The MJCCA Announces 2017-2018 Course Offerings for its Lisa F. Brill Institute for Jewish Learning, Starting in August 2017

The Brill Institute Currently Serves 450 Students at 12 Locations Across Metro-Atlanta

The MJCCA is pleased to announce its 2017-2018 Lisa F. Brill Institute for Jewish Learning lineup of award-winning courses, with some courses beginning in Fall 2017; and others in Spring 2018. The Brill Institute, Atlanta’s largest adult Jewish education program, offers classes to more than 450 students, at 12 locations across metro-Atlanta, including the MJCCA. Courses are taught by some of Georgia’s most outstanding Jewish scholars, rabbis, and Emory professors, with a range of daytime and evening options. Fees vary by class. To learn more, visit www.atlantajcc.org/brill, or call Laurie Rose at 678.812.3723.

“We are thrilled to provide an array of new courses with gifted teachers and presenters, for people of all ages and denominations, looking to study Jewish topics,” said Talya Gorsetman, MJCCA’s new Director, Lisa F. Brill Institute for Jewish Learning. “Our classes positively and inclusively enlighten people who are interested in exploring their Judaism.”

Course Offerings & Locations (Fall 2017 and Spring 2018) 

DUNWOODY – MJCCA’s Zaban Park (5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody)

• The Lower East Side: A Window into American Jewish Immigrant Culture (Fall 2017)
• A Hidden World Discovered: The Cairo Geniza (Fall 2017)
• The Star and the Crescent: The Long Relationship of Judaism and Islam (Fall 2017)
• Comparative Religions (Fall 2017)
• Taste of Judaism (Fall 2017)
• Derech Torah: An Introduction to Judaism (Fall 2017)
• The Saga Continues: The Books of Samuel (Fall 2017)
• The Meaning of the Bible (Fall 2017)
• The Holocaust as Reflected in Diaries and Memoirs (Spring 2018)
• 2017: A Year of Anniversaries for Israel (Fall 2017)
• Loving Yiddish Through Song (Spring 2018)
• Melton Year 1: Rhythms and Purposes of Jewish Living (Fall 2017)
• Melton Year 2: Crossroads of Jewish History & Ethics of Jewish Living (Fall 2017)
• Main Ideas From the Prophets (Fall 2017)

SANDY SPRINGS – Temple Emanu-El (1580 Spalding Drive, Sandy Springs)

**These classes are for Temple Emanu-El members only.

• The Star and the Crescent: The Long Relationship of Judaism and Islam (Fall 2017)
• Crossroads of Jewish History (Part 1) (Fall 2017)

INTOWN ATLANTA – The Temple (1589 Peachtree Street, Atlanta)

• A Hidden World Discovered: The Cairo Geniza (Spring 2018)
• Jewish Denominations: Addressing the Challenges of Modernity (Fall 2017)

**This class is for The Temple members only.

• Crossroads of Jewish History (Part 2) (Fall 2017)
• Melton Year 1 (Two-Part Course) (Fall 2017)

TOCO HILLS – Young Israel of Toco Hills (2056 Lavista Rd NE, Atlanta)

• Jewish Denominations: Addressing the Challenges of Modernity (Fall 2017)

**This class is for Young Israel members only.

• Melton Year 1 (Two-Part Course) (Fall 2017)

ATLANTA – Congregation Beth Shalom (5303 Winters Chapel Rd, Atlanta)

• Jewish Denominations: Addressing the Challenges of Modernity (Fall 2017)
• Jews in America: Insiders and Outsiders (Spring 2018)
• Foundations of Jewish Family Living (Fall 2017)

MARIETTA – Congregation Etz Chaim (1190 Indian Hills Parkway, Marietta)

• Foundations of Jewish Family Living (Fall 2017)

ATLANTA – Atlanta Jewish Academy (5200 Northland Drive, Atlanta)

• Foundations of Jewish Family Living (Fall 2017)
• Do You Believe in Miracles? (Spring 2018)
• The Book of Job: A New Perspective (Fall 2017)
• Melton Year 2: Crossroads of Jewish History (Fall 2017)

ATLANTA – The Davis Academy (8105 Roberts Drive, Atlanta)

• Melton Year 1: Rhythms of Jewish Living (Part 2) (Fall 2017)
• Melton Year 1: Purposes of Jewish Living (Part 1) (Spring 2018)
• Melton Year 1: Rhythms of Jewish Living (Parts 1 & 2) (Fall 2017)

ATLANTA – Temple Sinai (5645 Dupree Drive, NW, Atlanta)

**These classes are for Temple Sinai members only.

• The Lower East Side: A Window into American Jewish Immigrant Culture (Fall 2017)
• The Star and the Crescent: The Long Relationship of Judaism and Islam (Spring 2018)

ATLANTA – Congregation B’Nai Torah (700 Mount Vernon Hwy, Atlanta)

• The Star and the Crescent: The Long Relationship of Judaism and Islam (Fall 2017)
• Melton Year 1: Purposes of Jewish Living (Fall 2017)

SANDY SPRINGS – Metro Atlanta Community Mikvah (MACoM, 700-A Mount Vernon Hwy NE, Sandy Springs)

• The Tradition Lives On: Mikvah in the 21^st Century (Fall 2017)

ATLANTA – Congregation Shearith Israel (1180 University Drive NE, Atlanta)

• Jewish Denominations: Addressing the Challenges of Modernity. Thursdays, 10:00 – 11:30 am

**This class is for Shearith Israel members only.

NEW Classes Include:

• The Star and the Crescent: The Long Relationship of Judaism and Islam – This course delves into questions such as: What are the sources of tension and conflict between Judaism and Islam? What do these two religions have in common?
• Jewish Denominations: Addressing the Challenges of Modernity – This course examines Jewish identity and religious expression, exploring the impact of gender, Israel, and assimilation of the Jewish people.
• The Lower East Side: A Window into American Jewish Immigrant Culture – Examine and explore the rich culture produced by Manhattan’s Lower East Side, the New York neighborhood that became a hub for thousands of Jewish immigrants during the 19^th and 20^th centuries.
• Comparative Religions – This course will introduce participants to the world’s largest religions through examining their scriptures, traditions, rituals, and practices.
• A Hidden World Discovered: The Cairo Geniza – Examine the history of the Cairo Geniza and their overall contribution to present day understanding of Jewish life during the Middle Ages.

“There is truly something for everyone,” explains Gorsetman. “Whether you are just beginning to delve into Judaism, or simply want to deepen your knowledge, we have a class for you. The Brill Institute truly provides an environment which encourages open discussion and engagement, and I am thrilled to be coming on as the new director.”

More Info / Register for a Class

Media inquiries: contact Lora Sommer at 678.812.4078, lora.sommer@atlantajcc.org.

Program information: contact Laurie Rose: 678.812.3723, laurie.rose@atlantajcc.org        .

For a complete schedule of 2017-2018 classes, or to register for a class, visit www.atlantajcc.org/brill.

Lisa F Brill Institute for Jewish Learning Photo

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