Adult Education

Jewish Medical Ethics
Thursdays, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Instructor: Rabbi Corey Helfand

The 21st century has brought about a new era in harmonizing our ancient Jewish tradition with modern medical technologies.  We'll study together what Judaism has to say about issues such as abortion, fertility, organ donation, brain death, smoking, drugs, alcohol and beyond.  Join us weekly for insightful and challenging conversation that will push your ethics to a whole new level.

Introduction to Hebrew Reading
Tuesdays, 7:45 pm
Instructor: Cantor Doron Shapira

Ever wanted to learn how to read Hebrew?  Now is your chance.  Join Cantor Doron for nine sessions beginning on November 27 through February 5.  Guaranteed to leave reading printed Hebrew.  RSVP to cantor@peninsulasinai.org.  Cost is only $25 to cover materials.

Join us for minyan at 7:15 pm followed by the class 7:45 pm—8:45 pm.

Modern Conversational Hebrew with Rina Shapira
Tuesday evenings in February, March, April 2013
Time: 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Tuition:  One-time fee of $65 (materials included)

Come get acquainted with Modern Hebrew as spoken in Israel!  No previous speaking knowledge is required (though Hebrew-reading knowledge is a prerequisite).  We will work on speaking, listening, and reading in a relaxed and enjoyable environment.  The class will put emphasis on basic oral skills, vocabulary, and basic grammar.  Learn how to hold basic conversations, order at restaurants, meet new people, and get to know Israeli culture!  Class is taught by local and experienced modern Hebrew teacher, Rina Shapira.  Bruchim haba'im--welcome to Modern Hebrew!

Parsing the Parasha
Fridays at 9:00 am - 10:00 am
Instructor: Rabbi Corey Helfand

Get an early start on Shabbat with this parashat ha-shavua class. Using different translations and commentaries of the Torah, we’ll take a look at what really happened in the Bible. Bagels and coffee will be provided to keep your body nourished, engaging learning and stimulating discussion to keep your soul nourished.

Jewish Character Ethics - Middot
Teacher: Joel Gereboff
Dates: Wednesday evenings beginning Wednesday, February 6
Time: 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm at PSC
Tuition: Free

Most people think of Judaism as a religion that provides rules and guidance for how we ought to act, what might be called a religion of conduct.  But Jewish thinkers have also developed a rich set of views on the type of people we ought to be, what ought to be our character.  These character traits are the middot we need to develop.  In this course we will focus upon one classical Jewish work that focus on middot, Sefer Ma’a lot Hamidot, written by Yechiel ben Yekutiel.  We will study selections from this work that have been translated and analyzed by Niles Goldstein and Steven Mason in Judaism and Spiritual Values (UAHC Press, 1996).  

Peninsula Sinai Congregation is committed to providing a range of adult Jewish learning for the entire community. Classes and programs are open to all and take place at PSC. Our programs are free and subsidized by PSC. If you’d like to help plan adult educational programming at PSC, please contact Rabbi Corey Helfand at rabbi@peninsulasinai.org.