Midrasha Course Descriptions 2007-2008

Echoes and Reflections:  Holocaust Studies                                    Mark Baskin

The Holocaust is a lesson in what can happen when prejudice and discrimination are allowed to flourish and when individuals and governments fail to take a stand against injustice. We will listen to the stories of survivors, aid providers, rescuers and liberators and examine diaries, letters and government documents to learn about the Holocaust and discuss questions of fairness, justice, labeling and scapegoating in our world today.

The Wandering Jew                                                                           Shoshana Stein

Point to any place on the globe, and chances are there has been a Jewish community in existence there.  From Jewish sheriffs in Tombstone to advisers of Caliphs in Istanbul, Jewish history is resplendent with unique individuals in fascinating places.  In this class we will look at the history of Jews from all over the world, ranging from the American Wild West to Timbuktu.  (Yes, Timbuktu!!)  We will look at the history of Jewish communities in these places through historical texts, popular culture, music, and when appropriate- cowboy ballads. 

Jewish Medical Ethics                                                                       Alan Ginsburg

As medical science advances, people struggle with decisions about the beginning of life, the ending of life, and the quality of life.  What are some of these decisions, and what guidance does Judaism offer as knowledge and technology take us into areas previously considered the province of God alone?

Manic Midrash                                                                                   Lenora Pfeffer

Together we will discover and interpret the human issues that apply to our own lives found in the Torah, and “act out” the “psychodrama” in the parshiot.  Examples include issues of freedom to make choices, taking responsibility for choices made, sibling rivalry, offering ones best, honesty, trust, minority opinions, going into the unknown, separation from parents, leadership, sexual harassment, and interpretation of dreams.  

The Art of Jewish Prayer                                                                  Rabbi Matt Cutler

Prayer is an essential component in Jewish life.  It is one of the 3 pillars that sustain the world: Torah, prayer and acts of loving kindness. Yet many of us view prayer as a chore and find it boring.  This class will examine how prayers are put together, what wonderful images exist in our liturgy that escape the average readers and how we can breathe new life into our prayers.

Challah Board Woodburning                                                           Sue Kimball

Hiddur Mitzvah, beautifying the mitzvah, is an important tradition in Judaism.  Create a design for a wooden challah board, and burn the design into the wood to make a challah board you will use with pride on Shabbat.

Teen Leadership Volunteers                                                             Rebecca Zeitlin

The Lindsey Baron Teen Leadership Program of Jewish Family Services is a unique opportunity for teens to come together to learn about taking care of our community - Tikkun Olam.  During class sessions, we will study the importance of giving, Tzedekah, in a meaningful way, Chesed - from the heart, to make our world a better place. Volunteer visits, arranged and supervised by the instructor, will take place on eight Sunday afternoons with people staying in Daughters of Sarah, Ronald McDonald House, and Northwoods Rehabilition center.  The course requires students to complete two volunteer visits in addition to the Wednesday night class and all visits count for community service hours for local High Schools. Any student who has completed a training course previously may join us for volunteer visits at any time.  

D’ash Teen News from Israel                                                            TBI

Flavor your life with a dash of Israel form the Jerusalem Post.  Magazine for American teens with feature articles on Israeli film, music, sports, technology, fashion, hot topics, trends and more!  Its hot, its controversial, its what is happening now.

Jews and the Arts                                                                               Shoshana Stein

From Frida Kahlo to Annie Liebovitz.  From Paula Abdul to Bob Dylan.    From the Three Stooges to Jon Stewart.  From Van Halen to Blondie. From Joshua Redman to George Gershwin. From Allen Ginsberg to Tony Kushner. This class will look at the cultural contribution of Jewish people to the world of art, including music, theatre, photography, jazz, heavy metal, comedy, television and film.  In adddition to examining the pieces of work created by Jewish artists, we will also look at the connections between these artists and broader Jewish history.

Hasidic Stories and their Lessons                                                     Rabbi Mirsky

For centuries, spiritual teachers have told stories to convey lessons about God and perceptions of the world around us. Hasidic master Rebbe Nachman of Breslov (1772–1810) perfected this teaching method through his engrossing and entertaining stories that are fast-moving, brilliantly structured, and filled with penetrating insights into the human condition and the realm of the mysterious.

But He was always Good to his Mother                                           Rabbi Cutler

A Sociological Look at Jewish Attitudes to Crime and Criminal Behaviors 

 We all know that the Torah commands us not steal and murder. We strive to live an ethical life.  But thru-out Jewish history, there have been those who have been attracted to a life without law and ethics. We need to admit that Jewish hoodlums and gangsters do exist. We should not be proud of this nor should we glorify it-- but we should strive understand why there are Jewish criminals. This course will examine sociological factors that let Jewish criminals exist, traditional texts which admonish such behavior and anecdotes that illustrate the tension between the two standards.

Girl Talk:  Healthy Dating and Friendships, for girls only

Marci Galinkin, Becky Zeitlin

How do we assert ourselves in a healthy relationship?  What are the warning signs of an abusive relationship?  What are the social expectations for young women and what are the pressures teens face from each other as they begin dating?  Jewish wisdom offers guidance to discuss these issues in a safe setting.

Israeli Dance                                                                                      Lauren Savage

Israeli dance can be playful, athletic, romantic, spiritual.  Shake it up, move to the music, burn off calories, and “pray with your feet” as we learn dances that pre-date the state of Israel and dances that were created this year!

Anti-Semitism Today                                                                         Mark Baskin

Students will explore anti-semitism as a form of racism against minorities.  It will explore traditional stereotypes and modern attitudes towards Jews in the US and abroad.  It will focus on the changing positions of Jews in American life, changing attitudes towards Jews and towards Israel and will draw on my own experiences working with Jewish communities in the Balkans and in working to strengthen democratic instittions in the Middle East.

Business and the Influence of Judaism                                                        Rosalyn Rufer

The true meaning of the word entrepreneur is a person whose ideas and policies change the way that we do business.  During this course we will see how  traits determine the entrepreneurial spirit: personal characteristics or spiritual characteristics. This course will take a case study approach.

Traditional Judaism in Film and Music                                          Rabbi Mirsky

From Fiddler on the Roof in the shtetles of Europe, to A World Apart in modern NYC, to  Ushpizin in Jerusalem, the world of the traditional Jew is portrayed in a mixture of accuracy and stereotype.  Through these films, we can understand some of the challenges and strengths of traditional Judaism internally and in its encounters with the larger society.

CGOH Confirmation                                                                         Rabbi Cutler

Preparation for affirmation of Jewish identity within Congregation Gates of Heaven.

AA Confirmation                                                                               TBI

Preparation for affirmation of Jewish identity within Congregation Agudat Achim.

Jewish History as seen through Cinema, 1900-1940                       Rosalyn Rufer

What challenges did Jews confront in this country as they immigrated and attempted to become part of American society?  How did they respond to those challenges and how successful were they? Films about this period such as  Hester Street, The Chosen, and The Shadow of Hatred will bring to life the struggles and successes of our people during a profound period of change.

Jewish History as seen through Cinema, 1940-1980                       Rosalyn Rufer

What role did Jews play in some of the major social movements in the United States during this forty years, and how did these movements change life for Jews in America?  Using feature films, we will look at the McCarthy era, the trial of the Rosenbergs, the cover up of the murders of civil rights workers, and the Munich massacre of Israeli Olympic athletes in 1972.

Yad b’Yad Healthy Relationships, grades 8 and 9, boys and girls

Alan Ginsburg, Becky Zeitlin

Through activities and discussion, the course will focus on the tools needed to build healthy relationships and to prevent dating violence, explores issues related to self-esteem, gender roles, healthy friendships and dating relationships, as well as offer strategies for helping those who are involved in abusive relationships.

History of Genocide                                                                           Shoshana Stein

In the last ten years over two million children have died in wars around the world.  This class will examine why through looking at the history of genocide.  We will look at historical examples including the Holocaust and Darfur, as well as examples ripped from today's headlines.  We will be looking at images, and videos as well as listening to music and personal testimonies of survivors. We will also look at the ways young people can become active in raising awareness on these issues. 

Packing for College, grades 11-12 only                                            Lenora Pfeffer

It is time to go forth, but where and how?  What challenges and opportunities lie ahead, and what strengths will be needed?  Where does Judaism fit in, and where does a young adult fit in Judaism? 

Jewish Cooking Around the World                                                  Sue Kimball

Who knew Judaism could taste so good?  Jewish foods are very different from around the world.  In this class you will both make and taste delicious Jewish food from many countries.  Taste Indian, Spanish, Italian and other international Jewish food.  We will also explore how Israeli food has incorporated many aspects of these cultures.

Conversational Hebrew, Regents Level meets for 90 minutes once a week and can be taken either on Monday night or on Wednesday night from 6:30pm to 8:00pm. 

Hebrew Regents Wednesdays                                                            Zipporah Harris

Hebrew Regents Mondays                                                                 Zipporah Harris

The Hebrew curriculum includes reading stories, classroom discussion and written exercises using the Hebrew Shalav Alef, Bet and Gimel book series.  Both oral and written Hebrew are use dduring the course.  At the conclusion of three years and completion of a Hebrew essay, students may be seated for the Hebrew Regents exam.