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Aleph Bet Hebrew IA: Beginning Hebrew
First Class Wednesday, October 29, 11:45 am – 12:45 pm

A continuation from the summer 2008 course open to new students. In this daytime class, you will acquire basic Hebrew language skills. We will begin with the alphabet, as you learn to read and write (in block and script form) all the Hebrew letters. You will build a vocabulary of 140 words frequently used in the home and synagogue. At the conclusion of this course, students will be able to produce simple sentences and read from our prayer book, Siddur Sim Shalom. This class is appropriate for beginners and for students wishing to refresh their childhood Hebrew. Previous exposure to the Hebrew alphabet will be helpful. Please make time for home study between class meetings. Contact instructor for more information. Please pre-register by Friday, October 24 by contacting the Beth David office at 408.257.3333 or . Payment should be made no later than the first class.

Prerequisites: Previous exposure to the Hebrew alphabet will be helpful.
Textbook: Ivrit Alphon (Primer). Upon completion of this text, depending upon class progress, we will begin Ivrit Shalav Alef.
Teacher: Chuck Taubman: or 408.257.3251
Time/Place: Daytime class, Wednesdays, 11:45 am–12:45 pm; nominally 12 sessions: Oct 29; Nov 5, 12, 19, 26; Dec 3, 10, 17; Jan 7, 14, 21. 28. Classes held at Congregation Beth David, room 1.
Cost: $35 members, $55 non-members

Prayer Book Hebrew IA: Beginning Hebrew
First Class Monday, October 27, 8:30 – 9:30 pm

Always wanted to read the Hebrew in the Siddur? Take this class to make it a reality and have a better understanding of the prayer services. This is an evening introductory class where you learn the letters and vowels and acquire a vocabulary of about 140 words. You will practice reading simple words and sentences, with emphasis on prayer book Hebrew. Please pre-register by Wednesday, October 22 by contacting the Beth David office at 408.257.3333 or . Payment should be made no later than the first class.

Prerequisites: This class has no prerequisites; it is appropriate for beginners and for students wishing to refresh their childhood Hebrew.
Textbook: Learn Hebrew Today: Alef-Bet for Adults by Howard I. Bogot
Teacher: Monique Alexander
Time/Place: Evening class, Mondays, 8:30–9:30 pm; nominally 12 classes: Oct 27; Nov 3, 10, 17, 24; Dec 1, 8, 15; Jan 5, 12, 19. 26. Classes held at Congregation Beth David, room 1.
Cost: $35 members, $55 non-members

Modern Hebrew IIA
First Class Wednesday, October 29, 10:00 – 11:30 am

An ongoing course open to new students with prerequisite background. This daytime course is designed for those who wish to improve their Hebrew skills and increase their comfort level in reading, vocalizing, and understanding general Hebrew texts as well as Hebrew prayers. You will expand your Hebrew vocabulary and understanding of Hebrew grammar. We will emphasize reading comprehension, not conversational skills.  Participants should make time for home study between class meetings. Contact instructor for more information. Please pre-register by Friday, October 24 by contacting the Beth David office at 408.257.3333 or . Payment should be made no later than the first class.

Prerequisites: Knowledge of basic Hebrew grammar and ability to read, pronounce, and (with the aid of a Hebrew/English dictionary) translate simple Hebrew stories.
Textbook: Ivrit Shalav Bet (plus supplemental material provided by the instructor).
Teacher: Chuck Taubman: or 408.257.3251
Time/Place: Daytime class, Wednesdays, 10:00–11:30 am; nominally 12 sessions: Oct 29; Nov 5, 12, 19, 26; Dec 3, 10, 17; Jan 7, 14, 21. 28. Classes held at Congregation Beth David, room 1.
Cost: $35 members, $55 non-members

Prayer Book Hebrew IIA
First Class Monday, October 27, 7:30 – 8:30 pm

This evening course is a continuation from Prayer Book Hebrew I. It is a continued study of words and simple sentences, with a greater focus upon the Siddur, its structure, the prayers, and some insights into their origins. Please pre-register by Wednesday, October 22 by contacting the Beth David office at 408.257.3333 or . Payment should be made no later than the first class.

Prerequisites: Prayer Book Hebrew I or equivalent knowledge of Hebrew.
Textbook: Prayerbook Hebrew for Adults by Nina Beth Cardin
Teacher: Monique Alexander
Time/Place: Evening class, Mondays, 7:30–8:30 pm; nominally 12 classes: Oct 27; Nov 3, 10, 17, 24; Dec 1, 8, 15; Jan 5, 12, 19. 26. Classes held at Congregation Beth David, room 1.
Cost: $35 members, $55 non-members

Introduction to Judaism

Informational Meeting:
Tuesday, October 28, 7:30 pm
Held at Congregation Sinai (1532 Willowbrae Ave., San Jose, 95125)  

First Class:
Tuesday, November 4, 7:30 pm
A lively, interactive course of basic Jewish beliefs and practices.  This course is a prerequisite for conversion to Judaism, but it is also intended for Jews who would like to learn more, or refresh their knowledge, about the basic principles of Judaism and its practices. Interfaith couples who wish to explore and define Judaism’s place in their lives are also welcome. Topics include Jewish history, bible, Talmud, ethics, worship, holidays and life cycle ceremonies. For more information contact Barbara Biran at 408.366.9106 or .

Textbook: Handouts provided
Teachers: Rabbi Daniel Pressman, Congregation Beth David, & Rabbi Joshua Berkenwald, Congregation Sinai
Time/Place: Evening class, Tuesdays, 7:30–9:30 pm; nominally 16 sessions through approx. March 3. Classes held at Congregation Sinai.
Cost: $50, $75 for couples (members); $70, $95 for couples (non-members). Students will also be asked to purchase the required books.

Talmud Study with Rabbi Pressman
First Fall Class Friday, October 24, 8:30 am

“That book of gems, that book of gold... Of wonders many and manifold.” – Robert Louis Stevenson

Come explore the “Sea of the Talmud” with us. Study Tractate Berachot, which deals with prayers, ritual, spirituality, theology, and leads to lively side discussions on more general Jewish practices and ethics. You can join this ongoing class and get up to speed in studying the source text of Judaism. Newcomers are not only welcomed, they are nurtured!

Textbook: Handouts provided
Teacher: Rabbi Pressman
Time: Fridays, 8:30–9:30 am. First fall class on Oct 24.
Cost: Free

The Human Face of God and the Divine Face of the Human
First Class Monday, October 27, 7:30 pm

Struggling with belief in God? Though it might seem that faith is a matter of finding the right intellectual formulation, some modern thinkers, drawing on classical texts, point us in a different direction – that of relationships. In this class we will consider readings from Heschel, Buber, Levinas and others in seeking a concept of God that is both intellectually and emotionally satisfying.

Textbook: Handouts provided
Teacher: Rabbi Daniel Pressman
Time/Place: Evening class, Mondays, 7:30–8:30 pm; nominally 12 sessions: Oct 27; Nov 3, 10, 17, 24; Dec 1, 8, 15; Jan 5, 12, 19. 26. Classes held at Congregation Beth David, room MPR-D.
Cost: $35 members, $55 non-members

21st Century Judaism
First Class Thursday, October 23, 8:00 pm

What is the role of the Synagogue and Rabbi in 21st Century Judaism and how has this role changed over the years? “Orthodox, Reform, Conservative, Reconstructionist — does it matter anymore? How will we approach the Holocaust as our survivor community becomes smaller and the distance between “then” and “now” becomes greater? What does it mean to be Pluralistic in America? What does Jewish “spirituality” mean as we continue moving forward into the 21st Century? These are just some questions that we will explore together as we join in a conversation started by five major contemporary Jewish thinkers in the recently published book entitled: “Jews and Judaism in the 21st Century”. Join us as we add our voices to their conversation and attempt to discover our individual and collective role in 21st Century Judaism.

Textbook: Handouts provided
Teacher: Rabbi Aaron Schonbrun
Time/Place: Evening class, Thursdays, 8:00–9:00 pm; nominally 10 sessions: Oct 23; Nov 6, 13; Dec 4; Jan 8, 15, 22, 29; Feb 5, 12. Classes held at Congregation Beth David, room MPR-A & B.
Cost: $35 members, $55 non-members

Adult B’nai Mitzvah Class
(Continuation class – NOT open to new students)

This Adult B’nai Mitzvah class is a continuation of the class which began in February 2008. It continues through December 2009 culminating in a B’nai Mitzvah ceremony on December 5, 2009. The course includes instruction in Torah and Haftarah Reading, the liturgy of the Shabbat morning service, as well as a deep look at the idea of mitzvah and the meaning of prayer. The ability to read Hebrew is a prerequisite.

Textbook: Continuation class
Teachers: Rabbi Daniel Pressman and Barbara Biran
Time/Place: Evening class, Mondays, 7:30–9:30 pm; nominally 12 sessions: Oct 27; Nov 3, 10, 17, 24; Dec 1, 8, 15; Jan 5, 12, 19. 28. Classes are held at Congregation Beth David in the library.
Cost: Continuation class