Adult Jewish Education at the Jewish Community Centre (AJE@JCC) is a program of interactive, seminar-style Adult Jewish learning. Topics include the full range of Jewish experience: belief, philosophy, arts, culture, history, Israel, and the interface between Judaism and the rest of the world. The courses are pluralistic in nature and provide a comfortable and stimulating environment for Jews from all different backgrounds.
Some of my Best Friends are Jewish – Facilitator: Sonia Halpern
Wednesday mornings, January 9 - 30, 9:30 – 11:00 am / 4 weeks / $85 per student
This course will examine the significant roles that Jewish individuals played in the art production of renowned non-Jewish artists in history. Classes will examine selected artist/model relationships in which Jewish figures are key subjects in paintings and photography. The course will also explore the more personal relationships between Jews and non-Jewish artists. These pairings will reveal the instrumental ways that Jews contributed to the artworld in a capacity other than as artists themselves.
How Rabbinic Judaism Came to Be – Facilitator: Art Benjamin
Tuesday mornings, February 5 – March 12, 9:30 – 11:00 am / 6 weeks / $109 per student
The majority of both Jews and non-Jews believe that today's Judaism is based directly on the Jewish Bible. Not so. Although the Bible is incredibly important, modern Judaism ― its system of worship, rules for everyday living, and unique customs ― was created by our Rabbis long after the Biblical period. This course will use a variety of texts (in English) to explore questions such as: How do Biblical and Rabbinic Judaism differ? How, when, and why did the transition from one to the other occur? Who were the key figures? How does this transformation affect us today, and where might Judaism be headed in the future?
Israeli Art: In Search of Identity – Facilitator: Erica Reshef
Tuesday mornings, April 23 – May 14, 9:30 – 11:00 am / 4 weeks / $85 per student
From the beginning of the 20th century Visual Arts have been an integral part of Israeli society, a necessity rather then a luxury. Visual artists have struggled to define their art as something uniquely Israeli, different from "Jewish" art. This course will explore several different facets of the dynamic, vital Israeli art scene: the Romantic Era of the late 19th century to 1948; the fusion of Western art with Middle Eastern influences; the role of public art, sculpture, and photography in Israel; and Israeli artists who have received international recognition.
To fill out an application form or read about all of our upcoming seminars, please see the PDF.
