Adult Education Offerings at Har Shalom
Har Shalom offers a variety of adult education classes for members and non-members. We welcome requests for class topics, and encourage volunteers to share about topics of special interest. Class schedules and offerings are updated each fall and spring. Find more information here, in the community calendar, or in your weekly Happenings e-newsletter.
Fall 2022
Pathways to Judaism
Tues, 7:00 -8:30pm · Nov. 1, 8, 15 & 29; Dec. 6 & 13; Jan. 10, 17, 24 & 31; Feb. 7, 14, 21 & 28; Mar. 7, 24 & 28; Apr. 11 & 25; May 2 & 9 (snow date)
Instructor: Rabbi Sally Finestone
This program is an intensive 20-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.
Fee: CHS Member $180; Non-member $200
Location: Class will be offered in-person and via Zoom
Wise Women Support and Discussion Group
Open to Jewish and Non-Jewish Women with 50 or More Years of Life Experience
Thurs, 9:30-11:00am · Sep 15 & 29; Oct 13; Nov 3 & 17; Dec 1, 15 & 29
Facilitated by Ginny Riley
Join us for stimulating, structured, and confidential discussions on topics about self-care, personal reflection, relationships, mentoring others, and sharing the wisdom we have gained through our life experiences. Take this opportunity to meet and get to know other women who share the challenges and changes associated with getting older.
The Wise Woman program was developed by Dr. Beth Firestein, a licensed psychologist, who has been successfully offering this program for more than 8 years in Loveland. She has granted us permission to use the materials and topics she has developed. The group is facilitated by Har Shalom member, Ginny Riley, since January 2020. New participants are welcome at any time.
Attend all sessions or come when you can, no charge. For questions or to be added to the email list to receive additional information, Zoom login information, and advance notice of the topic before each session, please email Ginny Riley.
Location: Zoom
Welcoming the Stranger: A Look at the Refugee Situation in Our Area
Thursday, October 13, 7:00 - 9:00pm • In-Person Only
Instructor: Andrea Heyman
This class will address the countries that refugees and immigrants come from. We will examine the reasons why they are here, the challenges and issues that they face, and how we can better understand their plights.
The class will be taught by Andrea Heyman, an ESL Instructor at Front Range Community College. There will also be guests from refugee communities, including Ukraine.
Location: Class will be offered in-person only, at Har Shalom.
Fall Book Club - Tell Your Life Story: The Write Your Own Autobiography Guided Journal
Wednesdays, 9:30 - 11:00am • Oct 19, Nov 9, Nov 30, Dec 21 & Jan 4
“Everyone has a life story that needs to be shared. Tell Your Life Story guides you in remembering and recording all you have done, all your experiences, and all that is left to come. This is the perfect way to remember and share memories and stories of your life.”
Before each Zoom session, answer the questions in the book for the assigned chapters. You can write directly in the book, in a journal, or on your computer. Then join the book club members on Zoom for a discussion of your life review. How have these experiences, and the people who influenced your life, shaped the person you are today? We are guaranteed to have a stimulating discussion! For more information, see the flyer.
Maximum 15 particicpants. For questions and to register, contact Ginny Riley at griley60@gmail.com
Jewish Views on Abortion Throughout History
Thursday, October 27, 7:00-8:30pm - In Person Only
Instructor: Nina Rubin
This class will explore Jewish views on abortion and the status of the fetus from Torah times to the present. Come learn why the recent Supreme Court ruling can be viewed as an assault on freedom of religion. This 90-minute class will introduce a number of texts regarding how Judaism balances the rights of the mother with the rights of the fetus.
Nina Rubin has served in many different roles at Har Shalom, including 20 years teaching in the religious school and 15 years teaching Ethics and Theology in the Melton School of Adult Jewish Education. She has managed the Fort Collins Jewish cemetery and the Chevra Kadisha since their inception 35 years ago, and is an international Chevra Kadisha educator.
Location: Class will be offered in-person only, at Har Shalom.
Kabbalah: What it is and What it isn't!
November 1, 8, 15, 29; December 6, 13 • 7:00-8:30pm • Hybrid
Instructor: Rabbi Hillel Katzir
Kabbalah, a Jewish form of mysticism, has had tremendous impact on Judaism and the Jewish world in the last 700 years. In modern times, it has sometimes been misrepresented. We'll talk about some of the basic ideas of Kabbalah, how it has influenced, and been influenced by, events in Jewish history; and how to recognize its modern forms and imitations.
Rabbi Hillel Katzir has served Jewish communities in Iowa, Maine, and Colorado, and before that practiced law for 15 years in California and New Mexico. Rabbi Hillel produces and hosts the weekly radio program called Faith in Progress on KRFC 88.9FM on Thursdays at 7:00pm.
Location: Class will be offered in-person at Har Shalom and via Zoom.
Introduction to the Mishnah
December 1, 8, 22 • 7:00-8:30pm • Hybrid
Instructor: Rabbi Finestone
We've heard the term, and are familiar with many of the Mishnah's most famous sayings. But what exactly IS the Mishnah? When was it written, and why? What role did it play in shaping early Judaism, and what influence does the Mishnah still have on us today? Come explore these questions as we read selections from the original text (in translation).
Location: Class will be offered in-person at Har Shalom and via Zoom.
Jewish Historical, Cultural, and Religious Connections to the Land of Israel
December 5, 12 • 7:00-8:30pm • Offered via Zoom Only
Instructor: Librarian Judy Petersen
Join us as we explore the many different ways that Judaism and the Jewish people are connected to the land of Israel. We will cover many centuries and many key events in the history of our people.
Location: Class will be offered via Zoom only.
Back-to-School for Big People: Who Wants to Learn Hebrew?
Exact dates and times to be announced. Classes will be held via Zoom.
Instructor: Adele Eastman
Adele Eastman will offer two classes - a beginner's group to learn basic Hebrew, and an intermediate class for those who already know the aleph-bet and want to strengthen their Hebrew reading and comprehension skills. The emphasis will be on Jewish prayerbook and Torah-reading fluency, not conversational Hebrew.
Beginner class textbook: "Aleph Isn't Tough: An Introduction to Hebrew for Adults, Book 1" by Linda Motzkin
Intermediate class textbook: "Aleph Isn't Enough: Hebrew for Adults, Book 2" by Linda Motzkin
Evening classes will meet weekly on Zoom starting after the High Holidays, so there are no limitations due to mobility or geographic location. All motivated adults and teens are encouraged to contact Adele right away to discuss availability.
For questions and to register, contact Adele Eastman at adeleeastman@gmail.com
Thu, October 6 2022
11 Tishrei 5783
Office Hours:
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 9:30am to 3:00pm |
| Wednesday | Closed for Yom Kippur |
| Thursday | 9:30am to 3:00pm |
| Friday | 9:30am to 3:00pm |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday* | 9:00am to 12:00pm |
*when Religious School is in session