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University of California, Santa Cruz

Sponsoring Agency: Chabad Student Center

University of California, Santa Cruz
TBA, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 United States of America
Office: 831-471-9123
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.jewcsc.com

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Current Courses

Flash PromoThink Jewish: Jewish Wisdom for Modern Life
About the Course

A Jewish Educational Experience
Do you enjoy fun and lively conversations?

Do you want to challenge the status quo?

Do you have questions about Judaism that are important to discuss?

Do you want to discover how Judaism is relevant and forward-thinking?

Do you want to join a warm community?

Then join the club! Sinai Scholars is for you! This learning experience is different from any class you have ever attended!

Sinai Scholars is not a series of lectures; it is a series of interactive discussions. It is not a repeat of what you experienced in Hebrew school; it is fun, stimulating, deep, and relevant. It is not a time to listen; it’s a time to question. It is not geared to tell you what to think; it provides an opportunity to explore Judaism’s rich heritage at your own pace with you in the driver’s seat.

Sinai Scholars is a platform upon which participants explore central elements of Judaism that are relevant, interesting, and empowering for all Jews, irrespective of background, education, and level of commitment. By the end of this journey, you will have a richer appreciation for some of the core elements of Jewish heritage and Jewish identity, along with a deeper understanding about how these interface with modern life.

Session One
A Question of Identity: Perspectives on Jewish Identity in the Modern World

You meet a Jewish person who says, “You know, I don’t know why people consider me Jewish. I do not support Israel; I do not ever visit a synagogue; and I do not celebrate any Jewish holidays.” How would you respond?

What does it mean to be a Jew? Is Judaism a religion, culture, nationality, or some combination thereof?

Since the dawn of time, individuals and groups sought to define and explain their identities, and Jews throughout the ages questioned the meaning of their Jewish identity. Today, the shifting sands of Jewish life require that this conversation persist but with newer insights and profounder definitions.

Session Two
A People with a Purpose: Exploring Foundational Elements of the Jewish Ethos

If you were G-d and you were going to address a once-for-all-time message to all of humanity, what would you say?

What messages does humankind need to hear today?

Mark Twain noted that while many nations filled the planet with sound and splendor, all of them soon faded and vanished. But the Jews are different, he noted. “All things are mortal,” he wrote, “but the Jew.” For Jews, survival is not celebrated for survival’s sake; survival is seen as a call to a purpose. A dialogue about the nature of this purpose is one crucial step in making this world a better place.

Session Three
Reason and Ritual: On the Significance and Meaning of Jewish Observances

In medieval times, a despotic ruler once agreed to release a Jew from jail for one day each year to practice religion. The Jew was now in a quandary. Should that day be Yom Kippur? Passover? Rosh Hashanah? Some other day? How to choose?

What would you choose?

This leads into a broader discussion about Jewish rituals, which often seem foreign and archaic. In what ways can we find meaning and value in some of these observances?

Session Four
An Oasis in Time: The Gift of Shabbat

Life is continuous and unrelenting. Might there be some benefit in a creative pause?

Enter the Jewish Sabbath. It is difficult to imagine a society functioning without a weekend, but this institution was unheard of in the ancient world. What meaning did Jews find in their Sabbath that allowed them to shrug off their cultural isolation?

Examining this question is relevant to those who are troubled that today’s society is insufficiently happy and inadequately connected in meaningful ways.

 

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Date

Course dates to be determined.


Upon acceptance of this program, all students are required to attend 8 mandatory learning sessions, in addition to a field-trip, Shabbaton, and Chesed project/community service.
Availability Apply Now

Past Courses

Flash PromoWisdom From Sinai: Revolutionary Ideas that Judaism Introduced to the World
About the Course

Course Overview

The Ten Commandments are one of the most well-known passages of the Bible, and are significant to non-Jewish people as well. During the eight weeks of the course, three primary questions will be explored:

1. What, if anything, is Jewish about the Ten Commandments? Aren’t these ethical principles that have been adopted by most religious communities? Does Judaism understand them in a particular way, or is the foundation of the Jewish religion universalistic in its orientation?

 

 

2. Why these ten? There are many possible ways to articulate a foundational  manifesto of purpose. Yet the Ten Commandments select only ten of hundreds of possible commandments to be conveyed by G-d directly to the Jewish people. What is special about these ten? In what way do each of them represent a sphere of significance?

3. How does this commandment make a difference to your life? Most of us don’t grapple with whether to murder or not, and idol worship is currently out of fashion. Are these ten still of central relevance to us today? Do they continue to speak to us today?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Course Syllabus

Orientation Session

In this session, you will review the goals and requirements of the program.

Lesson One: If You Were G-d

In this lesson, you will examine the structure and order of the ten commandments, and explore its role as the foundation of Jewish thought and modern civilization.

Lesson Two: Who Am I?

In this lesson, you will examine the Jewish concept of G-d and the nature of Jewish belief. You will also investigate the contemporary relevance of the concept of idolatry.

Lesson Three: To Be or Not to Be

This lesson concentrates on the Jewish idea of the Sabbath and sanctity in time. You will become familiar with the basic practices governing the Jewish Sabbath, and you will look at the interplay between the Sabbath and the other days of the week.

Field Trip One

You will have the opportunity to observe and participate in a Shabbat dinner with your instructor.

Lesson Four: The Creators

This lesson looks at how Jewish law codifies the requirement to honor and respect 

parents, and invites you to consider the significance of this commandment to our spiritual development.

 

 

Lesson Five: The Breath of Life

This lesson examines Jewish life ethics governing such issues as murder, suicide, euthanasia, and abortion.

Lesson Six: Born To Marry

This lesson focuses on the Jewish ethics concerning love and marriage.

Field Trip Two

Lesson Seven: For Love or Money ( Do Not Steal; Do Not Covet)

This lesson will explore the relationship between material wealth and how it can be reconciled with ethical values.

Lesson Eight: The Truth, The Whole Truth, and Nothing But the Truth

This lesson focuses on the spiritual meaning of human communication and the
importance of honest and true words. We also examine classical Jewish thinking
regarding the authenticity and truth of the Jewish tradition.

 

Read More

Date

Orientation/Lesson 1 -
Tuesday, January 13 2009 6:00 PM - - 8:00 PM
In this session, you will review the goals and requirements of the program, and you will examine the structure and order of the ten commandments, and explore its role as the foundation of Jewish thought and modern civilization.

Lesson 2 -
Tuesday, January 20 2009 6:00 PM - - 8:00 PM
In this lesson, you will examine the Jewish concept of G-d and the nature of Jewish belief. You will also investigate the contemporary relevance of the concept of idolatry.

Lesson 3 -
Tuesday, January 27 2009 6:00 PM - - 8:00 PM
This lesson concentrates on the Jewish idea of the Sabbath and sanctity in time. You will become familiar with the basic practices governing the Jewish Sabbath, and you will look at the interplay between the Sabbath and the other days of the week.

Shabbaton -
Friday, January 30 2009 6:00 PM - - 10:00 PM
Experience the fourth commandment first hand: Celebrate Shabbat.

Lesson 4 -
Tuesday, February 3 2009 6:00 PM - - 8:00 PM
This lesson looks at how Jewish law codifies the requirement to honor and respect parents, and invites you to consider the significance of this commandment to our spiritual development.

Lesson 5 -
Tuesday, February 10 2009 6:00 PM - - 8:00 PM
This lesson examines Jewish life ethics governing such issues as murder, suicide, euthanasia, and abortion.

Lesson 6 -
Tuesday, February 17 2009 6:00 PM - - 8:00 PM
This lesson focuses on the Jewish ethics concerning love and marriage.

Lesson 7 -
Tuesday, February 24 2009 6:00 PM - - 8:00 PM
This lesson will explore the relationship between material wealth and how it can be reconciled with ethical values.

Lesson 8 -
Tuesday, March 3 2009 6:00 PM - - 8:00 PM
This lesson focuses on the spiritual meaning of human communication and the importance of honest and true words. We also examine classical Jewish thinking regarding the authenticity and truth of the Jewish tradition.

Field Trip/Graduation -
Sunday, March 8 2009 12:00 PM - - 10:00 PM
Visit a Mikvah (Jewish Ritual Bath), Kosher store, and graduation.


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Intern
Availability Registration is now closed, please contact us for more information.
Flash PromoWisdom From Sinai: Revolutionary Ideas that Judaism Introduced to the World
Date

Orientation/Lesson 1 -
Monday, April 6 2009 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM
In this session, you will review the goals and requirements of the program, and you will examine the structure and order of the ten commandments, and explore its role as the foundation of Jewish thought and modern civilization.

Lesson 2 -
Monday, April 13 2009 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM
In this lesson, you will examine the Jewish concept of G-d and the nature of Jewish belief. You will also investigate the contemporary relevance of the concept of idolatry.

Lesson 3 -
Monday, April 20 2009 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM
This lesson concentrates on the Jewish idea of the Sabbath and sanctity in time. You will become familiar with the basic practices governing the Jewish Sabbath, and you will look at the interplay between the Sabbath and the other days of the week.

Shabbaton -
Friday, April 24 2009 6:00 PM - - 10:00 PM
Experience the fourth commandment first hand: Celebrate Shabbat.

Lesson 4 -
Monday, April 27 2009 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM
This lesson looks at how Jewish law codifies the requirement to honor and respect parents, and invites you to consider the significance of this commandment to our spiritual development.

Lesson 5 -
Monday, May 4 2009 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM
This lesson examines Jewish life ethics governing such issues as murder, suicide, euthanasia, and abortion.

Lesson 6 -
Monday, May 11 2009 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM
This lesson focuses on the Jewish ethics concerning love and marriage.

Lesson 7 -
Monday, May 18 2009 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM
This lesson will explore the relationship between material wealth and how it can be reconciled with ethical values.

Lesson 8 -
Tuesday, May 26 2009 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM
This class will be on Tuesday. This lesson focuses on the spiritual meaning of human communication and the importance of honest and true words. We also examine classical Jewish thinking regarding the authenticity and truth of the Jewish tradition.

Field Trip/Graduation -
Sunday, May 31 2009 11:00 AM - - 4:00 PM
Time may change. Visit something Jewish (e.g. Mikvah, kosher store, or kosher winery), followed by former graduation dinner/ceremony with Sinai Scholars from Stanford.


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Intern
Availability Registration is now closed, please contact us for more information.
Flash PromoWisdom From Sinai: Revolutionary Ideas that Judaism Introduced to the World
Date

Orientation/Lesson 1 -
Monday, April 6 2009 6:00 PM - - 8:00 PM
In this session, you will review the goals and requirements of the program, and you will examine the structure and order of the ten commandments, and explore its role as the foundation of Jewish thought and modern civilization.

Lesson 2 -
Monday, April 13 2009 6:00 PM - - 8:00 PM
In this lesson, you will examine the Jewish concept of G-d and the nature of Jewish belief. You will also investigate the contemporary relevance of the concept of idolatry.

Lesson 3 -
Monday, April 20 2009 6:00 PM - - 8:00 PM
This lesson concentrates on the Jewish idea of the Sabbath and sanctity in time. You will become familiar with the basic practices governing the Jewish Sabbath, and you will look at the interplay between the Sabbath and the other days of the week.

Shabbaton -
Friday, April 24 2009 5:00 PM - - 9:00 PM
Experience the fourth commandment first hand: Celebrate Shabbat.

Lesson 4 -
Monday, April 27 2009 6:00 PM - - 8:00 PM
This lesson looks at how Jewish law codifies the requirement to honor and respect parents, and invites you to consider the significance of this commandment to our spiritual development.

Lesson 5 -
Monday, May 4 2009 6:00 PM - - 8:00 PM
This lesson examines Jewish life ethics governing such issues as murder, suicide, euthanasia, and abortion.

Lesson 6 -
Monday, May 11 2009 6:00 PM - - 8:00 PM
This lesson focuses on the Jewish ethics concerning love and marriage.

Lesson 7 -
Monday, May 18 2009 6:00 PM - - 8:00 PM
This lesson will explore the relationship between material wealth and how it can be reconciled with ethical values.

Lesson 8 -
Tuesday, May 26 2009 6:00 PM - - 8:00 PM
This lesson focuses on the spiritual meaning of human communication and the importance of honest and true words. We also examine classical Jewish thinking regarding the authenticity and truth of the Jewish tradition.

Field Trip/Graduation -
Sunday, May 31 2009 1:00 PM - - 8:00 PM


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Availability Registration is now closed, please contact us for more information.
-1
Flash PromoWisdom From Sinai: Revolutionary Ideas that Judaism Introduced to the World
Date

Orientation/Lesson 1 -
Tuesday, January 12 2010 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 2 -
Tuesday, January 19 2010 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 3 -
Tuesday, January 26 2010 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Shabbaton -
Friday, January 29 2010 5:00 PM - - 10:00 PM

Lesson 4 -
Tuesday, February 2 2010 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 5 -
Tuesday, February 9 2010 7:00 PM - - 7:00 PM

Lesson 6 -
Tuesday, February 16 2010 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 7 -
Tuesday, February 23 2010 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 8 -
Tuesday, March 2 2010 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Field Trip/Graduation -
Sunday, March 7 2010 11:00 AM - - 5:00 PM


Calendar URL help
Intern
Availability Registration is now closed, please contact us for more information.
Flash PromoWisdom From Sinai: Revolutionary Ideas that Judaism Introduced to the World
Date

Lesson 1 -
Tuesday, January 12 2010 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM
In this lesson, you will examine the structure and order of the Ten Commandments, and explore its role as the foundation of Jewish thought and modern civilization.

Lesson 2 -
Tuesday, January 19 2010 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM
In this lesson, you will examine the Jewish concept of G-d and the nature of Jewish belief. You will also investigate the contemporary relevance of the concept of idolatry.

Lesson 3 -
Tuesday, January 26 2010 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM
This lesson concentrates on the Jewish idea of the Sabbath and sanctity in time. You will become familiar with the basic practices governing the Jewish Sabbath, and you will look at the interplay between the Sabbath and the other days of the week.

Shabbaton -
Friday, January 29 2010 5:00 PM - - 9:30 PM
Hands on Shabbat: At this event we will explore additional concepts to Shabbat and you will have the opportunity to participate in a Shabbat Service and dinner.

Lesson 4 -
Tuesday, February 2 2010 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM
This lesson looks at how Jewish law codifies the requirement to honor and respect parents, and invites you to consider the significance of this commandment to our spiritual development.

Lesson 5 -
Tuesday, February 9 2010 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM
This lesson examines Jewish life ethics governing such issues as murder, suicide, euthanasia, and abortion.

Lesson 6 -
Tuesday, February 16 2010 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM
This lesson focuses on the Jewish perspective concerning love and marriage.

Lesson 7 -
Tuesday, February 23 2010 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM
This lesson will explore the value Judaism puts on material wealth.

Lesson 8 -
Tuesday, March 2 2010 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM
This lesson focuses on the spiritual meaning of human communication and the importance of honest and true words.

Field Trip/Graduation -
Sunday, March 7 2010 11:00 AM - - 5:00 PM
We will take a tour exploring a classic Jewish precept, and then have a graduation lunch with the Sinai Scholars group from Stanford (details to follow).


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Availability Registration is now closed, please contact us for more information.
Flash PromoWisdom From Sinai: Revolutionary Ideas that Judaism Introduced to the World
Date

Orientation/Lesson 1 -
Wednesday, April 7 2010 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 2 -
Wednesday, April 14 2010 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 3 -
Wednesday, April 21 2010 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 4 -
Wednesday, April 28 2010 5:00 PM - - 9:30 PM

Shabbaton -
Friday, April 30 2010 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 5 -
Wednesday, May 5 2010 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 6 -
Wednesday, May 12 2010 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 7 -
Monday, May 17 2010 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM
This is a Monday class. Date subject to change: may be Wednesday 5/26

Lesson 8 -
Wednesday, May 26 2010 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM
Date subject to change: may be on 6/2

Field Trip/Graduation -
Sunday, May 30 2010 11:00 AM - - 4:00 PM
Date subject to change: may be on 6/6


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Intern
Availability Registration is now closed, please contact us for more information.
Flash PromoWisdom From Sinai: Revolutionary Ideas that Judaism Introduced to the World
Date

Orientation/Lesson 1 -
Tuesday, January 11 2011 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM
In this session we will examine the structure and order of the Ten Commandments, and explore its role as the foundation of Jewish thought and modern civilization.

Lesson 2 -
Tuesday, January 18 2011 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM
In this lesson we will examine the Jewish Concept of G-d and the nature of Jewish Belief. We will also investigate the contemporary relevance of the concept of idolatry.

Lesson 3 -
Tuesday, January 25 2011 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM
This lesson concentrates on the Jewish idea of the Sabbath and sanctity in time. You will become familiar with the basic practices governing the Jewish Shabbath, and you will look at the interplay between the Sabbath and the other days of the week.

Shabbaton -
Friday, January 28 2011 5:00 PM - - 9:00 PM
We will continue the Shabbat discussion in an actual Shabbat setting, culminating with a four course Sabbath dinner at Chabad House.

Lesson 4 -
Tuesday, February 1 2011 5:00 PM - - 9:00 PM
This lesson looks at how Jewish law codifies the requirement to honor and respect parents, and invites you to consider the significance of this commandment to our spiritual development.

Lesson 5 -
Tuesday, February 8 2011 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM
This lesson examines Jewish life ethics governing such issues as murder, suicide, euthanasia, and abortion.

Lesson 6 -
Tuesday, February 15 2011 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM
This lesson focuses on the Jewish ethics concerning love and marriage.

Lesson 7 -
Tuesday, February 22 2011 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM
This lesson will explore the relationship between material wealth and whether it can be reconciled with ethical values.

Lesson 8 -
Tuesday, March 1 2011 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM
This lesson focuses on the spiritual meaning of human communication and the importance of honest and true words.

Field Trip/Graduation -
Thursday, March 3 2011 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM
Details to follow...


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Availability Registration is now closed, please contact us for more information.
Flash PromoWisdom From Sinai: Revolutionary Ideas that Judaism Introduced to the World
Date

Orientation/Lesson 1 -
Thursday, April 7 2011 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM
In this session we will examine the structure and order of the Ten Commandments, and explore its role as the foundation of Jewish thought and modern civilization.

Lesson 2 -
Thursday, April 14 2011 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM
In this lesson we will examine the Jewish Concept of G-d and the nature of Jewish Belief. We will also investigate the contemporary relevance of the concept of idolatry.

Lesson 3 -
Thursday, April 21 2011 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM
This lesson examines Jewish life ethics governing such issues as murder, suicide, euthanasia, and abortion.

Lesson 4 -
Thursday, April 28 2011 7:00 PM - - 7:00 PM
This lesson looks at how Jewish law codifies the requirement to honor and respect parents, and invites you to consider the significance of this commandment to our spiritual development.

Lesson 5 -
Thursday, May 5 2011 7:00 PM - - 7:00 PM
This lesson concentrates on the Jewish idea of the Sabbath and sanctity in time. You will become familiar with the basic practices governing the Jewish Shabbath, and you will look at the interplay between the Sabbath and the other days of the week.

Shabbaton -
Friday, May 6 2011 5:00 PM - - 9:30 PM
We will continue the Shabbat discussion in an actual Shabbat setting, culminating with a four course Sabbath dinner at Chabad House.

Lesson 6 -
Thursday, May 12 2011 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM
This lesson focuses on the Jewish ethics concerning love and marriage.

Lesson 7 -
Thursday, May 19 2011 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM
This lesson will explore the relationship between material wealth and whether it can be reconciled with ethical values.

Lesson 8 -
Thursday, May 26 2011 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM
This lesson focuses on the spiritual meaning of human communication and the importance of honest and true words.

Field Trip/Graduation -
Sunday, May 29 2011 11:00 AM - - 4:00 PM
Details to follow...


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Intern
Availability Registration is now closed, please contact us for more information.
Flash PromoWisdom From Sinai: Revolutionary Ideas that Judaism Introduced to the World
Date

Orientation/Lesson 1 -
Tuesday, January 10 2012 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 2 -
Tuesday, January 17 2012 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 3 -
Tuesday, January 31 2012 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Shabbaton -
Friday, February 3 2012 5:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 4 -
Tuesday, February 7 2012 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 5 -
Tuesday, February 14 2012 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 6 -
Tuesday, February 21 2012 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 7 -
Tuesday, February 28 2012 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 8 -
Tuesday, March 6 2012 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Field Trip/Graduation -
Sunday, March 11 2012 11:00 AM - - 4:00 PM


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Intern
Availability Registration is now closed, please contact us for more information.
Flash PromoWisdom From Sinai: Revolutionary Ideas that Judaism Introduced to the World
Date

Orientation/Lesson 1 -
Tuesday, April 10 2012 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 2 -
Tuesday, April 17 2012 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 3 -
Tuesday, April 24 2012 7:00 PM - - 8:00 PM

Shabbaton -
Friday, April 27 2012 5:00 PM - - 9:30 PM

Lesson 4 -
Tuesday, May 1 2012 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 5 -
Tuesday, May 8 2012 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 6 -
Tuesday, May 15 2012 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 7 -
Tuesday, May 22 2012 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 8 -
Tuesday, May 29 2012 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Field Trip/Graduation -
Sunday, June 3 2012 11:00 AM - - 5:00 PM


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Intern
Availability Registration is now closed, please contact us for more information.
Flash PromoWisdom From Sinai: Revolutionary Ideas that Judaism Introduced to the World
Date

Orientation/Lesson 1 -
Wednesday, January 9 2013 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 2 -
Wednesday, January 16 2013 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 3 -
Wednesday, January 23 2013 7:00 PM - - 7:00 PM

Shabbaton -
Friday, January 25 2013 5:00 PM - - 9:30 PM

Lesson 4 -
Wednesday, January 30 2013 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 5 -
Wednesday, February 6 2013 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 6 -
Wednesday, February 13 2013 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 7 -
Wednesday, February 20 2013 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 8 -
Wednesday, February 27 2013 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Field Trip/Graduation -
Sunday, March 3 2013 11:00 AM - - 4:00 PM


Calendar URL help
Intern
Availability Registration is now closed, please contact us for more information.
Flash PromoWisdom From Sinai: Revolutionary Ideas that Judaism Introduced to the World
Date

Orientation/Lesson 1 -
Tuesday, April 9 2013 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 2 -
Tuesday, April 16 2013 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 3 -
Tuesday, April 23 2013 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Shabbaton -
Friday, April 26 2013 5:30 PM - - 9:30 PM

Lesson 4 -
Tuesday, April 30 2013 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 5 -
Tuesday, May 7 2013 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 6 -
Tuesday, May 14 2013 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 7 -
Tuesday, May 21 2013 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 8 -
Tuesday, May 28 2013 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Field Trip/Graduation -
Sunday, June 2 2013 11:00 AM - - 4:00 PM


Calendar URL help
Intern
Availability Registration is now closed, please contact us for more information.
Flash PromoWisdom From Sinai: Revolutionary Ideas that Judaism Introduced to the World
Date

Orientation/Lesson 1 -
Wednesday, January 15 2014 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 2 -
Wednesday, January 22 2014 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 3 -
Wednesday, January 29 2014 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Shabbaton -
Friday, January 31 2014 5:30 PM - - 10:00 PM

Lesson 4 -
Wednesday, February 5 2014 7:00 PM - - 10:00 PM

Lesson 5 -
Wednesday, February 12 2014 7:00 PM - - 10:00 PM

Lesson 6 -
Wednesday, February 19 2014 7:00 PM - - 10:00 PM

Lesson 7 -
Wednesday, February 26 2014 7:00 PM - - 10:00 PM

Lesson 8 -
Wednesday, March 5 2014 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Graduation -
Sunday, March 9 2014 11:00 AM - - 4:00 PM


Calendar URL help
Intern
Availability Registration is now closed, please contact us for more information.
Flash PromoWisdom From Sinai: Revolutionary Ideas that Judaism Introduced to the World
Date

Shabbaton -
Friday, January 31 2014 5:30 PM - - 9:30 PM

Orientation/Lesson 1 -
Thursday, April 10 2014 7:00 PM - - 9:30 PM

Lesson 2 -
Thursday, April 17 2014 7:00 PM - - 9:30 PM

Lesson 3 -
Thursday, April 24 2014 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 4 -
Thursday, May 1 2014 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 5 -
Thursday, May 8 2014 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 6 -
Thursday, May 15 2014 7:00 PM - - 9:30 PM

Lesson 7 -
Thursday, May 22 2014 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 8 -
Thursday, May 29 2014 7:00 PM - - 7:00 PM


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Availability Registration is now closed, please contact us for more information.
Flash PromoWisdom From Sinai: Revolutionary Ideas that Judaism Introduced to the World
Date

Lesson 1 -
Wednesday, January 7 2015 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 2 -
Wednesday, January 21 2015 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 3 -
Wednesday, January 28 2015 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Shabbaton1 -
Friday, January 30 2015 5:30 PM - - 9:30 PM

Lesson 4 -
Wednesday, February 4 2015 7:00 PM - - 9:30 PM

Lesson 5 -
Wednesday, February 11 2015 7:00 PM - - 9:30 PM

Lesson 6 -
Wednesday, February 18 2015 7:00 PM - - 9:30 PM

Lesson 7 -
Wednesday, February 25 2015 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 8 -
Wednesday, March 4 2015 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Field Trip -
Sunday, March 8 2015 11:00 AM - - 4:00 PM


Calendar URL help
Intern
Availability Registration is now closed, please contact us for more information.

Flash PromoThink Jewish: Jewish Wisdom for Modern Life
About the Course

A Jewish Educational Experience
Do you enjoy fun and lively conversations?

Do you want to challenge the status quo?

Do you have questions about Judaism that are important to discuss?

Do you want to discover how Judaism is relevant and forward-thinking?

Do you want to join a warm community?

Then join the club! Sinai Scholars is for you! This learning experience is different from any class you have ever attended!

Sinai Scholars is not a series of lectures; it is a series of interactive discussions. It is not a repeat of what you experienced in Hebrew school; it is fun, stimulating, deep, and relevant. It is not a time to listen; it’s a time to question. It is not geared to tell you what to think; it provides an opportunity to explore Judaism’s rich heritage at your own pace with you in the driver’s seat.

Sinai Scholars is a platform upon which participants explore central elements of Judaism that are relevant, interesting, and empowering for all Jews, irrespective of background, education, and level of commitment. By the end of this journey, you will have a richer appreciation for some of the core elements of Jewish heritage and Jewish identity, along with a deeper understanding about how these interface with modern life.

Session One
A Question of Identity: Perspectives on Jewish Identity in the Modern World

You meet a Jewish person who says, “You know, I don’t know why people consider me Jewish. I do not support Israel; I do not ever visit a synagogue; and I do not celebrate any Jewish holidays.” How would you respond?

What does it mean to be a Jew? Is Judaism a religion, culture, nationality, or some combination thereof?

Since the dawn of time, individuals and groups sought to define and explain their identities, and Jews throughout the ages questioned the meaning of their Jewish identity. Today, the shifting sands of Jewish life require that this conversation persist but with newer insights and profounder definitions.

Session Two
A People with a Purpose: Exploring Foundational Elements of the Jewish Ethos

If you were G-d and you were going to address a once-for-all-time message to all of humanity, what would you say?

What messages does humankind need to hear today?

Mark Twain noted that while many nations filled the planet with sound and splendor, all of them soon faded and vanished. But the Jews are different, he noted. “All things are mortal,” he wrote, “but the Jew.” For Jews, survival is not celebrated for survival’s sake; survival is seen as a call to a purpose. A dialogue about the nature of this purpose is one crucial step in making this world a better place.

Session Three
Reason and Ritual: On the Significance and Meaning of Jewish Observances

In medieval times, a despotic ruler once agreed to release a Jew from jail for one day each year to practice religion. The Jew was now in a quandary. Should that day be Yom Kippur? Passover? Rosh Hashanah? Some other day? How to choose?

What would you choose?

This leads into a broader discussion about Jewish rituals, which often seem foreign and archaic. In what ways can we find meaning and value in some of these observances?

Session Four
An Oasis in Time: The Gift of Shabbat

Life is continuous and unrelenting. Might there be some benefit in a creative pause?

Enter the Jewish Sabbath. It is difficult to imagine a society functioning without a weekend, but this institution was unheard of in the ancient world. What meaning did Jews find in their Sabbath that allowed them to shrug off their cultural isolation?

Examining this question is relevant to those who are troubled that today’s society is insufficiently happy and inadequately connected in meaningful ways.

 

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Date

Lesson 1 -
Wednesday, April 8 2015 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 2 -
Wednesday, April 15 2015 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 3 -
Wednesday, April 22 2015 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Shabbaton1 -
Friday, April 24 2015 5:30 PM - - 9:30 PM

Lesson 4 -
Wednesday, April 29 2015 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 5 -
Wednesday, May 6 2015 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 6 -
Wednesday, May 13 2015 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 7 -
Wednesday, May 20 2015 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 8 -
Wednesday, May 27 2015 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Field Trip -
Sunday, May 31 2015 11:00 AM - - 4:00 PM

Graduation -
Sunday, May 31 2015 11:00 AM - - 4:00 PM


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Flash PromoThink Jewish: Jewish Wisdom for Modern Life
Date

Lesson 1 -
Wednesday, January 13 2016 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 2 -
Wednesday, January 20 2016 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 3 -
Wednesday, January 27 2016 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 4 -
Wednesday, February 3 2016 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 5 -
Wednesday, February 10 2016 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 6 -
Wednesday, February 17 2016 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 7 -
Wednesday, February 24 2016 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Shabbaton1 -
Friday, February 26 2016 12:00 AM - - 9:30 PM

Lesson 8 -
Wednesday, March 2 2016 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Field Trip -
Sunday, March 6 2016 12:00 AM - - 4:00 PM


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Flash PromoThink Jewish: Jewish Wisdom for Modern Life
Date

Lesson 1 -
Wednesday, April 6 2016 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Tikun Olam / Lesson 2 -
Wednesday, April 13 2016 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 3 -
Wednesday, April 20 2016 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 4 -
Wednesday, April 27 2016 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 5 -
Wednesday, May 4 2016 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Shabbaton1 -
Friday, May 6 2016 5:00 PM - - 6:15 PM

Lesson 6 -
Wednesday, May 11 2016 7:00 PM - - 6:15 PM

Lesson 7 -
Wednesday, May 18 2016 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 8 -
Wednesday, May 25 2016 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Field Trip -
Sunday, May 29 2016 11:00 AM - - 4:00 PM


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Intern
Availability Registration is now closed, please contact us for more information.
Flash PromoThink Jewish: Jewish Wisdom for Modern Life
Date

Orientation / Lesson 1 -
Tuesday, January 10 2017 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Tikun Olam / Lesson 2 -
Tuesday, January 17 2017 6:00 PM - - 9:00 PM
Chessed project 1 hour before class.

Lesson 3 -
Tuesday, January 24 2017 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 4 -
Tuesday, January 31 2017 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Shabbaton1 -
Friday, February 3 2017 5:00 PM - - 9:30 PM
(Date subject to change)

Lesson 5 -
Tuesday, February 7 2017 7:00 PM - - 9:30 PM

Lesson 6 -
Tuesday, February 14 2017 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 7 -
Tuesday, February 21 2017 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 8 -
Tuesday, February 28 2017 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Field Trip -
Sunday, March 5 2017 11:00 AM - - 4:00 PM


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Availability Registration is now closed, please contact us for more information.
Flash PromoThink Jewish: Jewish Wisdom for Modern Life
Date

Lesson 1 -
Thursday, April 20 2017 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Tikun Olam / Lesson 2 -
Thursday, April 27 2017 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 3 -
Thursday, May 4 2017 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 4 -
Thursday, May 11 2017 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Shabbaton1 -
Friday, May 12 2017 5:00 PM - - 9:30 PM

Lesson 5 -
Thursday, May 18 2017 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 6 -
Thursday, May 25 2017 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 7 -
Thursday, June 1 2017 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 8 -
Thursday, June 8 2017 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Field Trip -
Sunday, June 11 2017 11:00 AM - - 4:00 PM


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Availability Registration is now closed, please contact us for more information.
Flash PromoThink Jewish: Jewish Wisdom for Modern Life
Date

Lesson 1 -
Tuesday, January 16 2018 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Chessed Project -
Tuesday, January 23 2018 5:30 PM - - 7:00 PM

Tikun Olam / Lesson 2 -
Tuesday, January 23 2018 5:30 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 3 -
Tuesday, January 30 2018 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 4 -
Tuesday, February 6 2018 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 5 -
Tuesday, February 13 2018 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 6 -
Tuesday, February 20 2018 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 7 -
Tuesday, February 27 2018 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 8 -
Tuesday, March 6 2018 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Field Trip -
Sunday, March 11 2018 11:00 AM - - 12:30 PM

Graduation -
Sunday, March 11 2018 12:30 PM - - 4:00 PM


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Availability Registration is now closed, please contact us for more information.
Flash PromoThink Jewish: Jewish Wisdom for Modern Life
Date

Lesson 1 -
Wednesday, April 18 2018 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Tikun Olam / Lesson 2 -
Wednesday, April 25 2018 5:30 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 3 -
Wednesday, May 2 2018 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 4 -
Wednesday, May 9 2018 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Shabbos 1 -
Friday, May 11 2018 5:00 PM - Friday, May 4 2018 10:00 PM

Lesson 5 -
Wednesday, May 16 2018 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 6 -
Wednesday, May 23 2018 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 7 -
Wednesday, May 30 2018 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 8 -
Wednesday, June 6 2018 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Field Trip -
Sunday, June 10 2018 11:00 AM - - 3:00 PM


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Intern
Availability Registration is now closed, please contact us for more information.
Flash PromoThink Jewish: Jewish Wisdom for Modern Life
Date

Lesson 1 -
Wednesday, January 16 2019 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Tikun Olam / Lesson 2 -
Wednesday, January 23 2019 5:30 PM - - 9:00 PM
Chessed project followed by class

Lesson 3 -
Wednesday, January 30 2019 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 4 -
Wednesday, February 6 2019 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Shabbos 1 -
Friday, February 8 2019 5:00 PM - Friday, February 8 2019 9:30 PM

Lesson 5 -
Wednesday, February 13 2019 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 6 -
Wednesday, February 20 2019 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 7 -
Wednesday, February 27 2019 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Lesson 8 -
Wednesday, March 6 2019 7:00 PM - - 9:00 PM

Graduation -
Sunday, March 10 2019 11:00 AM - - 4:00 PM

Field Trip -
Sunday, March 10 2019 4:00 PM - - 7:00 PM


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Availability Registration is now closed, please contact us for more information.
Flash PromoThink Jewish: Jewish Wisdom for Modern Life
Date

Lesson 1 -
Tuesday, April 9 2019 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Tikun Olam / Lesson 2 -
Tuesday, April 16 2019 5:30 PM - 9:00 PM

Lesson 3 -
Tuesday, April 23 2019 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Lesson 4 -
Tuesday, April 30 2019 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Shabbos 1 -
Friday, May 3 2019 5:00 PM - 0:00

Lesson 5 -
Tuesday, May 7 2019 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Lesson 6 -
Tuesday, May 14 2019 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Lesson 7 -
Tuesday, May 21 2019 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Lesson 8 -
Tuesday, May 28 2019 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Field Trip -
Sunday, June 2 2019 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Graduation -
Sunday, June 2 2019 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM


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Availability Registration is now closed, please contact us for more information.

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