The Secular Yeshiva Course in Advanced Jewish Studies
February 2012 through January 2015*
Who is eligible?
- Members, staff and friends of The Sholem Community, SoCal Arbeter Ring (Workmen’s Circle), as well as others, including graduates of the Jeremiah Project, willing to commit to an intensive two-year course of study. Applicants will be asked to submit a brief description of past education and/or activities in Jewish and general cultural/educational/social movements.
- Maximum enrollment: 15 individuals.
- Apply no later than January 21, 2012 to hershl@sholem.org
What is the commitment?
- Two Sunday evening sessions per month, each 2-1/2 hours (60 class hours total)
- Significant advance reading/research
- Readiness to participate in seminar-style discussions, led by participants as
well as instructors - Purchase of books and publications recommended by instructors
- Nominal fees, dependent upon offsetting grants from outside sources
What will be covered?
Approximately six sessions (15 hrs.) will be devoted to each topic:
- History and Basic Ideas of Secular Jewishness
- Critical examination of Tanakh (Hebrew bible); post-biblical literature
- Jewish calendar and holidays
- World Jewish history
- Eastern European Jewish history
- American Jewish history (incl. Rediscovering Our Radical Roots)
- Yiddish literature in translation
- Jewish American literature
Certification as Secular Jewish vegvayzer/Leaders
An additional year of study (February – December 2015) covering:
- Developing Secular Jewish life-cycle and holiday ceremonies in community and home settings
- Reviewing/Developing curricula for Secular Jewish schools
Instructors
- Hershl Hartman, Certified Secular Jewish vegvayzer; faculty, International Institute for Secular Humanistic Judaism; Ed. Dir., The Sholem Community; District Committee, SoCal Arbeter Ring (Workmen’s Circle)
- Other Certified vegvayzer in Southern California
- Noted scholars in L.A. area Secular Jewish movements/institutions
- Invited guest lecturers from L.A. area higher learning faculties
Submit questions to hershl@sholem.org