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Ongoing Learning Opportunities

Scholar Weekends: Inclusion Shabbat: Each winter, one weekend is devoted to issues of inclusiveness and understanding with a special guest lecturer.  Past topics have included issues of disabilities, gays and lesbians, family values and poverty in the Jewish community. This weekend is sponsored by the Chavurah Keshet committee. Outreach Shabbat: Each fall we dedicate one weekend to issues of outreach – honoring the non-Jewish spouse, welcoming the stranger, issues of conversion, spiritual journeys – have all been topics for this program sponsored by the Merkin Outreach Institute/Interfaith & Outreach Committee. Sadie Levin Scholar in Residence: This weekend welcomes a special lecturer for an in-depth Shabbaton.  Previous scholars have included Dr. Susannah Heschel, who spoke about 19th Century Christian thought on Judaism and the essays of her father Dr. Abraham Joshua Heschel;  Dr. Rachel Dulin, discussing the politics of our sacred texts; Rabbi David Forman, who discussed Israel and human rights; Al Vorspan who talked about possible peace in the Middle East and Rabbi Alexander Schindler of blessed memory. Education Shabbat: Every Spring the Religious School at Temple Beth El honors the teachers of our children, both religious and secular.  This weekend celebration is filled with song, learning and appreciation.  Previous guests include musicians Rick Recht, Sam Glaser, and poets Taylor Mali and Kevin Coval. Schloss Summer Lecture: This evening lecture typically reflects a current issue or relevant local topic.  Past lecture topics have included: Holy War in Islam and Judaism;  the Dead Sea Scrolls in preparation for an exhibit in Charlotte; and the BodyWorks exhibit shown at Discovery Place. Educational Series: S.P.I.C.E (Special Programs of Interest and Concern to Everyone 50+): This program offers educational, cultural and social programs for the 50+ membership of Temple Beth El.  SPICE programs meet on the first and third Mondays and lunch is available.  The program begins with a Jewish learning activity, then lunch, and concludes with a special program.  Past programs have included the changing role of Israel in Reform Jewish life; history of Sephardic Jews in America; life in the military; art, music and field trips around the area. Senior Sage Program: In this bi-weekly program for people 60+ will study a different topic each year. There will be monthly lecture and monthly chevruta.  For more information on our Senior Sage program, click here. Comparative Religion Series: The Community Relations Committee works closely with Myers Park Baptist Church to create eight weeks of programs for a mutual understanding of religions, philosophy, and ethical issues. Weekly Torah Study: There is no beginning and no end to Torah study. It entails a lifetime of learning.  Study is on Shabbat morning for one hour before the Shabbat worship service. Hebrew 101: This 10-week course is for adults who are new to Hebrew.  It is designed to give students a mastery of the Aleph Bet, consonants and vowels. Students learn to approach the Hebrew language through modern and biblical words, learning Hebrew sentences and connecting them to prayers and familiar concepts. Hebrew 102: This 8-week course is designed for adults who have completed Hebrew 101 or an equivalent course.  Students will increase their vocabulary; learn to put words and sentences together, beginning conversation as well as learning additional prayers.  Post Anshei Mitzvah Hebrew: This class is a one year bridge between the Anshei Mitzvah program and the next rung on the Ladder of Learning, ACT (Achievement Certificate in Torah).  This class is a continuing Hebrew/Prayer course designed to strengthen the skills learned in the Anshei Mitzvah program.  This course meets once a week. Torah Yoga:  REGISTER NOW! Fall Session Class dates 2009:   September 11 - November 13. Rabbi Judith Schindler and RYT certified yoga instructor Shelley Bear are offering this wonderful class. Prepare for Shabbat with your bodies, minds, and souls.  The price is $50 for a 10-week session, or weekly drop-in fee of $7.50/class.  Registration is available through the LJCC customer service desk OR online at www.charlottejcc.org.  The class is held on Fridays from 10:30-11:30 am in the Swimmer Family Aerobics Studio.