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Adult Education

Adult Education


The Ethical Life: Jewish Values in an Age of Choice

Taught by Rabbi Ari Sunshine Tuesday nights, 7:45-9:30 PM

Course dates: Semester 1: Ethics of Global Citizenship and the Public Good
11/1, 11/15, 11/29, 12/6, 12/13, 12/20

Pre-registration requested--to sign up; please email Teresa at: Teresa@bnaishalomofolney.org.

Also, save the dates for Semester 2: Personal and Interpersonal Ethics
2/28, 3/7, 3/14, 3/21, 3/28, 4/4

From political and financial scandals to rapid progress in biomedical science and technology, the complex issues of modern society are, at their core, issues of ethical and moral concern. Now more than ever, we require a solid understanding of how Jewish ethics can inform our discussions and decisions about the critical questions of the day. Judaism has a long history of wrestling with moral questions, responding to them in a way that considers all sides of an issue. 
 
This course, including classical and contemporary texts as well as videos featuring Jewish Theological Seminary (JTS) faculty, other expert scholars, and practitioners in the field, will provide a forum for us to have nuanced communal conversations grappling with today's most pressing ethical dilemmas.
Fall Semester Topics include:
  • The Centrality of Ethics to Jewish Life
  • Does Ethics Need God?
The Sources of Jewish Ethics:
  •  Ethics and Halakhah (Law)
  •  Ethics and Aggadah (Narrative)
  •  Ethics and the Lived Experience-A Feminist Approach
  • The Ethical Dimensions of Food Production
  • Fracking: A Case Study in the Ethics of Neighborly Relations
  • Is Teshuvah Possible? Rethinking Mass Incarceration
  • Modern-Day Slavery and Our Ethical Responsibility
  • The Ethics of Torture and Just War
 
  Torah on Tap with Rabbi Sunshine continues to be a huge success, and we’re looking forward to another great year of food, drink, good company, schmoozing, and engaging discussion on topics of interest in our lives grounded in Jewish text throughout the ages. And this all takes place in a relaxed and informal setting, now at Mamma Lucia’s here in the center of Olney! Please remember to sign up with the office or Rabbi Sunshine for each individual event, as this program has limited seating and sells out!
 
 

Thursday Torah with Rabbi Sunshine
Join us this year as we explore selections from the book of Tehillim, Psalms, a perennial source of inspiration and comfort for individuals and for the Jewish people as a whole.  An emphasis will be placed on Psalms that are utilized in various contexts as part of our prayer liturgy.  No background is required and drop-ins are welcome, as each week’s selection of material and discussion will stand on its own.

 
 

Kiddush Konversation - Congregants, Clergy and Guest Presenters

Several Shabbat afternoons a year, BSO hosts a Kiddush Konversation over  lunch to extend our Shabbat experience beyond services. For more information, or to volunteer to lead or sponsor a future Konversation, please contact chairperson, Earl Kudlick at 301-570-9175.
 
 

Chai Mitzvah with Rabbi Sunshine

This is a unique adult engagement program that combines both personal and communal learning open to parents of 4th and 5th graders, through 5 simple steps:
•    Join a text-based community learning discussion
•    Learn through individualized Jewish study
•    Participate in a new ritual
•    Engage in social action, Tikkun Olam
•    Celebrate the achievement
 
Topics include: Creating a New American Jewish Minhag/Custom, Tzedakah/Philanthropy, The Individual and the Community, Interpersonal Relationships, Mindfulness/Conscious Living, Adding new insights and personal meaning to the Passover Seder, Days of Remembrance: Memory and Meaning in the Jewish Tradition, Gratitude, Judaism and the Environment.
 
 

Adult Hebrew for Beginners and Advanced Beginners
New participants are also welcome and encouraged to join in!  Classes are taught by one of our amazing BSORS teachers. If you are interested in finding out more about the class or signing up, please email Irit Mendelsohn. 

 
 

Thursday "Hai Chai" with Rabbi Sunshine

Call the synagogue office to schedule time to meet with Rabbi Sunshine! Want to grab a cup of chai tea (or coffee!) and catch up on the goings-on in your life or talk about Jewish questions that are on your mind? Sign up for a 45-minute meeting (morning or afternoon, depending on the date) and join Rabbi Sunshine at Panera in Olney. The chai/coffee's on us!
Mon, June 26 2017 2 Tammuz 5777