Sulam: Jewish Adult Collaborative

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Adult B'Nai Adult B'nai Mitzvah Group
Description: The adult b'nai mitzvah group is an 18-month course of study leading to a group b'nai mitzvah ceremony.
Note: 2008-2009 class is a continuation of the 2007-2008 class and is open only to those students who participated in the 2007-2008 class.
Instuctor: Roberta Long
Date: Sundays
Time: 9:30 AM-12:30 PM
Fee: $120 plus cost of books and share in b'nai mitzvah Kiddush luncheon or reception
Location: Congregation Agudas Achim, 7300 Hart Lane, Austin, TX 78731
Registration and information: Roberta Long at robertal@austin.rr.com or call (512) 735-8400

Beginning Hebrew
Description: In an interactive setting, participants are introduced to the Hebrew Alef-Bet, vowels, essential pronunciation, sight-reading, and conversational skills using games and songs. Instructor Maya Amos has extensive experience in teaching Hebrew both in the United States and to immigrants in Israel.
Date: Thursdays,  starting September 11 for 13 classes.
Time: 6:30-8 PM
Fee: $150
Location: Dell Jewish Community Campus, 7300 Hart Lane, Austin, TX 78731
Registration: (512) 735-8020
Information: Contact Pam Prais at (512) 735-8034 

Conversational Hebrew
This course develops conversation and comprehension skills. A basic knowledge and understanding of Hebrew is necessary. Instructor Maya Amos will help students focus on vocabulary, pronunciation, and communication skills. A perfect choice for those planning to go on the Israel 360 trip in June 2009!
Instructor: Maya Amos
Date: Sundays, starting September 14 for 13 classes
Time: 4–5:30 PM 
Fee: $150
Location: Dell Jewish Community Campus, 7300 Hart Lane, Austin, TX 78731
Registration: (512) 735-8020
Information:  Contact Pam Prais at (512) 735-8034

The Florence Melton Adult Mini-School
Description: The Florence Melton Adult Mini-School, a project of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, enables Jewish adults to learn about their heritage and culture in a challenging and inspiring course of study. With over 120 graduates, our sophisticated, sequential curriculum introduces the shared, classical heritage of the Jewish people and its development into contemporary forms of Judaism. A basic knowledge of Judaism is a prerequisite for enrollment. Classes consist of readings, analysis of text, and discussions. The Melton Mini-School asks that participants commit themselves to 2 ½ hours a week over two years of study. There are no examinations or grades. We hold a Family Shabbat and Havdallah experience as well. Upon completion, partipants receive a Certificate of Jewish Study from Hebrew University. Applications are now being accepted through the JCAA Division of Jewish Life and Learning. Classes are also being formed in Sun City and northern communities in Georgetown.
Dates: Mondays starting September 8 
Time: 7–9:30 PM
Or
Dates:Tuesdays starting September 9
Time: 9:30 AM–12 PM
Fee: $100 deposit required. Course is $465 per person/$880 per couple, plus $35 materials fee
Location: Dell Jewish Community Campus, 7300 Hart Lane, Austin, TX 78731
Registration and Information:  Aliza Orent, Director of Jewish Life and Learning at (512) 735-8030 or aliza.orent@shalomaustin.org

Hebrew Language: Beginning Prayerbook
Description: This class will teach the Hebrew aleph-bet, develop reading proficiency, and introduce common prayerbook vocabulary with the goal of enhancing comfort with participation in the Shabbat service and an increased understanding of the meaning of the prayers.
Dates: Mondays, Oct. 27, Nov. 3, 10, 17, 24. Dec. 1, 8, 15
Time: 7–8:30 PM
Fee: $36 plus cost of books
Location: Congregation Agudas Achim, 7300 Hart Lane, Austin, TX 78731
Registration and Information: Contact danelle.silver@caa-austin.org or call (512)735-8400

Hebrew Language: Intermediate Prayerbook
Description: This class will concentrate on Hebrew grammar and vocabulary and on reading and understanding the prayer book with greater proficiency.
Dates: Mondays, January 12, 19, 26, February 2, 9, 16, 23, March 2, 23, 30, April 6, 20, 27, May 4, 11, 18, 25
Time: 7–8:30 PM
Fee: $54, plus cost of books
Location: Congregation Agudas Achim, 7300 Hart Lane, Austin, TX 78731
Registration and Information: For information or to register, contact danelle.silver@caa-austin.org or call (512)735-8400

How to Read From the Torah
Description: A seven-week class focusing on learning (or re-learning) the cantillation of the Torah.
Opportunities to read Torah on Shabbat will be available but not required.
Instructor: Nancyellen Seiden
Date: Sundays, March 29–May 17
Time: 11–11:45 AM 
Location: Congregation Agudas Achim, 7300 Hart Lane, Austin, TX 78731
Registration and Information:  Contact Nancyellen Seiden at nseiden@austin.rr.com or call (512)735-8400

Intermediate Siddur Hebrew
Description: This class is geared toward those who are ready to progress beyond knowing Hebrew letters and vowels and to begin reading prayers. At the conclusion of the course, the student will be able to read easily from the siddur.
Date: Sundays, beginning September 14 through the end of June
Fee:  $15.
Time:  11 AM-12 PM
Location: Dell Jewish Community Campus, 7300 Hart Lane, Austin, TX 78731
Registration and Information: Contact Temple Beth Shalom at (512) 735-8900. Register online at www.bethshalomaustin.org/education/adult.asp 

Jewish Literacy
Description: This course focuses on the content and significance in the Jewish world of Torah, Tanakh, Mishna and Talmud while examining other genres of literature such as commentaries, legal codes and midrash.
Instuctor: Rabbi Alan Freedman
Date: Sundays, except the third Sunday of the month, beginning September 14 for 11 classes
Time:  10-11 AM
Fee: Free
Location: Dell Jewish Community Campus, 7300 Hart Lane, Austin, TX 78731
Registration and Information:  Contact Temple Beth Shalom at (512) 735-8900. Register online at www.bethshalomaustin.org/education/adult.asp

Learn to Lead Service I
Description: A six-week class focusing on how to lead the Mincha/Maariv services.
Opportunities to lead services after the completion of the class will be available, but not required
Dates: Sundays, October 26–December 14
Time:  11–11:45 AM
Fee: $36
Location: Congregation Agudas Achim, 7300 Hart Lane, Austin, TX 78731
Registration and Information: Contact danelle.silver@caa-austin.org or call (512) 735-8400

Learn to Lead Services II
Description:  A seven-week class focusing on how to lead a Shabbat Shacharit service.
Opportunities to lead services after the completion of the class will be available, but not required.
Dates: Sundays, January 25–March 8
Time: 11–11:45 AM
Fee: $36
Location: Congregation Agudas Achim, 7300 Hart Lane, Austin, TX 78731
Registration and Information: Contact danelle.silver@caa-austin.org or call (512) 735-8400

LIMUD: Torah Study
Description:  This is an interactive weekly Torah study prior to the start of Shabbat morning services.
Come just for the Torah study or stay for the entire service. Visitors welcome!
Instructor: Hazzan Neil Blumofe
Date: Saturdays weekly beginning November 8
Time: 8:30 AM for P'sukei D'Zimria; 8:45–9:45 AM Torah study
Fee: Free
Location: Congregation Agudas Achim, 7300 Hart Lane, Austin, TX 78731
Registration and Information:  Contact jane.weiss@caa-austin.org or call (512)735-8400

Parashat HaShavuah: Explorations in the Torah portion of the week
Description: Explorations in the Torah portion of the week. This class meets over a light breakfast following Friday morning minyan each week.
No registration required. Breakfast following complimentary (contributions welcome).
Instructor:  Hazzan Neil Blumofe
Dates: Fridays
Times:  Minyan at 7:15 AM; class 7:40–8:20 AM
Location: Congregation Agudas Achim, 7300 Hart Lane, Austin, TX 78731
Registration and Infromation: Contact Jane Weiss e-mail jane.weiss@caa-austin.org or call (512)735-8400

Sunday Torah Study
Description: Explorations in the Torah portion of the week. Members of the class will read the portion together in English, with active discussion and commentary.
No Hebrew knowledge or advance preparation is necessary. New members always welcome; bring a chumash if you have one.
Instructor: Roberta Long
Date:  Sundays
Time:  9:30–10:45 AM
Location: Congregation Agudas Achim, 7300 Hart Lane, Austin, TX 78731
Registration and Information: Contact Roberta Long at robertal@austin.rr.com or call (512) 735-8400

TAP2: Talmud
Description: An interactive study session that focuses on lessons from the Talmud
Instructor: Hazzan Neil Blumofe
Date: Thursdays beginning October 30
Fee: $5/pp/class
Time: 9:15–10:45 AM
Location: Congregation Agudas Achim, 7300 Hart Lane, Austin, TX 78731
Registration and Information: Contact danelle.silver@caa-austin.or or call (512)735-8400

Torah on Tap!
Description: Are you in your 20's and 30's? Are you looking for opportunities to learn more about Judaism while also meeting some other young adults? Come to Torah on Tap! This is an opportunity for you to join one of our clergy or Jewish educators in an informal discussion on a topic of interest at a bar or coffee shop once a month. Facilitators, locations and topics change each time so stay informed by registering on www.geshercity.org/austin!
Date: These events usually take place on a Monday or Tuesday evening
Time: Usually around 6:30 PM.
Registration and Information: For more information on Torah on Tap, Jewish life for 20's and 30's in Austin or GesherCity, e-mail dana.epstein@shalomaustin.org
or call (512) 795-9937 ext. 17

Journeying From Where We've Been: Jewish History

Florence Melton Mini-School
See our section on "Cherishing our Foundation Stones"

Weekend with Scholar-in-Residence, Reuven Firestone
Instructor: Rabbi Firestone, Professor of Medieval Judaism and Islam, Hebrew Union College, Los Angeles, CA.served for eight years as Director of HUC-JIR's Edgar F. Magnin School of Graduate Studies and the Jerome Louchheim School of Undergraduate Jewish Studies at the University of Southern California. Prior to joining the HUC-JIR faculty, he taught at Boston University and was Yad Hanadiv Research Fellow at the Hebrew University. He received a Center for Arabic Study Abroad (CASA) III research fellowship for the Spring 2006 semester for study at the American University of Cairo, funded by the Fulbright Binational Committee in Egypt and the U.S. Department of Education. His specialties are early Islam and its relationship with Jews and Judaism, scriptural interpretation of the Bible and Qur'an, and the phenomenon of holy war.
Dates: January 30-31 and February 1, 2009
Fee: $10 suggested donation at the door
Location: Congregation Beth Israel, 3901 Shoal Creek Blvd., Austin, TX 78756
Registration and Information: E-mail shodietz@yahoo.com or call CBI at (512) 454-6806


Considering What We Think and Feel: Jewish Philosophy, Ethics and Spirituality

Drugs, Sex and Integrity: What Does Judaism Say?
Description: Through interactive case studies, we will explore how Jewish sources respond to a variety of challenging issues. Based on the book entitled "Drugs, Sex and Integrity: What Does Judaism Say?" by Daniel Polish, Daniel Syme and Bernard Zlotowitz, our discussion will combine historic Jewish wisdom with modern day relevance. Recommended for parents with children ages ten and up.
Instructors:  Rabbi Bob Kirzner, Austin Jewish Academy
Date: Wednesday, December 10
Time:  7–8:30 PM
Fee: Free
Location: Austin Jewish Academy, 7300 Hart Lane, Austin, TX 78731
Registration and Information:  Contact Shira Strosberg at (512) 735-8370 or shira.strosberg@austinjewishacademy.org

"I Didn't Mean to Sound Anti-Jewish"–How and Why Sermons Go Wrong
Description: Despite increasing understanding between Church and Synagogue, anti-Jewish sermons are still being preached by well-meaning priests and pastors who would be horrified to know that they are conveying anti-Jewish message. Why does this unfortunate situation arise? What can be done to prevent it? How might better biblical literacy create good news for Christians and Jews alike?
Instructor:  Dr. Amy-Jill Levine of Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Professor of New Testament Studies, Vanderbilt University Divinity School, Department of Religious Studies and Graduate Department of Religion.
Date: Thursday, January 22, 2009
Time: 7:30-9 PM.
Fee: Free
Location: AT&T Conference Center near the UT campus
Registration and Information: Contact Lisa Goodgame at the Austin Area Council of the Anti-Defamation League at (512) 735-8012 or lgoodgame@adl.org

Scholar in Residence: Rabbi Dr. Byron Sherwin
Description: Rabbi Dr. Byron Sherwin joins us once again for a ten-day series of classes and High Holy Day service leadership. Meal Included.
Date: September 25–October 12.
Location: Congregation Agudas Achim, 7300 Hart Lane, Austin, TX 78731 
Registration and Information:  Contact Aimee Wolff at alwolff@austin.rr.com or (512) 735-8400

Scholar In Residence with Ron Wolfson
Description: Ron Wilson, PhD is the Fingerhut Professor of Education at the American Jewish University in Los Angeles where he has been a member of the faculty since 1975. He is also President of Synagogue 3000. In 1989 he helped create the Whizin Center for the Jewish Future, a think tank dedicated to envisioning the future of Jewish life. The first institute of the Whizin Center focused on Jewish family life. The second institute evolved into Synagogue 2000 (now Synagogue 3000), headed by Dr. Wolfson, to advance the synagogue in 21st century America. He is the author of "The Spirituality of Welcoming: How to Transform Your Congregation Into a Sacred Community" and "God's To-Do List: 103 Ways to Be an Angel and Do God's Work on Earth."
Date: April 3–5, 2009
Fee: $10 suggested donation at the door
Location: Congregation Beth Israel, 3901 Shoal Creek Blvd., Austin, TX 78756
Registration and Information: e-mail shodietz@yahoo.com

TAP Lunch 'n Learn: Wisdom of the Baal Shem Tov.
Description: This lecture will focus on the life, times and teachings of Rabbi Yisrael Ben Eliezer, also known as the Baal Shem Tov (1698-1760)
Instructor:  Hazzan Neil Blumofe
Date: March 25
Time: 11:30 AM–1:30 PM
Fee: $8/pp lunch
Location: Congregation Agudas Achim, 7300 Hart Lane, Austin, TX 78731
Registration and Information:  Call (512) 735-8400 or e-mail danelle.silver@caa-austin.org

Exploring How We Live: Jewish Rituals, Holidays, Lifecycles and Culture

"Beyond the Chuppah: A Jewish Guide to Happy Marriages"
Description: This marriage enrichment course offers concrete, practical help for both Jewish and interfaith couples who are dealing with all the challenges of modern marriages. It demonstrates how the traditional strengths of Jewish marriages and Jewish tradition can be reclaimed and built on, even by the most secular couples. Couples will learn how to recognize the special issues that are unique to Jewish and interfaith relationships and learn skills needed to create a marriage that is intimate, loving and fun. Based on the "Prevention and Relationship Enhancement Program" (PREP), this course will help couples create more successful and satisfying relationships using the book "Beyond the Chuppah: A Jewish Guide to Happy Marriages." 
Instructor:  Michele Chandler, LCSW
Dates/Times: six two-hour sessions. Call for dates and times of classes.
Fee: $75 
Registration: Call Jewish Family Service at (512) 250-1043 or e-mail michele.chandler@shalomaustin.org

Derekh Torah
Derekh Torah is a unique program offering participants a challenging introduction to Judaism. Those who wish to explore Judaism and define its place in their lives will find Derekh Torah especially helpful, as will those who seek a deeper connection to the Jewish heritage and those who, as teachers and parents, are called upon to transmit the meaning and content of the Jewish heritage to others. Topics will include: ethics and values, the Sabbath and holidays, prayer, customs and practices of daily life, life cycle events, the Jewish People, Israel and many other subjects. Derekh Torah is appropriate for those who are considering conversion to Judaism, those whose interest in Judaism arises in the context of a relationship, those who want to connect with their Jewish family members better, and those who wish to understand Judaism more fully while remaining within their own faith tradition. If you are considering participating in the Florence Melton Mini-School in the future, this is a perfect introductory class.
Instuctor: Rabbi Kerry Baker with other clergy as guest presenters
Dates: Sundays, starting September 7 for 13 classes.
Time: 4-5:30 PM
Fee: $150
Location: Dell Jewish Community Campus, 7300 Hart Lane, Austin, TX 78731
Registration and Information: Contact Pam Prais at (512) 735-8034

Empowering Ruth
Description: A course specifically designed for women who have recently converted to Judaism. While conversion classes most often focus on the reasoning behind celebrations and Jewish principles, there are often still questions about HOW to put the learning into practice. Empowering Ruth offers practical, hands-on learning in Jewish cooking, celebrating Shabbat and other holidays, raising Jewish children, and creating a Jewish home. It's a great way to meet other women who are Jews-by-choice. A unique opportunity to share experiences and support one another and creating a safe environment that will allow frank and open discussion and a wider ranger of topics.
Instructors: Shoshanah Dietz and Pam Prais
Dates/Time: TBD. Classes will begin this Fall twice a month for ten months
Registration and Infromation: Contact Pam Prais at (512) 735-8034 or pam.prais@shalomaustin.org

Introduction to Judiasm
Description: This is an introduction to Judaism for Jews and non-Jews. This dynamic course will introduce or refresh many areas of Judaism and Jewish life including history, holidays, life-cycle events, philosophy, theology and Israel.
Instructor: Hazzan Neil Blumofe 
Dates: Thursdays in the Fall semester, Wednesdays in the Spring: November 6, 13, 20, December: 11, 18. January: 7, 14, 21. February: 4, 11, 18. March 4, 18, 25. April: 1, 22, 29 and May: 6, 13, 20.
Time: 6–8:30 PM
Fee: $150 plus the cost of books
Location: Congregation Agudas Achim, 7300 Hart Lane, Austin, TX 78731
Registration and Information:  Call (512) 735-8400 or e-mail danelle.silver@caa-austin.org

It's Time for Bed: Jewish Bed Time Rituals
Description: Most children have a bedtime ritual: when and how they brush their teeth; when they put on their pajamas; how many books they read before the lights are turned out; who tucks them in, etc. Together, we will discover how to capitalize on our existing (or develop new) bedtime rituals for our children in order to infuse these moments with Jewish values...through stories, songs and blessings for restful sleep and a bright new day. Recommended for parents with children ages two through eight. This course is offered in partnership with the PJ Library: Jewish Bedtime Stories & Songs for Families.
Instructor: Austin Jewish Academy Lower School Faculty
Date: Monday, September 15,
Time: 7-8:30 PM
Fee: Free 
Location: Austin Jewish Academy, 7300 Hart Lane, Austin, TX 78731
Registration and Information:  Contact Shira Strosberg at (512) 735-8370 or shira.strosberg@austinjewishacademy.org 

Jewish Rituals: Why and how we "Do what we do!"
Description: Learn, experience and realize the basics of how we celebrate ritual in Holidays and Lifecycle events. Learn to create your own ritual! We will explore the history and different observances of all Jewish traditions, adding some of the music for each Holiday or Lifecycle event.
This will be a very "hands on" class! Participation and a sense of humor required!
Instructor: Congregation Shir Ami Spiritual Leader, Cantor Marie Betcher.
Dates: Saturday, Oct. 11, Sunday Oct. 26, Saturday Nov. 8, Saturday Nov. 22.
Time: 10:30 AM-Noon
Fee: $15 for materials and binder.
Registration and Infromation: Contact Dottie Elliott, Education Committee Chair at dottie@supportyou.com or Cantor Betcher at Cantoree@austin.rr.com 
or call (512) 585-2895

Mother's Circle
Description: The Mother's Circle is for non-Jewish women raising Jewish children within the context of intermarriage or a committed relationship. The program was created by the Jewish Outreach Institute. The course will teach Jewish rituals, practices, and values. It is a good opportunity to meet other women who have made similar choices for their families.
Instrcutors: Lisa Apfelberg and Lori Freedman
Dates/Time: TBD; once per week every other week for the course of eight months. We will determine the best time to meet as a group when we know exactly who will be participating and we will provide babysitting if that is necessary.
Fee:  Free. Two books are recommended to purchase.
Location: Jewish Community Association of Austin, 7300 Hart Lane, Austin, TX 78731
Registration and Information: Contact Lisa Apfelberg at lisa.apfelberg@shalomaustin.org or (512) 735-8076

TAP Lunch 'n Learn: A Fresh Approach to Your High Holy Day Menus
Description: Enjoy a hands-on cooking class that will give you fresh and healthy ideas for your holiday menus.
Date: Wednesday, September 17
Time: 11:30 AM-1:30 PM
Fee: $8/pp lunch
Location: Congregation Agudas Achim, 7300 Hart Lane, Austin, TX 78731
Registration and Information: Contact danelle.silver@caa-austin.org or call (512)735-8400

TAP Lunch 'n Learn: Kashrut at Home - Personal Journeys Panel Discussion
Description: The decision to maintain a kosher diet may not be as simple as it seems. Hear a variety of perspectives and glean some practical tips from CAA members who made the personal commitment to observe kashrut.
Instrcutor: Hazzan Neil Blumofe with additional guests.
Date: Wednesday, March 25
Time: 11:30 AM–1:30 PM
Fee: $8/pp lunch
Location: Congregation Agudas Achim, 7300 Hart Lane, Austin, TX 78731
Registration and Information:  Contact danelle.silver@caa-austin.org or call (512)735-8400

Celebrating Who We Are: Diaspora Judaism; Denominations; Ashkenazi, Sephardic and Mizrachi Jews

Israel at the Movies: "Time of Favor"
Description: Winner of six Israeli Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and highly acclaimed in its U.S. theatrical release, "Time of Favor" weaves an intricate tale of passion, loyalty and conspiracy amidst the contemporary political powder-keg and timeless austere beauty of Israel's West Bank. This movie takes place at a yeshiva in a West Bank settlement, where a love triangle involving the rabbi's daughter threatens to push one of the suitors to a violent action concerning the Temple Mount. Through a plot which narrates the making of a Jewish terrorist, this movie delves into questions of loyalty, the tension between the political and the personal and the value of an individual. With these themes, the movie explores the line between devotion and fanaticism and what could prompt someone to cross it, and the price an individual should pay for the sake of a larger group within the grand scheme of an ideological mission. "Time of Favor" raises issues of religious faith and duty to one's nation that are inextricably relevant to our lives today. Discussion facilitated by Etty Brish.
Fee: $3 pre-registration/$5 at the door
Location: 7300 Hart Lane, Austin, TX 78731
Registration: (512) 735-8062
Information: Contact Pam Prais at (512) 735-8034

Inside Interfaith Marriage: Raising a Jewish Child
Description: Are you raising children with a partner of another faith? Are you wondering how to address "religion" with your children?
Learn about a wide variety of approaches to this great challenge in this discussion-based presentation.
Instructor: Rabbi Bob Kirzner, Austin Jewish Academy. Recommended for parents with children of all ages.
Date: Tuesday, October 28
Time:  7-8:30 PM
Fee: Free
Location: Austin Jewish Academy, 7300 Hart Lane, Austin, TX 78731
Registration and Information: Contact Shira Strosberg at (512) 735-8370 or shira.strosberg@austinjewishacademy.org

TAP Lunch 'n Learn: Jewish Genealogy
Description: We all came from somewhere, but where exactly? and when? Learn about resources and techniques for finding out more about your family history.
Date: Wednesday, November 19
Time: 11:30AM-1:30 PM
Fee: $8 pp/lunch
Location: Congregation Agudas Achim, 7300 Hart Lane, Austin, TX 78731
Registration and Information:  Call (512) 735-8400 or e-mail danelle.silver@caa-austin.org

TAP Lunch 'n Learn: Connecting with Israel in the 21st Century
Description: Perspectives on making a personal connection with Israel today
Date: Wednesday, April 22
Time: 11:30 AM-1:30PM
Fee: $8 pp/lunch
Location:  Congregation Agudas Achim, 7300 Hart Lane, Austin, TX 78731 
Registration and Information:  Call (512) 735-8400 or e-mail danelle.silver@caa-austin.org

Contemplating Contemporary Issues-Politics and Current events

The "F" Word-Feminism in Jewish Contemporary Literature
Description: Until its resurrection on the recent political landscape, the "F" word-feminism-seemed like a forgotten relic of a dead language. But for Jewish women writers, many of whom were pioneers of the modern feminist movement, speaking your mind was an imperative to which they took with religious zeal. Grace Paley, Tillie Olson, Marge Piercy, Cynthia Ozick, Adrienne Rich, and current authors from Francine Prose to Allegra Goodman have never shied away from using the "F" word or demanding that women confront their own oppression from wherever it emanates. A slightly modified version of a popular feminist rallying cry might read "When Jews are oppressed, it's a tragedy. When Jewish women are oppressed, it's a tradition. Or, cause for comedy." Join writer, reviewer and social critic, Neena Husid, as she looks at the examples of the "F" word and its sinister twin, the "S" word-sexism-in the work of contemporary Jewish women writers from the Americas, Israel, Iran, India, South Africa, Europe and beyond.
Instructor: Neena Husid
Date: Thursday, September 25
Time: 6:30--8 PM
Fee:  $12
Location: Dell Jewish Community Campus, 7300 Hart Lane, Austin, TX 78731
Registration and Information:  Contact Pam Prais at (512) 735-8034

Growing Up Online: Parent Strategies for Internet Safety
Description: Jewish values emphasize a moral responsibility to protect the integrity and welfare of the community, especially the welfare of the community's most vulnerable populations. Guided by these values, it is our responsibility, as parents and teachers, to protect our children. Kids of all ages spend an increasing amount of time chatting online, posting and watching videos, making "friends," exchanging information, playing games, and so much more. How can we ensure that our children are as responsible online as they are in the real world? What steps can we put into place to better protect our family? Join us for this important discussion about online dangers and a presentation on practical parenting strategies to help children and teens learn to use the Internet safely and responsibly. Recommended for parents with children ages eight and up.
Date: Tuesday, November 18
Time:  7-8:30 PM
Fee: Free
Location: Austin Jewish Academy, 7300 Hart Lane, Austin, TX 78731
Registration and Information: Contact Shira Strosberg at (512) 735-8370 or shira.strosberg@austinjewishacademy.org

Jewish Voices/Jewish Votes: Our Politics and our Religion
Scholar-in-Residence: Rabbi David Saperstein
Description: The Midlo Family Lecture will feature Rabbi David Saperstein, who will be addressing considerations for the Jewish community in the upcoming election. He will also be answering questions and the event will be followed by an ice cream reception. Rabbi Saperstein is the Director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism in Washington, D.C. Described in a The Washington Post profile as the "quintessential religious lobbyist on Capitol Hill," he represents the national Reform Jewish Movement to Congress and the administration. He currently co-chairs the Coalition to Preserve Religious Liberty, comprised of over 50 national religious denominations and educational organizations, and serves on the boards of numerous national organizations including the NAACP and People For the American Way. In 1999, Rabbi Saperstein was elected as the first Chair of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom created by a unanimous vote of Congress.
Date: Saturday, September 13, 2008
Time:  7:30 PM
Fee: Free
Location: Dell Jewish Community Campus, Community Hall
Registration and Information:  Contact Temple Beth Shalom at (512) 735-8900. Registration is not required

Observant Judaism and Real Life
Description: An exploration of tensions between Jewish observance and real life, using examples from Israeli society, including women's increasing demands for access to Torah study and tensions between observant Jews in the military.
Instructor: Dr. Elisheva Rosman, Visiting UT Professor
Dates: Three Tuesdays: October 28, November 11, November 18
Time: 7:30 PM-9 PM.
Fee: FREE
Location: JCC, ECP Multipurpose Room
Registration and Information: Contact Temple Beth Shalom Office (512) 735-8900. Registration is not required.

Perspectives in Conservative Judaism
Instructors: Will vary by topic
Description: A four-part series that will examine current issues from a Conservative Jewish perspective. Potential topics may include: medical issues, kashrut, interfaith, and raising Jewish teens in a secular society. Instructors will vary by topic.
Date: Saturdays: March 7, April 4, May 2 and June 6
Time: 1:30–2:45 PM
Location: Congregation Agudas Achim, 7300 Hart Lane, Austin, TX 78731
Information and Registration: Contact danelle.silver@caa-austin.org or call (512)735-8400

Tapestry of Jewish Learning
Description: Tapestry celebrates seven years of excellence in Jewish education. The program features engaging courses, intriguing topics, and award-winning education. A tapestry of Jewish life-past, present, and future-unfolds during this seventh annual, Jewish adult educational experience, bringing together a dynamic and accomplished group of presenters boasting expertise in a wide range of intriguing and meaningful topics. Participants will unravel the deeper complexities of Jewish music, politics, literature, sciences, cuisine, Israel, and more in this evening of study. Enrich your understanding. Deepen your knowledge. Expand your horizons.
Instructors: Various accomplished educators, with keynote by David Klinghoffer. A senior fellow at the Discovery Institute, Klinghoffer is the author of Why the Jews Rejected Jesus: The Turning Point in Western History (2005), The Discovery of God: Abraham and the Birth of Monotheism (2003), and the spiritual memoir The Lord Will Gather Me In (1998), which was a National Jewish Book Award finalist. His articles have appeared in the New York Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times, Seattle Times, and other publications.  A former literary editor of National Review magazine, he is the 2006 First Place winner of the Rockower Award for journalism excellence.
Date:  Sunday, February 15, 2009
Time: TBD
Information:  To get involved with the planning of this award-winning event, contact Aliza Orent at aliza.orent@shalomaustin.org or (512) 735-8030

 Reviewed August 27, 2008