The Melton School was created to address the need for Jewish education for busy adults. A team of scholars and educators from the Melton Center for Jewish Education in the Diaspora at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem developed an adult curriculum that integrates Jewish practices, history, ethics and ideas based on classic Jewish texts. The two-year Melton program consists of 30 classes a year, held weekly for two hours. The Community Foundation for Jewish Education coordinated and joined with its Limud North Consortium Partners to implement this dynamic educational experience.

For the fourth year in a row, Florence Melton will host its classes at Temple Jeremiah. Students have the option of signing up for either Monday morning or Monday evening classes.

The Melton program was the subject of a front page article on adult education in the April, 2007 World Jewish Digest. It includes the following quote from Keith Kanter, Director of Melton School's Chicago branch:

"There's a realization among people that there is more to their Judaism than they are aware of, and it behooves them to find more meaning in a meaningless world. They're concerned about keeping their families together; they see the assimilation rates and want to know why Judaism is worth preserving." And on a purely practical note, adds Kanter, people have more leisure time now than they did 50 years ago. "What are they going to do with that time? Play bridge? Watch TV?"

Applications are being accepted for the 2008/09 school year. Download your application form here.

For further information on the Melton School, contact Keith Kanter at 847/410-3900, x25 or Keith Kanter.

First-Year Courses consist of:

The Rhythm of Jewish Living
The analysis of ideas, beliefs and practices that shape a Jewish life, as well as an exploration of observances connected to the daily, weekly, monthly and yearly cycles, along with life cycle events.

The Purposes of Jewish Living
The study of the ultimate purposes of Judaism and the development of the covenant with God.

Second-Year Courses consist of:

The Dramas of Jewish Living
Key events are identified and discussed for their meaning in the context of Jewish history and the insight they provide into today's world.

The Ethics of Jewish Living
A text-centered approach to the study of the ethical issues which emerge in our relationships, such as family, justice, death, sexuality and community, with case studies from Biblical, Talmudic, rabbinic and contemporary literature.

First and Second-Year Schedule (2008/09):

Weeks 1 - 30
Classes begin Monday, September 8, 2008

Classes Meet:
Monday 9:15 - 11:30 am or
7:15 - 9:30 pm

Classes meet at:

Temple Jeremiah
937 Happ Road
Northfield

Tuition:

$475 per person (Consortium Member); $885 per couple (Consortium Member); $575 per person (non-Consortium Member); and $1075 per couple (Non-Consortium Member)

All tuition is due upon registration. Checks should be made payable to CFJE (Community Foundation for Jewish Education) and sent to:

Melton, c/o Community Foundation for Jewish Education
Attn: Keith Kanter
4709 West Golf Road, Suite 400
Skokie, IL 60076