Temple Beth IsraelTemple Beth Israel

Progressive Judaism Victoria 

Annual Leo Baeck Memorial Lecture
Sir Zelman Cowen, My Mentor-His Life and Times
Sunday 25 March, 7:30 pm
With: Josh Frydenberg, Federal Parliamentarian and Local MP
Where: LBC
Cost: Gold coin donation
Info: 9819 7160

ONGOING OPPORTUNITIES

Introduction to Judaism
Every Tuesday evening, 7:30pm
Intakes in Feb and July
A two-semester course for those seriously interested in confirming their place among the Jewish people with a foundation level course of study covering Jewish source literature, history, customs and how to pursue a Jewish lifestyle. For those studying with a view to becoming Jewish by choice, the level of instruction is aimed at students with little or no formal learning in Jewish tradition. Individuals and partnered couples make for a mixed and interesting group. Enrolment by interview with a Rabbi only.
With: PJV Rabbis
Where: TBI
Cost: $470 per semester (No one is turned away because of financial need.)
Info: ECPS 9563 9208; LBC 9819 7160; TBI 9510 1488

Al Regel Achat (On One Foot)
First Saturday of each month, 9:00 am
Adult learning program, exploring special topics of interest, concluding with question time over coffee/tea.
With: Rabbi Gersh Lazarow
Where: Etz Chayim
Cost: None
Info: 9563 9208

Shabbat Study Group
Saturday mornings, 9:00 am
Our informal study and discussion group has been run for many years.
You are welcome to join in occasionally or regularly. No knowledge of Hebrew is required. There are different topics each week.
With: Congregation members
Where: LBC
Cost: None
Info: Alison Harcourt (9853 3162)

Kedem's 4th Shabbotot - Service for the Soul
Saturday February 25 and March 25,10 am
Meditative, calming Shabbat services with Kiddush
Where: Private home
Cost: None
Info: 9822 5802

Kedem's 5th Shabbatot
31 March, Shiurim and light lunch, 10:00 am
With: Rabbi Fred Morgan
Where: Private home
Cost: None
Info: 9822 5802

Israel Awareness at LBC
Tuesday 31 January, 7:30 pm
Gusti Yehoshua-Braverman, WZO Co-Chair, Department for Diaspora Activities, will answer "Questions from the Diaspora"
With: Gusti Yehoshua-Braverman
Where: LBC
Cost: None
Info: (and to join our email list for events related to Israel) 9819 7160

Parashat Hashavua        

Tuesdays, 7:30-9:00 pm, starting 31 January

Exploring the Parasha of the week. All welcome.
With: Rabbis Fred Morgan and Kim Ettlinger and guest presenters
Where: Friedlander Bet Midrash at TBI
Cost: None
Info: 9510 1488

Omek - Learning for Gen Y
A group of young adults get together to learn in chevruta.
Cost: none
Info: Beck 0433 955 5603

‘Beyachad' Singing for Fun!
First and Third Thursdays of the month
8:00 -9:30 pm
‘Beyachad' (Together) is for people who like to sing and want to learn a range of ‘world music', especially Yiddish, Hebrew and Ladino songs. We are skillfully taught by Sarah Mandie - vocalist with Spiel Azoi and Soleluna, who has introduced singing in parts and in rounds to our ‘repertoire'. While we're steadily improving, we get together mainly because it's fun.
With: Sarah Mandie and a friendly group of singers
Where: Private home in Kew
Cost: $15/$10 concession per session
Info: Julie Contole 9853 2057 or 0417 397 050

Meditation with Nishmat Col Chai: Jewish Renewal
Sundays, 12 February, 18 March 7:30 - 9:00 pm
A quiet opportunity to meditate and reflect on an eclectic range of styles of Jewish meditation, including chants and discussion. All are welcome, whether experienced in meditation or not.
With: Various facilitators
Where: LBC
Costs: Gold coin donation
Info: Helen Wolfram (helenwolfram@live.com.au)

LBC Women
Fourth Monday of the month, 7:30 - 9:30 pm
These monthly meetings are always stimulating, both due to the range of topics covered as well as the lively discussion they promote.
Where: Held in a variety of private homes, the group welcomes newcomers.
Cost: None
Info: Marilyn on 9882 5400 / m_mandie@bigpond.net.au

The Network Luncheon
Third Tuesday of the month, 12:00 noon
A monthly educational and social opportunity for senior members, including a catered luncheon.
With: Various speakers
Where: Etz Chayim
Cost: $6, including lunch
Info: 9563 9208

Jewish Cooking Around the World
Mondays, 7:00 - 9:00 pm
Sundays, 10:30 am-12:30 pm
These classes will explore different recipes from both the Ashkenazi and Sephardic traditions. The format is part demonstration, part hands-on and the classes are appropriate for all skill levels. Each class will run for approximately two hours and will conclude with a shared meal. Here's your chance to learn something about your heritage or just to try something delicious. Places are limited.
With: Several visiting experts
Where: Etz Chayim
Cost: $15 to cover ingredients
Info: 9563 9208, bookings essential

Israeli Dancing
Tuesday mornings, 9:30 am (beginners) and 10:30 am (intermediate)
Get fit while learning to dance. No partners or experience necessary.
Fun for all ages.
With: Shari Rose
Where: LBC
Cost: $5
Info: 9819 7160

Rosh Chodesh
22 February, 25 March, 22 April 7:30 pm
Each month the women of PJV are invited to come together and rejoice in the new month with sacred learning, in-depth conversation and, of course, a little nosh.
With: Rabbi Kim Ettlinger
Where: Private home
Cost: none
Info: 9510 1488

Men's Group
Third Sunday of the month 8 pm
Running for nearly 20 years, the men's group does not limit its study to texts of Torah. They also tackle issues such as the continuity of the Jewish community in Australia and Israel.
With: Albert Bentata
Where: In private homes
Cost: none
Info: 9510 1488

SHORT COURSES

Limmud on Sunday
5, 12, 26 February, 4 March
10:30 am-12:00 noon
Four Unorthodox Lectures on Jewish History
A brief journey through Jewish history, looking at key moment in the history of our people through progressive eyes.
With: Rabbi John Levi
Where: TBI
Cost: Free for TBI members, $5 donation for non-members. Includes bagels and dips from 10 am.
Info: 9510 1488

Limmud on Sunday
18 and 25 March, 10:30 am
Baruch Spinoza: Apostate Jew or Progressive Jew?
Baruch Spinoza is one of the most puzzling and divisive philosophers of the modern era. He rejected the Jewish religion and was banished from his community, and yet devoted himself to arguing for religious tolerance. In these lectures we will discuss Spinoza's historical context and the central themes of his philosophy.
With: Dr Colin Marshall, Univ of Melbourne
Where: TBI
Cost: Free for TBI members, $5 donation for non-members
Info: 9510 1488

HEBREW LANGUAGE STUDIES

Aleph Isn't Tough
10 Thursdays beginning 1 February 7:30-8:30 pm
Beginners' course in Hebrew. Learn to recognise all the letters and have a basic understanding of Hebrew word structures and an elementary vocabulary of key prayer terms.
With: Karen Rosauer
Where: TBI Magid Resource Centre
Cost: Please contact TBI office
Info: 9510 1488

Aleph Isn't Enough
10 Thursdays beginning 1 February 7:30-8:30 pm
Deepening your understanding of the Hebrew language.
With: Albert Bentata
Where: TBI Magid Resource Centre
Cost: Please contact TBI office
Info: 9510 1488

Bet is for B'reshit
For those who have mastered the Hebrew alphabet and feel comfortable with the words in the siddur. To extend your knowledge of Hebrew, we will continue to focus on roots of words, as well as grammar; and introduce a little colloquial modern Hebrew.
With: Albert Bentata
Where: TBI Magid Resource Centre
Cost: Please contact TBI office
Info: 9510 1488