Temple Jeremiah has affiliated with the Dawn Schuman Institute, allowing us to enhance our adult education opportunities.

The Dawn R. Schuman Institute of the Community Foundation for Jewish Learning is a not-for-profit organization devoted to Jewish adult education. Its mission is to help Jews find deeper meaning in Jewish life and learning while encouraging dialogue and respect for all viewpoints.

For more information on Dawn Schuman's programs, contact Marcia Seltzer Tobias or log on to Dawn Schuman.

For information on other adult education programs, visit our sites on Temple Jeremiah Programs, the Florence Melton Adult Mini-School and programs sponsored by other organizations.

Upcoming Programs:

To register for any of the classes listed below, click here.

Texts and Teachings, Tension and Trust: What Jews Need to Know About Christianity

Tuesdays, April 29, May 6 & May 13, 2008
1:00 - 2:15 pm
Temple Beth El
3610 Dundee Road, Northbrook

Fee for Series: $35 for DSI Members/$50 for Non-Members
Fee per Session: $15 for DSI Members/$25 for Non-Members
Site Members: $15 for Series; $10 per Session

Judaism and Christianity have a long, complex and often difficult relationship with one another. Living in a heavily Christian culture, Jews can benefit from a deeper understanding of the dominant religion. This course, led by Gary Shapiro, Alyssa Levine and Rabbi Sidney Helbraun, will explore the emergency of Christianity out of Jewish roots, outline basic Christian texts and trace how Christianity developed into its major denominations. Our teachers will highlight important differences and similarities between the two religions and conclude with an examination of the current Jewish-Christian dialogue.

Israel's Economy Goes Global: The Most Innovative and Interesting Israeli Companies

Monday, May 12, 2008
6:45 - 8:15 pm
Community Foundation for Jewish Education
4709 W. Golf Road, Suite 400, Skokie

Fee: $15 for DSI Members/$25 for Non-Members

Join us as we explore Israel's economy today, including the Tel Aviv stock exchange and innovative Israeli companies that are traded on the exchanges. You'll be amazed by what Israeli companies have accomplished!

You Be the Judge - Talmudic Ethics - Timeless Wisdom for Timely Dilemmas

Monday, May 12, 19; Tuesday, May 27; Monday, June 2, 16, 23, 2008
7:30 - 9:00 pm
Chai Center of the North Shore/Lubavitch Chabad of Wilmette
2904 Old Glenview Road, Wilmette

or

Wednesday, May 14, 21, 28; June 4, 11, 18, 2008
10:00 - 11:30 am
Chai Center of the North Shore/Lubavitch Chabad of Wilmette
2904 Old Glenview Road, Wilmette

ALL ATTORNEYS -- This course is accredited by the MCLE Board of the Supreme Court of Illinois for 8.75 CLE Credits

Fee: $100 for DSI Members/$125 for Non- Members
Additional $50 for Attorney CLE Credit

You are invited to come to an interactive and remarkable NEW course that will open up the world of Talmud and put YOU in the driver's seat! In this dynamic course, you will be able to take the part of a Talmudic sage as you are presented with real moral dilemmas that were brought before a Beth Din (Jewish court). You will then be given Talmudic source material in English, which puts you right into the deliberations that would have taken place in Jewish courts throughout the centuries. You can question, debate, argue and even disagree. And you don't have to have any prior experience or learning. You'll express your thoughts and feelings, and share what you know and what you've learned as you take an exhilarating ride down the road of Jewish legal genius. This course is open to everyone, regardless of background, affiliation or knowledge.

Jewish Spiritual and Moral Perspectives on the Elections

Tuesday, May 13, 2008
7:30 - 9:00 pm
Congregation Rodfei Zedek
5200 S. Hyde Park Boulevard, Chicago

Fee: $15 for DSI Members/$25 for Non-Members
Site Members: $15

Beyond our concerns for Israel, are there any "Jewish Issues" in the upcoming elections? Without endorsing parties or candidates, this session will look at Jewish sources on some of the "hot button" issues in the upcoming elections including abortion, the economy, the role of government in our lives and terrorism.

Israel's Modern Day Heroes: Examples of Hope, Determination and Innovation that Define Israel

Thursday, May 15, 2008
11:00 am - 12:15 pm
CJE SeniorLife - Bernard Horwich Center
3003 W. Touhy Avenue, Chicago

Free for Everyone

Contemporary culture is filled with talk of "heroes," but there is something unique about the heroism of many modern Israelis. Join Bill Rubin as he explores the lives of several great Israeli heroes and what they can teach us. We will look at such accomplished men and women as Yoni Netanyahu, Eli Cohen, Naomi Shemer, Itzchak Perlman and Ilan Ramon in a quest to understand how they help define the Jewish people today.

"The Israel Lobby": What Do People Mean By That?

Tuesday, May 20, 2008
7:30 - 9:00 pm
Congregation Rodfei Zedek
5200 S. Hyde Park Blvd., Chicago

Fee: $10
Site Members: $10

The term "Israel Lobby" is used frequently in the media and has even been the subject of a book. But what does the term mean? What organizations, institutions and people might fall under this umbrella term? And what is the REAL story about how American policy toward Israel is made in Washington, D.C.?

Learn About Israel Through Israeli Cinema: "Close to Home"

Tuesday, May 27, 2008
7:00 - 9:15 pm
Congregation Rodfei Zedek
5200 S. Hyde Park Blvd., Chicago

Fee: $15
Site Members: $15

Join us as we explore Israeli culture through the movie, "Close to Home." This story follows two women of differing values, growing closer through the experiences of their complicated, overwhelming duties as Border Police in the Israeli Defense Force. Mirit, an introverted, high-strung soldier is paired with mischievous, rebellious Smadar to patrol the Jerusalem border where Palestinians come through to get to their jobs in Israel. Mirit and Smadar's assignment consists of making their presence known on the street, registering any and all Arabs they encounter, watching for suspicious activity, and end of day searches of all Arab women going back across the border.

The backdrop of this relationship is the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, inevitable, and tensions are high not only between the soldiers and the Palestinian civilians, but between the Israeli soldiers themselves over their differing opinions on how to deal with the impossible conflict. For Smadar and Mirit, compulsory army service is another challenge to endure in order to start adulthood.

Jerusalem of the Centuries

Wednesday, May 28, 2008
6:45 - 8:15 pm
Community Foundation for Jewish Education
4709 W. Golf Road, Suite 400, Skokie

Fee: $15 for DSI Members/$25 for Non-Members

From biblical times to the 20th Century, Jerusalem has gone through a number of administrative and other changes and acquired several identities. Does Jerusalem still have a special status in the heart of Israel and in the hearts of the Jewish people? This class will examine the biblical and post-biblical development of Jerusalem, including its status as the capital of Israel and its subsequent control by various religious and political authorities. To better understand the importance of and competition for Jerusalem today, please join us for this overview of the Jerusalem of the centuries.

The Power of New Voices: Israeli Women Writers on Politics, Sexuality, Motherhood and Religion

Wednesday, May 28, 2008
8:00 - 9:30 pm
North Suburban Synagogue Beth-El
1175 Sheridan Road, Highland Park

Fee: $15 for DSI Members/$25 for Non-Members
Site Members: $10

This two-session workshop will explore Israeli women's writers through their powerful and provocative poetry and fiction. Our reading will serve as a catalyst for discussions around the life experiences and struggles of women in Israel.

Israel: An Adventure in Learning

Wednesday, November 6 - Thursday, November 13, 2008

If you are a current or past participant of the Dawn Schuman Institute, Florence Melton Adult Mini-School, Hebrew Ulpan Center or a synagogue adult education program, you don't want to miss this unique opportunity to study and explore Israel. Learn Hebrew and use it instantly to engage in meaningful textual study in a "Bet Midrash" atmosphere with other adult learners.

Highlights of the trip include: Choice of two study tracks: Conversational Hebrew or Judaic Studies; Afternoon travel opportunities on a two-track basis: "What is New in the Old City" or "Hiking the History of the Jewish People"; A spiritual Shabbat experience in Jeruslam; Personal encounters with Israelis: Listening to the stories of a nation; A taste of archeology: "Digging into the land; and Encountering social, political and religious challenges faced by Israel today.

Program cost of $3250 includes: airfare by El Al airlines; six days of fine hotel accommodations including full Israeli buffet breakfast, lunch on the road and Shabbat dinner.

For more information, contact Ben Kozberg.

Past Programs

The following programs were hosted by Dawn Schuman in cooperation with Temple Jeremiah's Adult Learning Committee.

"Ecology & the Torah"

April 15, 2008

This program looked at our responsibility to the environment based on Jewish texts.

Film - "Close to Home"

April 6, 2008

This award-winning film looked at two Israeli women soldiers with diametrically opposing views on the Palestinian dilemma and their efforts to resolve their differences in the wake of tragedy.

Film - "Live and Become"

November 4, 2007

This epic film looks at the life of a young Ethiopian boy airlifted from a Sudanese refugee camp to Israel during Operation Exodus. Buoyed by his mother's parting request that he "go, live and become," the film follows his trials and tribulations as he grows up in Israel.

"Whose Life Is It Anyway?"

October 28, 2007

Rabbi Dr. Joseph Ozarowski, chaplain of the Jewish Healing Network, looked at major biomedical issues, such as abortion, stem cell research and end-of-life care.

"The New Dynamics in the Middle East"

October 9, 2007

Carl Schrag, former editor of the Jerusalem Post, looked at the rapidly changing dynamics in that region of the world.

"The Media & Israel: Learn How to Read Between the Lines and Become Media Savvy"

April 17, 2007

Gary Kenzer of Honest Reporting taught participants how to read between the lines in what the media says or does not say and its impact on the public policy of Israel in the U.S.

"Walk on Water" - Film & Discussion

January 28, 2007

This program featured the airing of the acclaimed Israeli film, "Walk on Water," followed by a discussion led by University of Illinois Professor Dagmar Lorenz.

"Celebrating the 150th Birday of Freud: What's Jewish About Freud?"

November 28, 2006

Dr. Marc Slutsky and Dr. Judith Heilizer looked at the man dubbed "the father of psychoanalysis" and the nature of his Jewishness.

"Ariel Sharon: A Life in Times of Turmoil"

September 18, 2006

Freddy Eytan, author of a recent biography on Ariel Sharon, spoke at Am Shalom on this distinguished, yet controversial, prime minister.

"Great Chicago Buildings by Great Jewish Architects"

Thursday, June 22, 2006

This exciting field trip featured a visit to the home of architect John Schlossman whose firm designed Temple Sholom, Loop Synagogue, Water Tower Place and other landmark structures. Mr. Schlossman discussed his firm’s accomplishments over two generations. The group then visited Temple Jeremiah’s award-winning Golder Chapel and met its architect, Gary Frank.

"Torn Between Two Worlds: Images of the Jewish Woman in American Film"

Sundays, November 13, & 20, 2005

Using clips from early and contemporary films, Jane Atlas and Joyce Grant examined the changing image of the Jewish woman as she has evolved from a one-dimensional stereotype to a multi-faceted person. Caught between traditional Jewish customs and the modern American world, this program looked at the female protagonist in a variety of films as she struggles to develop her Jewish identity. The program studied clips from these films: "Goodbye Columbus," "The Heartbreak Kid," "The Way We Were," "Trembling Before God," and "Kissing Jessica Stein."

Book Review: Moonlight on the Avenue of Faith

Wednesday, May 11, 2005

Caryl Kushner led a discussion on the coming-of-age novel, Moonlight on the Avenue of Faith, by acclaimed author Gina B. Nahai.

"The Goldbergs to Larry David - 50 Years of American Jewish Development"

Tuesdays, March 1 & 8, 2005

Two popular television programs, The Goldbergs with Gertrude Berg set in the 1950s, and the contemporary Curb Your Enthusiasm with Larry David, capture the sensibilities and personal and cultural challenges of American Jewish life.

Set in an apartment in the Bronx, The Goldbergs depicts the trials and tribulations of a poor Jewish family who are guided through difficult times by their warm, caring mother Molly. In addition to tending to her family, Molly serves as the local yenta, exchanging gossip with the neighbors, and as a philosopher with a theory and a solution for all problems.

Curb Your Enthusiasm features verité-style footage of Larry David getting into predicaments with fictional and real-life personalities at home, at work and around town. Candid, unsparing and self-deprecating, Curb Your Enthusiasm brings the olf-kilter comic vision of Larry David, co-creator and co-producer of the classic comedy series, Seinfeld, to HBO. The series proves how seemingly trivial details - a phone call, a trip to the movies - can precipitate a chain of misfortunes with hilarious results.

Dr. Marc Slutsky led this two-part series as participants viewed representative episodes from each show and reflected on their own identities and perspectives through the lens of these creative artists.

"Biblical History: The Second Temple Period"

Sundays, October 31, November 7, November 14 and November 21, 2004

Dr. Ben Katz, who previously traced the history of the Jews following the death of Moses in "Biblical History: Building a Nation, from Joshua Through the Babylonian Exile," continued his popular series with a look at the Jews over the period of the Second Temple. This class focused on the Jews’ return to Israel from exile in Babylon and Persia, the rebuilding of the Second Temple and the establishment of the second Commonwealth. Texts included the Biblical books of Ezra, Nehemiah, Hagai, and Zachariah, as well as the apocryphal book of Esdras and extra-Biblical materials.

"God in the Abrahamic Traditions: Connection and Conflict Among Judaism, Christianity and Islam"

Sunday, September 19, 2004

Both Christianity and Islam emerged out of a foundation laid by Judaism, and the three traditions have a great deal in common. Relationships among Jews, Christians and Muslims have been fraught with ambivalence and conflict. This lecture, led by Dr. Mark Berkson, focused on conceptions of God in all three traditions and explored shared understandings as well as the tremendous diversity found both among and within the traditions.

Questions included:
• To what degree can God be understood?
• How do we determine God's will and live in accordance with it?
• What are the roles of scripture, ritual, faith and law in relation to God in the    three traditions?

We analyzed excerpts from the Hebrew Bible, the New Testament and the Qur'an, as well as the writings of modern theologians from all three traditions.

Today's Events Through the Prism of the Past

Tuesdays, April 27, May 11 & 25 and June 8, 2004
10:00 - 11:30 am

Joyce Schrager, known for her deft way of interpreting the ever-changing events of the world, offered this popular series, which looked at late-breaking political and military events in relation to parallel situations of the 20th century.

Does history repeat itself? Do we learn from past events? Participants expanded their understanding of today's issues at this informative program.

Negotiating with the Arab World: Are We Speaking the Same Language?

Sunday, February 15, 2004
2 :30 - 4:00 pm

In seeking to resolve the Arab-Israeli conflict, Israelis tend to focus on borders and security arrangements, while Arabs, Palestinians in particular, speak of justice, rights and respect. What is the significance of these two different perspectives? Does the Arab/Islamic world only understand force? Do both parties have the same objectives, or are cultural differences, in terms of time, place, language and law, placing additional hurdles on the road map to peace? Professor Ilai Alon examined these and other questions concerning the historic Mideast struggle.