The MJCCA�s Lisa F. Brill Institute for Jewish Learning Reveals Exciting New Classes that Start in January!
From ancient goddesses, to award-winning director Steven Spielberg, Atlanta�s largest adult Jewish education program kicks off its 2017 offering with a variety of new classes that are sure to entertain and inspire the Atlanta community.
In addition to classes at Zaban Park, the Lisa F. Brill Institute for Jewish Learning offers many classes throughout metro Atlanta. For a complete list of times and locations, visit atlantajcc.org/brill. For more information, contact Dr. Shelley Buxbaum, director of Lisa F. Brill Institute for Jewish Learning at 678-812-4152 or shelley.buxbaum@atlantajcc.org. Some of the classes offered are:
In the Wake of the Goddesses
January 10 – May 2, 2017 (Tuesdays) 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Contemporary feminists argue against the patriarchal nature of the Bible, often advocating a return to the way of the ancient pagan goddesses. So did the supposedly patriarchal religion of the Bible really repress the role and value of women, as compared to ancient paganism? If it did, what did that mean for the status of women in Judaism? This class examines how Israelite religion actually elevated the status of women. The text for this class is In the Wake of the Goddesses: Women, Culture and the Biblical Transformation of Pagan Myth by Tikva Frymer-Kensky. Instructor: Dr. Steven Chervin;
Fee: $200 Member; $290 Community
In Search of Three Jews: Woody Allen, Sidney Lumet and Steven Spielberg at the Movies
January 10 – March 14, 2017 (Tuesdays) 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
An interesting examination of the some of the most significant works of three prominent Jewish American film makers and how they relate, through their films, to their Jewish heritage and the larger American social and political community. Among the films to be discussed, with generous film excerpts, are Munich; ET; An American Tail; Daniel; The Pawnbroker; Twelve Angry Men; Hannah and Her Sisters; Annie Hall; Zelig, and Crimes and Misdemeanors. Instructor: Bob Bahr; Fee: $200 Member; $290 Community
“Alien Fire: Archaeology, Ancient Israel, and Encounters with the Other”
January 11 – May 3, 2017 (Wednesdays) 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Ancient Israelites lived amongst, surrounded, and were conquered by numerous peoples—Ammonites, Moabites, Canaanites, Persians, Greeks, and Romans, to name just a few. How did the presence of these peoples affect the lives, rituals, religious practices, and art of the ancient Israelites? This class examines what the archaeology of ancient Israel reveals about those relationships, from the Exodus through the destruction of the Second Temple. Instructor: Dr. Edward Queen;
Fee: $200 Member; $290 Community
Denial: History on Trial
January 11 – May 3, 2017 (Wednesdays) 10:45 AM – 11:45 AM
The release of the film Denial, based on Deborah Lipstadt's book, History on Trial: My Day in Court with David Irving, offers a prime opportunity to revisit Lipstadt's historic trial, and the clash between fact and prejudice. Learn how Lipstadt assembled a first class defense team of lawyers, scholars, and experts; the evidence and arguments that were used to vanquish Irving's case; and how Lipstadt persevered in her quest to expose the distortion of history that defined Irving's work. Read and discuss Lipstadt's account of the tense, court-room drama, hear from guest speakers, and view the film together as a class. Instructor: Dr. Steven Chervin; Fee: $200 Member; $290 Community
Taking Another Look at Job
January 11 – May 3, 2017 (Wednesdays) 10:45 AM – 11:45 AM
A deep exploration of Job's dilemma, and the book, Why Negative Things Happen to Otherwise Good People. This will not be your typical look at injustice in the world, and throwing your hands up in frustration. No one attending this seminar will leave unchanged. Instructor: Rabbi Hayyim Kassorla;
Fee: $200 Member; $290 Community
Taste of Judaism
January 12, 2017 (Thursday) 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
“Taste” is offered FREE of charge, welcoming all who are curious about Jewish tradition: unaffiliated Jews, interfaith couples, and those of other religious backgrounds. The session explores Jewish spirituality, values, and community. This is a brief introduction to Judaism which frequently results in further engagement in Jewish learning opportunities. “Taste” serves to “cast a wide net” in order to attract individuals who have had no previous contact with the Jewish community, and others who are simply curious. Instructor: Rabbi Brian Glusman; Fee: FREE and open to the community
Derech Torah: An Introduction to Judaism
January 19 – June 15, 2017 (Thursdays) 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
This course is designed for those who want to investigate the essence of Jewish living and engage in conversation that promises to pose and explore the question: WHY? Provocative, challenging and stimulating, this course presents class discussions, activities and materials from a pluralistic learning approach. The Atlanta Rabbinic Association endorses the Derech Torah class for those considering conversion to Judaism. Fee includes materials. Instructor: Rabbi Brian Glusman; Fee: Member & Community $280
About the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta (MJCCA)
The MJCCA is committed to strengthening the quality of life throughout metro Atlanta and is recognized as one of the most highly regarded Jewish community centers in the nation. From preschoolers and adolescents to young adults and active seniors, the MJCCA offers unique and engaging programs, events, and services for every member of the community. For further information on the MJCCA, contact us at (678) 812-4000, or visit us online at www.atlantajcc.org.
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