As opposed to popular conception the Talmud is not only a book of laws. It is a wondrous literary creation where rules, debates, life stories and fiction merge into a web of meaning. In this course we will look at some of the stories from the Talmudic discussion and see how they use this form as another way to think about and create meaning in life.

This class is opened to all TBZ members. People who participated in last year Stories of the Talmud class are encouraged to join again as we will learn NEW stories!

Sign up online today

Hosted by First Parish in Brookline, United Parish in Brookline, and Temple Beth Zion

Location: First Parish in Brookline, 382 Walnut Street, Brookline, MA, 02445.

Time: all sessions, 7-9 p.m.

Cost: $50 for five sessions (payable at first session; scholarships available)

TBZ members should register through TBZ’s office: 617-566-8171 ext 14 or office@tbzbrookline.org.

Limited to 12 members of each congregation.

Schedule:

February 27, 2012:  Revelation in Judaism. Rabbi Or Rose Director, Center for Global Judaism Hebrew College

March 5, 2012: Revelation in Christianity. Rev. Gregory Mobley Professor of Christian Bible Andover Newton Theological School

March 12, 2012: Revelation in Islam.  Homayra Ziad Assistant Professor of Religion Trinity College

March 19, 2012: Revelation in Unitarian Universalism. Rev. John Buehrens Senior Minister First Parish in Needham

April 2, 2012: Revelation Roundtable. With all Instructors

For Information about the course (no related to registration): contact Gregory Mobley: gmobley@ants.edu

A close reading of the Biblical story of David HaMelekh’s Life and Legacy.

Sign up online.

Tuition is $135.  Registration deadline is Thursday, March 1.  

Please call Jeralyn in the TBZ office to register – 617-566-8171 ext 14 -  and charge it!!

We will study approaches to Torah that regard learning not just as gathering and disseminating information, problem-solving or mental exercise, but as cultivating certain states of mind in deep, active communication with God and with Torah teachers, in this world and other worlds. Texts for this series include a responsum of R. David Ibn Abi Zimra,  R. Hayyim Vital’s Sha’ar HaYichudim and Sha’ar HaGilgulim, and R. Hayyim of Volozhin’s Nefesh HaHayyim. In the course of the class, we hope to try to practice the techniques we will be learning, to enhance our own spiritual awareness.

at Family Table: 1430 Main Street, Waltham, MA 02451

JF&CS Family Table provides extra food items for Family Table recipients to ensure that all families have the food needed to celebrate and observe Pesach. This means packing approximately 640 additional bags –Above and beyond what Family Table normally provides  –  of food for the Passover Food Distribution!

TBZ members will join on March 25th at JF&CS for the TBZ Mitzvah Day and we will create an assembly line of children and adults to work together to pack bags while also learning about Family Table and participating in some learning about tzedakah and tikkun olam.

10:00-10:30: Arrive; coffee, juice & bagels and introduction to Family Table
10:30 Instruction for packing the meals!
11:45 A teaching about Tzedakah & Pesach!

This is a great opportunity for ALL TBZ members to participate in a mitzvah together.

PLEASE SIGN UP HERE!

The annual holiday of Tu B’Shevat offers us the opportunity to reflect on our relationship to the earth—both local and global—through song, storytelling, food, and discussion.

Where does our food come from?

This year’s seder (ritual gathering) will focus on food, place, and the agricultural cycles in New England, Israel, and other parts of the world.

In addition to exploring the traditional symbols of the seder (including fruits, nuts, and juices), we will hear from local farmers, activists, and business people involved in producing and distributing sustainable foods.

Date: Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Time: 7:30-9:00 pm

Location: Temple Beth Zion, Community Room (lower level)

PLEASE SIGN UP HERE

The Retreat is co-sponsored by the Membership and Yeladim committees. It offers a splendid opportunity for TBZ members and families who want to experience a unique, full Shabbat with old and new friends.

We are going back to Prindle Pond conference center in Charlton, MA.  Nestled on 500 wooded acres, just off the Mass Turnpike and 75 minutes from Brookline, Prindle Pond makes natural beauty easily accessible.

Fees for this all-inclusive weekend are $170 for adults, $80 for teens ages 12-17, $70 for children ages 3-11, and free for children under 3.  For non-members (who are considering joining TBZ), add an additional $20 per person.

Scholarships are available.  If you are interested, contact Rav Claudia at  by January 18. Babysitting will be provided free of charge.

Please click here to register.

Make your reservations early, as spaces are limited!

For more information about the Retreat or to get involved in the planning, contact Retreat co-chairs Jane Liebschutz  or Rachele Rosi-Kessel.

Refund Policy:  All cancellations made before March 5th will receive a 90% refund.  Cancellations received from March 5-9 will receive a 75% refund.  Refunds for cancellations after 3/9/12 will be determined at the discretion of the Retreat Committee.

Retreat Guidelines:  All TBZ Retreat participants must abide by the rules, regulations, and guidelines set down by Prindle Pond facilities representatives and the TBZ Retreat Committee.  Prindle Pond has designated certain areas of the camp off-limits, and no TBZ participant shall enter an off-limit area.  A parent must be aware of where his/her child (including teenagers) is at all times.  A parent agrees to be accessible and come immediately and help with his or her child if a TBZ staff member or volunteer leader sends for that parent’s assistance.

If you are unavailable to register online please e-mail Suzie Schwartz  or call the TBZ office (617-566-8171)

This class is opened to all TBZ members. People who participated in last year Stories of the Talmud class are encouraged to join again as we will learn NEW stories.

Please call TBZ’s office 617-566-8171 ext 14 to sign up.

Wednesday February 1, 2012

6:30-8:30 PM

TBZ Community Room

This workshop is geared for lower income individuals and families and will include topics such as:

-         Tax filing basics and which documents to prepare

-         How new tax laws will affect your refund

-         Setting up direct deposit

-         Where you and your family can file taxes for free

-         Filing back taxes

-         Additional resources

-         The right way to allocate your refund. Tax season can be an opportunity to pay off debts!

To RSVP, please contact Michael Ibanez at mibanez@jfcsboston.org or 781-693-1239.