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Adult Education Programs

The mission of the Judaic Studies Institute is threefold:torah

  1. to educate the members of Congregation Ahavas Israel in various subjects of Judaica;
  2. to reach out and provide educational opportunities to other members of the Grand Rapids Jewish community; and
  3. to provide educational opportunities for Grand Rapids’ non-Jewish community.
New Mussar group

Mondays 6:00-7:00, starting Feb. 13.

Text: Everyday Holiness by Alan Morinis.

Each of us has his or her own spiritual curriculum, though not everyone is aware that his or her life-course is a curriculum, nor engages with it consciously. Mussar is a spiritual discipline to discover tools and practices to help guide your soul’s journey to your most elevated spiritual destiny. This is an open group - anyone may join.  For more information, contact Barb Christiaans, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
 
Introduction to Judaism

The Introduction to Judaism course, taught by Rabbi Krishef, will begin Monday, January 9, 2012, and meet Monday evenings through May 14, 2012.

Time:  Monday evenings, 8:05 - 9:15 p.m.
Cost:  $50/members and B’nai Noah affiliates, $75/non-members

A basic introduction to Jewish history, beliefs, rituals, holidays, and life cycle celebrations.  You may download the syllabus here.
 
Shabbat Torah Study Group

Judaic Studies Institute Torah Study Group

The Shabbat afternoon Lay Led Torah Study Group meets weekly in the Ahavas Israel Library, beginning about 30 minutes after the end of Shabbat services.
 
Rabbi Krishef's Thursday Torah Study Group

Judaic Studies Institute Torah Study Group

Thursdays, 1:00 - 2:00 pm, Schuler Books and Music, 28th St., (in the back of the store, or in the cafe).  The schedule of the Parashat Hashavuah (weekly Torah portion) group (subject to change) for 5772 can be downloaded here.
 
Rabbi Krishef's Sunday UJS Torah Study group

Especially for parents of UJS students!

Weekly Torah Study - Sundays, 10:15 - 11:00 a.m. (during Religious School) at Temple Emanuel.  We usually meet in the copy room off the All Purpose room.

This Parashat Hashavuah (weekly Torah portion) group is intended to be a basic Torah study group.  You can download a schedule of the Parashot here.
 
Jewish Mysticism/Zohar Study Group

Mondays, 12:00 - 1:00 p.m., Ahavas Israel library

This study group is slowly working its way through Daniel Matt's translation of the Zohar.
 
Introduction to Biblical Hebrew

Rabbi Krishef teaches a weekly college level Introduction to Biblical Hebrew course, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.  The course uses the text “The First Hebrew Primer:  The Adult Beginner’s Path to Biblical Hebrew” (EKSPublishing.com).  There is no charge for members or B'nai Noah affiliates of Congregation Ahavas Israel or Temple Emanuel members.  Others, $50. Students will be responsible for purchasing the text ($34.95).  There is an optional audio edition for help with pronunciation ($39.95), and an iPhone flashcard app ($9.99) for reviewing vocabulary.

Although the class began in October, 2011, if you have a background in Hebrew you may be able to join.  Contact Rabbi Krishef at  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .