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Adult Learning Fall 2018

For each course below, indicate the number of people taking the course.
With Drs. Jonathan Golden and Jonah Hassenfeld
Thursdays, Oct. 11, 18, 25 and Nov. 1, 7-9 p.m., $36
Israel is a remarkable country with a long history and unique relationship to Judaism. This four-session course will introduce beginners as well as those more well versed in the complexities of Zionism to the role of the land and its people. Sessions will cover pivotal moments in history, a little bit of politics, media literacy, current events, Arab/Israeli/US relations and more. The course will be primarily team-taught by two of Gann Academy’s most popular faculty members, The last session will be team-taught by Rabbis Berry and Abrasley.
Dr. Jonathan Golden is the Israel Curriculum Coordinator and an American history teacher at Gann Academy, a pluralistic Jewish high school in Waltham where he has taught since 1999. Dr. Jonah Hassenfeld is the Assistant Director of Teaching and Learning at Gann Academy. He teaches world history and the history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
With Cantor Peter Halpern
Sundays, Oct. 28, Nov. 4, 18, 12:30–2 p.m., $36
During last season’s Cantillation course, we touched on Haftarah trope, possibly the most beautiful of all. As promised, we will focus entirely on mastering this magnificent trope system and prepare to chant at a Saturday morning minyan service. If you missed my course last season, fret not! We will begin with a thorough review. Please join me!

With Rabbis Abrasley and Berry
Downtown Study: Nov. 7, Dec. 5, Jan. 2, March 6, May 1, noon, $75
Lunch and Learn: Nov. 14, Dec 12, Jan. 9, March 13, May 8, noon, free

“In a world deluged by irrelevant information, clarity is power.” – Yuval Noah Harari

Join Rabbis Abrasley and Berry in the reading and analysis of the latest book by one of the most innovative thinkers on the planet. Harari's 21 Lessons for the 21st Century is a probing and visionary investigation into some of today’s most urgent issues: democracy, God, immigrant, terrorism, climate change, fake news and so much more. Harari is a historian and best-selling author who currently lectures at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, specializing in world history. His work is thought provoking and engaging. This course will read selections of Harari’s book in order to discuss his ideas and their impact on our Jewish lives and community.
Same course as above. The course meets at Temple Shalom and is free.
With Mary Jane Suzman
Tuesdays, Nov. 13, 20, 27, Dec. 4, 11, 7:30-9 p.m. $18
Jewish mysticism had its roots in Medieval Kabbalah, but then spread like wildfire through Eastern European Jewish communities during the 18th and 19th centuries. This discussion course will begin with some background in Kabbalah. Then, we’ll study texts from the Baal Shem Tov, the founder of Hasidism, and other early Hasidic masters. Throughout, we’ll be seeking to discover what meaning these teachings may have for us today. The course will be taught at Mary Jane’s home in Newton.
Thu, September 20 2018 11 Tishrei 5779