Slifka Center classes are free of charge, free of credit and open to all Yale students, faculty and the New Haven community. No registration needed. For more information on any of our class offerings and/or full schedule of classes please stop by the Center at 80 Wall St.

Schedule of Classes for 2011

LEARNING TO LEAD

This year, Yedidya Schwartz ‘11 will moderate “Learning to Lead,” a seminar that will cover skills areas in leading services as a Shliach   Tzibbur. All those who are interested in developing or improving  their leading skills are welcome. The course will consist of four one-hour classes, each focusing on different aspects of the Hazzan’s role   in the Synagogue. The classes target students at different liturgical skill levels and are completely independent of each other (no one class is a prerequisite for any other). The classes, tentatively scheduled for the following dates, are as follows.

October 3 - What is the Point of a Shliach Tzibbur? – Level: Beginner (You are pretty comfortable following, but have never really led before.)

October 17 - Creativity as a Hazzan – Level: Intermediate (You have been a Shliach Tzibbur a few times and want to become better.)

October 31 - Performance Skills – All levels

November 14 - Some issues of Minhag and Difficult Cases – Level: Advanced (You really know your way around the shtender & are up for a little challenge.)

For more information please contact yedidya.schwartz@yale.edu

LEARNING TO LEAD INTRO TO JUDAISM LUNCH AND LEARN

Wednesdays at noon in the Kosher Kitchen, beginning Sept. 22nd.

This class is intended for those who are new to Judaism or those     seeking to gain a deeper understanding of Jewish texts and practice. This class will cover the meaning and practices of Jewish holidays, major life cycle events, Shabbat, and an overview of the central texts in Jewish tradition. If you have questions, please contact Rabbi  Megan Doherty at megan.doherty@yale.edu

LEARNING TO LEAD INTRO TO THE TALMUD

Never studied Talmud before? No problem! In this class, we will study a range of fun and interesting passages in the Talmud focusing on methodologies, structure, legal and literary concepts, & terminology. Over the course of the semester, we will develop both an understanding of the Talmudic text and the skill set to study independently or with a partner. No Aramaic or Hebrew required.

For more information and schedule of classes, please contact Sara Ronis, PhD Student, Ancient Judaism at sara.ronis@yale.edu

YIDDISH CLASSES
Study of basic grammar with the goal of reading texts.

Level I – Thursdays 7-8 PM, from 1/20 – 4/21
Level II – Tuesdays 7-8 PM, from 1/25 – 4/26
Level III – Mondays 7-8 PM, from 1/17- 4/18

All classes held on the third floor of Slifka.

Contact Josh Price at joshua.price@yale.edu with for more information.

MEDITATION WORKSHOPS

Participants in this workshop will be led through an introduction to Jewish meditation and contemplative practice. This workshop will seek to strengthen connections between mindfulness, Judaism and spiritual life.

No prior knowledge or meditation experience required.

*EVERY FRIDAY FROM 4:30-5:30

Click here to see what free, non-credit courses have been offered in previous semesters.  See something you like?  Ask us to add it to the schedule again next semester!