Tuesdays, November 1, 8, 15
7:00-8:15 pm
Literary Approach to the Bible: The Robert Alter Method
Rabbi Darren S. Levine

Professor of Literature at the University of California, Berkeley, Robert Alter is the author of nearly 20 books dealing with the evolution of Near Eastern Literature and the highly acclaimed recent translation of The Five Books of Moses. He writes, “the biblical authors are, of
course, constantly, urgently conscious of telling a story in order to reveal the truth of God’s works in history and of Israel’s hopes and
failings.” Our mini-series will explore the betrothal scenes and the birth of the hero scenes in the Bible to understand Alter’s contribution to the study of biblical composition.

Sundays, December 4, 11, 18
11:00 am- 12:00 pm
Travel Hebrew
Rabbi Marci N. Bellows

Preparing for a trip to Israel? Always wondered how to say “I don’t speak Hebrew” or “How much does that cost?” in Hebrew? Rabbi
Bellows will spend these sessions teaching many common phrases and vocabulary in conversational Hebrew. No previous Hebrew skills required, just an enthusiastic approach to learning the language of the Jewish people.

January 5, 7:00 pm; January 8, 11:00 am;
January 10, 7:00 pm; January 12, 7:00 pm
Borders and Boundaries: The History of Christian and Islamic
Influence on Jewish Culture
Dr. Marina Rustow

It is widely recognized that Christianity and Islam bear the traces of their older monotheistic sister-religion. Less commonly understood are the profound ways in which Christianity and Islam continued to influence Judaism throughout the medieval and early modern periods. Through case-studies based on manuscripts and archives from Jewish
communities in the Mediterranean basin, the Near East, and Europe, this four-session lecture series will chart how Jews’ communal identities
and concepts of orthodoxy, heresy, and religious difference changed along with the environments in which they lived. Please call the Clergy Office at (212) 535-8008, ext. 264, to reserve your space in the class.
Marina Rustow is Assistant Professor of History and Jewish Studies at Emory University in Atlanta, GA. She holds a Ph.D. in History from Columbia University and a B.A. in Literature from Yale. Her research and teaching focuses on the history of the Jews from late antiquity to the late Middle Ages with a special interest in heresy and sectarianism and the Cairo Geniza. She is author of a forthcoming book on Rabbanite- Karaite relations in the medieval Mediterranean basin; the exhibition catalogue Scripture and Schism: Samaritan and Karaite Treasures from the Jewish Theological Seminary Library (New York: Jewish Theological Seminary, 2000).

Tuesdays, January 24, 31, February 7, 14
7:00-8:30 pm
A Reform Encounter with Tradition
Rabbi Jonathan A. Stein

As Reform Jews, there are many rituals about which we have wondered: why don’t we do this or that at home or in the synagogue? We wrestle with traditions such as kashrut, ritual clothing, holiday observances and egalitarianism, and sometimes our decisions differ with other Jewish communities. Come learn about the history of these customs, why/ how the Reform movement has chosen its path, and how to choose for yourself.

Tuesdays, March 28 and April 4
7:00-8:30 pm
Navigating the Haggadah
Cantor Bruce Ruben, Ph.D.

Cantor Ruben will guide you through the structure, history, and melodies of the rituals that make up the Passover Seder. The class will
help you become a more knowledgeable Seder leader and participant, with the goal of deepening and enriching your family’s Passover experience.

September 7, 21; October 19; November 2, 16;
December 7, 21; January 4, 18; February 1, 15;
March 1, 15, 30; April 5; May 3, 17; June 7, 21
Midtown Torah Study
Rabbi Darren S. Levine

Meets every other Wednesday, 12:30-1:30 pm.
Location: 521 Fifth Avenue, (between 43rd and 44th Streets) 17th Floor Conference Room

Join us as we continue our in-depth reading of the Torah in English. All are welcome, beginners and returnees alike. Bring your lunch.

September 14, 28; October 26; November 9, 23;
December 18, 28; January 11, 25; February 8, 22;
March 8, 22; April 26; May 10, 24; June 14, 28
Torah Talk
Rabbi Jonathan A. Stein

Meets biweekly on Wednesdays, 12:00-1:00 pm

This year, we continue our mid-day, mid-week program that takes place right here at Shaaray Tefila! Each session, we take the Torah portion of the week and expand it with thoughtprovoking conversation. All are welcome. Registration is not required. Bring your lunch and join in a lively discussion.