Ladders of Learning —There is a Rung for Each and Every One of You

This past May I received a gift from my seminary… a fancy bookmark with a letter congratulating me on the ten-year anniversary of my ordination. It was a fitting gift -- for I left my five years of seminary with a sense of insecurity. There was so much I still needed to learn then, and when I think about it, there is so much I still need to learn now.

That is the beauty of Jewish learning -- it never ends. There are always more commentaries to read, more teachings from Torah, Talmud and the wealth of Jewish literature that can lift our lives. Even if we were to fulfill Maimonides’ recommendation of studying nine hours a day and working only three, our eyes would continually be opened to new texts and our minds exposed to greater wisdom.

“The obligation to study Torah is not like a debt which a man can discharge by paying a fixed amount and be done with it,” the School of Rabbi Ishmael once taught. It requires a continual commitment. Each time I study Torah, I gain wisdom which lift s my life. Each page of texts teaches me about my responsibilities to myself, to others and to this world.

Because all of us need to learn about Judaism, because Torah study needs to be fixed in order to be effective, and because community is formed through regular encounters with others, we are offering a new adult education program called “Ladders of Learning.” I hope that each one of you will choose to climb the ladder of Jewish wisdom, deepen your connection to our congregation and our faith, and enrich your lives in countless ways.

To participate in any of these programs, please contact Stephanie DiPaolo at (704) 944-6838.

FIRST RUNG - TASTE OF JUDAISM
In January and June we will offer a three-week course exploring the foundations of Jewish tradition for those who want to reconnect or who are searching for an entrance into Jewish life. The course covers the Jewish perspectives on spirituality, values and community.

SECOND RUNG - INTRODUCTION TO JUDAISM
In February and July we offer a nine-week course designed to give a basic understanding of Judaism – its beliefs, values, and practices. Topics include: fundamental Jewish beliefs, Jewish history, Jewish holidays, life cycle, liturgy, sacred texts, the commandments, Israel, and Judaism in comparison to Christianity.

THIRD RUNG - CONVERSION CLASS
Did you know that more than thirty individuals in our congregation are on the journey to conversion? Each Sunday, we join together as we explore the challenges of changing our faith and learn about creating a Jewish home, the holidays, Israel and any other topic of relevance to those embarking on the journey to Judaism. The curriculum spans approximately eighteen months and students may enter the program at any date.

FOURTH RUNG - ANSHEI MITZVAH
We are now in our second year of this two year course of study for those adults who never became bar or bat mitzvah. Participants meet weekly for twenty months and learn Hebrew, study the liturgy, mitzvot, history and holidays of our people. This class is taught by our Director of Education and clergy. A new Anshei Mitzvah class will open in October 2006.

FIFTH RUNG - CHAVURAT LIMUD: ACHIEVEMENT CERTIFICATE IN TORAH (ACT)
This is a two-year weekly program where students, in partners, will study the Torah with commentaries and explore its application to their lives. The weekly commentaries will be sent to you via snail mail or e-mail. All those in the program will attend a monthly lecture on the first Wednesday of each month with Rabbi Schindler and Cantorial Assistant, Mary Thomas. In a two year cycle, participants will have studied the entire Torah from Genesis through Deuteronomy. This program is ideal for those who have become anshei mitzvah (adult b’nei mitzvah), or b’nei mitzvah as children. The program will begin on Wednesday night, November 2nd at 7:00 pm. At the conclusion of this two-year program, participants will receive an Achievement Certificate in Torah.

SIXTH RUNG - SCHOLARS’ INSTITUTE Congregants will study our sacred rabbinic texts (Midrash, Talmud, Jewish legal material) in groups of three to five individuals for one hour every other week with Rabbi Barras. All those in the program will a� end a monthly lecture on the second Wednesday of each month. At the conclusion of this two-year program, participants will receive a Scholars’ Institute Certificate. This program will begin on Wednesday night, November 9, 2005.

SEVENTH RUNG - TEACHERS OF TORAH These individuals will be trained to lecture in the community (in schools, on panels, at churches) on the topics of Judaism, Reform Judaism and the holidays. They will also facilitate the visits with the many church groups who visit Temple Beth El each month. Teachers of Torah will be trained in groups and work with clergy in preparing individual lectures.