ICE - Temple Isaiah

ISAIAH
CONTINUING
ENRICHMENT

ISAIAH
CONTINUING
ENRICHMENT
This year we are offering more opportunities
for lifelong learning than ever before.
• Bedazzle your life with ICE: Isaiah
Continuing Enrichment.
• Learn with prominent Jewish teachers
and leaders of the Los Angeles and
worldwide community.
• Engage in everything from Torah
Study to Jewish Cooking, Zumba
and Ballroom Dancing.

Your journey begins…
ICE: ISAIAH CONTINUING ENRICHMENT
ICE is a dynamic program of lifelong learning
and enrichment.
ICE Evenings will meet on the third Wednesday of
each month from 5:30 – 9:00 pm.
ICE Days (sponsored by Isaiah Women) will meet
on the first Tuesday of each month from
10:30 am – 3:00 pm.
You are welcome to participate in all or any part of each day.
We also continue to offer Torah Study and various
year-round courses (pages 20-21). Step inside!
ICE Evenings (pages 2 – 15)
Isaiah members: $18 per dinner, classes free
Non Isaiah members: $36 per evening, all or part
ICE Days (pages 16 – 19)
Isaiah members: $18 for the entire year
Non Isaiah members: $10 per day
Thank you to those who have generously
helped to underwrite this program:
Honey and George De Roy
Joan and Ephraim Sales
Joanne Van Emburgh and Sam Surloff
Eva Vollmer
Ann and Bill Warnick
Isaiah Women
1

ICE Evenings: November
November 16
Participate in all or part of the evening.
Sign up at www.templeisaiah.com/lifelong-learning or by calling the Temple Office.
5:30 – 7:25 “Shabbat Around the World” Tamar Andrews
Learn about the sumptuous Sabbaths celebrated around the world while
cooking with Chef Tamar. The food we prepare will be served to the
community at our 7:30 dinner.
6:00 – 7:25 V’Taheir Libeinu: Exploring the Life Journey
Cantor Evan Kent and Jean Abarbanel
Third Wednesday of each month, starting Nov. 16 (year-long)
Each of us is on our own life’s journey traveling different paths. Jewish
tradition provides many ways for better understanding these personal
passages. In this year-long course co-taught by Evan Kent and Jean
Abarbanel, we will study stories and parables from the Chassidic masters, experience the
meditative qualities of niggunim (songs without words) and spend time journaling our
thoughts and reflections. V’taheir libeinu means ‘purify our hearts’. Through study, prayer
and song we endeavor to explore the deepest yearnings of our souls and to open our hearts to
the great realm of personal possibility.
6:30 – 7:25
“Israel in the Prayerbook, Israel in the World” Rabbi Richard Levy
Rabbi Richard Levy, Director of Spiritual Growth at Hebrew Union College
and architect of the Statement of Principles for Reform Judaism, will lead a
discussion about Israel themes found in our siddur and how they are
in concert or contrast with the modern state.
“Circumcision: The Uncut Story” Charles Lynn Batten
Explore the practice of circumcision from the ancient Middle East to the
San Francisco Bay. Learn circumcision’s mythic bases, its significance in
Jewish identity, and the failed attempt to put it on the ballot in our sister
city up north. Charles Lynn Batten is professor emeritus of English at UCLA.
2

“Moving Torah: Seventh Inning Stretches” Andrea Hodos
Andrea Hodos, creator of “Moving Torah Workshops,” has been making
dances and helping other people make their own dances for three decades.
In this workshop, Andrea will give a group of Isaians easy-to-follow tools to
lead meaningful movement exercises for other ICE participants -- to keep
everyone’s energy and imaginations flowing during the learning.
“Homework, Arrgghhhh!” Larry Garf
Join child development specialist Larry Garf to learn how to cope with the
task that is universally unloved.
7:30 – 8:00 DINNER “Shabbat Foods from around the World”
8:00 – 9:00 FEATURED SPEAKERS:
Want more in November?
“Letters FROM the Editor” Rob Eshman
The Jewish Journal of Los Angeles is currently the most widely read Jewish
publication in the world. We will have a conversation with its dynamic
editor-in-chief and publisher about controversies, conspiracies, and the
future of media.
“Spiritual Lessons Children Teach Us” Rabbi Ilana Grinblat
Many parenting programs and books focus on what we should teach our
children. Rabbi Ilana Grinblat, author of Blessings and Baby Steps: The
Spiritual Path of Parenthood, will explore the spiritual lessons we can learn
from children.
ICE Day featuring “Spine Tingles” Book Club, Special Lecture, Ballroom Dancing and more Nov. 1
(see page 16)
Beginning Hebrew every Tuesday starting Nov. 1 (page 20)
Conversational Hebrew every Tuesday starting Nov. 1 (page 20)
Adult Confirmation First and Fourth Tuesday starting Nov. 1 (page 20)
Adult Retreat Weekend Nov. 18 – 20 (page 20)
Israel Over Breakfast Nov. 2 (page 20)
Daughters of Torah every Wednesday (page 21)
Shabbat Morning Torah Study every Saturday (page 21)
Hearts and Minds: A Torah Roundtable Nov. 12 (page 21)
Art and Spirituality Workshop Second Shabbat of each month starting Nov. 12 (page 21)
Jewish Meditation Circle Wednesdays (page 21)
Game Night Nov. 2 (page 21)
Zumba Nov. 17 (page 21)
3

ICE Evenings: December
December 21
Participate in all or part of the evening.
Sign up at www.templeisaiah.com/lifelong-learning or by calling the Temple Office.
5: 30 – 7:25 “Latke Cook-Off”
The luscious latke. Some like it lacy. Some like it hard.
Join us to learn new recipes, learn the history
of the latke, and fry ‘em up right.
6:00 – 7:25 V’Taheir Libeinu
Cantor Evan Kent and Jean Abarbanel (see page 2)
6:30 – 7:25
“Israel/Palestine 101: A Review of Key People, Words,
Definitions, Dates”
Rabbi Dara Frimmer
Learn about the Green Line, Territories, Settlements, Outposts,
Checkpoints, Stand With Us, NIF, Jstreet, and AIPAC…a vocabulary
lesson with time to reflect on the complexity of engaging in a
well-rounded conversation about Israel.
“Not Just Your Bubbe’s Hanukkah Music”
Cantor Lorna Lembeck
It’s not that we don’t love singing 180 verses of “I Have a Little Dreidel”
eight nights a year, but there is so much new and inspired Hanukkah
music. Join Cantor Lembeck on the second night of Hanukkah for an
evening of listening to, learning, and singing some of the contemporary
music coming out of the Jewish songwriting community.
“Got the Blues? Battling Depression in
Older Adults and Caregivers”
Helen Lavretsky, MD
An important session on battling depression in older adults
and caregivers.
4

7:30 – 8:00 DINNER
“Maccabean Brisket Competition” Sample briskets baked by Isaian connoisseurs alongside
heaps of latkes and salad, and help us pick a winner.
8:00 – 9:00 FEATURED SPEAKER:
“Coming to a Theater Near You!” Kenneth Turan
The film critic for the Los Angeles Times and NPR’s Morning Edition,
director of the Los Angeles Times Book Prizes and former Times’ book
review editor will talk about films, features, festivals and flops, and how
his Judaism does or does not inform his critique of them all. He will also share his newest
book, Free for All: Joe Papp, the Public, and the Greatest Theater Story Ever Told for which
he interviewed 160 luminaries including George C. Scott, Meryl Streep, Kevin Kline, James
Earl Jones, David Rabe, Jerry Stiller, Tommy Lee Jones, and Wallace Shawn, masterfully
weaving their voices into a dizzyingly rich tale of creativity, conflict, and achievement.
Want more in December?
ICE Day featuring “Spine Tingles”
Book Club, Special Lecture, Ballroom Dancing
and more Dec. 6 (see page 16)
Beginning Hebrew every Tuesday (page 20)
Conversational Hebrew every Tuesday (page 20)
Adult Confirmation First and Fourth
Tuesday (page 20)
Israel Over Breakfast Dec. 7 (page 20)
Daughters of Torah every Wednesday (page 21)
Shabbat Morning Torah Study every Saturday (page 21)
Hearts and Minds: A Torah Roundtable Dec. 10 (page 21)
Art and Spirituality Workshop Dec. 10 (page 21)
Jewish Meditation Circle Wednesdays (page 21)
Game Night Dec. 7 (page 21)
Zumba Dec. 15 (page 21)
5

ICE Evenings: January
January 18
Participate in all or part of the evening.
Sign up at www.templeisaiah.com/lifelong-learning or by calling the Temple Office.
5: 30 – 7:25 “Cooking with our CSA” Mary MacVean
Mary MacVean, food reporter for the LA Times, heads our CSA group
through which congregants receive a box of fresh-picked produce each
week. Cook a feast with local fare reminiscent of the Garden of Eden.
6:00 – 7:25 V’Taheir Libeinu
Cantor Evan Kent and Jean Abarbanel (see page 2)
6:00 – 7:25 “Money Skills 101” Jeff Munjack
This money skills 101 workshop with the president of Nest Egg
Financial Education, Inc, will provide teens (and parents) with an
introduction to the most crucial topics in personal finance that teens
and young adults face as they approach their college years and begin
their young professional lives. Topics will include investing, the stock
market, budgeting, credit cards and debt management -- as well as
key lessons most adults wish they had learned at their age. Attendance by parents is
encouraged but not required.
6:30 – 7:25
“Poetry of Israel from Pioneers to Today” Rabbi Zoë Klein
Discover how Israeli poetry has evolved over the decades from the
romanticized pioneer poetry of yearning to hard-edged modern protest
poetry.
“Heresy, Mysticism and Jewish Freedom of Conscience”
Josh Holo, Dean of Hebrew Union College
Judaism has witnessed daring (even shocking) ideas in the realms of
mysticism, astrology and theology, without rending the fabric of our
people. Where does this flexibility come from and how does
it persist?
6

“Organizing for Success, Balance and Happiness”
Julie Grass
Sponsored by T.I.N.G. (Temple Isaiah Networking Group), Julie Grass
is a business strategist who will help you set priorities, achieve clarity,
communicate effectively and realize your goals.
7:30 – 8:00 DINNER “Farm Fresh and Fabulous”
8:00 – 9:00 FEATURED SHOW:
“You Say Tomato, I Say Shut Up” (Comedy)
After thirteen years of
marriage, Annabelle
Gurwitch (Dinner and a
Movie, Seinfeld, NPR) and
Jeff Kahn (Emmy winning
writer The Ben Stiller Show,
Forty Year Old Virgin) found,
“We’re just not that into us.” In their hilarious moving
new show Annabelle and Jeff prove that in marriage, all
you need is love—and a healthy dose of complaints,
co-dependence, and Pinot Noir.
Want more in January?
ICE Day featuring “Spine Tingles” Book Club, Special Lecture, Ballroom Dancing and
more Jan. 3 (see page 16)
Beginning Hebrew every Tuesday (page 20)
Conversational Hebrew every Tuesday (page 20)
Adult Confirmation First and Fourth Tuesday (page 20)
Israel Over Breakfast Jan. 4 (page 20)
Daughters of Torah every Wednesday (page 21)
Shabbat Morning Torah Study every Saturday (page 21)
Hearts and Minds: A Torah Roundtable Jan. 14 (page 21)
Art and Spirituality Workshop Jan. 14 (page 21)
Jewish Meditation Circle Wednesdays (page 21)
Game Night Jan. 4 (page 21)
Zumba Jan. 19 (page 21)
7

ICE Evenings: February
February 15
Participate in all or part of the evening.
Sign up at www.templeisaiah.com/lifelong-learning or by calling the Temple Office.
5:30 – 7:25 “How to Cook Jewish Persian Food”
Join with us to learn and prepare a sensuous aromatic banquet of Persian delicacies that
would make even King Ahasuerus swoon.
5:30 – 7:25
“The Five Pillars of Islam: An Introduction to Islam
and its relationship to Judaism” (Part 1 of 2)
Reuven Firestone
With the world’s foremost expert on Jewish-Muslim relations, we will
learn about the five most critical areas of Islamic religious thought and
practice as articulated in the Qur’an and Tradition, and see to what
extent they are similar or different from Judaism. Please note this session
begins at 5:30.
6:00 – 7:25 V’Taheir Libeinu Cantor Evan Kent and Jean Abarbanel (see page 2)
6:30 – 7:25
“Wrestling with Our Relationship to Israel: Personal and
Collective Implications”
Rabbi Joel Nickerson
We begin by considering recent research, including Peter Beinart’s
article “The Failure of the American Jewish Establishment”, which
discussed apathy and disinterest currently felt by many young Jews
toward Israel. Our focus will be the internal struggles we face as we think about when and
how we do or do not connect with our homeland.
“Holding On and Letting Go” Jewish Family Services
The process of “letting go” of our children can be difficult. The extraordinary change
in communication through new technology has had far-reaching effects on the parentchild
relationship, with many unforeseen consequences. This workshop will help parents
monitor their own motivation for tracking children and their activities, understand the
difference between contact and communication, and find a balance.
8

7:30 – 8:00 DINNER “Esther’s Persian Banquet”
8:00 – 9:00 FEATURED SPEAKER:
“How Can I Get My Life Off Hold? When Will My
Life Really Begin?”
Rabbi Naomi Levy
As a rabbi, Naomi Levy frequently
offered spiritual guidance to people seeking answers.
But when a doctor told her that her young daughter,
Noa, had a fatal degenerative disease, Rabbi Levy’s
own insights could not prevent her whole life from
unraveling. In Hope Will Find You, Naomi Levy shares
her journey and the wisdom she gained, describing
with humor and honesty how she came through a
time of uncertainty and fear and learned how to stop
waiting for life to begin.
Want more in February?
ICE Day featuring “Spine Tingles” Book Club, Special Lecture, Ballroom Dancing
and more Feb. 7 (see page 16)
Beginning Hebrew every Tuesday (page 20)
Conversational Hebrew every Tuesday (page 20)
Adult Confirmation First and Fourth Tuesday (page 20)
Israel Over Breakfast Feb. 1 (page 20)
Daughters of Torah every Wednesday (page 21)
Shabbat Morning Torah Study every Saturday (page 21)
Hearts and Minds: A Torah Roundtable Feb. 11 (page 21)
Art and Spirituality Workshop Feb. 11 (page 21)
Jewish Meditation Circle Wednesdays (page 21)
Game Night Feb. 1 (page 21)
Zumba Feb. 16 (page 21)
9

ICE Evenings: March
March 21
Participate in all or part of the evening.
Sign up at www.templeisaiah.com/lifelong-learning or by calling the Temple Office.
5:30 – 7:25
“Passover Around the World” Tamar Andrews
Learn about palatial Passovers and splendiferous seders around the
world while cooking with Chef Tamar.
5:30 – 7:25
“How Do We See Each Other? Classic and Contemporary
Views of Jews and Muslims Toward the Other” (Part 2)
Reuven Firestone
What does the Qur’an really say about Jews and Judaism? We will read
the range of positions that are laid out in the Qur’an and in its commentaries, and we
will compare these to Jewish views of Arabs and Muslims as found in the Bible and the
Talmud. Please note this session begins at 5:30.
6:00 – 7:25 V’Taheir Libeinu
Cantor Evan Kent and Jean Abarbanel (see page 2)
6:30 – 7:25
“Holyland vs. Homeland: Israel’s Complex Identities”
Rabbi Daniel Bouskila
Who is an Israeli? Sephardic, Ashkenazi, Mizrahi, Russian, Ethiopian,
Arab, Druze, Muslim, Christian, Ultra-Orthodox, Zionist, Secular,
Settler – explore the diverse, complicated and intriguing mix that
makes up what we call “Israeli.”
“Hey, Quit Pushing: How We Put Children at Risk by
Starting Academics Too Early” Larry Garf
Join child development specialist Larry Garf as we discuss the negative
consequences we create when we pressure our young children: elevated
levels of anxiety and stress, but not higher academic achievement.
10

“Manifesting Our Desires & The Secret of Silence”
Marcus Freed
Lots of people are suddenly talking about ‘manifesting the universe’ and
‘setting intentions’. Marcus Freed, a studio-trained yogi, yeshiva-trained
educator and BBC broadcaster will lead us into the ancient Hebrew
wisdom of Kabbalistic masters and Talmudic geniuses to see how we can
use these ancient tools to meet our deepest desires.
7:30 – 8:00 DINNER “Leaven-less and Heavenly”
8:00 – 9:00 FEATURED SPEAKER:
“The Root Causes of the Crisis in Public Education…
and What is Possible for the Future”
Jackie Goldberg
Former member of the California State Assembly representing the
state’s 45th district, Jackie Goldberg has served as a member of the Los
Angeles City Council, as president of the Los Angeles School Board, and
a teacher in the Compton Unified School District.
Want more in March?
ICE Day Spine Tingles” Book Club, Special Lecture, Ballroom Dancing
and more March 6 (see page 18)
Beginning Hebrew every Tuesday (page 20)
Conversational Hebrew every Tuesday (page 20)
Adult Confirmation First and Fourth Tuesday (page 20)
Israel Over Breakfast March 7 (page 20)
Daughters of Torah every Wednesday (page 21)
Shabbat Morning Torah Study every Saturday (page 21)
Hearts and Minds: A Torah Roundtable March 10 (page 21)
Art and Spirituality Workshop March. 10 (page 21)
Jewish Meditation Circle Wednesdays (page 21)
Purim Shpiel March 7
Zumba March 15 (page 21)
Discussion with Author Cara Black March 23 (page 21)
11

ICE Evenings: April
April 18
Participate in all or part of the evening.
Sign up at www.templeisaiah.com/lifelong-learning or by calling the Temple Office.
5:30 – 7:25
“The Dessert Architect Builds a Delicious Dessert”
Robert Wemischner
Pastry chef, culinary educator, Isaiah congregant and author of four
books, including his latest, The Dessert Architect will lead us in an
exciting opportunity to bake with the very best.
5:30 – 6:30
Movie Screening of
Autistic-Like: Graham’s Story
When it’s not autism, what is it? This is an extraordinary
movie about one dad’s determined search to help his son.
We will view the film and have an opportunity to talk with
the director. April is Autism Awareness Month.
Please note: This screening begins at 5:30.
6:00 – 7:25 V’Taheir Libeinu
Cantor Evan Kent and Jean Abarbanel
(see page 2)
6:30 – 7:25
“The Corrugated Prince” James Grashow
James Grashow is a renowned sculptor, woodcut artist and educator.
The scale of his work ranges from large environmental installations to
the delicate and contained world of “houseplants,” where homes and
buildings replace flowers and buds in intricate bouquets. His woodcut
prints have appeared in the New York Times and in virtually every well known periodical
and publication throughout the country. Grashow will be building an installation here at
Isaiah, inviting the entire community to participate. (He also happens to be Rabbi Zoё’s
Dad! )
12

7:30 – 8:00 DINNER AND DESSERT
8:00 – 9:00 ALBERT LEWIS LECTURE:
“Justice, Justice You Shall
Pursue: A Jewish Imperative
for Famine and Hunger Relief”
Ruth Messinger
Over the past several decades, there
has been a sea change in Jewish
engagement—a reimagining of what it means to
be a Jew and a citizen of our planet. Whether youth
leaders or active adults, Jewish voices have joined a
chorus of empowered people around the world saying
“no” to injustice. As hunger relief and famine now make the front page every day, it is our
responsibility as Jews to take action. Join American Jewish World Service’s President Ruth
Messinger for a dynamic discussion about our role in famine relief and the growing food
justice movement. Come and learn what you can do.
Want more in April?
ICE Day featuring “Spine Tingles” Book Club, Special Lecture,
Cinema Isaiah and more April 3 (see page 19)
Beginning Hebrew every Tuesday (see page 20)
Conversational Hebrew every Tuesday (page 20)
Adult Confirmation First and Fourth Tuesday (page 20)
Israel Over Breakfast April 4 (page 20)
Daughters of Torah every Wednesday (page 21)
Shabbat Morning Torah Study every Saturday (page 21)
Hearts and Minds: A Torah Roundtable April 14 (page 21)
Art and Spirituality Workshop April. 14 (page 21)
Jewish Meditation Circle Wednesdays (page 21)
Game Night April 4 (page 21)
Passover April 6 – April 14
Holocaust Remembrance Service April 20
Israel Independence Celebration April 27
Zumba April 19 (page 21)
13

ICE Evenings: May
May 16
Participate in all or part of the evening.
Sign up at www.templeisaiah.com/lifelong-learning or by calling the Temple Office.
5:30 – 7:25 “In the Kitchen with the Clergy”
Out of the sanctuary and into the scullery, join your clergy for adventures in edibles!
6:00 – 7:25 V’Taheir Libeinu
Cantor Evan Kent and Jean Abarbanel (see page 2)
6:30 – 7:25 Sessions
“Herzl, HaTikvah, and the Birth of Modern Zionism:
An Adventure in Multimedia Storytelling”
Josh Mason-Barkin
If you were to make a creamy Israeli hummus by mushing together
the History Channel, Sesame Street, and the Daily Show, this is kind of what it would
look like. With the help of music, film, poetry, and literature, we will interweave the
unbelievable stories of the idealists, iconoclasts, dreamers, and drunks who were crazy
enough to envision the modern state of Israel.
“The Future of Federation” Jay Sanderson
Join for a fascinating discussion with the head of the Los Angeles
Jewish Federation as we contemplate its one hundred year history and
envision its future.
14

7:30 – 8:00 DINNER “Mouthwatering and Magnificant”
8:00 – 9:00 FEATURED SPEAKER:
“Why the Jewish
Food Movement is
Important”
Nigel Savage
Nigel Savage, originally
from Manchester,
England, founded Hazon (Hebrew for
‘vision’) in 2000 by organizing and riding in a 3000-mile Cross-USA Jewish Environmental
Bike Ride, in which participants cycled from Seattle, WA to Washington, DC, teaching and
speaking along the way. They ended at the White House where they received a national
award from the EPA. Hazon was recognized by the Sierra Club as one of 50 leading faithbased
environmental organizations in the US. In 2008 Nigel was named a member of the
Forward 50, the annual list of the 50 most influential Jewish people in the United States.
Want more in May?
ICE Day featuring “Spine Tingles” Book Club, Special Lecture, Ballroom Dancing
and more May 1 (see page 19)
Beginning Hebrew every Tuesday (see page 20)
Conversational Hebrew every Tuesday (page20)
Adult Confirmation First and Fourth Tuesday (page 20)
Israel Over Breakfast May 2 (page 20)
Daughters of Torah every Wednesday (page 21)
Shabbat Morning Torah Study every Saturday (page 21)
Hearts and Minds: A Torah Roundtable May 12 (page 21)
Art and Spirituality Workshop May. 12 (page 21)
Jewish Meditation Circle Wednesdays (page 21)
Game Night May 2 (page 21)
Zumba May 17 (page 21)
15

ICE Days: November | December
ICE Days (generously sponsored by Isaiah Women)
Do you have free time during the day? Join us at Isaiah for all or part of our ICE Days,
featuring learning opportunities with top professors as well as time to dance and
schmooze. Bring your own lunch, we’ll provide a nosh and drinks!
ICE Days:
Isaiah members: $18 for the entire year! Non Isaiah members: $10 per day
Participate in all or part of the evening.
Sign up at www.templeisaiah.com/lifelong-learning or by calling the Temple Office.
November 1
10:30 – 11:15 “Spine Tingles” Ellen Cole
So many books, so many titles on so many spines. ICE book club will delve
into captivating volumes. Read and share your reactions. Our group will
set the reading list together. For November, we start with the memorable
characters and touching quest in Great House by Nicole Krauss, available in
paperback.
11:15 – 11:30 Nosh
11:30 - 1:00 FEATURED SPEAKER:
“From the Land of Frankincense & Myrrh: The Jews of Yemen”
Ken Blady
We will trace the history and culture of the Yemenite Jews from hoary
antiquity to “Operation on Wings of Eagles,” the airlift of some 40,000
Yemenite Jews to Israel. Some time will be devoted to a study of a
fascinating group of Bedouin Jews from the former East Aden
Protectorate known today in Israel as Habbanim of Moshav Bareket.
1:00 – 1:30 Brown Bag Lunch
1:30 – 3:00 Ballroom Dancing Colleen Skilton
Dances will include beginning steps in Waltz, Rumba,
Swing, Salsa, Cha Cha and Swing Hustle.
Knitting Dori Baron
Games
16

| January
December 6
10:30 – 11:15 “The Fascinating History of the Jews of Italy”
Rabbi Robert Gan
Explore their origins, their special cultural characteristics and how they
were unique among the Jews of Europe.
10:30 – 11:15 “Spine Tingles” Ellen Cole
11:15 – 11:30 Nosh
11:30 - 1:00 FEATURED SPEAKER:
“Pariahs Among Ayatollahs: The Jew as Outcast in Shiite Iran”
Ken Blady
We will survey the history of the Jews of Iran from Queen Esther to the rise of
the Ayatollah Khomeini and his fanatical acolyte, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
A segment of the lecture will be devoted to the fascinating community of Djedid
al-Islam (crypto-Jews) of the holy Shiite city of Mashhad.
1:00 – 1:30 Brown Bag Lunch
1:30 – 3:00 Ballroom Dancing Colleen Skilton
Knitting Dori Baron
Games
Cinema Isaiah Film to be announced
January 3
10:30 – 11:15 “Italian Jewry Before & After World War II” Rabbi Robert Gan
What was their attitude toward Mussolini and how did they fare during and after the
Holocaust?
10:30 – 11:15 “Spine Tingles” Ellen Cole
11:15 – 11:30 Nosh
11:30 - 1:00 FEATURED SPEAKER:
“The Miracle of the Ethiopian-Jewish Aliyah” Middie and Dick Geisberg
1:00 – 1:30 Brown Bag Lunch
1:30 – 3:00 Ballroom Dancing Colleen Skilton
Knitting Dori Baron
Games
17

ICE Days: February | March | April
February 7
10:30 – 11:15 “Spine Tingles” Ellen Cole
“Facebook 101” David Viner
Congregant David Viner will help us understand Facebook to keep
in touch and keep up with friends and family.
11:15 – 11:30 Nosh
11:30 - 1:00 FEATURED SPEAKER:
“Creationism vs. Intelligent Design”
Charles Lynn Batten
We will start by looking at Scripture and, using historical approaches,
determine whether Genesis is the Creation Story fundamentalists want
it to be. We will explore the rational basis of the concept of intelligent
design that Deist founders of America embraced and modern politicians
see as a way of protecting us from the evils of Darwinism. Discover what is left wounded on
the battlefield between the forces of creationism and intelligent design.
1:00 – 1:30 Brown Bag Lunch
1:30 – 3:00 Ballroom Dancing Colleen Skilton
Knitting Dori Baron
Games
Cinema Isaiah Film to be announced
March 6
10:30 – 11:15 “Spine Tingles” Ellen Cole
11:15 – 11:30 Nosh
11:30 - 1:00 FEATURED SPEAKER:
“Origins of Christianity and its Parting Ways with Judaism:
The Historic Paul” Josh Garroway
1:00 – 1:30 Brown Bag Lunch
1:30 – 3:00 Ballroom Dancing Colleen Skilton
Knitting Dori Baron
Games
18

April 3
10:30 – 11:15 “Spine Tingles” Ellen Cole
11:15 – 11:30 Nosh
11:30 - 1:00 FEATURED SPEAKER:
“Origins of Christianity and
its Parting Ways with Judaism:
The Historic Jesus”
Josh Garroway
Join Josh Garroway, HUC Professor of Early Christianity and Second
Commonwealth, as we explore the origins of Christianity in this two
part discussion.
May 1
1:00 – 1:30 Brown Bag Lunch
1:30 – 3:00 Ballroom Dancing Colleen Skilton
Knitting Dori Baron
Games
Cinema Isaiah Film to be announced
10:30 – 11:15 “Spine Tingles” Ellen Cole
11:15 – 11:30 Nosh
11:30 - 1:00 FEATURED SPEAKER:
“Saul Bellow: A Jewish Novelist for All Readers” Charles Lynn Batten
Focusing on Saul Bellow’s Herzog (called the most important post-War American novel),
we will explore Bellow’s vision of twentieth-century Jewish and non-Jewish life. Torn
between excesses of intellectualism and romanticism, Herzog struggles to make sense of
the world. Bellow offers a distinctly Jewish answer to the problems we face.
1:00 – 1:30 Brown Bag Lunch
1:30 – 3:00 Ballroom Dancing Colleen Skilton
Knitting Dori Baron
Games
19

Torah and Ongoing Classes
Hebrew
Now’s the time to learn to read and speak,
especially if you are traveling to Israel
with us in 2012! Weekly,
starting Nov. 1
Beginning Hebrew
Tatiyana Neyman
Conversational Hebrew
Rina Etkes
$120 Isaiah members
Adult Confirmation
Temple Isaiah Clergy
First and Fourth Tuesday of
the month starting November 1
Take the next step on your Jewish
journey! We will study theology,
spirituality, and Jewish texts as we
examine the ways we incorporate Judaism
into our everyday lives.
$36 Isaiah members
Adult Weekend Retreat
Temple Isaiah’s 5th
Annual Retreat!
Cantor Evan Kent and
Rabbi Joel Nickerson
November 18 – 20
Camp Hess Kramer
This year our retreat focuses on the Four
(Really Big) Questions: Where is God in
my life? What happens after I die? Why
is there evil in the world? What does it
mean to be a Chosen People? Come and
learn with your friends and the Temple
Isaiah clergy in the beautiful hills of
Malibu overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Our sacred tradition is one that allows
for an ongoing search for answers and
respects a broad range of opinions.
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During this weekend we will explore
this diversity through music, prayer,
Talmud, Torah, and the great tradition
of Jewish philosophy.
$275 per person
$75 single room supplement
Rosh Hodesh
Rabbi Zoë Klein
7:00 – 8:30 p.m. (various homes)
Oct. 27, Dec. 1, Dec. 29, Jan. 26,
Feb. 23, Mar. 29, Apr. 26
Sponsored by Isaiah Women. This
gathering is for women only and will
meet in people’s homes each month to
celebrate the new moon with learning
and special rituals. RSVP to Isaiah
Women to learn location.
Israel Over Breakfast
Rabbinic Intern Suzy Stone
First Wednesday of every month
8:30 a.m. starting September 7
A monthly roundtable conversation
about Israel.
Daughters of Torah
Elaine Diamond
Wednesdays, 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Temple Library
Explore the voices and stories of women
within Judaism’s sacred texts, drawing
inspiration from our ancestors’ journeys.
Discussions led by Temple member
Elaine Diamond, MA, Judaic Studies.

Shabbat Morning
Torah Study
Rabbi Zoë Klein
Every Shabbat, 9:30 a.m. Library
Together we explore the Torah verse by verse.
See how each word and phrase has been
interpreted over the centuries and can have
meaning in your life.
Hearts and Minds:
A Torah Roundtable
Second Saturday of each month
9:00 – 10:30 a.m.
Join this passionate, joyous and sometimes
critical study of Torah. Interpretations range
from the poetic to the political, always
thoughtful, provocative, well-informed and
respectful of multiple perspectives.
Jewish Meditation Circle
Cantor Evan Kent
Every Wednesday 6:15 p.m.
(except third Wednesday of the month)
Join Cantor as he leads this thoughtprovoking
and truly necessary moment of
quiet reflection in this ongoing meditation
every Wednesday evening.
Game Night
First Wednesday of the month
4:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Mah Jongg/ Bridge/ Chess/
Backgammon/ Poker
Sponsored by Isaiah Women. All are
welcome! Get in the game. We will also have
Bridge and Mahjongg instructors for those
who would like to learn!
Zumba
Marisa Schor
Sept. 22, Oct. 27, and third Thursday of
the following months 9:15 -10:30 a.m.
Join the craze that’s sweeping America! Get
fit and get groovin’ with other Isaians. Wear
comfortable clothes, tennis shoes and bring
water. Everyone is welcome!
Green Living Workshops
Coming in Spring
Six Monday sessions
For a healthier home and a healthier planet,
we welcome this opportunity to host an
interactive Sustainable Works (www.
sustainableworks.org) program that focuses
on 6 major areas: waste management, water
efficiency, toxic chemicals, transportation,
energy use, and consumer choices. This
highly acclaimed workshop, funded by
the Department of Energy, enables you to
practice while you learn, and watch your
environmental footprint get smaller as the
weeks go by.
Discussion with Author
Cara Black
Friday, March 23, 12:00 p.m.
Bring your own lunch to our discussion
with Cara Black, author of the nationally
bestselling and award nominated Aimee
Leduc Investigation series.
Art and Spirituality workshop
Flori Hendron
Second Shabbat of each month
Explore your spirituality through art
using a variety of artistic materials
and methods.
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ISAIAH
CONTINUING
ENRICHMENT
www.templeisaiah.com/lifelong-learning
10345 West Pico Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90064
310.277.2772
www.templeisaiah.com