Adult Education

Jewish Magic & Superstition

Mondays, 7:00-8:30pm · Nov 4, 11 & 18

Wait a minute! Jews don’t believe in all that hocus- pocus! Or do we? Come enjoy this rarely acknowledged aspect of Jewish life and belief. We’ll travel through the centuries and learn how superstition and magical practices have shaped many of our life cycle traditions, infused our customs, and reflected the core values of our people.
Instructor: Rabbi Sally Finestone

CHS Members: Free; Non-members: $30 for 3 classes; Register here

David's Harp: A History of Jewish Music

Mondays, 7:00-8:30pm · Dec 2 & 9

Jewish music is as ancient and diverse as the Jewish people. From Biblical days, music has accompanied our people on all our journeys, expressing the Jewish soul, giving voice to our joys and to our sorrows. In this historical survey, we will look at Jewish music in the Bible, during the Rabbinic period, the Renaissance, and into modern times. We will listen to samples of Jewish music from the golden age of cantorial music, Torah chanting from Syria and Yemen, wonderful choral music by the 16th century composer Salomone Rossi, and a rendition of the earliest piece of notated Jewish music.
Instructor: Rabbi Boaz Heilman

CHS Members: Free; Non-members: $20 for 2 classes; Register here

Beginning Hebrew

Tuesdays, 6:00-7:00pm · First class meets Nov 12

Learning how to read Hebrew enriches our experience as Jews when we pray and when we study, and strengthens our connections to the Jewish people. This course is designed for beginning readers, who want to begin to develop their reading skills, and develop a basic vocabulary of key Hebrew words and concepts. Textbook is required.
Instructor: Beth Hammer

Contact Beth Hammer for information and registration

Pathways to Judaism

Tuesdays, 7:15-8:45pm · First class meets Nov 5

This program is an intensive 25-session course designed for people considering conversion to Judaism, or for adult Jews who would like a refresher course on the core beliefs, practices, and history of our people.  The course is designed to open the world of Jewish tradition and understanding to those who have little or no background.
Instructor: Rabbi Sally Finestone

CHS Members: $100, Non-members: $250  Register here

Jewish History and Why it Matters

Wednesdays, 7:00-8:30pm · Nov 6, 13 & 20; Dec 4, 11 & 18

The Jewish People have had to re-invent Judaism several times in our 4,000 year history, in order to survive.  Those changes have required us to find new ways to relate to God, the world around us, and ourselves.  The most recent of these changes, which began in the Enlightenment, is still underway, and studying the past changes can help us to wisely navigate this round.  Recommended reading:  The Evolving Covenant, Jewish History and Why It Matters, by Hillel Katzir (available through Amazon.) Please note: this is the first half of a year-long class. The second half will be offered during the spring.
Instructor: Rabbi Hillel Katzir

Class fee: $10 per class or $60 for all 6 classes, Register here

Jewish Life Cycle Rituals - Their Developmental, Spiritual, and Psychological Wisdom

Thursdays, 7:00-8:30 pm · Nov 7, 14 & 21; Dec 5 & 12

This 5 week class will explore the relationship between Jewish life cycle rituals and universal human developmental/psychological needs. There is a wisdom in these practices that enhances our lives and well-being throughout our lives. While every human will go through these stages and passages, the Jewish tradition blesses each step for its unique expression and honors the place where we are, encouraging a mindfulness throughout our lives of our own journey and the journey of our loved ones. We will be exploring birth, rituals of childhood, coming of age, marriage, divorce, end of life and mourning rituals. The class can be taken as a whole or each lesson will stand alone on a specific topic. 
Instructor: Nina Rubin

Class fee: $10 per class or $50 for all 5 classes, Register here