Summer programs at synagogues offer much for adult learning

Summer is a time to a take a break from the usual routine of daily living and get out to do something different and exciting. While many Jewish teenagers pursue jobs at summer camps and families escape to a house in a bungalow colony, what about those in the community who stay home? What is there for them to do when they are not lying in the sun or doing chores?

Area synagogues have one answer. Many have carefully crafted special programming for the summer season, ranging from adult education to special events, and appealing to a variety of interests. There are lectures, films and other events. What follows is a partial list, meant to give readers a taste of what is available at local synagogues. More comprehensive listings about events at synagogues and other venues are to be found each week on our calendar pages.

EMERSON:

Thursday, August 25, 8:00 p.m. – Congregation Bnai Israel – “Cracking the Code,” seminar and discussion about de-coding both nusach (melodies for High Holiday and Shabbat services) and trope (melodies for chanting the Torah). Exploration of history, the meaning, and the spiritual opportunities behind prayer. Please bring non-perishable food item as a donation. 201-265-2272. 53 Palisades Ave.

ENGLEWOOD:

July 28, 7:00 p.m. – Congregation Kol HaNeshama – Book discussion of “Songs for the Butcher’s Daughter,” by Peter Manseau, 2008 National Jewish Book Award for fiction. Open to the public. Free. Private home. 201-906-4836. For information, e-mail president@kolhaneshamah.org

FAIR LAWN:

July 20, 24, 26, August 2, 8, 10, 16. – Shomrei Torah – lectures hosted by Rabbi Markowitz and Joseph Winkler. Topics include Connecting the Dots: Semichah Geulah L’Tefilah and more. $5 donation. 973-462-3078. 19-10 Morlot Ave.

FRANKLIN LAKES:

Sunday, July 17, 2011 at 2:00 PM – Temple Emanuel -Showing of 1925 silent film classic “Gold Rush” starring Charlie Chaplin. 1942 re-issue of the film, with Charlie Chaplin speaking all of the dialogue, instead of showing inter titles (text titles between scenes). Free, but donations suggested. 201-560-0200. 550 High Mountain Rd.

PARAMUS:

Wednesdays 3:00p.m. or 8:15 p.m. – The Jewish Community Center of Paramus – Rabbi Arthur Weiner will discuss “Abortion: Jewish Law and Public Policy.” 201-967-1334. E-278 Midland Ave.

PASCACK VALLEY:

Friday night, July 22, 2011, at 8:00 p.m. during Shabbat services – Temple Emanuel of Pascack Valley – speech by Sgt. Benjamin Anthony of the IDF, founder of Our Soldiers Speak, an organization dedicated to telling about the actions of Israel Defense Forces. 201-391-0801. 87 Overlook Drive, Woodcliff Lake.

POMPTON LAKES:

Wednesday nights throughout Summer – Congregation Beth Shalom of Pompton Lakes – Israeli Folk Dancing class taught by Rabbi David Bockman. Open to all levels. Free. 201-873-2703. 21 Passaic Ave.

RIVER EDGE:

Thursdays at noon – Temple Avodat Shalom – 23-year-long Bible study class “[bring your own] lunch ‘n learn.” Lasts one hour. Now on our second trip through the Bible and current focus this summer is on the Book of Proverbs. Free. Led by Rabbi Neal Borovitz. 385 Howland Ave.

TEANECK:

Thursdays, 9:15 p.m. – Congregation Bnai Yeshurun – Eli Weber Lecture Series: “Searching for a Philosophy of Halachah.” Free. For more information, call 201-836-8916. 641 West Englewood Ave.

July 14, 21, 28, 8:00 p.m. – Congregation Bnai Yeshurun – Lecture series on Tisha B’Av and Kinos. Lectures include “The Seventh Million: the Survivors’ Unspoken Tragedy.” Rabbi Steven Weil. Free. For more information, call 201-836-8916. 641 West Englewood Ave.

July 18, 20, 25, 27 8:00 p.m. – Congregation Bnai Yeshurun – Rav Sacks series “Perspectives on Mitzvos ben Adom LeChaveiro.” Lectures following Mincha services. Topics include Bikur Cholim, Nichum Avelim, etc. Rabbi Yonason Sacks. Free. For more information, call 201-836-8916. 641 West Englewood Ave.

Local

comments