Adult Education WINTER-SPRING 2012
Purpose:
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• Learn more about Secular Humanistic Judaism’s roots and practices, including philosophy, celebrating holidays and cultural aspects of SHJ
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• Socialize and interact with other adults and guest presenters
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• Model adult learning for our children during the Sunday school sessions
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• Use materials and activities from “Facing History and Ourselves” and other sources to explore issues of identity, memory, history and legacy
Schedule: Meet at Countryside Recreation Center, 10470 Oak St., Broomfield, CO 80021, home of the Jewish Cultural School, from 10:15 to 11:45. “Community Lunch” is served at noon after each session.
Jan. 8Welcome back! Let’s check in and see what lessons we all learned over the holidays.
Good books, movies, recipes, cultural events? Bring something to share.
Jan. 22Emily and Jordan will share narrative and slides about their recent trip to Europe,
including Dachau.
Feb. 5Learn about the background of TuB’Shevat from a Humanist perspective and prepare for
the lunchtime seder.
Feb. 26Ernestine Rose is the HJ Role Model of the Year. Through video and research, we’ll
discover the story of this 19th Century feminist, abolitionist and atheist daughter of an
Orthodox rabbi.
Mar. 4Explore feminist themes in the Purim megillah, or story, and compare Esther’s dilemmas
to modern events. (WWED?)
Mar. 18 TBD based on group input. Whatcha want to learn? Music? Art? Politics? Archaeology?
Apr. 15Guest presentation on Jewish geneology. Learn about your roots and how to find them.
Apr. 29Couldn’t make it to the Half-Jewish Colloquium? We’ll review new learning and share
photos. It’s almost Israel Independence Day!
No charge! All welcome! Bring a friend!
Directions: Countryside Rec Center/Outdoor Pool is located at 10470 Oak St., Broomfield, CO 80021. For best results, please Mapquest from your own home! There is a parking lot and the building is completely accessible. In case of questionable weather, feel free to call Sheila at 303-499-5933 by 9 am for cancellation information.
References: Optional but highly recommended texts to enhance your adult learning.
God-Optional Judaism: Alternatives for Cultural Jews Who Love Their History, Heritage, and Community by Judith Seid (2001)
Judaism Beyond God by Rabbi Sherwin T. Wine (1995) Everything you always wanted to know about the origins and philosophy of Secular Humanistic Judaism, from its creator!
Judaism in a Secular Age: An Anthology of Secular Humanistic Jewish Thought edited by Renee Kogel & Zev Katz (1995) Here are the writers beyond Sherwin who are shaping the SHJ movement.
Jews Without Judaism: Conversations with an Unconventional Rabbi by Rabbi Daniel Freedman (2002) Shorter, cheaper, but comprehensive.
Good Without God by Rabbi Greg Epstein (2009) Hot off the press! Greg was trained by Rabbi Wine, is the Harvard Humanist Chaplain, and helped some of you find Beth Ami. Let’s support him!
Facilitator: Sheila Malcolm, Madrikha/Leader-in-Training, 303-499-5933 or
