Classes

We offer many classes at the JCC of the East Bay, on a variety of interesting topics. There's always plenty of opportunity to inquire, discuss, debate, and learn together.

Spirituality and Music

This course will examine the connection between spirituality and music in general, as well as specifically in Hasidic music. We will experiment with the concept of music as an independent form of meditation, and the instructor will also perform his original songs to demonstrate the various categories of spirituality as characterized in the Hasidic style. Just as the Hasidic masters did, we will also create nigunim, songs created through improvisation. With instructor Aaron Blumenfeld. Co-sponsored by the Jewish Music Festival.

Wednesdays, 7:30pm beginning January 13, $50 for 10 classes

Reading Yiddish Texts

In this course, we will read and discuss selections of Yiddish prose and poetry from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. The class will focus on comprehension, based not only on the lexicon and syntax of the Yiddish language, but also on the cultural contexts in which the texts are embedded. With instructor Yael Chaver. Prerequisite: Students should have completed at least a year of college-level Yiddish language or the equivalent. Co-sponsored by Lehrhaus Judaica.

Mondays, February 22 - May 17 (8 sessions - No class 3/29), 7:00-9:00pm, $100, $90 if registered by February 8th. To register, please visit www.lehrhaus.org or call 510.845.6420.

Critical Viewings: Learning to Learn From What We Watch

Watch and examine one or two short films, documenatries, TV episodes, commercials, etc. each week and discuss, becoming intellectually engaged and articulate viewers. With facilitator George Porter.

Mondays, 1:00-3:30pm

Current Events

This discussion group is aimed at keeping all involved on top of current "hot button" issues. Diverse points of view are encouraged and respected. Explore social, political, and economic issues in the news around the world. With instructor George Porter.

Thursdays, 1:00-3:00pm

Adventures in Literature

In this class, students read and discuss contemporary short stories and essays. Learn not only to become a more analytical reader, but to relate ideas in texts to personal experiences in order to shed light on these short works. With facilitator George Porter.

Thursdays, 11:15-12:15pm

For more information, please contact Sam Young at 510-848-0237 x148 or at samy@jcceastbay.org.