Rabbi Newman Kamin’s Classes

Mitzvah Initiative

Rabbi Newman Kamin will begin a new weekly Tuesday morning class on Tuesday, November 1, 2011 from 9:15–10:45 a.m. at the synagogue. This class will focus on discussing the complexities of the meaning and performance of mitzvah (derived from the Hebrew meaning “to command”) which provides the foundation for Jewish law and the guideline for Jewish life. The performance of a mitzvah is not a mechanical action or the discharge of a burdensome obligation. Rather it is a rich and rewarding experience within the reach of every individual. The “Mitzvah Initiative” course will seek to stimulate awareness about how the performance of a mitzvah can provide beneficial and fruitful personal experiences through the examination of such questions as: How do my actions reflect what is of ultimate value to me in life? If the definition of mitzvah is expanded from a noun to a verb, how does it fit our development and growth as a human being and a Jew? How can be performance of a mitzvah aid the process of my growth and development of my life’s journey?

Hartman Classes: The “Other” in Jewish Tradition — Challenges and Opportunities

This class will meet on Monday evenings from 7:15–9:00 p.m., November 21 and 28; December 5 and 12; January 9, 16, and 23; and February 6. The “Other” in Jewish Tradition explores the way “others” —women, minorities, non-Jews— have been treated and mistreated in Jewish texts and traditions. For most of history, Jews were the outsiders in every society they lived. Today the question of Jewish relations with others has been transformed in light of the power and influence Jews enjoy in Israel and the Diaspora. Moreover, contemporary mores and beliefs challenge the boundaries that conventionally separated insiders and outsiders in Jewish communities. We now face the challenge of creating an ethic of membership that simultaneously acknowledges the importance of communal strength and also the unique Jewish sensitivity to the rights and needs of those who are outside the community.

Cantor Simon’s Classes

Cantor Simon will offer three individualized tutorial sessions during the 2011–2012 (5772) school year:

Haftarah Trope

This is a ten-session class for congregants who would like to learn or refine haftorah trope skills. Cantor Simon is a master teacher in this regard. Participants will gain the skills necessary to chant haftorah during Shabbat morning services.

Torah Trope

This is an eleven-session course for congregants who would like to learn or refine Torah trope skills. Cantor Simon is also a master teacher in this regard. Participants will gain skills necessary to chant Torah during Shabbat morning services.

How to Lead a Shiva Minyan

Cantor Simon will offer a four session course on how to lead a Shiva Minyan, which will focus on familiarizing participants with the Mincha and Ma’ariv Services. Mutually convenient dates and times will be arranged.

Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah Program

Any congregant wishing to take part in Am Yisrael’s Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah Program should contact Dr. Lefkovitz at 847–446–7215 or elefkovitz@amyisrael.org at an early opportunity. The program offers acquisition of basic Hebrew and prayer skills, sessions on fundamental Jewish beliefs and practices and preparation for Torah and haftarah chanting, by Cantor Simon.

Outings

Chicago Festival of Israeli Cinema

Tickets have been reserved for two award winning films which are part of this year’s Chicago Israeli cinema festival. They are Matchmaker, which will be screened on Sunday, October 30 at 1:00 p.m.; and Intimate Grammar, which will be screened on Saturday, November 5 at 7:30 p.m. To order tickets, please contact Dr. Lefkovitz.

Cities of Light

Congregants are invited to a performance of artist Rebecca Joy Fletcher’s Cities of Light at the Piven Theatre on Sunday, November 20 at 2:30 p.m. This show brings to life Jewish cabaret in the interwar period when Jewish artists were at the heart of the action. Contact Dr. Lefkovitz for tickets.

Maestro: The Art of Leonard Bernstein

Am Yisrael has secured a block of tickets for Maestro: The Art of Leonard Bernstein, performed by the incomparable Hershey Felder at the Royal George Theatre on Sunday, December 11 starting at 2:00 p.m. Felder’s show tells the story of the legendary, boundary breaking American composer and musical director through the artistry of a highly accomplished performer. To order tickets, please contact Dr. Lefkovitz.

Holocaust Cantata

Am Yisrael and the Glenview Community Church will jointly sponsor a moving and memorable interfaith program, “Songs from the Camps”, featuring the critically acclaimed Vesper Chorale, which is planned for the late winter 2012. Details will be announced soon.

Sessions

Keith Kanter

Keith Kanter, former director of the Melton Adult Mini School and instructor in the upper grades of the School of Jewish Studies will offer three presentations:

Sunday, October 2, 2011; 10:00–11:25 a.m.

Integrating Jewish Values into Your LIfe for the New Jewish Year

Sunday, February 26, 2012; 10:00–11:25 a.m.

Hesed in Action:a Guide to Making a Difference Through Tikkun Olam

Sunday, March 28, 2012; 10:00–11:25 a.m.

Passover: Whay, Why and How to

Dr. Larry Layfer

Dr. Layfer will lead a discussion focusing on the Talmudic tractate Bava Metziab in honor of the Global Day of Jewish Learning on Sunday, November 13, 2011 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. The text raises the issue of “wrong by words”. Dr. Layfer has authored a book on Talmud entitled A Page of Talmud.

Dr. Lewis Erenberg

Dr. Lewis Erenberg, Professor Emeritus of American History, Loyola University of Chicago, will speak on the topic “Harry Houdini: Magician and Trickster” on Shabbat morning, November 19, 2011. The theme of deception connects Dr. Erenberg’s talk with several stories in the book of Genesis.

Rabbi Joshua Kulp

Rabbi Kulp is this year’s United Synagogue Central District Scholar-in-Residence. He will speak on Sunday morning, November 20, 2011 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. on a topic to be announced.

Dr. Julie Strauss

Dr. Julie Strauss, Political Science Ph.D., will lead two discussions on current Jewish issues. The first session, to be held on Sunday, December 4, 2011 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., will address the question “Will the Tea Party Weaken the Republican Party’s Historically Strong Support for Israel?”. The second session will be held on Sunday, April 15, 2012 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. and will concern “Presidental Candidates and the Jewish Vote”. There will be ample time for discussion following each session.

Dr. Elliot Lefkovitz

Dr. Lefkovitz will lead a discussion focusing on The Holocaust, the French and Jews by Susan Zuccotti on Sunday, January 22, 2012 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at the synagogue. This is a timely topic given the interest in the book and film Sarah’s Key. 2012 also marks the beginning of the deportation of French Jews to the Nazi extermination centers.