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educationFall/Winter 5779 | 2018-19

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Learning and Growing Together

Lifelong learning is at the core of Beth Emet values. Beth Emet is a

diverse community of individuals with diff erent viewpoints, backgrounds,

and a broad range of Jewish learning experiences. The Beth Emet

Adult Education Program off ers exciting possibilities for meeting new people,

exchanging ideas, and embracing Jewish history, ritual, and culture. Our classes

are taught by experienced teachers and lay leaders from Beth Emet and the

larger community. Off erings range from one-time events to yearlong classes.

The Fall/Winter 5779 term features a wide range of classes and special programs.

Classes are listed and described alphabetically. There are also AT A GLANCE

(quick reference) pages by starting date, topic, and day of the week. Everyone is

welcome to listen, learn, contribute, and share new insights with other members

of the Beth Emet community.

Helene Rosenberg, Adult Education Committee Chair

Committee Members:

Barbara Berngard, Reva Denlow, Paul Fields, Nancy Fink, Douglas Hoff man,

Yonit Hoff man, Barbara Linn, Jesse Rosenberg, and Barbara Schoenfi eld

Registration is required for each off ering, including classes without fees.

Three ways to register:

1. Fill out the form on the registration page at the back of this brochure and mail

or bring it with your payment to the offi ce.

2. Check your email and use the Adult Education Registration link that was sent

to members.

3. Go to the website (http://bethemet.org/learning/adult-education/brochure-of-

classes.html) and open the registration link. Enter your zip code and your birth

date, including the slashes between the numbers (01/01/2018). A pre-fi lled

registration form unique to you will open. If we do not have your birth date and

zip code on fi le, a blank form will open that will allow you to register.

Beth Emet Adult Education is supported in part by a generous grant from the David D.

Polk and Marian Polk Fried Adult Jewish Studies Fund of the Beth Emet Foundation.

A grant from the David D. Polk and Marian Polk Fried Fund allows us to off er

Beth Emet members all of the Friday morning 10:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. classes during

the Fall/Winter 5779 term as a package for the reduced fee of $150.

A grant from the JELLO Fund, Jewish Education: Lifelong Learning Opportunities,

allows us to off er Beth Emet members the Mindful Torah—Engaging with Middot

program for the reduced fee of $100.

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AT A GLANCE: CLASSES AND EVENTS BY STARTING DATE

SEPTEMBER26 Three Contemporary Jewish Philosophers (continues October 3 and 12)30 Hebrew 1, 2, and 3 (continue weekly through May 12)

OCTOBER5 A Close Look at Torah (continues weekly through June 7)5 Talmud and Bagels (continues weekly through June 28)5 Pious Irreverence: Confronting God in Rabbinic Judaism

(continues October 19)6 Beyond Om: Spiritual Practice for the Jewish Soul

(continues monthly through June 1) 8 Mindful Torah: Engaging with Middot (continues monthly through May 13) 11 Adult B’nei Mitzvah (continues monthly through May 2)14 A History of Yiddish17 Drumming for Self-Renewal21 Jewish Genetics and Genetics Testing26 The Talmud as Icon (continues November 2)

NOVEMBER4 Being Jewish in USSR/Russia: Life Before and After the Revolution 4 Soul Space Interfaith Fall Retreat9 What is Holiness? (continues November 16)11 Immigration Story: A Chicago History Museum Tour12 Current Politics16 Scholar-In-Residence Weekend with Rabbi Marc Margolius

(continues November 17 and 18)28 Soap Opera in the Bible: King David (continues December 5)30 The Sabbath Ritual though Halachic Eyes (continues December 7)

DECEMBER2 Hidden Identity Questions: Chanukah10 Drumming for Self-Renewal14 The Controversy over the Golden Rule

JANUARY8 Introduction to Judaism (continues weekly through May 14)8 Current Politics

FEBRUARY1 How Are We to Live in the Presence of God? Surprising Rabbinic

Texts on the Spiritual Life (continues February 8)2 Learners’ Minyan13 Drumming for Self-Renewal15 What is a Blessing? A History of the B’rachah22 Penitence and Personhood: T’shuvah in Historical Perspective

(continues March 1)

MARCH10 Hidden Identity Questions: Purim11 Current Politics

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AT A GLANCE: CLASSES AND EVENTS BY TOPIC

TORAH AND SACRED TEXT

A Close Look at Torah

The Controversy over the Golden Rule

Pious Irreverence: Confronting God in Rabbinic Judaism

Soap Opera in the Bible: King David

Talmud and Bagels

The Talmud as Icon

PRAYER AND SPIRITUALITY

Beyond Om: Spiritual Practice for the Jewish Soul

Drumming for Self-Renewal

How Are We to Live in the Presence of God? Surprising Rabbinic Texts on the

Spiritual Life

Learners’ Minyan

Mindful Torah: Engaging with Middot

Penitence and Personhood: T’shuvah in Historical Perspective

The Sabbath Ritual though Halachic Eyes

Scholar-In-Residence Weekend with Rabbi Marc Margolius

What is a Blessing? A History of the B’rachah

What is Holiness?

HEBREW AND ADULT B’NEI MITZVAH

Adult B’nei Mitzvah

Hebrew 1, 2, and 3

HISTORY AND CURRENT ISSUES

Being Jewish in USSR/Russia: Life Before and After the Revolution

Current Politics

Hidden Identity Questions: Chanukah

Hidden Identity Questions: Purim

A History of Yiddish

Immigration Story: A Chicago History Museum Tour

Jewish Genetics and Genetics Testing

Soul Space Interfaith Fall Retreat

Three Contemporary Jewish Philosophers

JEWISH ARTS, CULTURE, AND LIVING

Introduction to Judaism

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AT A GLANCE: CLASSES AND EVENTS BY DAY OF THE WEEK

SUNDAY Being Jewish in USSR/Russia: Life Before and After the RevolutionHebrew 1, 2, and 3Hidden Identity Questions: Chanukah Hidden Identity Questions: PurimA History of YiddishImmigration Story: A Chicago History Museum TourJewish Genetics and Genetics TestingScholar-In-Residence Weekend with Rabbi Marc Margolius: Mindful Jewish

Parenting Through MiddotSoul Space Interfaith Fall Retreat

MONDAYCurrent PoliticsDrumming for Self-RenewalMindful Torah: Engaging with Middot

TUESDAYCurrent PoliticsIntroduction to Judaism

WEDNESDAYAdult B’nei MitzvahDrumming for Self-RenewalSoap Opera in the Bible: King DavidThree Contemporary Jewish Philosophers

THURSDAYAdult B’nei Mitzvah

FRIDAYA Close Look at TorahThe Controversy over the Golden RuleHow Are We to Live in the Presence of God? Surprising Rabbinic Texts on the

Spiritual LifePenitence and Personhood: T’shuvah in Historical PerspectivePious Irreverence: Confronting God in Rabbinic JudaismThe Sabbath Ritual though Halachic EyesTalmud and BagelsThe Talmud as IconThree Contemporary Jewish PhilosophersWhat is a Blessing? A History of the B’rachahWhat is Holiness?

SHABBATBeyond Om: Spiritual Practice for the Jewish SoulLearners’ MinyanScholar-In-Residence Shabbat with Rabbi Marc Margolius

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CLASSES AND EVENTS

Scholar-in-Residence Weekend

with Rabbi Marc Margolius

November 16, 17 and 18, 2018 Middot: Nurturing the ‘Better Angels of our Nature’

in Challenging Times

How can Judaism help us actualize our innate

potential to do the right thing, even in challenging

circumstances? Rabbi Marc Margolius, of the Institute

for Jewish Spirituality, will explore how we can grow

in awareness, develop greater wisdom, and bring our best selves to the

challenges of our day by integrating Jewish mindfulness practice and

attention to middot (spiritual/ethical qualities).

Friday, November 16, 6:30 p.m. (Oneg begins 5:45 p.m.)

Kabbalat Shabbat Service and congregational

Shabbat dinner with Rabbi Margolius

Saturday, November 17, 9:30 a.m.

D’var Torah at Shabbat morning service

Sunday, November 18, 9:30 a.m.

Mindful Jewish Parenting Through Middot: Staying True to Yourself and

Resisting Peer Pressure by Practicing Emet/Truth

How can we and our children stay true to our core values and personal

instincts in the face of prevailing cultural trends and peer pressure? In an

interactive workshop, Rabbi Margolius will explore how we (and our children)

can grow spiritually and ethically by parenting more mindfully and cultivating

our inner quality of Emet/Truth—our capacity to stay true to ourselves—even

when it means resisting the current headwinds.

Adult B’nei Mitzvah

with Marci Dickman

Thursdays, October 11 and November 8; Wednesday, December 5; Thursday,

January 10; Wednesday, February 6; Thursdays, March 7, April 4, and May 2;

7:30 – 9:00 p.m.

Participants study as a small group to become b’nei mitzvah together at Beth

Emet. Requirements include Beth Emet membership, Hebrew 1 and Hebrew 2

or an equivalent, Torah and haftarah cantillation, and a basic Judaism course.

Upcoming ceremonies are scheduled for December 1, 2018 and Fall, 2019.

If interested in joining this ongoing class, please contact Marci Dickman

([email protected]).

$100 fee in year of b’nei mitzvah

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CLASSES AND EVENTS – Continued

Being Jewish in USSR/Russia: Life Before and After the Revolution

with Alex Aisen

Sunday, November 4, 9:30 - 11:00 a.m.

Hear the amazing narrative of Alex Aisen’s family—how they survived World War

II, maintained their Jewish observances even when forbidden, their immigration

to the United States, and family reunifi cation.

No fee (please register)

Beyond Om: Spiritual Practice for the Jewish Soul

with Rabbi Andrea London

Shabbat, October 6, November 10, December 8, January 19, February 9, March 9,

April 6, May 11, and June 1, 3:30 – 5:30 p.m.

Explore Jewish spiritual practices that combine prayer, study, and discussion,

particularly emphasizing the teachings of early Chasidism, and the practice of

meditation. Bring a vegetarian food item to share for seudah sh’lishit (the third

meal of Shabbat); we conclude our time together with Havdalah. Beyond Om

meets at Rabbi London’s home.

No fee for members (please register); non-member fee $50

A Close Look at Torah


Fridays, October 5 – June 7, 9:30 - 10:35 a.m. (no class November 23 and 30,

December 21 and 28, January 4 and 25, April 19 and 26)

There are many ways to interpret Torah and its nuances of meaning that are

often overlooked. We will continue our learning from last semester, reading and

interpreting the text line by line as we explore Numbers. New learners are always

welcome. Texts will be provided.


The Controversy over the Golden Rule

with Rabbi Herbert Bronstein

Friday, December 14, 10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

Jews claim that the Golden Rule originates in the Hebrew Bible. Some Christians

argue that the Jewish version limits “Love your neighbor as yourself” to Jews

only. What is the truth?

Member fee $15, or this class is included if you purchase the Fall/Winter term

Friday morning package; non-member fee $18

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Current Politics

with David Zarefsky

Monday, November 12; Tuesday, January 8; Monday,

March 11; and Tuesday, June 4; 7:30 - 9:00 p.m.

Sessions will focus on the place of the United States

in the world, including relationships with Israel, the

nature of the social contract, and the principles of

federalism. Specifi c topics will be infl uenced by current

developments.

No fee for members (please register); non-member fee $10 each session

Drumming for Self-Renewal

with Linda Schneider

Wednesday, October 17; Monday, December 10; and Wednesday, February 13;

7:30 – 9:00 p.m.

Percussion off ers hands-on, non-verbal access to the spiritual and emotional,

while connecting with others. Treat your mind, body, and spirit to an uplifting

break from your regular routine and join our rhythm circle, where we’ll

make unique music-in-the-moment. No previous experience is needed, and

instruments are provided.

$10 each session

Hebrew 1

with Nancy Fink

Sundays, September 30 – May 12, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (no class Oct 28,

November 25, December 23 and 30, January 6, February 17, April 21)

Master the Hebrew alphabet and learn how

to sound out printed Hebrew. Connect

Hebrew language to Jewish prayer,

ritual, and tradition. This course fulfi lls a

requirement of the Adult B’nei Mitzvah

program. The text we will use, Aleph Isn’t

Tough, is available for purchase through the

Beth Emet school offi ce, (847) 869-4230,

ext. 308, or [email protected].

Member fee $170; non-member fee $230 (5 student minimum for this class)

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Hebrew 2

with Bluma Stoller

Sundays, September 30 – May 12, 10:30 – 11:50 a.m. (no class October 28,


For learners already able to sound out Hebrew words. Improve your reading

fl uency. Explore the themes and structure of the Shabbat morning worship

service and the content of its individual prayers. Learn key Hebrew vocabulary,

and some elements of grammar, all toward the goal of more comfortable

and meaningful participation in the worship experience. This course fulfi lls a

requirement of the Adult B’nei Mitzvah program. The text we will use, Hineni,

Prayerbook Hebrew for Adults is available for purchase through the Beth Emet

school offi ce, (847) 869-4230, ext. 308, or [email protected].

Member fee $170; non-member fee $230

Hebrew 3

with Dorit Flatt

Sundays, September 30 – May 12, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (no class October 28,


For learners who have completed Hebrew 2 or an equivalent, including the basic

ability to read and write Hebrew words. Explore the grammar and vocabulary of

modern Hebrew through a variety of reading, writing, and speaking activities.

Member fee $170; non-member fee $230 (5 student minimum for this class)

Hidden Identity Questions: Chanukah


Sunday, December 2, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.

Is the military victory of the Maccabees the key to understanding the story of

Chanukah? Does the miracle of the oil illuminate our understanding of God?

Come explore ways this holiday can challenge and strengthen our own

identities today.


Hidden Identity Questions: Purim


Sunday, March 10, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.

Often thought of as a holiday of costumes and noise, Purim challenges us to

consider the relationships among our various identities: Jewish, American,

and other.


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A History of Yiddish

with Carolyn Dinofsky

Sunday, October 14, 9:30 - 11:00 a.m.

A thousand year old language, Yiddish was the primary identifying element for

Ashkenazic Jews. Being able to communicate with Jews across Europe provided

the Jewish community with a means of survival. Yiddish was the glue that not only

kept us alive, but also provided us with meaningful insight into our rich traditions

and practices. This class will enrich your understanding of our traditions and

practices through a Yiddish lens.


How Are We to Live in the Presence of God? Surprising Rabbinic Texts

on the Spiritual Life

with Rabbi Allan Kensky

Fridays, February 1 and 8, 10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

Is there one Jewish path to spirituality or are there many pathways to God? What

is the function of Jewish prayer? What are some of the pitfalls in traditional

Jewish worship? Where is the “Me” in Jewish prayer? Has God ever abandoned

Israel? These are some of the questions we will explore as we study a number of

fascinating texts from the rabbinic period that focus on the life of the spirit. The

rabbis’ refl ections are apt for contemporary discussions of spirituality and can

well enrich our own religious quests.



Immigration Story: A Chicago History Museum Tour

with Leslie Yamshon at the Chicago History Museum

Sunday, November 11. Tour begins at 1:00 p.m. Carpool from Beth Emet at 11:00 a.m.

We have all heard that Chicago is a ‘salad

bowl’ of immigrants, but how much do you

know about the history of immigration to

Chicago? Beth Emet member and volunteer

museum educator Leslie Yamshon will guide

us to explore the three waves of immigration

starting in 1820, and the Great Migration of

African Americans from the South. To complete the tour, we will visit the special

exhibition, Remembering Dr. King. Participants can choose to lunch together at

the museum’s North and Clark Café.

Chicago History Museum admission fee collected at the museum

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Introduction to Judaism

Tuesdays, January 8 – May 14, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

with Marci Dickman, RJE and Rabbi Michael Weinberg

The fi rst nine sessions will be at Temple Beth Israel,

the second nine sessions will be at Beth Emet.

Introduction to Judaism is an eighteen-week overview that provides a

focused opportunity to learn about Jewish values, history, traditions,

holidays, and life cycle ceremonies. This class can launch you on a path to a

deeper personal Jewish connection, to acquiring a basic Jewish vocabulary,

intellectual knowledge of Judaism, and the skills necessary to “do Jewish.” It

is designed for individuals and couples wishing to explore Judaism, as well as

for those considering becoming Jewish. Partners in interfaith relationships

are encouraged to enroll together. Introduction to Judaism is co-sponsored

by the Union for Reform Judaism and the Chicago Association of Reform

Rabbis. Fees: $250 per individual or couple, plus the cost of books

(approx. $65).

For more information and to register, please visit www.reformjudaism.org/introil

Jewish Genetics and Genetic Testing

With Edward Linn, MD and genetic counselor Rebecca Wang, MS, CGC

Sunday, October 21, 9:30 - 11:00 a.m.

As genetic testing and technology advances, what does our community need

to know? The Norton & Elaine Sarnoff Center for Jewish Genetics decodes

diff erences in genetic testing, including ancestry DNA testing, carrier screening

for couples planning for a family, and hereditary cancer risk screening, all with a

focus on Jewish genetic health. You will also learn about resources available in

our community.


Learners’ Minyan

Shabbat, February 2, 9:30 a.m.

Interested in the worship experience? Feel overwhelmed by the Hebrew or

the choreography? Wish you understood more of what it is all about? On this

Shabbat morning we will explore the structure of the worship service, learn the

key concepts in the Shabbat morning prayers, practice some melodies, and pray

together. Participants are then invited to join the Kahal Shabbat Morning Service

for the Torah discussion and potluck Shabbat lunch.


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Mindful Torah: Engaging with Middot

with Rabbi Marc Margolius; facilitated by Marci Dickman

Mondays, October 8, October 29, November 19, December 17,

January 14, February 4, March 4, April 1, and May 13,

7:00 – 9:00 p.m.

This Torah study program will guide us to realize our best selves in

everyday life. Participants will receive weekly emails from Rabbi

Marc Margolius, of the Institute for Jewish Spirituality (IJS), to

explore the weekly Torah portion through the lens of mindfulness

and middot. Rabbi Margolius will highlight specifi c teachings

arising from the text that can help us wake up, grow in discernment, and bring

our best selves to the challenges of daily life. This text study aims to be accessible

to all. Participants will be encouraged to study the text with a chevruta (partner)

each week, and will meet together once a month to refl ect on and discuss the

texts. Study materials will begin with Bereshit the week of September 30.

Members only (subsidized fee, $100)

Penitence and Personhood: T’shuvah in Historical Perspective

with David Shyovitz

Fridays, February 22 and March 1, 10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

Repentance (t’shuvah) is a central theme of biblical and rabbinic tradition—but its

meaning has not remained static over the course of Jewish history. We will look at

two case studies of t’shuvah and situate them in their historical contexts: the story

of Rabbi Amnon of Mainz, the (supposed) author of the Un’taneh Tokef prayer;

and the diff ering emphases of Sephardic and Ashkenazic authorities regarding the

balance between emotion and embodiment in penitential practices.



Pious Irreverence: Confronting God in Rabbinic Judaism

with Rabbi Dov Weiss

Fridays, October 5 and 19, 10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

Often described as a religion that tolerates and even celebrates arguments with

God, Judaism endorses a tradition of protest as fi rst expressed in the biblical

stories of Abraham, Job, and Jeremiah. Rabbi Weiss will examine the roots of

the Jewish theology of protest in the rabbinic age. Elucidating competing views

and theological assumptions, we will challenge the scholarly claim that the early

rabbis conceived of God as a morally perfect being whose goodness had to be

defended in the face of biblical accounts of unethical divine action.



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The Sabbath Ritual though Halachic Eyes

with Rabbi Michael Balinsky

Fridays, November 30 and December 7, 10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

Although the Reform movement is steeped in ritual/mitzvah expressions, it

does not defi ne itself as a halachic movement. However, halachah can help us

gain insight into Shabbat and enrich our religious/spiritual lives wherever we see

ourselves as participants and engagers with Jewish life. Out of the nitty gritty and

fi ne details, large parameters of meaning can emerge. We will explore Shabbat in

this context.



Soap Opera in the Bible: King David

with Hyma Levin

Wednesday, November 28 and December 5,

7:00 - 8:30 p.m.

Here is your opportunity to grapple with some of

the stories about David. Was he moral or immoral?

Many have described him as charismatic; how did

that help him, and did it complicate his life? How did he become known as the

“sweet singer of Israel”? Why is the story of David and Bathsheba important to his

story? The stories about David are found in II Samuel in the Bible. Bring a Bible if

you can—additional Bibles will be available. Bring your own questions about David.

There will be an email handout a week before class begins.


SAVE THE DATE

Soul Space Interfaith Fall RetreatSunday, November 4, 2:00 – 5:00 p.m.

The Moorings of Arlington Heights

811 E. Central Road

Arlington Heights, Illinois

How Does Faith Sustain Us Through Challenges and Adversity

Learn more about Soul Space and register at soulspaceinterfaith.org

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Talmud and Bagels

with Rabbi Peter Knobel

Fridays, October 5 – June 28, 8:00 - 9:00 a.m. (no class November 23, December 21

and 28, January 4, April 19 and 26)

Meeting in person in October, and through Zoom online thereafter, we will

continue reading Tractate Avodah Zarah, which deals with idolatry and the

relationship between Jews and non-Jews. While using a number of diff erent

translations and resources, our primary text will be the Art Scroll (Schottenstein)

Talmud. New learners are always welcome and as always bagels will be served.


The Talmud as Icon

with Barry Scott Wimpfh eimer

Fridays, October 26 and November 2, 10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

The Talmud has symbolized Jews and Judaism throughout history. Judaism is

often thought of as a religion that is opposed to visual images. In this class we will

show how the Talmud has often functioned as an icon of Judaism and Jews.



Three Contemporary Jewish Philosophers

with Rabbi Peter Knobel

These three sessions will introduce you to contemporary Jewish philosophers

you may not be familiar with, and their important, interesting, and sometimes-

diffi cult, ideas about Judaism.

Wednesday, September 26, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.

We will look at the work of Hans Jonas—a student of Heidegger, a

refugee from Nazi Germany, the inventor of the fi eld of bioethics,

the fi rst to warn of the dangers of technology, and a post Shoah

theologian.

Wednesday, October 3, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.

We will examine writings of Michael Fishbane—a professor at the

University of Chicago and a prolifi c author who has been called a

hermeneutical theologian.

Friday, October 12, 10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

We will read some important essays by Tamar Ross—the leading

Orthodox feminist thinker in the world.

No member fee (please register); non-member fee $10 each session

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What is a Blessing? A History of the B’rachah

with Rabbi David Rosenberg

Friday, February 15, 10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

The b’rachah (blessing) is one of the great literary achievements of the rabbinic

tradition. HaMotzi, Shehecheyanu, and other blessings have a broad appeal for

many Jews. In this class, we will explore the history, meanings, and abiding power

of this accessible and fl exible building block of Jewish prayer and life.



What is Holiness?

with Sam Fleischacker

Fridays, November 9 and 16, 10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

“Be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy,” says Leviticus. What on earth (or out

of it) does that mean? Maimonides and Nachmanides disagree strongly, and

their disagreement refl ects a deeper question over the degree to which the

experience of God can be found within the strictures of Jewish law. We’ll look at

their views and at some modern Jewish interpretations of holiness—a notoriously

obscure idea, but one central to religious commitment.



What if you haven’t found a class that meets your interests?

Please let us know. The Adult Education Committee wants to be responsive to your

requests, but if we don’t hear from you, we won’t know what you’re looking for.

We think that everyone at Beth Emet, no matter what age, can be a lifelong learner.

Help us include you in that group. Email suggestions to [email protected].

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PRESENTERS

Rabbi Andrea London, Rabbi Emeritus Peter Knobel, Director of Lifelong Learning

Marci Dickman, and the following presenters:

*Beth Emet members

ALEX AISEN came to this country from the former Soviet Union as a young adult,

over thirty-fi ve years ago, with immediate and extended family members. He

enjoys studying Torah and loves telling family stories.

RABBI MICHAEL BALINSKY is the Executive Vice-President of the Chicago

Board of Rabbis and was Director of the Louis and Saerree Fiedler Hillel Center

at Northwestern University for nineteen years. He is a member of the Catholic-

Jewish Scholars Dialogue in Chicago, serves on the executive board of the

Council of Religious leaders of Metropolitan Chicago, is on the advisory board of

the Bernardin Center at Catholic Theological Union, and is an active participant

in a number of Jewish, Christian and Muslim interfaith initiatives. He is a graduate

of Yeshiva University and the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary.

RABBI HERBERT BRONSTEIN is Rabbi Emeritus/Senior Scholar of North Shore

Congregation Israel, Glencoe. He served as NSCI’s Senior Rabbi from 1972-1997.

During his tenure as Chairman of the Reform Jewish Liturgy Committee (1981-

1991), he served as Editor for three publications of the committee: the Haggadah

for Passover, Gates of Prayer, and Five Scrolls. Rabbi Bronstein has combined

a successful vocation as a congregational rabbi and community leader, with

lecturing and writing in the fi elds of religious thought, literature, and liturgy.

CAROLYN DINOFSKY was a special educator for thirty-four years and a Jewish

educator for over twenty-fi ve years. She was a docent at the New York Holocaust

Museum for fourteen years and is currently a docent at the Illinois Holocaust

Museum. Carolyn has been a Yiddish educator for more than a quarter of a

century. She currently has three or four Yiddish classes in the greater Chicago

area. Her mantra is sharing her Yiddish background, extensive exploration, and

in-depth research of the spirit of the Yiddish language and its treasures.

*NANCY FINK has worked in Beth Emet’s school community since 1983 as a

teacher, mentor, and administrator. She is currently the Assistant Principal of

Beit Sefer, the K-6 school. She is a member of Beth Emet’s Adult Education

committee, and is editor of the Adult Education brochure of class and program

off erings.

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PRESENTERS – Continued

DORIT FLATT is the daughter of Holocaust survivors and grew up in Tel-Aviv, Israel.

After completing her IDF service in the paratrooper unit, she studied elementary

education at Seminar Levinsky in Tel-Aviv. She holds a B.A. in Psychology from

the University of Michigan. She taught Hebrew language, literature, and religious

studies in Michigan for twenty-fi ve years. She especially enjoys music and theater,

and spending time with her fi ve granddaughters in Chicago.

SAMUEL FLEISCHACKER is LAS Distinguished Professor of Philosophy at the

University of Illinois-Chicago. His writings include A Short History of Distributive

Justice (Harvard, 2004), Divine Teaching and the Way of the World (Oxford, 2011),

and The Good and the Good Book: Revelation as a Guide to Life (Oxford, 2015).

Sam received his Ph.D. from the Philosophy Department at Yale University, and

taught at Williams College for eight years before coming to UIC.

RABBI ALLAN KENSKY is Rabbi Emeritus of Beth Hillel Congregation Bnai

Emunah in Wilmette. He received a Ph.D. in Rabbinics (Aggadic Literature) from

the Jewish Theological Seminary. Before coming to Chicago, he served as rabbi

of Beth Israel Congregation in Ann Arbor, Michigan; Scholar-In-Residence at Har

Zion Temple in Penn Valley, PA; and Associate Dean and Dean of the Rabbinical

School at JTS. He is a faculty member of the Rochelle Zell Jewish High School.

He currently resides in Evanston with his wife, Adina Kleiman.

*HYMA LEVIN, Director of Education Emerita at Beth Emet, has been a Jewish

educator for more than forty years. She is a member of the Chicago Coalition

for Interreligious Learning (CCIRL) – Catholics, Jews and Muslims Together. A

Life Member of Hadassah, Hyma facilitates a leadership-training program for the

Chicago-Northshore Chapter. She has taught in a variety of venues including the

Archdiocese of Chicago Religious Teachers Conferences, Dominican University,

Harper College, and the North Shore Senior Center.

*EDWARD LINN, MD is the fi rst System Chairperson of the Department of

Obstetrics and Gynecology for the Cook County Health & Hospitals Systems

(CCHHS), where he directs the provision of obstetrical and gynecological

services. Dr. Linn is a diplomat of the American Board of Obstetrics and

Gynecology and a fellow in the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

He is a North American Menopause Society Certifi ed Menopause Provider. Dr.

Linn graduated from the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine and

completed his training at Michael Reese Hospital.

17


RABBI MARC MARGOLIUS has directed alumni programming for clergy for

the Institute for Jewish Spirituality since 2005. As spiritual leader at West End

Synagogue on Manhattan’s Upper West Side from 2010-17, he developed a

systemic congregational model integrating mindfulness practice with middot

(spiritual/ethical values). At Congregation Beth Am Israel in Penn Valley, PA from

1989-2002, he helped develop a national model of the synagogue as a Shabbat-

centered community constructed around intergenerational learning. Rabbi

Margolius was ordained in 1989 at the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College, and

graduated from Yale College and Yale Law School. He lives in New York with his

wife, Rabbi Ayelet Cohen, and is the proud father of fi ve.

RABBI DAVID M. ROSENBERG serves as Coordinator of Jewish Educational

Services at Jewish Child and Family Services in Chicago and directs JCFS’

Therapeutic Yeshiva. Since 2006, he has taught classes in Jewish history, Bible,

and Kabbalah for the Florence Melton Adult Mini-School at various sites in

Metropolitan Chicago. He is a member of the Chicago Rabbinical Council,

the Chicago Board of Rabbis, and the Clergy Task Force of Jewish Women

International. David received his B.A. in Russian and East European Studies from

Yale University and a master’s degree in Bible and rabbinical ordination from

Yeshiva University. He is an alumnus fellow of the Wexner Graduate Fellowship.

*LINDA SCHNEIDER is the founder of Heartland Rhythms, which provides

dynamic, hands-on rhythm events that help people connect with their personal

“heartlands,” express their unique rhythms, and grow as individuals. She trained

with Christine Stevens, an expert in the fi elds of music therapy and drum circles,

and Arthur Hull, the internationally acclaimed father of the facilitated drum circle

movement. Linda also completed training in Health Rhythms, a research-based

life enhancement and wellness protocol developed by Remo Drums.

DAVID SHYOVITZ Ph.D. (University of Pennsylvania) is an Associate Professor

of History at Northwestern University, with a joint appointment at the Crown

Center for Jewish and Israel Studies. He is the author of A Remembrance of

His Wonders: Nature and the Supernatural in Medieval Ashkenaz (2017), and has

lectured widely throughout the United States, Israel, and Europe.

*BLUMA STOLLER is a graduate of Columbia University. She was the North

American Director of Academic Aff airs for Tel Aviv University and held leadership

positions in the Jewish Relations Council of Greater Boston, Project Otzma, and

the Rashi School. She was the recipient of Hillel International’s 2003 Exemplar of

Excellence Award for her commitment to social justice and tikkun olam (acts of

kindness to repair the world).

18


REBECCA WANG, MS, CGC, is a genetic counselor at the Norton & Elaine

Sarnoff Center for Jewish Genetics. She received a master’s degree in genetic

counseling from Northwestern University, where she also completed coursework

for a master’s degree in medical humanities and bioethics. Rebecca provides

telephone counseling to all participants of the Sarnoff Center’s recessive

disorder screening program. She also sees prenatal patients at Insight Medical

Genetics, a private genetics practice in downtown Chicago.

RABBI DOV WEISS is Assistant Professor of Jewish Studies in the Department

of Religion at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He completed his

Ph.D. at the University of Chicago Divinity School as a Martin Meyer Fellow in

2011 and was the Alan M. Stock Fellow at Harvard University’s Center for Jewish

Studies in 2012. Specializing in the history of Jewish biblical interpretation and

rabbinic theology, Dov’s fi rst book, Pious Irreverence: Confronting God in Rabbinic

Judaism (University of Pennsylvania Press), won the 2017 National Jewish Book

Award in the category of Scholarship.

BARRY SCOTT WIMPFHEIMER is Associate Professor of Religious Studies and

Law at Northwestern University. Wimpfh eimer specializes in the study of Jewish

Law and the Rabbinic Tradition, particularly in the Babylonian Talmud. His book

The Talmud: A Biography was published as part of Princeton University Press’ Lives

of Great Religious Books series in Spring 2018.

*LESLIE YAMSHON taught middle school social science and humanities for

twenty-eight years at Solomon Schechter Day School. She has been a volunteer

educator at the Chicago History Museum for the past fi ve years, where she

works with students, teaching workshops and educational carts. Leslie also

conducts group tours at the museum.

*DAVID ZAREFSKY is the Owen L. Coon Professor Emeritus of Communication

Studies at Northwestern University, specializing in argumentation and the analysis

and criticism of American political discourse. David is a former president of the

National Communication Association, the Rhetoric Society of America, and the

Central States Communication Association. In 2012 he received the Lifetime

Teaching Excellence Award from the National Communication Association. David

is a past president of Beth Emet.

NAME

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Please register me for the following classes (check all that apply):

Adult Education at Beth Emet

FALL/WINTER 5779 | 2018-2019 REGISTRATION FORMThree ways to register:

1. Fill out the form below and mail or bring it with your payment to the offi ce.

2. Check your email and use the Adult Education Registration link that was sent to members.

3. Go to the website (http://bethemet.org/learning/adult-education/brochure-of-classes.html) and open

the registration link. Enter your zip code and your birth date, including the slashes between the

numbers (01/01/2018). A pre-fi lled registration form unique to you will open. If we do not have

your birth date and zip code on fi le, a blank form will open that will allow you to register.

❑ Friday Morning 15 Session Package: all 10:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. classes ($150M; n/a NM)

❑ The Controversy over the Golden Rule($15M; $18NM)

❑ How Are We to Live in the Presence of God?Surprising Rabbinic Texts on the Spiritual Life ($25M; $35NM)

❑ Penitence and Personhood: T’shuvah in Historical Perspective ($25M; $35NM)

❑ Pious Irreverence: Confronting God inRabbinic Judaism ($25M; $35NM)

❑ The Sabbath Ritual though Halachic Eyes($25M; $35NM)

❑ The Talmud as Icon ($25M; $35NM)❑ Three Contemporary Jewish Philosophers

(No fee M; $10 NM) ❑ What is a Blessing? A History of the B’rachah

($15M; $18NM)❑ What is Holiness? ($25M; $35NM)

❑ Adult B’nei Mitzvah($100 fee in year of B’nei Mitzvah)

❑ Being Jewish in USSR/Russia: Life Before and After the Revolution (No fee)

❑ Beyond Om: Spiritual Practice for the Jewish Soul(No fee M; $50 NM)

❑ A Close Look at Torah(no fee M; $100 NM)

❑ Current Politics – Monday, November 12(No fee M; $10 NM)

❑ Current Politics - Tuesday, January 8 (No fee M; $10 NM)

❑ Current Politics – Monday, March 11 (No fee M; $10 NM)

❑ Drumming for Self-Renewal – Wednesday, October 17 ($10)

❑ Drumming for Self-Renewal – Monday, December 10 ($10)

❑ Drumming for Self-Renewal – Wednesday, February 13 ($10)

❑ Hebrew 1 ($170 M; $230 NM)❑ Hebrew 2 ($170 M; $230 NM)❑ Hebrew 3 ($170 M; $230 NM)❑ Hidden Identity Questions:

Chanukah (No fee)❑ Hidden Identity Questions:

Purim (No fee)

❑ A History of Yiddish (No fee)❑ Immigration Story: A Chicago

History Museum Tour (admission fee collected at the museum)

❑ Jewish Genetics and Genetic Testing (No fee)

❑ Learners’ Minyan (No fee)❑ Mindful Torah: Engaging with

Middot ($100 M; n/a NM)❑ Soap Opera in the Bible:

King David (No fee M; $20 NM)❑ Talmud and Bagels

(No fee M; $100 NM)❑ Three Contemporary Jewish

Philosophers (No fee M; $10 each session NM)

M = Member Fee

NM = Non-member Fee TOTAL AMOUNT $_______________________

Method of payment: ❑ Enclosed ❑ Bill my Beth Emet account (members only)

Signature: ____________________________________________________________________

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Beth Emet The Free SynagogueATTN: School Office1224 Dempster StreetEvanston, Illinois 60202Phone 847-869-4230, ext. 308Fax 847-869-7830

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Your tax-deductible donation tothe Beth Emet Adult Education

Fund will go a long way in support of our program.

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BE Adult Ed Fall-Winter 5779 0818 REV1...Scholar-In-Residence Weekend with Rabbi Marc Margolius What...

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