Classes and Learning
ASBI Torah Study Institute
SUMMER 2008 (JULY 1 - AUGUST 10)

The Louis A. Lerner Institute of Torah Texts sponsors all Torah text classes at Anshe Sholom. Please join our email list to receive the latest news on last minute changes.

TANACH (BIBLE)

Hassidic Dimensions in the Parsha
Rabbi Dr. Julian Ungar
7:00-8:00 PM on Sundays July 6-August 10
Using the weekly parsha as our text archive, we will explore ways in which we might improve the complexity of our reading practice. This may affect our relationship with the simple versus mystical meaning underlying the narrative. How can such readings affect our daily lives and help us make sense of the crises we face in our inner lives?

MetroKlub Parsha
Rabbi Asher Lopatin
12:10 PM on Wednesdays July 2, 9, 16
At MetroKlub, 733 W. Madison St.
Parsha goes better with a burger or a salad and soup.

The Book of Ezra: A New Beginning
Rabbi Asher Lopatin
7:00-8:00 PM on Wednesdays July 2, 9, 16
Oy!  The Babylonians destroyed the Temple , Jews are exiled to Babylonia and Egypt , and things look terrible!  Well, read about a new beginning: The Book of Ezra is about the reawakening of the Jewish people to return to their Land of Israel .  We’ll read about heroes such as Cyrus the Great, Zrubavel, and, of course, the great scribe Ezra.  Things are not always easy, but there is never a dull moment in rebuilding the Homeland.

Argo Parsha
Rabbi Asher Lopatin / Rachel Kohl Finegold
(alternating weeks)
9:30-10:30 AM on Thursdays, Ongoing
Enjoy an iced tea and a lively Parsha conversation! Each class session stands on its own, so feel free to drop in whenever you are available. Class takes place at Argo Tea, 3135 N Broadway, usually up the steps in the lofted seating area.

Behind the Veil: A Mystical Glimpse into the Torah Portion
Rabbi Yehoshua Karsh
8:00-9:00 PM on Thursdays, Ongoing
Note: Class will not meet June 26, August 14, 21
Each week, explore a theme developed out of the weekly Torah portion.  The classes are mystical, psychological, and experiential.  No particular background is required, just curiosity and a sense of humor.

Peer-led Parsha Discussion Group
Shabbat afternoons, two hours before the Rabbi’s class.
Join a group of friendly and motivated ASBI members to discuss the weekly parsha, the daf yomi, Pirkei Avot (Ethics of the Fathers) and other exciting topics.

Trei Asar (The Twelve Prophets)
With Rabbi Asher Lopatin
Immediately after Shacharit ( 7:45-8:15 AM ) on Sunday-Friday mornings Join the Minyannaires for bagels & cream cheese, and a lively in-depth discussion of the text and its timeless message.

TALMUD AND HALACHA

Lifeboat Ethics
Rachel Kohl Finegold
7:00-8:00 PM * on Mondays July 7, 14 , 28, August 4
A look at life in extreme situations helps define our fundamental values. What does Jewish Law dictate when the stakes are high? We will examine Talmudic, Medieval and modern discussions surrounding a person trapped under a building, two people in the desert with only enough water for one, and physician-assisted suicide.

Intermediate Talmud
Rabbi Asher Lopatin
8:30-9:00 AM on Shabbat, Ongoing
Get your Shabbat morning off to a good start! For those who have some limited exposure to Talmud, here is a chance to continue to develop your skills. We will study the tractate of Kiddushin.

Advanced Talmud
Rabbi Asher Lopatin
10:00-11:00 AM on Sundays June 29, July 6, 20
Study Talmud Tractate Brachot with the commentaries of the Rishonim. This class assumes some familiarity with Talmud, and will give you the opportunity to explore the Rabbinic debates with later interpretations. If you are not sure whether or not you’re “advanced” enough, give it a try!

JOIN US FOR MINCHA! We have scheduled most of our evening classes to end at 8:00PM , just around Mincha time! If you can stay after class, please join us in the Beit Midrash for Mincha and Maariv services.