Higher and Higher: The High Holy Days
Rabbi Dorsch will help us ready ourselves for the High Holy Days. The literature is filled with beautiful piyyutim, ancient poems and prose that were composed by some of the most creative and passionate rabbinic thinkers. Together, we will examine some of their poetry in hope of gaining a better understanding of how they can transform the way we understand and connect to the upcoming holy days and its special liturgy. We will also explore, with the help of Cantor Warschawski, how their haunting melodies can move us and inspire us on our journey through the holy days.
- Session One: The Unetanah Tokef. We will contemplate what it means to be powerless, through the lens of Rav Amnon of Mainz, one of the most tragic characters in rabbinic literature. Wednesday, August 31, 2022, at 7:00 pm
- Session Two: Maarei Kohen: We will look at the often overlooked piyyut which describes the ancient temple Yom Kippur ritual, and pushes us to see Yom Kippur as the happiest day of the year. Tuesday, September 6, 2022, at 7:00 pm
- Session Three: Avinu Malkeinu and L'El Orech Din: How do we want to be judged and by whom? By a parent with compassion and mercy or by a monarch with a steady sense of justice? Wednesday, September 14, 2022, at 7:00 pm
The sessions will be held in-person in the Center for Jewish Life (CJL).
Dr. Stephen Berk Lectures
Last fall, over 30 congregants were spellbound listening to a series of six lectures by Dr. Stephen Berk, nationally recognized expert on Jewish and European history. This fall Dr. Berk will be teaching Going and Coming: A History of Jewish Emigration and Immigration. Watch for the fascinating full course description in the MJC emails. The general price for the six lectures is $65. Available on Zoom with a special arrangement made by Lifelong Learning and Dr. Berk’s upstate congregation, the series cost to for the first 30 MJC registrants is $18. Lectures will be held on Thursday nights at 7:30 pm starting on September 8, 2022. Sessions will be recorded so participants can listen to lectures at other times. To register, send a check for $18 to MJC Lifelong Learning ℅ S. Greenfield, 2336 Harrison Ave, Baldwin, NY 11510 by September 1, 2022. (No Venmo)
Bagels and Bible
Rabbi Dorsch will continue an Merrick Jewish Centre tradition of discussing the weekly Torah portion over light breakfast at Bagel Plaza every Wednesday morning at 10:00 am. This informal gathering is an enjoyable way to focus the week and learn together. Meet at Bagel Plaza on Merrick Road at 9:45 am to get your coffee and bagel. Sessions starting Wednesday, October 19, 2022.
For Fun and Fascination - Television Production Secrets
You will never again watch a television program or movie the same way! This behind-the-scenes look will explore elements of production and directing techniques. Some scriptwriting and storyboarding will also be included in this three-session mini-course. Clips from I Love Lucy, Twilight Zone, and The Golden Girls, as well as scenes from The Changeling will be viewed. Open to all MJC members, including current high school and college students. The classes will be excerpted from the Foundations course Steve Kussin teaches in the Department of Radio-Television-Film-New Media at Hofstra. The course will be taught in three sessions at 8:15 pm on Wednesday, October 26, 2022, November 9, 2022, and November 23, 2022, in-person in the Center for Jewish Life (CJL).
Pre-registration required at lifelonglearning@merrickjc.org
Ken Burns Presents - MJC Discusses
On September 18–20, 2022, from 8:00-10:00 pm, noted documentary filmmaker will turn his lens on the U.S response to the Holocaust during WW II. Shown on Channel 13, this series will explore the controversial subject of why the U.S. did not act to slow down or destroy the Nazi death camps. Lifelong Learning will host a discussion of the series on Saturday, September 24, 2022 after Shabbat Services and the Kiddush luncheon. Rabbi Dorsch will lead a 30 - 45 minute discussion. Please join us for services, lunch and a lively discussion.
MJC Reads: Jewish Experience in Short Stories
Stan Bloomfield, adjunct professor of literature at Hofstra, will lead a two-session class on two exceptional short stories of Jewish content. You will discover what differentiates a short story from a novel, and how authors use their experiences to engage or challenge their readers. Register for the course at lifelonglearning@merrickjc.org by October 15, 2022 in order to receive an online link to the stories. The classes will be held on November and December at 8:15 pm in-person. Watch you emails for the exact dates.
Virtual Hollywood
Coming to you live from Omaha, Nebraska, Rich Knox will continue his weekly Zoom presentations on Sunday mornings at 11:00 am which focus on Hollywood greats or related topics of interest. Watch your email for upcoming programs and login information. No pre-registration required.
Unleash the Artist Inside
Lifelong Learning will be teaming up with Sisterhood to sponsor an art project just prior to Hanukkah. Save December 7, 2022, on your calendar and watch for details.
Israeli Movie
Watch for an announcement later in the fall of the screening of an Israeli film and discussion.