Lifelong Learning

Every time we say the Sh’ma, at the central moment of the service, we have prayers just before and just after that speak of the value of learning. Before the Sh’ma is the Ahava Raba in the morning, and the Ahavat Olam in the evening, both of which describe how God manifests love for us through the gift of Torah (which in this case means teaching writ large). And after the Sh’ma we continue with the V’ahavta which reminds us of all the ways that we express our love for God by repeating the words of Torah twice daily, everywhere we go and in every place we enter.

Every time we study a text, hear a lecture, watch a movie, discuss or share an idea, listen to a sermon, react to a lesson, or especially ask a question we are engaged in the business of learning: la-asok b’divrei Torah. This institution and our Lifelong Learning program exist to provide as many opportunities as possible for people to engage in that business.

Just as the liturgy shows us loving is a two-way street (God loves us, and we have to love God back), so too is learning in community a two-way street. We can provide as many opportunities as possible, but you have to take us up on the offer. So please, put aside whatever may be obstructing your path to learning and sign up. Whether it is a busy schedule, a feeling of inferiority, a sense of confusion about where to start, or a concern about being lonely or left out, we can do our best address any of these things. But you have to take the first step.

If you do not know where to begin, contact ShowClick Here to View Contact Information, ShowClick Here to View Contact Information, ShowClick Here to View Contact Information, or any member of the staff, and tell us and we will help you find your way to a life enriched by the power of Torah. Join us and enjoy the fruits of learning.

It is a tree of life to them that hold fast to it, and all its supporters are happy.

Torah Service, adapted from Proverbs 3:18

Catalog of Courses

Mussar: Jewish Values in Practice

with Cantor Caro

Wednesdays, beginning September 4

8:45 am

A weekly discovery of our personal spiritual nature, using texts, music,and personal spiritual practices based in the Jewish tradition of Mussar. No prior experience or attendance necessary from week to week. Come only with a desire to grow.

Adult Hebrew

At NVHC, we have a robust Hebrew program for adults featuring a variety of classes to satisfy a wide range of interests and skill levels. Our classes are open to anyone interested in learning Hebrew or continuing their Hebrew studies. Members, non-members, Jews, and non-Jews are welcome! Whether you have no previous exposure to Hebrew, want to feel more comfortable with Hebrew during services, become adept at Biblical translation, or learn to speak conversational Hebrew: we have a class for you! If you need help selecting the right class, please contact the Lifelong Learning Chair. If you can’t find a class that fits your needs, please let us know — we will form new classes if we have a minimum of 5 students.

Beginning Hebrew

with Yehudit Shem-Tov
Wednesdays starting June 3 for 10 weeks
5:30-6:30 pm
$110 for members, $154 for non-members

Prerequisites: None.

Registration is required. Minimum 5 students.

Learn to read Hebrew – no previous experience required. This class introduces the student to Hebrew letters and vowels, and broadens the student’s understanding of the use of Hebrew in Jewish life, ritual, study, and tradition. This course provides a foundation for the rest of our Hebrew classes.

Text: Aleph Isn’t Tough

Intermediate Beginner Hebrew

with Yehudit Shem-Tov
Wednesdays, in progress – join at any time! – through July 8
6:30-7:30pm
$110 for members, $154 for non-members

Prerequisites: Beginning Hebrew 2 or equivalent. Ability to read and speak basic Hebrew vocabulary.

Registration is required. Minimum 5 students.

In this class, we will continue to build upon Aleph Isn’t Tough, increasing our biblical and modern Hebrew vocabulary and grammar. We will continue to rely upon the root system and recognize other words accordingly. Students will work on increasing their reading proficiency, comprehension, and learn about Jewish and Israeli culture and holidays. We also learn basic Hebrew conversation.

Text: Aleph Isn’t Enough and a booklet, Hebrew Primer.

Prayer Hebrew 2

with Elizabeth Lacher
Tuesdays, 12 weeks, beginning June 2
7:00-8:00pm
$135 for members, $185 for non-members

Prerequisites: Prayer Hebrew 1 or equivalent.

Registration is required. Minimum 3 students.

Build on basic reading skills, expand vocabulary, and introduce Hebrew grammar concepts. This class would be appropriate for those who know how to read Hebrew phonetically and wish to increase prayer fluency and comprehension. This class is a foundational for Biblical Hebrew.

Text: Aleph Isn’t Enough. We also recommend students have a copy of Mishkan Tefillah, if you don’t already. We suggest the Shabbat edition, with no-transiliteration. Students can also access the on-line version  of Mishkan Tefillah here.

Advanced Biblical Hebrew

with Elizabeth Lacher
Thursdays, in progress – join at any time! – through August 27
7:00-8:00pm
$145 for members, $195 for non-members

Registration is required. Minimum 3 students.

Prerequisites: Biblical Hebrew 3 or equivalent.

Learn to translate Torah from Hebrew. Students should have previous exposure to Hebrew vocabulary and grammar, and should be familiar with Pa’al, Piel, and Hifil verb forms. We will explore the nifal and hitpael verb forms.

Text: The First Hebrew Primer. Students are also encouraged to have a copy of the Torah Commentary or the JPS Hebrew-English Tanakh.

Fees & Registration

Many of our Lifelong Learning programs are free and require no registration. Any applicable fees for members and non-members are indicated in the program description. For programs that require registration we ask that you register early; we will cancel classes with insufficient enrollment.

Lifelong Learning at NVHC is supported by donations to the Seldon and Ruth Kruger Fund for Adult Learning and registration fees. Your continued donations to the Seldon and Ruth Kruger Fund for Adult Learning are appreciated.

REGISTER FOR CLASSES

Participation Open to ALL

All of our Lifelong Learning programs are open to anyone who is interested. We strive to offer a variety of learning experiences which will meet the needs and interests of our members. All programs are free for students registered in our Tamid program.

Questions – Contact Ellen Rugel – ShowClick Here to View Contact Information