Jewish Education Center of the
Jewish Education Learning Opportunities for Teachers and Educators who are
working towards or maintaining their Jewish Teaching Certificate
We’ve collected some sessions thought the year that are being offered at the local synagogues.
Teachers who are working towards their Jewish Teaching Certificate from the JEC and those who are
maintaining the certification can accrue their education hours at these sessions.
There are many other Jewish organizations around the greater Seattle area that offer adult Jewish
education programs not listed here. If you find one that will be beneficial to you, please contact Liat
Zaidenberg at LiatZ@JewishInSeattle.org for approval.
Temple Beth Am
2632 NE 80th St
Seattle, WA 98115
(206) 525-0915
www.templebetham.org
We are offering three Hebrew classes for adults this year. The first semester will run from Sunday,
October 18-February 21. The second semester will run from Sunday, February 28 through Sunday, June
13 (no class 11/29, 12/20, 12/27, 1/17, 2/14, 3/28, 5/30). The cost is $140/members; $160/nonmembers, with a 50% discount for JTC participants. The teacher is Boaz Pnini.
NEW – Modern Spoken Hebrew. 9:40 – 10:30 AM
Book: “Colloquial Hebrew: The Complete Course for Beginners” by Tamar Wang
Room: University Prep room 207
This class is ideal for those wanting to either learn spoken Modern Hebrew, or improve their
Hebrew speaking skills. Perfect for travelers to Israel or just for conversation.
Prerequisites: Beginner Hebrew or anyone who can read basic Hebrew
Intermediate/Advanced Prayerbook Hebrew, 10:30-11:20 AM
Book: “Prayerbook Hebrew the Easy Way” by Joseph Anderson
Room: University Prep room 207.
This course will continue to build upon our foundation for reading comprehension and a basic
Hebrew vocabulary. We will cover the basic grammar and vocabulary of the Siddur
(prayerbook), and begin translating passages from the Siddur and singing Shabbat prayers. We
will review, practice reading, translate and study prayers from the Friday evening and Shabbat
morning services.
Prerequisites: Beginner Hebrew or anyone who can read basic Hebrew
Jewish Education Center of the
Beginning Prayerbook Hebrew: 11:20 – 12:10 PM
Book: “Learn Hebrew Today: Alef-Bet for Adults” by Paul Michael Yedwab and Howard I. Bogot
Room: K’hilah Meeting Room 226
Designed for those with little or no previous exposure to Hebrew, this introductory course will
focus on developing the foundation for reading comprehension and a basic Hebrew vocabulary.
We will learn the basics of prayerbook Hebrew, beginning with the alphabet and moving
through the basic grammar and vocabulary of the Siddur (prayerbook), including the key texts
and melodies of some prayers and blessings found in the Siddur. This class is required for adults
wishing to become adult B’nai Mitzot or convert.
“The impact of Safed on Jewish civilization”
Rabbi Jonathan Singer
Tuesday evenings, December 1, 8 and 15
Cost: Free
We will explore the creativity and centrality of the Jewish experience in Tsfat during the Middle
Ages. Out of this mystical place came some of the most important and innovative contributions
to Jewish life. We will examine the history of Tsfat, along with the lives and thoughts of Isaac
Luria, Joseph Karo, and Shlomo Halevi Alkabetz (composer of the L’cha Dodi prayer).
Congregation Beth Shalom
6800 35th Ave NE
Seattle, WA 98115
206.524.0075
www.bethshalomseattle.org
Classes will be offered at a 50% discount to JTC participants.
Living Judaism–The Basics with Mary Potter
This course serves as both an introduction to Judaism for Jews looking to deepen their
knowledge, non-Jewish partners of Jews, and as the required course for conversion students. It
lays the foundation for participants to build a strong personal Jewish identity. The main
teacher is Mary Potter with some classes also taught by Beth Huppin and Rabbi Borodin. We
will study the essential spiritual, religious, ethical, legal, historical, and cultural elements that
inspire a commitment to Jewish life and involvement. Participants will be encouraged to
explore various forms of Jewish identity through practice.
Participants will take one of our Hebrew courses during the first hour of the course as part of
this year of study. *Tuition includes the cost of one of our Hebrew courses as well as the Living
Judaism course.
Pre-requisites: Interview with Rabbi Borodin and completion of the Living Judaism application.
Jewish Education Center of the
Time: Tuesday Nights, 7-9:30pm
Dates: Class begins Oct. 13 (23 sessions + additional get togethers)
Cost: Singles - $450/Member*, $550/Non-member*; Partners who are taking this class
together, please call the office for special pricing.
Find out more about Living Judaism at our Special Intro Class Tuesday, October 6 at 7:00pm
Troubling Texts in Context with Beth Huppin
The Bible is filled with texts that challenge us to confront our deepest fears and anxieties as
well as our greatest hopes, dreams and desires to repair both our souls and the world.
Sometimes the texts that make us least comfortable can yield the deepest insights.
Sign up for the whole year or for segments of the class.
Time: All classes held on Tuesday nights, 8:15—9:15PM
Dates: Full course classes begin Oct. 13 (23 sessions)
Cost: $200/Member, $250/Non-member
Take the full series of Troubling Texts and add a year-long Hebrew class for just $100!
Hebrew (Alef Bet) Level I with Rachel Schachter
We will spend the first semester learning the Alef Bet using the EKS Hebrew Primer. Second
semester, the class will choose how to continue, either with becoming familiar with some basic
vocabulary of the Siddur -the basic prayer book, or starting a more systematic approach to
Biblical and Siddur grammar.
Time: Tuesday nights, 7:00-8:00pm
Dates: Class begins Oct. 13 (23 sessions)
Cost: $200/Member, $250/Non-member
Hebrew (Prayer) Level IV—Unlocking the Siddur with Beth Huppin
For students with basic Hebrew grammar/vocabulary knowledge, this class will focus on
understanding Siddur Hebrew. We will look at both literal and theological ways to understand
and translate the t’fillot. Basic grammar rules and vocabulary will be reviewed and expanded
throughout the year. The use of words in modern Hebrew as well as the echoes from Biblical
Hebrew will be explored. Learn Hebrew, discuss theology and understand what you’re saying
when davening in Hebrew.
Time: Tuesday nights, 7:00-8:00pm
Dates: Class begins Oct. 13 (23 sessions)
Cost: $200/Member, $250/Non-member
Jewish Education Center of the
Herzl Ner Tamid
3700 E Mercer Way
Mercer Island, WA 98040
206-232-8555
www.h-nt.org
50% discount to JTC participants
Why Be Jewish? a three-session introduction to Judaism taught by Rabbi Rosenbaum and Rabbi
Hearshen, November 10, 17, 24, no charge
Hebrew from Scratch: Hebrew for absolute beginners. Sunday mornings, 11:00 AM - Noon,
October 25 - December 13. $60 for community members
Intermediate Conversational Hebrew: Tuesday evenings, 7:00 - 8:30 PM, September 8 - June 8.
$14 per session , $540 per year payable monthly for JTC participants
Kol HaNeshamah
6115 SW Hinds
Seattle, WA 98116
206.935.1590
admin@kol-haneshamah.org
www.kol-haneshamah.org
50% discount to JTC participants
Intro to Judaism – Rabbi Anson Laytner
Explore the values, beliefs and rituals that developed within the diverse historical and cultural
settings in which Judaism took root. This course requires no prior Judaic knowledge and is
appropriate for those interested in, or in the midst of, conversion, interfaith families and
individuals who desire to know more about Judaism. This class is appropriate for teens and
above.
6:45 – 7:45 pm Thursdays, October 15th, 22nd, 29th November 12th, 19th December 3rd
Cost: Suggested Donation $18
Prayerbook Hebrew – Tammy Kaiser, MJE
Learn nouns, possessive endings, participles, prepositions, past, future and present tense and
the infinitive – all by studying Hebrew prayers in our liturgy. Knowledge of the alef-bet and
vowels is required. A “brush-up” text is available by calling the instructor prior to class at 206935-1590.
Jewish Education Center of the
6:45 to 7:45 pm Thursdays, October 15th, 22nd, 29th November 12th, 19th December 3rd
Cost: $50 KHN members; $100 non-members
What Would Rashi Do? - Tammy Kaiser, MJE
Acclaimed for his ability to present the basic meaning of the text in a concise yet lucid fashion,
Rashi appeals to both learned scholars and beginning students, and his works remain a
centerpiece of contemporary Jewish study. We will learn about Rashi and study his
commentary on the Talmud and the Torah in Hebrew and English. No Hebrew knowledge is
required.
8 – 9 pm Thursdays, October 15th, 22nd, 29th November 12th, 19th, December 3rd
Cost: $50 KHN members; $100 non-members
Godwrestling I – Tammy Kaiser, MJE
How do we talk about God with our kids and each other? Is it possible to have a personal
relationship with the God of the Jewish people? How is an individual’s belief in God or their God
concept shaped by life experiences and religion? This workshop is based on the award winning
curriculum, Godwrestling, written by Tammy Kaiser and published by Brandeis University. This
workshop is appropriate for teens and above.
Sunday, December 20th 3pm to 5pm
Cost: $9 KHN members; $18 non-members
Temple B’nai Torah
15727 NE 4th St.
Bellevue, WA 98008
425-603-9677
www.templebnaitorah.org
This I Believe: Writing Workshop
Instructor: Rabbi Yohanna Kinberg
Wednesdays, November 4, 11 and 18, 7-8:30 pm
Explore your creative side and get some inspiration for writing an essay about what you believe.
Work on developing your personal voice while crafting your own This I Believe essay. Whether
you plan to submit an essay to the TBT This I Believe book or just want to write for yourself,
you’ll enjoy learning more about the art of the personal essay and doing some writing
exercises.
Stepping Stones to Jewish Spiritual Living
Instructor: Rabbi James Mirel
Three classes: November 12, January 28, March 11
Cost: $30
Explore Jewish spirituality and find your own place in the Jewish journey.
Jewish Education Center of the
Introduction to Judaism
Instructors: Rabbi James Mirel and Rabbi Yohanna Kinberg
Part I: October 14, 21, 28, November 4, 11, 18, December 2, 9
Part II: February 3, 10, 17, 24, March 3, 10, 17, 24
Cost: $80 per semester
This is a course for people who would like to explore the basics of Judaism in a thoughtful and
supportive environment.
Temple de Hirsch Sinai
www.tdhs-nw.org
1511 E. Pike St.
Seattle, WA 98122
206-323-8486
THE BOOK OF NUMBERS: Anger, Resistance and Rebellion
The fourth book of the Torah makes it clear that 40 years in the wilderness were no “walk in the
park!” Aaron and Miriam murmur against Moses; the ten spies defy Moses and God and return
an “evil report” about the land; the angry, frightened Israelites want to return to Egypt; Korach
foments an armed rebellion while Moses becomes angry with God and Israel, all with dire
consequences as the entire covenant enterprise is put at risk. The class will examine the Book
of Numbers and its rabbinic commentaries about these and other events.
10 Sunday mornings beginning 9/13 through 11/15
11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. • Seattle Conference Room
THE ROLE OF CONSCIENCE IN JUDAISM: The Duty to Obey and the Duty to Disobey.
Using a new book by Rabbi Harold Schulweis, we will explore the role of conscience in religion
in general and Judaism in particular. Abraham’s conscience challenges God over the issue of
Sodom and Gemorah. The prophet Ezekiel challenges the biblical teaching that the sins of the
fathers are visited on the children. What does Judaism have to say to those who challenge the
Torah or rabbinic law out of conscience? How do we resolve the tension between conscience
and scripture when they appear to be at odds? How can we be certain that acting out of
conscience is not just personal hubris?
7 Sunday mornings, beginning 10/4 through 11/15
9:30-11:00 • Seattle Conference Room
Text: Conscience by Rabbi Harold M. Schulweis, Jewish Lights Publishing
“Conscience” Members: $60, Non-members: $75
“Numbers” Members: $130, Non-members: $150
Both: Members: $170, Non-members: $205
To register call Mimi Porad at: 206-323-8486