Rimon Catalogue

Rimon is happy to announce that Rimon's Spring/Summer 2010 offerings are listed on the website and that the Spring/summer 2010 catalogue will be available shortly in pdf format.  Hard copies will be available upon request. 

Torah, and Sacred Texts

Torah Text - In this course we study and interpret the Five Books of Moses, starting in Genesis and working consecutively through Deuteronomy.  Emphasis is placed on comparing Pshat (the literal meaning of the text) with classical and modern Drash (interpretation). Instructor: Rabbi Steven Bayar
Tuesday Evenings
7:30pm - 8:30 pm
Free; No registration required
Location & Sponsor: Congregation B'nai Israel (M)

Torah Portion of the Week - After reviewing the general ideas and themes of the weekly Parasha (Torah portion), Rabbi Mark Cooper and participants will focus, in depth, on select verses, using commentaries in English from every era of Jewish history.  Knowledge of Hebrew is not necessary.
Mondays               (Classes will not be held on legal, or Jewish, holidays.)
9:00 am - 10:00 am.
Free; no registration required
Location & Sponsor: Oheb Shalom Congregation

Shabbat Morning Torah Study and Minyan - Join Rabbi Matthew D. Gewirtz, Rabbi Matthew A. Reimer, Richard Abrams, and Rabbinic Intern Karen Perolman as they discuss the weeks Torah portion and then hold a short and informal Shabbat morning service. Newcomers are always welcome and no prior (or Hebrew) experience is necessary
Saturdays
Torah Study: 8:45 - 9:45 am; Minyan: 9:45 am - 10:15 am.
Free; no registration required.
Location & Sponsor: Temple B'nai Jeshurun

Half-Hour of Torah Talk - An informal class on the week's portion each Friday following the Morning service in the Beit Midrash. Just come and enjoy!
Instructor: Rabbi Richard Hammerman
Fridays                   following Morning Service (Except legal holidays)
7:30 - 8:00 AM
Free; registration not required
Location & Sponsor: Congregation Agudath Israel

Torah On Tap - Men's Torah Study Group -- If you have a "Thirst" for knowledge and beverages from local Microbreweries, then this is the class for you. Torah will come alive and be meaningful as you study in an amiable group setting. Instructor: Rabbi Mark Mallach.
Thursdays             Feb. 25, Mar. 18, Apr. 15, May 20, June 17, July 15, Aug.19.
 7:45 pm
Free; no registration required -  For information contact Temple Beth Ahm Yisrael office at  973-376-0539
Location & Sponsor: Temple Beth Ahm Yisrael

Pirke Avot -- Discuss the wise teachings of our ancestors. Learn how these ancient lessons are still most relevant to guide us in our lives each day. Class led by Cecille Asekoff.
Saturday                Feb. 6, Mar. 20, April 10.
11:00am-noon.
Free; No Registration required.
Location & Sponsor: B'nai Shalom

Reading The Book of Psalms - Join Rabbi Roston for great discussions about faith, God, suffering and the meaning of life. As we read each psalm we ask ourselves what the psalmist is trying to communicate and how the psalm speaks to our own spiritual lives. No knowledge of Hebrew required. 
Wednesdays                        
9:00am - 10:00am.
Free; No registration required.
Location & Sponsor: Congregation Beth El

Weekly Parsha Class - Discuss the weekly Torah portion in an open, friendly, and intellectually stimulating atmosphere in this class facilitated by Jewish Educator, Susan Werk.
Saturdays              Every week.
 9:00 am - 10:00 am.
Free; registration not required.
Location & Sponsor: Cong. Agudath Israel

Shabbat Torah Study -- What does the Parasha say to me? Join in the discussion and learn with others to expand one's knowledge of the Torah. Learners on all levels are welcome led by Janice Colmar Michaelis.
Saturday mornings              February 13 (Mishpatim),
                                        March 13  (Vayakhel/Pekude),
                                        April 24 (Acharei Mot/Kedoshim).
10:30 am - Noon.
Free; No Registration required.
Location & Sponsor: B'nai Shalom

The Forgotten Bible -- The Hebrew Bible may be the most read book on earth but Jews generally confine their knowledge of this seminal collection to the Torah and Haftarot read each week, the Psalms included in the liturgy, and the five other megillot read a different holidays. But the Bible contains whole books like Daniel, Ezra, and Nehemiah, that tend to get ignored but contain much wisdom relevant to modern life. Join us as we delve into these "forgotten" books. Instructor: Rabbi Benjamin Adler.
Tuesdays              Ends May 11.
8:15 - 9:15 PM.
$18; registration required - call 973-627-4500.
Location & Sponsor: White Meadow Temple

Parashat Hashavuah -- Join the lively discussion of legend and lore, the ancient world and the modern one, the Jewish people's feelings about its God, and God's feelings about His people. Through our reading of the weekly portion, and occasional forays into the traditional commentators, we seek not only to understand the profundities of Torah, but also to understand the world and ourselves a little better. Parallel Eng/Hebrew texts will be used. We hope you'll stay for services, but even if you can't, stop by for a weekly dose of Torah! Led by Rabbi Clifford Kulwin.
Saturday mornings
 9:00 AM-9:45 AM.
Free; No registration required.
Location & Sponsor: Temple B'nai Abraham

Ethics of our Fathers-- Instructor Rabbi Moshe Herson, Dean of the Rabbinical College of America.
Every Shabbos.
One hour before sunset, except for early winter days.
Free; registration not required.
Location & Sponsor: Lubavitch Center of Essex County

Parsha Class - The weekly Torah portion comes to life with colorful stories and melodies. Instructor: Rabbi Mendy Kasowitz.
Free; registration not required.
Mondays
3:30 pm - 4:30 pm.
Location: Brighton Gardens Assisted Living; Sponsor: Lubavitch Center of Essex County

The Living Torah - The weekly Torah portion comes to life with colorful stories and melodies. Instructor: Rabbi Mendy Kasowitz.
Various                  Mondays 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm Location: Brighton Gardens Assisted Living.
                            Tuesdays 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm Location: Margulies Senior Center JCC.
Free; registration not required.
Location & Sponsor: Lubavitch Center of Essex County

Weekly Torah Portion - The weekly Torah portion is brought to life. Instructor: Dr. Devorah Smith.
Wednesdays
1:15 pm - 2:00 pm.
Free; registration not required.
Location & Sponsor: Lester Senior Housing

Talmud B'rakhot - Join a lively and insightful discussion of Talmud Tractate B'rakhot, in English. Instructor: Dr. Arnold Brenner.
Sundays                Every week.
8:50 am.
Free; registration not required.
Location & Sponsor: Cong. Agudath Israel

Bible: The Book of Samuel - Study the rise of the Israelite Kingship system with Rabbi Alan Silverstein.
Wednesdays                         Feb. 10, 17, 24; Mar.  3, 10, 17, 24; Apr. 7, 14, 21, 28; May 5.
9:20 am - 10:20 am.
$150.00/ 12 Sessions; Registration required -- call 973-530-3521.
Location: Lautenberg JCC; Sponsor: JCC MetroWest

Talmud Sanhedrin - Join a lively and insightful discussion of Talmud, Tractate Sanhedrin, in English. Topic: The rabbis' perspective on the world to come and resurrection. Instructor: Dr. Arnold Brenner.
Saturdays              Every week .
Between the Afternoon and Evening Services.
Free; registration not required.
Location & Sponsor: Cong. Agudath Israel

Bible: Fact or Fiction - Often the stories, laws , and teachings we think are in the Torah and the Bible are actually not there.  They are often part of Midrash and family traditions. Learn how these Midrash evolved and why they carry valuable truths for us today. Instructor: Rabbi Daniel Cohen.
Monday                 May 3.
7:00 pm.
Free; no registration required.
Location & Sponsor: Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel

Pirkei Avot -  Weekly discussion of Pirkei Avot, literally: Chapters of the Fathers, also called Ethics of the Fathers.  It is a compilation of the ethical teachings and maxims of the Rabbis of the Mishnaic period. Instructor: Derek Fields.
Friday Evenings                   Between Mincha and the early Shabbat service.
Free; No registration required.
Location & Sponsor: Congregation Agudath Israel

Torah for the Ages: Adult/Child Study:  Join us to study the timeless classic, Pirkei Avot: Values of the Fathers, this meeting will cater to students of all ages and backgrounds. Taught by Rabbi Menashe East.
Saturdays
Every Shabbat Afternoon, between Mincha and Maariv.
Free; No registration required.
Location & Sponsor: Mount Freedom Jewish Center

Tuesday Talmud - Join this independent Talmud study group, which has been meeting for many years. Instructors: Each week a different rabbi (all denominations) from the MetroWest community.
Tuesdays
12:30 pm ­- 2:00 pm.
Free; registration not required.
Location: Oheb Shalom Congregation, Call 973-325-2411; Sponsor: David Schechner.

Bagels and Bubbe Maisehs --  Come to study the classic stories of our sages and how those tales speak to us today, while we nosh on a light bagel breakfast. This class will meet every Sunday. All levels are welcome. Taught by Rabbi Menashe East.
Sunday Mornings
9:00 am.
Free; No registration required.
Location & Sponsor: Mount Freedom Jewish Center

Talmud Berachot, Chapter 9 - This Talmud Shiyyur will emphasize the theological underpinnings of Jewish and of all life.  The Gemara questions when, in extraordinary times, we need blessings, and what the efficacy of blessing s mean to us.  The course is presented in English with ample reference to the comments of Rishonim and Acharonim.  While the class meets three times a week, students and guests are invited during any session to uncover the true philosophies of Judaism. Instructor: Rabbi Aaron Kriegel.
Monday, Wednesdays, and Fridays
9:00 am
Free; No registration required
Location & Sponsor: Cong Beth Ahm of West Essex

Shalom Hartman Institute @ Mt Freedom Jewish Center-- The renowned center of modern Jewish scholarship and thought in Jerusalem comes to Mt Freedom Jewish Center this winter with a chavrutah peer preparation and multi-media presentation of classes by the Hartman Institute's scholars.  Sign up now for this special learning opportunity.
Sunday Mornings                TBA (This is an 8 session course) For more details, contact Mt Freedom Jewish Center office 973-895-2100.
$100.00/semester; No registration required.
Location & Sponsor: Mount Freedom Jewish Center.

Hebrew

Conversational Hebrew- Learn Hebrew, Ulpan style, with Morah Etty: Beginners or Intermediate in 7 Sunday Sessions.
Sundays           Jan. 17, 24, 31, Feb. 7, Feb, 21, March 7.
7th session Israeli Cafe and Kumsitz- May 2 Lag B'omer.
6:00-7:00pm.
$75 members fee (applies to Rimon participants).
For information contact Leslie Gleaner Program Coordinator at B'nai Shalom.973-731-0160 ext. 207 or programs@bnaishalom.net.
Location & Sponsor: B'nai Shalom

Learn Hebrew -- Learn to read Hebrew or review what you once knew in a relaxed and non threatening environment. Designed to help you understand what's inside the prayer book. Instructor: Carol Shapiro.
Tuesdays
7:00 - 8:00 PM.
$18; registration required - call 973-627-4500.
Location & Sponsor: White Meadow Temple.

Advanced Hebrew Ulpan - Discussion of current events and news of the day using Israeli newspapers and literary publications. Must be able to use Hebrew in all tenses. Instructor: Judy Bendory.
Thursdays             Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25; Mar. 4, 11, 18, 25; Apr. 1, 8, 15, 22.
9:30 am - 11:00 am.
$240.00; registration required - call 973-530-3521.
Location: Lautenberg JCC; Sponsor: JCC MetroWest.

Hebrew Boot Camp -- You know how to read the words in the siddur; but do you ever wonder WHAT those words mean? Hebrew Bootcamp may be for you.  In this "basic training" course, we exercise our language skills, flex our vocabulary, and whip ourselves into shape to appreciate the rich and beautiful language of liturgy.  Instructor: Nikki Pusin (Morah Nehama).
Sunday mornings,    Meets whenever Jewish Learning Center is in session.
 9:40am -10:40am.
Free; No registration required.
Location & Sponsor: Congregation Beth El. 

Advanced Hebrew Ulpan A - Modern conversational Hebrew for those familiar with all three tenses (or at least past and present) and ready to read Israeli newspapers. Instructor: Rachel Kushner.
Wednesdays         Jan. 6, 13, 20, 27; Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24; Mar. 3, 10, 17, 24.
6:15 pm - 7:30 pm.
$240; registration required - call 973-530-3521.
Location: Cooperman JCC; Sponsor: JCC MetroWest .

Advanced Hebrew Ulpan B - Modern conversational Hebrew for those who are ready to learn or learning the present tense. Instructor: Rachel Kushner.
Wednesdays         Jan. 6, 13, 20, 27; Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24; Mar. 3, 10, 17, 24.
7:30 pm - 8:45 pm.
$240; registration required - call 973-530-3521.
Location: Cooperman JCC; Sponsor: JCC MetroWest

Beginner's Hebrew Ulpan - Modern conversational Hebrew for those with no or little prior exposure. Instructor: Rachel Kushner.
Mondays               Jan. 4, 11, 18, 25; Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22; Mar. 1, 8, 15, 22.
5:30 pm - 6:45 pm.
$240; registration required - call 973-530-3521.
Location: Cooperman JCC; Sponsor: JCC MetroWest

BEGINNING HEBREW-- Learn the alef-bet and some simple Hebrew grammar and phrases. Instructor: Rabbinic student Anne Laurant.
Sunday mornings                Meets whenever Religious school is in session.
 9:30 am to 10:30 am.
 Fee TBA; Registration requested.
Location & Sponsor: Temple Ner Tamid.

INTERMEDIATE HEBREW-- For those who already know the alef-bet, learn more Hebrew
grammar and vocabulary and practice speaking.
Sunday mornings                Meets whenever Religious school is in session).
11:15 am to 12:15 pm.
Fee TBA; Registration requested.
Location & Sponsor: Temple Ner Tamid.

Intermediate Adult Hebrew Level 1 - For those with some background and facility with the letters and vowels in the Hebrew Aleph-bet, this course will allow you to take the next steps toward learning Biblical and Siddur/Prayerbook Hebrew, incorporating vocabulary and grammar to enhance your prayer practice and Torah study.  This course begins with the second in the "Aleph Isn't" series with "Aleph Isn't Enough" Instructor: Richard S. Abrams, Director of Lifelong Jewish Learning.
Mondays               Weekly through June 14.
10:30 am - 11:30 am.
Free; registration not required.
Location & Sponsor: Cong. B'nai Jeshurun.

Biblical Hebrew: Parasha Translation- Hone your Biblical Hebrew skills by translating the weekly Torah portion. Instructor: Rachel Kushner.
Sundays                Jan. 10, 17, 24, 31; Feb. 7, 14, 21, 28; Mar. 7, 14, 21, 28.
10:00 am - 1100 am.
$240; registration required - call 973-530-3521.
Location: Cooperman JCC; Sponsor: JCC MetroWest.

Intermediate Adult Hebrew Level 2 - You know who you are....For those of you whom have virtually finished with Aleph Isn't Enough, and a fairly good background and facility with prayerbook Hebrew, this course will allow you to take the next steps toward both Modern Hebrew and Biblical Hebrew incorporating vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension by translating prayer book and biblical texts. After a review, we will proceed to the textbook Bet is for B'reishit.  Extra enrichment material is included, such as commentary on the Torah selections. Instructor: Richard S. Abrams, Director of Lifelong Jewish Learning.
Mondays               Weekly through June 14.
9:30 am - 10:30 am .
Free; registration not required.
Location & Sponsor: Cong. B'nai Jeshurun.

Biblical Hebrew: Advanced Parasha - Hone your Biblical Hebrew skills by translating the weekly Torah portion. Knowledge of the aleph-bet and basic Hebrew required. Instructor: Rachel Kushner.
Wednesdays         Jan. 6, 13, 20, 27; Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24; Mar. 3, 10, 17, 24.
8:45 pm - 9:40 pm.
$240; registration required - call 973-530-3521.
Location: Cooperman JCC; Sponsor: JCC MetroWest

Yiddish

Advanced Yiddish - This course is for those with at least two years of Yiddish study or the equivalent. Instructor: Rebecca Levine.
Thursdays             Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25; Mar. 4, 11, 18, 25; Apr. 13, 20.
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm                                            
$130; registration required - call 973-530-3521
Location: Lautenberg JCC; Sponsor: JCC MetroWest

Intermediate Yiddish - Do you know a bisel Yiddish? Practice what you know and learn more vocabulary, phrases and grammar. Instructor: Rebecca Levine.
Tuesdays              Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23; Mar. 2, 9, 16, 23; Apr. 13, 20
12:30 pm - 1:30 pm                                         
$130; registration required - call 973-530-3521
Location: Lautenberg JCC; Sponsor: JCC MetroWest

Yiddish for Beginners - Begin to understand and speak Yiddish by learning basic vocabulary, grammar and conversation skills. Instructor: Rebecca Levine.
Thursdays                 Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25; Mar. 4, 11, 18, 25; Apr. 1, 8.              

8:10 pm - 9:10 pm                                            
$130; registration required - call 973-530-3521
Location: Lautenberg JCC; Sponsor: JCC MetroWest.