Congregation Sinai

  5772 Adult Education 

 

  Mini courses with Rabbi Josh Berkenwald

  Fall 2011 - Spring 2012

Download the flyer listing all these programs.

Get familiar with the High Holiday Mahzor - Rosh Hashanah

Rabbi Berkenwald will teach this first of two stand-alone sessions about the liturgy of the High Holidays, exploring the exciting new Conservative Mahzor Lev Shalem. Spiritually prepare yourself for the new year by learning about the poetry, history, and meaning of the prayers for Rosh Hashanah.

Thursday, August 25

7:30 pm-9:00 pm

 

Get familiar with the High Holiday Mahzor - Yom Kippur

Rabbi Berkenwald will teach the second of two stand-alone sessions about the liturgy of the High Holidays, exploring the exciting new Conservative Mahzor Lev Shalem. Spiritually prepare yourself for the new year by learning about the poetry, history, and meaning of the prayers for Yom Kippur.

Thursday, September 8

7:30 pm-9:00 pm

 

The Shabbat Service Revealed - Two sessions

Do you feel lost in synagogue? Do you wish you understood what was going on? This crash course in the Saturday morning Shabbat service will explore the wisdom of the Siddur, and reveal its power as a tool to awaken your soul and connect to God. No experience necessary.

Thursday, November 10

Thursday, November 17

7:30 pm-9:00 pm

 

Judaism for Atheists

Challenging God has been a central theme in Jewish tradition since Abraham. But is it kosher to question God's very existence? Come delve into the relationship between faith and Judaism. Atheists and agnostics are welcome.

Thursday, December 8

7:30 pm-9:00 pm

Tough Questions Kids Ask: "What does God look like, does He have a beard, and is He a She?"

If you've ever been asked a question by your child about God to which your answer was "go ask the Rabbi", this class is for you. We will explore ways to speak honestly and knowledgeably with children about God and faith.

Sunday, December 11

10 am-11 am

World Wide Wrap

The Shema states: "Hear O Israel: Adonai is our God Adonai is one... You shall bind them for a sign upon your hand and they shall be for frontlets between your eyes." Men, women, and children of all ages will join Jews around the world on this day to learn about and fulfill the mitvzah of wrapping tefillin. The World Wide Wrap is a program of the Federation of Jewish Men's Clubs. A light breakfast will be served following the program.

Sunday, February 5

10:00 am-11:00 am

What Happens When We Die? Two sessions

Is there life after death? Do we have a soul? Do Jews believe in reincarnation? Is there such a thing as heaven and hell? Jews have wrestled with these questions for millennia. While we cannot promise any answers, we can promise a lively discussion.

Thursday, February 9

Thursday, February 16

7:30 pm-9:00 pm

Tough Questions Kids Ask: "Are the stories in the Torah real?"

 

How do you answer your child's question when you yourself are unsure of the answers? Learn to embrace your child's innate curiosity, and in so doing, gain a deeper sense of your own faith.

Sunday, March 11

10 am-11 am

Engaging Children in Your Passover Seder

At your seder, do you: A) Race through everything or skip large chunks of the Haggadah to get to the meal; or B) Read every single word out loud without discussing anything? The seder is supposed to be fun, engaging, and playful - especially for children. With a little bit of planning, you can spark childrens' curiosity, draw them into your seder, and create lifelong memories for participants of all ages. For grown-ups only.

Thursday, March 15

7:30 pm-9:00 pm

Silicon Valley Beit Midrash at Sinai - Ongoing

 

Join Rabbi Berkenwald for in-depth study of Jewish thought, belief, and practice. This year, we will explore the Book of Samuel. No fee; drop-ins are welcome; no experience necessary.

Thursdays - ongoing (check the event calendar for schedule)

9:30 am-11:00 am

 

All adult education classes are taught by Rabbi Josh Berkenwald. Classes are interactive and discussion is encouraged.

Classes listed are free and open to the entire community.

For more information, call the Sinai office at 408-264-8542, email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , or visit our website at www.sinai-sj.org.