Note: Some learners find it helpful to read before class, some prefer to do readings after hearing about the topic in class. Do what works for you.
Part 1: Jewish Time : The Cycles of Holidays
9/25 – Welcome! The Jewish Calendar. Read Settings of Silver, pp 77-85.
10/2 – The High Holy Day Cycle. Read Settings of Silver, pp 137-152, 173-175.
10/16 – The Passover Cycle. Read Settings of Silver, pp 153-172.
10/23 – The National Cycle. Read Settings of Silver, pp 175-182.
10/30 – The Big Picture: The Wheels of the Chariot.
Part 2: Jewish Time: Life Cycles and Jewish Home Life
11/06 – Do You Keep Shabbat, or Does It Keep You? Read Settings of Silver, pp 124-136.
11/13 – Jewish Death and Mourning: Presence is Powerful. Read Settings of Silver, pp 93-95, 110-116.
11/20 – Bnei Mitzvah & Jewish Weddings. Read Settings of Silver, pp 86-87, 89-93.
12/4 – Welcome to the Tribe: Brit Milah, Brit Bat, and Conversion. Read Settings of Silver, pp 85-89.
21/11 - What Makes a Home Jewish? (Reading will be given out in class.)
Part 3: Jewish Texts & History
1/8 – Written Torah and Midrash Read Settings of Silver, pp 10-12, 15-36. Bring your Tanakh [Jewish Bible] to class.
1/22 – Oral Torah in Context: Jewish History from 70 until 700. Read Settings of Silver, pp 185-232.
1/29 – The Middle Ages to Emancipation. Read Settings of Silver, pp 233-335.
2/5 – Modernity, America, and Movements. Read Settings of Silver, pp 407-427.
2/12 – Anti-Semitism & Shoah. Read Settings of Silver, pp 358-379.
2/26 – Medinat Yisrael: The Modern State of Israel. Read Settings of Silver, pp 380-406.
Part 4: Jewish Thought, Jewish Prayer, Jewish Music!
3/11 - What is Prayer? or: Why Do We Keep Repeating Ourselves? Read Settings of Silver, pp 99-109.
3/18 - The Synagogue Service: Ma’ariv [Evening]
3/25 - The Synagogue Service: Shacharit [Morning] and the Torah Service
4/15 – Body & Spirit: Music and Movement in the Services
4/22 - Jews Thinking About God. Read Settings of Silver, pp 37 – 52, 110-123. With Rabbi Graetz
4/29 – Hazak, Hazak: Final Questions and Next Steps
