in finding answers will look at questions that perplex us today.
Jewish Folklore, Mirdrash, and Lesser Known Narratives
Rabbi Spike Anderson
Enter the impossible, delightful, mystical jewels of Judaism that you did not learn in Sunday School! More than Sacred Monsters and legends, these tales have survived throughout the millennia for profound reasons of both hope and intrigue. Explore the sacred feminine of Miriam’s Well, the desperate promise of the Golem, the essence of the Shekhina, and chronicles that will both delight and inspire.
The Power of Ritual to Ground You in a Life Full of Distractions
Rabbi Rachael Miller
When words fail, ritual can act as a powerful grounding force in our lives. Rituals make us take a breath that is different from all of the other breaths in our day. They slow us down in the business of 21st-century living. In this course we will tap into the rich tradition of ritual. From Friday night Shabbat home rituals to t’fillin and tallit, short prayer rituals for the morning and evening, celebrating the new moon, and much more. This is a 4-part series. The first three sessions will follow our traditional format and the final session will be a workshop where Rabbi Rachael will offer guidance toward crafting and building your own spiritual rituals, grounded in Judaism.
The Promised Land of Contradictions
Rabbi Max Miller
The first Prime Minister of Israel, David Ben-Gurion, once said that in order to be a realist, you must believe in miracles. Against all the odds of history, Israel is a reality; a land flowing with milk, honey, and many, many contradictions. Israel is a land built by pragmatic dreamers, sacred atheists, and cynical optimists. Learn about the real Israel from the thought-leaders, artists, and politicians who know her best.
Via Zoom online or call-in only:
April 21 - https://zoom.us/j/637957201; Id.# 637 957 201
Call in phone: 646-558-8656
April 28 - https://zoom.us/j/751195005 ; Id.# 751 195 005
Call-in phone #: 646-558-8656
May 5 - https://zoom.us/j/196086255 ; Id.# 196 086 255
Call in #: 646-558-8656
Streisand-The Making of a Legend
Bob Bahr and Rabbi Spike
CANCELLED
Almost from the beginning of her professional career in the 1960s she's been an American and Jewish original. At the age of 77 Barbra Streisand powerful presence as a dominant force on the world stage is as strong as ever.
A look back at an extraordinary career that spans six decades and how she became the performer she is today.
Register HERE
Wednesdays 7:00pm-8:30pm
May 20, 27, June 3, 10
Intro to Judaism
Begins January 7
Introduction to Judaism is an engaging 18 session course for those who want to gain a deeper understanding of the many facets of Jewish life through a Reform lens. Introduction to Judaism is not specifically a “conversion course,” but many people exploring conversion do enroll if they have access to it. Other participants include interfaith partners, spiritual seekers, Jews who are interested in reconnecting with Judaism, and individuals who are exploring Jewish family heritage. They are at different places in their Jewish journeys, with varied backgrounds experiences, personal goals, and motivations. The course tuition is $180 and includes all course materials. Tuition assistance is available—please contact Marina Alberhasky with questions.
5779 Life Long Learning Programs
5778 Life Long Learning Programs
Jewish learning is a lifelong practice All we have to do is show up.
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