Ongoing Education

Hebrew Alphabet

In addition to the informal "drop-in sessions" such as Torah Talk and Brown Bag Discussions, Temple Sinai offers several multi-session classes. Please call the Temple office at 941-924-1802 for more information or to register for any of the classes listed below.

Bibliodrama

Biblical stories come to life as the members of this class role-play the various characters in the stories. The text will be read in English and the opportunity to question the people of the Book as they tell their life stories will engender interesting “first person” commentary and new understanding. Rabbi Ari Shapiro will facilitate the class. The class meets a total of eight times from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM on January 26, February 2, 9, 16, 23, March 2, 9, and 16, 2010. No fee for Temple Sinai members, non-members $18.

Ten Jewish Novels: 4000 Years of Jewish History

Rabbi Huntting explores Jewish history through the lens of historical novels. Note: class will meet 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM on the following dates: Oct. 13, Nov. 10, Dec. 8, Feb. 9, Mar. 9 and April 13. There is no fee for this program. This class is for Temple Sinai Members.

How to Trace Your Jewish Roots and Have Fun Doing It!

You will receive an overview of genealogy as well as shared tools and methods for you to begin your personal search. Kim Sheintal of the Jewish Genealogical Society of Southwest Florida will facilitate this course. January 26, 2010. No fee for Temple Sinai members, non-members $18.

Tale of the Seven Beggars

Rabbi Hahman of Bratslav was without a doubt one of the greatest of the Hasidic storytellers. The Tale of Seven Beggars is his final tale, which he regarded as the climax of literary activity. The story is extremely rich in imagery and combines in an artistic unity biblical, Talmudic and kabalistic sources together with a certain amount of worldly wisdom and elements of folk tales. The story as a whole is made up of an outer narrative framework and an inner framework that provides the setting for six of the beggars' tales and an unexpected ending. By reading the story together and unpacking the intricacies of its many twists and turns, Rabbi Ari Shapiro and the members of the class will discover its deeper meaning and significance. Class will meet from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM on January 5, 12 and 19. No class fee for Temple Sinai members, non-members $18, text fee of $5 for all.

Ancient Jewish Women Patrons: What Role did Women Play in financing early Judaism?

Under what circumstances could Jewish women in the Ancient World control their own wealth?  What power did they have to contribute to institutions of their choice?  Recent research has brought some surprising new answers to these questions.  Come consider early Jewish sources, and the important issue of agency. Rabbi Susan Marks, Associate Professor of Judaic Studies, New College of Florida will facilitate this course. February 16, 2010. No fee for Temple Sinai members, non-members $18.

The Wisdom Books of the Hebrew Bible and Jewish Mysticism

Bob Waxman presents this fabulous learning experience for the individual who is interested in the esoteric aspects of Judaism, but may not want to go as far as Kabbalah. March 9, 2010. Class fee is $18.

Jewish Film Series

Tuesday afternoons from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM the following weeks: November 10, 17, 24 and December 1. Films yet to be determined will be followed by a discussion facilitated by Rabbi Huntting. There is no fee for Temple Sinai Members, non-members $5.

The Tastes of the Jewish Year

Class deadline is one week prior to each class.
We require a minimum of 6 participants for each class to take place and a maximum of 12.
Come be inspired Temple members Chef's Alyson and Mark Zildjian! Classes are designed to entice your palate and be creative with traditional and no so traditional Gourmet Jewish delicacies. Participants will receive recipes, healthy cooking tips and secrets, ideas on smart shopping, prepping ahead, tricks on how to present your dishes beautifully, but most importantly TASTINGS of all dishes prepared. Grab your friends or spouse and bring your enthusiasm for these fun filled adventures in the kitchen.
September 15: Break-the Fast: Israeli Dishes, class fee $18.
October 20: Shabbat Meal: Italian Style and Entertaining, class fee $25.
November 10: Desserts and Party Ideas; class fee $18
December 8: Hanukkah; class fee $25
January 26: Coming to America: European Maza-Small Delights, class fee $25.
February 23: Purim, class fee $18.
March 16: Pesach: class fee $25.
Please click HERE to download the cooking class flyer

“Crak-ing” the Game of Mah Jongg

Learn how to play the game of Mah Jongg in this 4-session course for beginners, sponsored by the Women of Sinai. Class size is limited. Learn now and be prepared for WOS's March 25 Mah Jongg and More! Facilitated by Shelly Youngelman. The class meets on the following Tuesday's from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM October 20, 27 and November 3, 10. Registration deadline is Oct. 13. Class fee is $18 for Temple Sinai members and $25 for non-members.
Please click HERE to download the Mah Jongg class flyer

Introduction to Prayer Book Hebrew

The purpose of this course is to increase each student's ability to follow along and actively participate in the prayers of the Shabbat Service. This is not a class in Biblical Hebrew but rather an examination of the specific texts of the Shabbat liturgy for the purposes of familiarity and recitation. Specific exercises utilizing the student's working knowledge of the Hebrew Alphabet as well as some of the chants as they relate to the prayers will be used. Class will meet 10:00 AM to 11:15 AM facilitated by Hazzan Abramson on the following Wednesdays: Oct. 7,14,21,28, November 11,18,25, Jan. 6,13,20,27, Feb. 3,10,17,24. No fee for members, non-members $18. Class pre-requisite: a working understanding of the Hebrew Alphabet.

“Crak-ing” the Game of Mah Jongg II

These are Mah Jongg class for beginners and for those new to the game. Continue to hone skills from the first session and be ready to play at WOS's March 25 Mah Jongg and More! Facilitated by Shelly Youngelman. The class meets on the from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM March 2, 9 and 16, 2010. The registration deadline is February 23. The class fee is $18 for Temple Sinai members, and $25 for non-members.
Please click HERE to download the Mah Jongg class flyer

Bible Study Series

No previous knowledge of the Hebrew Bible or Hebrew skills required. Each class will meet for three weeks, 90 minutes per session and will be facilitated by Larry Deutsch.

Women Who Fight for Their Rights in Torah

The society of the Israelites in Torah times was clearly patriarchal. Women had few legal rights and sometimes had to depend on their guile and determination to be fairly treated. We will discuss two stories of women who stand up for what is rightfully theirs and find their way to fulfill their destiny, despite transgressing norms found elsewhere in the Bible, and thereby avoid being victims. We will focus on and discuss the story of Tamar and Judah (Genesis) and The Daughters of Zelophehad (Numbers) looking at classical and modern Midrash including modern feminist writings on these important Torah narratives. Class will meet Thursdays from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM on the following dates: October 15, 22 and 29. No fee for Temple Sinai members, non-members $18.

What's in the Hebrew Bible besides Torah?

Most synagogue attending Jews are familiar with the Torah (the 5 Books of Moses). But the Hebrew Bible contains 39 books and most of us are less familiar with these Jewish important books. The class will take a concise tour through these sacred works, touching on the “historical” books such as Joshua, Judges and Kings, a few Psalms, a bit of the Prophets, and some of the writings such as Ruth, Esther, and Job. Class will meet Thursdays from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM on the following dates: November 5, 12 and 19. No fee for Temple Sinai members, non-members $18.

The Origins of Life: A Jewish Perspective

The increasing loud and angry debate between advocates for intelligent design and evolution is found in our school curriculums, court cases and all over the media. Jewish views vary on evolution, creationism and the origin of life and our tradition encourages healthy debate. We will read the two creation stories in the Torah and discuss them from a traditional and modern perspective, looking at classic Rabbinic, modern day Orthodox and liberal Jewish thought. We will also look at some modern feminist writings on creation and examine Jewish views on evolution. Class will meet Thursdays from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM on the following dates: December 3, 10, and 17. No fee for Temple Sinai members, non-members $18.

AARP Driver Safety Program

"The nation's first and largest classroom refresher for motorists age 50 and older”.
Two sessions: January 26 & 27 and April 20 & 21, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. $12 AARP members, $14 non-members. Facilitated by Sandy Coran.

Special Programs - Four Jewish Films by New Love Films

Dan Katzir, Yael Katzir & Ravit Markus of New Love Films presents four award-winning films. Refreshments will be served. Open to the community. There will be an opportunity to purchase DVD's of these films after the showings. Fee: $30 for all four films, $18 for two films.

Tuesday, January 19 from 1:30 PM to 6:00 PM
“Praying in her own Voice” This powerful film documents the courageous struggle of the famed “Women of the wall” movement. This group has spearheaded the battle for female equality in the religious world. Their main focus has been on the Wailing Wall - the holiest site for Jews where orthodox, conservative and reform women are not allowed to gather and pray.
“Out for Love………Be Back Shortly” Dan Katzir's autobiographical film expresses the outcry of his generation, as it struggles to find love and privacy amidst the reality of daily terror and hate. Mr. Katzir, a former officer and paratrooper intimately reveals his loves story with Iris, a charming girl about to begin her army service. This film is a unique Israeli classic that has garnered over 13 International Awards across the globe in numerous film festivals and a nomination for an Israeli Academy award.

Sunday, January 24 from 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM
“Company Jasmine” An award winning documentary capturing the prestigious Women Field Officers' School. Filmmaker Yael Katzir, herself a former officer, is following for five months five of the fifty women cadets in training. They cope with pressures, challenges and fears. They discover their limits and needs for friendships as they tough it out to the finish line. It is a story about young women aged 18, during compulsory military service in Israel.
“Yiddish Theater: A Love Story” Enter the funny, larger-than-life world of Yiddish Theater through this moving new documentary film about the amazing woman who has kept the oldest running Yiddish Theater in America alive. Zypora Spaisman is a Holocaust survivor who conquers all hearts in her passion for art, life and Yiddish.

 

Click HERE to download the Adult Learning Booklet.

Please check the Temple Sinai Tablet or contact the Temple office for a complete schedule of any Ongoing Education courses presently being offered.

 

Download Adobe Reader To view or print the Adobe PDF files offered on this page, the Adobe Reader must be installed on your computer.  To install this free software or upgrade to a more recent version, click the Get ADOBE READER button.