Jewish Learning Opportunities

Jewish learning is both easy and hard. Paradoxically, it is easy because of the vastness of possibilities open to the Jewish learner. If you look, you can always find a voice from our tradition that resonates with you. Jewish learning is hard for the very same reason; you’ll always find in it a voice to challenge your most basic assumptions.

At Jewish Life we endeavor to create a safe environment where you can ask any question, and where you can explore your own beliefs honestly.

Summer '09 Classes

Summer Coffee Talk
Perkins (Saladelia) Café: Wednesdays, 1-2 p (no class 7/8 & 8/5)
Each week an hour of informal, accessible, relevant Jewish learning.

Advanced Beit Midrash
Alpine Atrium in the Bryan Center: Tuesdays, 9-10:15 am (no class 7/7)
An exploration of Midrash tanhuma, in Hebrew
 

All classes are credit-free, tuition-free, and open to the entire Duke community.

For more information, contact Rabbi Michael Goldman, mgoldman@duke.edu, unless otherwise specified.

Check out this selection of classes that we have offered recently here at Jewish Life at Duke and keep an eye out for them in the future, or email Rabbi Michael Goldman for more information.

Hebrew and Theology of the Prayerbook

“I can read the Hebrew words, but I don’t really know what it all means.” Identify with that statement? This class will improve both your Hebrew and your ability to relate to the siddur (prayerbook). Learn vocabulary and basic grammar as a way to go beyond just mumbling and really understand what you’re praying on Friday night.


Israel: The Daytime Drama

A look at the brilliance, diversity, stresses and paradoxes of life in contemporary Israel, through the lens of an Israeli soap opera called “A Touch Away.” “A Touch Away” depicts the starcrossed romance between a secular Russian-born, often shirtless studmuffin and an equally hot, but much more modestly-dressed Sephardic ultra-Orthodox young woman. Each week, we’ll explore social, political and religious themes brought up by the week’s episode.


Advanced Beit Midrash

An exploration of a passage of the Talmud, Sanhedrin, Chapter 8. What do you do with a “stubborn and rebellious son.” The Bible says, “Take him out and stone him!” The Rabbis of the Talmud ask:  “Is that what the Bible really meant?”
Some prior experience with Talmud recommended. Text in Hebrew/Aramaic



Hebrew Poetry Circle

Each week, a close reading of an amazing poem in Hebrew.