B'nai Amoona Lehrhaus Adult Education Institute
Learning is a lifelong pursuit. The B'nai Amoona team strives to provide multiple avenues to the joy of learning Judaism at every level. Whether you are new to Judaism or deeply involved in text study, we have regular classes and unique opportunities available.
ONGOING AND UPCOMING CLASSES
Shabbat
Torah for Today - Mendelson Library, 10:15 am
Our Rabbis lead discussion on the weekly Torah reading of our most sacred and ancient text. We seek to apply the relevant lessons of Torah to our lives today.
Halachah For Today * NEW *
Each Shabbat Following Kiddush - Join Rabbi Neal Rose at a table following Kiddush for a 20 minute discussion of the daily ritual practices of Judaism, concluding with a brief Birkat Hamazon. (No previous knowledge required.) Begins September 29th
The Joyous Third Meal of Shabbat - Time changes monthly based on sunset
Learn in a relaxed setting with one of our Klei Kodesh between Minchah and Ma’ariv.
Sunday
A Thinking Person's Judaism - Heiken Conference Room, 10:15 am
This weekly text study and interactive discussion is lead by Rabbi Neal Rose, and focuses on timely, contemporary issues facing Jews and Judaism in the Post-Modern Era.
Introduction to Torah Cantillation - Hieken Conference Room, 11:45 am
This class is for those looking to learn how to chant Torah and for anyone interested in how the cantillation system works. Those interested in becoming Torah readers must already read Hebrew. This class is facilitated by Cantor Sharon Nathanson and will meet on October 21 & 28, Nov. 11, & Dec. 2
Introduction to Judaism - Mendelson Library, 2:00 pm - Begins October 21st
This interactive course explores Jewish history, practice, texts, and culture. It is designed for anyone who seeks to live a richer Jewish Life, including those contemplating conversion to Judaism. This class is facilitated by Rabbi Orrin Krublit, and he can be reached at 314-576-9990 x110.
Tuesday
Pirkei Avot: Opening our Ancestors Spiritual Time Capsule
Mendelson Library, 6:45 pm - Join Rabbi Orrin Krublit and delve into the rich text of Pirkei Avot - a book compiled by our ancestors with the explicit purpose of passing along their most treasured knowledge and wisdom. This class, led by Rabbi Orrin Krublit, will transform the way you think about Judaism, its place in the world, and your connection to our religion. If you wish to purchase a Pirkei Avot Lev Shalem volume for $23.40, please make checks payable to Rabbi Rose's
Discretionary Fund. Begins October 30th
Wednesday
Sisterhood's Fall Class: Begins October 10th
ATIDEYNU 201: Conversations in Search of a Meaningful Judaism
Mendelson Library, 10:00 am; Facilitated by Rabbi Neal Rose
As we begin the reconstruction of our Synagogue’s physical plant, we also need to explore a series of conversations about the blueprint for our communities' future social, emotional and spiritual aspirations. We will start by listening to the voices of younger Jews, from a variety of Jewish communities, who will talk and reflect about “things to come”. These voices are found in a collection of essays edited by Rabbi Sidney Schwartz. The book is entitled Jewish Megatrends. As our conversations move along we will, no doubt, invite various Rabbis, teachers, artists and writers to join our explorations. Contact Linda Spitzer-Gavatin at lspitzer@ims-stlouis.com, with any questions.
Thursday
Midtown Midrash - Enterprise Bank & Trust Building, 150 N. Meramec Avenue in Clayton, 5th floor; 12:00 - 1:30 pm; Facilitated by Rabbi Orrin Krublit
Current Topic: Loving the Layers of Liturgy. This class, located in Clayton with easy parking and snacks readily available, focuses on revitalizing our personal prayer life through explorations of our liturgy. Come and learn as we explore the history, origins, and source texts of prayers in order to create personalized and meaningful interpretations and connections to our prayer book, our Siddur, and the holy words inside. The class is located on the fifth floor of the Enterprise Bank & Trust building at 150 N. Meramec Ave - feel free to use the parking garage beneath the building to park.
HEBREW CLASSES
Sunday
Hebrew Reading from the Beginning - 3:30 - 4:30 pm
Facilitated by Ophira Nitzan Melnick - Begins October 21st
A beginners course for teaching the Hebrew letters, vowels, and reading rules. In each class participants learn new syllables and new words. By the end of the course students will acquire a vocabulary of 150 words, and will be able to read Hebrew.
Monday
Ulpan Ivrit - Beginning Modern Hebrew - 6:00 - 7:30 pm
Facilitated by Ophira Nitzan Melnick - Begins October 8th
A language program that teaches grammar, reading comprehension and conversational skills. This class welcomes anyone, with little or no Hebrew background, interested in learning to speak, read and understand modern Hebrew.
Beginner Hebrew Reading - 7:00 - 8:00 pm
Facilitated by Chani Pinsberg - Begins October 8th
This class is for people who need to learn the alphabet or need some polishing of their reading. Comprehension of key words and root letters that are common in the Siddur will be introduced.
Tuesday
Intermediate Hebrew Reading & Comprehension of Prayers - 6:45-7:45 pm Facilitated by Chani Pinsberg - Begins October 9th
This class is focusing on the practice of fluent reading of prayers in the Siddur and on understanding key phrases and words. Students will gain understanding of the Kabbalah Shabbat Service and Shabbat Morning Service.
Modern Hebrew - 7:45 - 8:45 pm
Facilitated by Chani Pinsberg - Begins October 9th
This class is for students who want to learn basic vocabulary words and phrases for conversation. Visuals and Media tools will enhance students’ learning.
Wednesday
T'fillot & Brachot - Read, Do, Understand! - 7:00 - 8:30 pm
Facilitated by Ophira Nitzan Melnick - Begins October 3rd
Enhance your Jewish living! Join this class to explore the meaning of prayers and blessings - in the synagogue and at home - and learn to recite and read them with fluency, understanding, and confidence. Curriculum follows the Jewish calendar and includes learning of prayers and blessings for Holidays, Shabbat, and everyday.
Thursday
Ulpan Ivrit - Advanced Level Hebrew - 1:45 - 3:15 pm
Facilitated by Ophira Nitzan Melnick - Begins September 6th
Students deepen their Hebrew language skills through reading and discussing articles on a variety of topics, and by listening to, reading and discussing news from Israel.
Ulpan Ivrit - Intermediate Level Hebrew - 7:30 - 9:00 pm
Facilitated by Ophira Nitzan Melnick - Begins September 6th
Participants improve their reading comprehension and conversational skills in modern Hebrew, through articles and dialogues in a variety of everyday life topics, and through further study of grammar.
* Due to the High Holy Days, these classes will meet on Thursdays for the first 5 lessons and then will move to Mondays after Sukkot. *
The fee for all classes is $36 plus the cost of the textbook
Adult B'nai Mitzvah
Becoming a Bar or Bat Mitzvah at the age of 13 is a special and transformative experience. Some of us never had the opportunity. Some of us want to relearn and experience again what we forgot. Still others want to be a positive Jewish role model for their children and grand-children. B'nai Amoona offers the opportunity to participate and celebrate the experience of becoming a Bar or Bat Mitzvah at any age.
We will work together to develop the skills of Hebrew Reading, Haftarah and Torah cantillation, in-depth study of the Torah, and other avenues of learning that are geared for the needs of an adult.
Please contact Rabbi Carnie Rose to explore your Jewish journey as an Adult Bar or Bat Mtizvah.
* Lehrhaus means House of Learning. Originally, it was the name of a Jewish studies school founded by Franz Rosenzweig in Germany in 1920. It sparked a Jewish intellectual revival, attracting intellectuals such as Martin Buber, S.Y. Agnon, A.J. Heschel, Gershom Scholem, and Erich Fromm.
