Tuesday Conversations
Tuesday mornings 11.15am – 12.30pm

This friendly group is led by Rabbis Alexandra Wright and Igor Zinkov, and Dr Dov Softi, with the occasional guest speaker. Biblical and rabbinic texts as well as modern poetry and short stories are studied, and there are also sessions on Jewish art and music. New students are always welcome.

Understanding the Geography of the Torah
Tutor: Dov Softi
Tuesday afternoons 4.00pm – 5.00pm; repeated 5.45pm – 6.45 pm.

This course focuses on understanding the structure of the five books of the Torah. 

The class will have the opportunity to examine key Torah portions, adhering to the weekly Torah portions which are read at the LJS. Students will read the Torah portions, understand their meaning, and be able to see them in light of the bigger picture of the Torah. 

This course is suitable for those who can read Hebrew and have a basic understanding of biblical Hebrew, grammatical structure and basic knowledge of biblical Hebrew words. 

Please note that the course is held at 4.00pm and repeated at 5.45pm to help ensure as many people as possible have the opportunity to attend.

Classical Hebrew for Absolute Beginners
Tutor: Susannah Alexander
Thursday evenings 6.00pm – 7.00pm

If you know absolutely nothing about reading Hebrew but want to learn, this class is for you. Using Jonathan Romain's Signs and Wonders (available for purchase at the LJS), this class will enable you to unlock the mystery of the Hebrew letters and start reading. Absolutely no previous is required, just regular attendance of this friendly and supportive class.

Classical Hebrew for Not Quite Beginners
Tutor: Susannah Alexander
Tuesday evenings 7.00pm – 8.00pm

This is a fun and supportive class which is a continuation of the Absolute Beginners class which began in September 2023. New students who would like practice in reading and understanding key prayers are also welcome.

Understanding Biblical Hebrew
Tutor: Dr Dov Softi
Tuesday evenings 7.00pm – 8.00pm

Participants in this course will follow the book Prayerbook Hebrew the Easy Way (available for purchase from the LJS) which focuses on understanding biblical and siddur (prayerbook) Hebrew. Participants will also read key Torah portions to increase their understanding of the Bible as well as their Hebrew vocabulary. Suitable for those who can read basic Hebrew.

Gaining Confidence in Hebrew
Tutor: Dr Sally Gold
Tuesday evenings 7.00pm – 8.00pm

If you can read a little Hebrew, this supportive, informal class will help you to improve. We are looking at the Book of Ruth. Your reading is guided and at your own pace, and questions about the language and texts encouraged. Your confidence will grow with your skills and understanding, and you will be on the path towards greater enjoyment and participation in synagogue services, using the Siddur and Bible, and life-cycle events.

Tricks, Tests and Tears in the Story of Joseph
Tutor: Rabbi Alexandra Wright
Tuesday evenings 7.00pm – 8.00pm

When Joseph’s brothers appear before him, they still do not recognise the younger brother they sold into slavery seventeen years earlier. He tests them to find out whether or not they have changed since they threw him into an empty pit. The build-up to the reconciliation is beautifully conceived. If you read Hebrew (even slowly) and want to build up vocabulary and a little bit of grammar, please join us for our rich discussion around the nuances of this story.

Exploring Judaism
Tutor: Rabbi Igor Zinkov
Tuesday evenings 8.10pm – 9.15pm

Exploring Judaism is for people, including non-Jewish family members, who wish to know more about Judaism, Jewish history and the Jewish people. It is also an essential programme of instruction for people choosing Judaism by conversion. Class members are encouraged to read materials which will be put online during the year. In addition to offering knowledge of Judaism, the course encourages practical experiences of Liberal Judaism and space for reflection within the group.
 

Classical Hebrew for Elementary Level Students
Tutor: Susannah Alexander
Wednesday evenings 7.00pm – 8.00pm

This is a fun and supportive class for students who have completed a year of Beginners’ Hebrew or can already read a little Hebrew but would like to learn more. Starting with High Holy Day texts and moving on to key Torah portions, we will explore the texts that are the cornerstones of the Jewish year.

Women in the Bible
Tutor: Nitza Spiro
Shabbat mornings 9.45am – 10.45am

In this course we examine key female figures in the Bible, analysing their characters and roles in the context of psychology, sociology, politics and literature, often making comparisons with ancient texts of other cultures in that area and era.

Our discussions are in English, with texts read in Hebrew, enriching participants’ vocabulary and understanding of grammatical structure. Members of the group receive weekly guidance of words and topics to think about prior to each lesson, making the learning more effective. Should be of interest to men, too!

Learning with Texts
Facilitator: Harriett Goldenberg
Shabbat mornings 9.45am – 10.45am

The theme for the term, which starts 13 January, is 'Who is a Jew?', and asks what it is to be Jewish. 

The classes are led by the Rabbis and lay members of the class and will cover a range of ideas including The Invention of Jews by Shlomo Sands and the Legal Status of being Jewish, as seen through the British Courts.  

For a full timetable with a list of subjects and class leaders, please contact Hariett Goldenberg: hgoldenberg@btinternet.com. We welcome new members. 

Understanding Biblical Hebrew
Tutor: Dr Dov Softi
Shabbat mornings 

Participants in this course will follow the book Prayerbook Hebrew the Easy Way (available for purchase from the LJS) which focuses on understanding biblical and siddur (prayerbook) Hebrew. Participants will also read key Torah portions to increase their understanding of the Bible as well as their Hebrew vocabulary. Suitable for those who can read basic Hebrew.
Please note this course commences at 10.00am to allow parents of Rimon children to attend Tefillah.
 

Taste of Mussar 
Facilitator: Rabbi Monique Mayer 
Tuesday evenings 8.10pm – 9.25pm online on 5,12,19 and 26 March 2024.

Taste of Mussar will introduce you to the Jewish wisdom of Mussar, a treasured body of teachings and practices that provides distinctively Jewish answers to the questions we all ask about life. Mussar guides you in identifying your unique, personal path of spiritual growth and offers practices to assist you on your journey.

You will study two middot (character traits), humility/anavah and enthusiasm/z’rizut. Sessions last 75 minutes and you may wish to study the materials with another student (optional).

Taste of Mussar will be facilitated by Rabbi Monique Mayer, who trained through TMI and has presented Mussar sessions at Limmudfest, Bristol Limmud, LJ Biennials; and she has also facilitated courses in Bristol, Cardiff, and online. Rabbi Monique is spiritual leader at Bristol & West Progressive Jewish Congregation and lives in Cardiff with her husband, Nigel, and their two dogs.

What is Chavruta?
Chavruta, which means ‘companionship’, is the study among small groups to uncover the meaning of specific texts. In doing so, we hope that our students gain a greater understanding of the passages and can apply it to their own lives. In studying together this way, long-standing friendships are often formed between study companions. The original concept has been adapted by Rabbi Igor Zinkov into a modern format for LJS Members and Friends. The LJS Chavruta encourages intriguing debates on applying traditional texts to our own lives using many of the different influences in our society, such as modern and classical literature, poetry, and music. 
 
How it works 
All participants are split into groups of 3-5 people. Each month, you receive a few texts and questions for study companions to discuss. Meetings can be virtual or in person and last for around an hour. For safeguarding reasons, in-person meetings can only be held at the LJS. There is no need to read texts or prepare anything in advance. The texts will be read and discussed during the session at a convenient time for each group. Conversations aren't limited to the study sheet and questions provided, and discussion into other areas, texts and topics is encouraged. After the first two sessions, each group will have a feedback session with Rabbi Igor, and participants can continue studying within the same group, or join up with other study companions. 
 
The LJS Chavruta Registration Form 
The LJS Chavruta is only available to Members and Friends of the LJS. The registration form helps us to match you to your best study companion. Please only provide as much information as you would like. The aim is to make Chavruta rewarding and enjoyable for everyone taking part.

Click here to register: https://tinyurl.com/ljschavruta