Continuing Jewish Education

Jewish tradition holds that learning is a lifelong journey from which none is exempt. Through stimulating the mind, we strengthen our abilities to find meaning in life and, perhaps, answers to the challenging questions that face us everyday. B'nai Israel Jewish Center offers opportunities for study.

Shabbat Services
Each week, during services on Shabbat morning, the Torah portion of the week is addressed as a resource for inspiration and direction. Throughout the generations, the annual cycle of the Torah reading has been a primary source of Jewish learning. The service begins at 9:45 a.m. The Torah service begins at 10:30 a.m. and the study discussion begins at 11:30 a.m.

Ein Yaakov
Ein Yaakov, studied in translation, is a collection of Rabbinical teachings from the Talmud that focuses on moral, ethical, and spiritual matters. Participants are invited on an ongoing basis, as each session is a self-contained learning unit. The group meets on Sunday mornings from 9:45 - 11:00 a.m. No previous experience necessary!! Please consult the weekly announcements to confirm the class session. The group meets on most Sundays.

Wednesday Evening Courses
Let's Talk About It.... - This past Yom Kippur I spoke to the community about a subject that is very difficult to talk about for most of us. During the Yizkor service when we were remembering our loved ones, I noted that all of us meet that same end some day. I indicated how important it is for us to be able to prepare our families and ourselves for that time.

As I stated then, I will be conducting a five-session course that, I hope, will provide a forum for us to open up the conversation.

The sessions will take place on Wednesday beginning with January 11, 2012 at 7 p.m.

During the first session, I will review Jewish teachings and wisdom about death and dying.

On Wednesday, January 18, Bill Fishman, a local attorney who specializes in estate planning, will join me to address issues of planning and, in particular, aspects of preparing advance directives to tell our families and medical caregivers what we want when those treatment decisions have to be made.

On Wednesday, January 25, the staff of Parent-Sorenson Mortuary will join me in a discussion of Jewish funeral practices and decisions that have to be made.

On Wednesday, February 1, Alissa Hirschdfeld-Flores, M.F.T. and certified spiritual director, who has been teaching a spiritual direction course at BIJC, will join me in discussing the emotional and spiritual aspects of death and dying. Her approach is enhanced by her twelve years of work with Hospice.

On Wednesday, February 8, Paula Taubman, executive director of the Northern California chapter of Compassion and Choices, will join me in working on how to have conversations about this difficult subject.

I think these matters are important for all of us; it is not an issue only for the seniors of the community. For those with young children, planning and being able to think about this subject is part of making sure our families are secure.

In order to anticipate the attendance, would you please let me know if plan to attend one or some of the sessions. You are welcome, even if you do not let me know!!

I can be reached at 707-765-2937 or rabbi@bnaiisrael.net

Individual Study and Direction
Rabbi Feldman is also available to set up individual courses of study, including for those interested in exploring basic Judaism.

You may reach Rabbi Feldman at 707-765-2937 or rabbi@bnaiisrael.net