Prayer Book Hebrew II

Continuation from Prayer Book Hebrew I. This is a continued study of words and simple sentences, with a greater focus on the Siddur, its structure, the prayers, and some insights into their origins.

Textbook: Prayerbook Hebrew for Adults by Nina Beth Cardin
Teacher: Monique Alexander
Time: Monday, 7:30 – 8:30 pm, February 4, 11, 25, March 3, 10, 17, 25, 31, April 7, 14, 28, May 5, 2008
Cost: $30 members, $50 non-members 

Beginning Hebrew I

Continuation from the winter 2007 course. In this daytime course, you will build your Hebrew vocabulary, develop a
basic understanding of Hebrew grammar, and develop competency in reading prayers from our Siddur Sim Shalom. Prerequisites: ability to read the Hebrew alphabet and correctly read and pronounce simple Hebrew words. Students should make time for home study between class meetings. 
Contact instructor for more information. Please pre-register by February 1 by contacting the CBD office at 408.257.3333 or email .
                  
Textbook: Ivrit Shalav Alef (plus supplemental material provided by instructor)
Teacher: Chuck Taubman                  
Time: Wednesday, 11:45 am – 12:45 pm, February 6, 13, 27, March 5, 12, 19, 26, April 2, 9, 16, 30, May 7, 14, 21, 2008
Cost: $30 members, $50 non-members

Beginning Hebrew II

Continuation from the Summer 2007 course. This daytime course is designed for those who wish to improve their
Hebrew skills and increase their comfort level in reading, vocalizing, and understanding Hebrew prayers. You will expand your Hebrew vocabulary and understanding of
Hebrew grammar, plus learn the meaning of prayers in our Siddur Sim Shalom. We'll emphasize reading comprehension, not conversational skills. Prerequisites: Knowledge of basic Hebrew grammar and ability to read, pronounce, and (with the aid of a Hebrew/ English dictionary) translate simple Hebrew stories. Participants should make time for home
study between class meetings. Contact instructor for more information. Please pre-register by February 1 by contacting the CBD office at 408.257.3333 or email .

Textbook:  Ivrit Shalav Bet (plus supplemental material provided by instructor)
Teacher: Chuck Taubman
Time: Wednesday, 10:00 – 11:30 am, February 6, 13, 27, March 5, 12, 19, 26, April 2, 9, 16, 30, May 7, 14, 21, 2008
Cost: $30 members, $50 non-members

Talmud Study

Study Tractate Berachot, which deals with prayers, ritual, spirituality, theology, and much more. You can join this ongoing class and get up to speed in studying the source
text of Judaism. Newcomers are not only welcomed, they
are nurtured!

Textbook: Handouts provided
Teacher: Rabbi Pressman
Time: Friday, 8:30 – 9:30 am (ongoing)
Cost: Free

Adult B’nai Mitzvah Class

The next Adult B’nai Mitzvah class begins on February 4, 2008, culminating in a B’nai Mitzvah ceremony on December 5, 2009. The course will include instruction in Torah and Haftarah reading, the liturgy of the Shabbat morning service,  as well as a deep look at the idea of mitzvah and the meaning of prayer. The ability to read Hebrew is a prerequisite.

Textbook: To be announced
Teachers: Rabbi Daniel Pressman and Barbara Biran
Time: Monday, 7:30 – 9:30 pm, February 4, 11, 25, March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, April 7, 14, 28, May 5, 12, 19, 2008
Cost: $300 members

HaMakom Yenachem... May the Presence Give Comfort:
A Jewish Journey Group for Those Grieving a Loss

Based on a model from Synagogue 2000, this course is designed to provide a supportive and caring community during the mourning process. It will involve sharing our stories and discovering Jewish resources that can be sources of comfort. The themes will be: Sharing the story of loss, pain and anger, sources of comfort, memory and tribute, life after death, and death as a teacher about life.

Textbook: Handouts provided
Teacher: Rabbi Daniel Pressman
Time: Monday, 7:00 – 9:30 pm, February 25, March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, 2008
Cost: $25 members, $45 non-members

One Community, One Book (As a Driven Leaf)

This year, the JCC and other South Bay Jewish organizations, including Beth David, are encouraging everyone to read the novel, As a Driven Leaf, by Milton Steinberg. Set in Roman-occupied Palestine in the Rabbinic era, this masterpiece of modern historical fiction tells the gripping tale of renegade talmudic sage Elisha ben Abuyah's struggle to reconcile his faith with the allure of Hellenistic culture.

Rabbi Pressman will lead a discussion of this book for Beth David members and the community. Other lectures at the APJCC relevant to this book are listed in the book group section.

Teacher: Rabbi Daniel Pressman
Time: Sunday, 10:15 am – 11:30 am, March 30, 2008
Cost: Free