April 2021 Newsletter

Adult Education News
Stephen Marksamer
In March, we finished up two classes: Wicked Women of the Bible and Hebrew in a
Jiffy. Both were well attended and survey responses showed a significant level of
appreciation, enjoyment, and success. Thank you to Mark Wolkow and Linda Needel
for leading the Hebrew in a Jiffy class and Rabbi Gila Ruskin for her insightful Wicked
Women of the Bible class.
Our Adult Education “Lunch & Learn” series will continue on April 6th from 12:00
pm – 1:30 pm, as Rabbi John Franken will discuss Democracy in America, with an
increased understanding aided by Jewish interpretation and impact. No registration is
necessary. Zoom links are in the Newsletter.
Our April Book Discussion will be on zoom on April 17th from 10:00 am – 11:30 am, as
Rabbi John Franken will discuss our selection this quarter: The Last Interview by Eshkol
Nevo. This compelling novel is a layered portrayal of friendship, family, and identity.
Reserve now at our Harford Public Library through their online website. No
registration is necessary. Zoom links are in the Newsletter.
The Adult Education Committee is excited to announce 4 new classes coming in May.
Taking Control of Your Thoughts on Saturday, May 1st, 15th, and 22nd from
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm via zoom with Marc Getz, LCPC. This is an interactive exploration
and discussion of how, as human beings, we can manage what we think, and in turn,
what we feel and do.
Breaking the Being There Barrier on Saturday, May 1st, 15th, and 22nd from
1:30 pm – 2:30 pm via zoom with Stu Needel. Stu will discuss the simple truths and
essence of what transforms online presentations from a mundane task to a genuine
opportunity for profound experiences.
The Mark and Linda team will lead a new Hebrew Prayer of the Month
Club. Focusing on one prayer each month, the objective will be to make sure all
participants can accurately read Hebrew and then provide at least one melody
commonly used to sing the prayer. This club, less formal than a class, is targeted to start
in May, meeting monthly for an hour. Additionally, they have offered to lead a class
on Trope. The objective will be for every attendee to chant from the Torah using a
system known as Trope. The intended schedule is weekly on Monday evenings at 7:00
pm, beginning in June and running for approximately ten (10) weeks. Look for exact
time/date announcements soon.
Finally, because there will be so much more, I am now collecting ideas for a film series
reviewing and discussing Jewish life and times.
If you want to add a film title to this series or register for any of these four new classes send
an email to adulted@templeadasshalom.org.
Sincerely,
Stephen Marksamer
Chairperson – Temple Adas Shalom Adult Education
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