JEWISH DISCOVERY LAUNCHES
“BIRTH” SERIES
Since its first appearance in a blaze of Divine revelation on Mount Sinai over 3,300 years ago, the Bible [Torah] and its teachings have provoked inspired inquiry to discover its infinitely-layered designs and meanings. In every generation, scholars and laypeople alike have examined the weekly Torah portion for guidance and direction in every dimension of life - from the spiritual to the political, from the personal to the universal.
Individuals in the local Jewish community will now have a chance to join the ranks of those enriched by this wisdom.
The Jewish Discovery Center is offering the opportunity for people of all walks of life to tap the powerful teachings and insights of the Biblical book of Exodus - Shemot, in Hebrew. The series, entitled “Birth: The Exodus Series,” covers the story of the Israelites’ forty-year journey to the Holy Land: From slavery in Egypt and miraculous escape to receiving the Torah at Sinai and the episode of the golden calf; restoring their relationship with G‑d to building the Tabernacle as a dwelling for the divine. In ten weekly classes, the Exodus Series extracts essential lessons that will change the way attendees look at leadership, liberty, livelihood, law, giving and personal growth.
“The Five Books of Moses - the Torah - is quite simply the most widely-read, most influential literary work in all of human history,” asserts Rabbi Yosef Y. Kalmanson, Executive Director of The Jewish Discovery Center. “Literally, the word "Torah" means "instruction"; etymologically, it is also related to the Hebrew word for "light"- for its essential purpose is to guide us and illuminate the world we live in and the lives we lead.”
Designed and developed by the world-renowned Jewish Learning Institute, the Torah Studies program conveys the tradition of classical Jewish learning in a series of clear and engaging weekly classes. Probing the ideas and issues presented in each week's Torah portion, the Torah Studies program offers timely lessons for living - from the most timeless of texts. “Birth, The Exodus Series,” is the second in a series of weekly parsha classes in the Mason area, taught by Rabbi Yosef Kalmanson who is known for his lucid, interactive and fun teaching style.
Presented by The Jewish Discovery Center, this class series is part of a revolutionary concept in Jewish adult education geared for Jews of all backgrounds seeking a deeper understanding and appreciation of Jewish thought, heritage and tradition.
“Many people know the basics of a biblical story and want to become more aware of deep and philosophical messages that are hidden within them,” said Kalmanson. “Whatever your background, whatever your interest … the Torah Studies program will surprise and delight you with weekly revelations on the issues most relevant to modern life,” he added.
The Torah Studies program offers a thorough curriculum each week with selected readings, diagrams, creative exercises, power point presentations, and specially designed student workbooks. Classes will integrate basic Judaism, Jewish history, Jewish mysticism, and the Jewish calendar, practices and ideas through the study of primary sources, commentaries, and group discussion. Kabbalistic tools help students understand these great narratives on a deeper level, which reveals a fresh perspective for inner growth, interpersonal relations and an inspired vision for the global future. These and other items will enable students to engage in research, discussion, and critical analysis.
“Birth” will be offered Tuesday evenings, 7:30 – 9:00 pm, at the new Jewish Discovery Center facility in Mason, beginning January 9. Each class is an self-contained presentation and the fee is $7 per class or $54 for the complete 10 week series (includes student textbooks). To attend, reserve online at the Jewish Discovery Center website, www.JDiscovery.com, or by phone at (513) 531.DISCOVER.
The Jewish Discovery Center (www.JDiscovery.com) is the center for the entire Jewish community in the Northern corridor and offers numerous classes and educational opportunities to study more about Judaism and its relevance to the post-modern Jew. They also maintain an online library with numerous interactive resources available on their website, www.JDiscovery.comor by calling The Jewish Discovery Center, 531.DISCOVER (531.3472).
