CONGREGATION SHA'AR ZAHAV

Ongoing education is an essential part of Jewish life. Congregation Sha’ar Zahav provides a range of educational opportunities for adults; new classes and educational programs are presented each year.

5770 (2009-2010)

Chesed shel Emet: An Introduction to Jewish Traditions of Death and Mourning
8 Mondays, February 1 – March 22, 7:00 – 9:00 pm
This class is presented by the Chevra Kadisha group and taught by Reuben Zellman. Learn More ->

Shabbat Simcha - 1st Saturdays
Join us for a learner's service followed by classes for people of all ages each month. Each day culminates in a fabulous catered lunch! in 5770 (2009-2010) the dates will be Saturdays Nov 7, Dec 5, Jan 9, Feb 6, March 6, and May 1 beginning at 10:15.  Learn More ->

Fall 2009 Jeffrey A. Miller Scholar in Residence Weekend: Fri Nov 13 - Sat Nov 14 w. Dr. Francesco Spagnolo SpagnoloSynagugues, Music, & Mingled Identities
Includes a special Italian Musical Shabbat on Friday Night.  Learn More ->

Choosing Judaism: A Discussion Group for those Considering or in the Process of Converting
Meets Monthly beginning November 17
Prerequisite: A meeting with Rabbi Camille Angel. Contact 415-861-6932 and ask for Greg (her assistant) for appointment
Learn More ->

 
Come One, Sing All with the CSZ Chorus!!
4 Mondays: November 23, & 30, December 7 & 14, 7:00 – 9:00 pm
Shabbat Chanukah service the 8th Night of Chanukah, Friday night December 18
Learn More ->

Religious Fundamentalism: A Challenge to Tradition and Society
A 3 part class with visiting Rabbi Jerry Danzig
3 Mondays, November 30, December 7 & 14, 7:00 pm
Learn More ->

Classes and Workshops with Rabbi Camille Shira Angel

There is nothing presently being offered. Recent offerings have included:

• Is Rosh Hashanah Really a Day of Judgment?
• The Quality of Mercy: The Yom Kippur Liturgy
• Downtown Talmud for Busy People
• A Study of The Trial of God, A Play by Eli Weisel
• Jews in the News
• The Philosophy of Abraham Joshua Heschel
• A Taste of Judaism
• Rabbi Zusya of Hanipol and The Essence of T'shuva
• "Ohhh... So that's what it means!" A Fresh Look at Familiar Prayers
• Creating the Best Seder Ever

Classes Taught by CSZ Members and Guest Teachers

Recent offerings have included:

• Parashat HaShavua – study of the weekly Torah reading, before Saturday morning services (ongoing)
• Havdalah Discussion Series – monthly discussions, combined with a havdalah service and potluck dinner, on such topics as God language, Jewish poetry, gay marriage and celebrating Shabbat.
• Introduction to Talmud
• How to Study Torah
• The Jewish Calendar
• Ma’ariv and Shacharit Services: A Guided Tour
• Death, Loss & Consolation: A Midrashic Journey
• Not by Might: The Story of Hannah & Samuel
• The Truth About Ruth
• Ecclesiastes Uncovered
• Pirke Avot: Lessons from the Sages
• Poetry, Prose and Midrash: A Writing Workshop on Genesis
• Chanukah Haikus
• Jewish Paper Cuts
• The Music of Shabbat Services

Scholar-In-Residence

The Jeffrey Miller Scholar-in-Residence Program brings master teachers to CSZ every year for a full weekend of learning. Our recent Scholars-in-Residence have been:

Rabbi Benay Lappe – “Exploding the Myth of a Single Divine Truth”

Rabbi Lappe is the founder of Svara, a queer yeshiva dedicated to the serious study of Talmud.

Shimon Attie – “Jewish Visual Histories & Mysteries”

Mr. Attie is an internationally renowned artist.

Dr. Dvora Weisberg – “The Jewish Meaning of Life”

Dr. Weisberg is a Talmud Scholar and Faculty Member at the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion.

Rabbi Levi Weiman-Kelman - "Jerusalem, Sex, Shabbat and the Messiah"

Levi Weiman-Kelman is the founder and rabbi of Congregation Kol HaNeshama,  a vibrant center for Progressive Judaism in Jerusalem.

Professor Chai Feldblum

Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah

It’s not too late! Sha’ar Zahav offers adult bar/bat mitzvah training and preparation, for those who did not get to experience this milestone event as a youngster. Inquire within the office for details.