The Art of Helping Others

A five-week road map for being even more of a mensch when facing life's crucial encounters

Ever since Abraham interrupted his conversation with God to feed passing strangers, Judaism has stressed the importance of helping others. This course examines those moments in life when how you choose to act can change a life. Do you worry about what to say and do at a shiva house? Do you deliberate about whether to invite an unwelcome guest for Shabbat?

Do you search for the right words at hospital visits? Learn how Jewish wisdom and action deals with these issues, with insightful and very experienced teachers.

·         ·         Introduction: How Much Money, How Much Time?

·        Allotting Precious Resources for Others – R. Natan Levy, Melvyn Hartog, Rev. Michael Binstock, Stuart Bloom & Leonie Lewis

·        Grief, Mourning and Bereavement – R. Harvey Belovski

·         Visiting the Sick and Elderly – R. Daniel Roselaar

·         Taking Care of Guests – Maureen Kendler

·        Need vs. Creed: Choosing between Jewish and Gentile Causes – R. Natan Levy

1pm to 3pm

Five Tuesday afternoons

27 April; 4, 11, 25 May & 8 June 2010

Course fee: £45

JBCS, US Cares and Visitation volunteers are entitled to a £10 discount

Biblical Rehab

R. Menachem Leibtag

LSJS Scholar in Residence

A five-week course on the destruction and rehabilitation of our People and our Land

Why are so many books of the Bible about the devastation of Israel in 586 BCE? What is so crucial about that event and what can it teach us today? As we approach Tisha B’Av, this course will give a new fresh reading of exile and redemption in Tanach which has its origins in the Garden of Eden. This summer LSJS is very proud and privileged to host R. Leibtag who will transform your view of Jewish history forever.

Rabbi Menachem Leibtag is an internationally acclaimed Bible scholar and lecturer, and a pioneer of Jewish education on the internet. His highly original approach blends deep traditional Tanach study with the best of modern biblical thinking. He has taught at Yeshivat Har Etzion for over twenty years where he set up the Virtual Bet Midrash and the Tanach Study Centre.  His online essays are read by literally thousands of subscribers worldwide.

R. Leibtag also teaches at Yeshivat Shalavim, Midreshet Lindenbaum, MMY, Orot, and at Yeshiva University’s Gruss Center. He is a regular Scholar in Residence in communities across North America and is a guest lecturer for Jewish students at Columbia, Harvard, Princeton, NYU, Penn, and Brandeis.

Morning and evening study options:

Five Monday evenings, 8pm to 10pm

7, 14, 21, 28 June & 5 July

Five Wednesday mornings, 10am to 12pm

9, 16, 23, 30 June, 7 July

Course fee: £45

Theology, Politics & Leadership:

Britain’s Chief Rabbis 1880-1970

Dr Benjamin Elton

What were the religious ideologies of Britain’s Chief Rabbis from Nathan Adler to Immanuel Jakobovits and how did it affect their policies? In a provocative three-part course, Dr Elton sets out a new interpretation of the Jacobs affair and puts it in the context of the Jewish response to modernity.

Dr Benjamin Elton is Honorary Research Fellow at the London School of Jewish Studies. His PhD thesis was recently published as Britain’s Chief Rabbis and the Religious Character of Anglo-Jewry 1880-1970. He is an official at the Judicial Appointments Commission and the editor of Degel, the journal of the Alei Tzion community at LSJS.

8pm to 10pm

Three Tuesday evenings:

15, 22 and 29 June 2010

Course fee: £25

Jewish Graphic Novels

Ariel Kahn

Comics and graphic novels are an exciting, essentially Jewish medium. They illuminate Jewish identity past and present in extraordinary and moving ways. Open to enthusiasts and complete beginners, this three-part course will explore comics and novels created in Israel, Europe and America. They present powerful modern myths of the Jewish experience and act as a form of contemporary midrash.

Ariel Kahn is a Senior Lecturer in Creative Writing at Roehampton University, and teaches comics to scriptwriters at Ealing Film Studios. A graduate of Yeshivat Hamivtar (Brovender’s), he is a contributor to, The Jewish Graphic Novel, and regularly reviews comics and Graphic novels in the press.  

8pm to 10pm

Three Tuesday evenings:

20, 27 April and 4 May

Course fee: £25

Baghdad & Beyond: An Influential Jewry

Dr Maisie Meyer

An eight-week course on the surprising story of an influential community

This course takes us on a fascinating journey that brings to life the century-long history of the Baghdadi Jewish community of Shanghai, from their roots in Baghdad to their settlement in Shanghai. We will follow their attempts to rescue the remnants of the Kaifeng Jewish community in China and focus on their interaction with Russian Jews, who found refuge in Shanghai from Nazi persecution. This is a unique opportunity to explore a dramatic and extraordinary slice of little-known Jewish history.

Dr Maisie Meyer has a PhD in International History from the London School of Economics. She is on the board of the Sino-Judaic Institute and has lectured widely on Baghdadi Jews worldwide. Her book From the Rivers of Babylon to the Whangpoo: A Century of Sephardi Jewish Life in Shanghai, is based on her extensive research and is considered the definitive history of the Baghdadi Jewish  merchants who settled in Shanghai in the mid-19th century.

1pm to 3pm and 8pm to 10pm

Eight Wednesdays

28 April to 30 June

(no classes 19 May and 2 June)

Course fee: £85

Maimonides: God for Everyone

Simon Cooper

A seven-week course on the theological concepts every Jew should know

R. Moshe ben Maimon (Maimonides) was a controversial thinker both during his own lifetime and for years after his death in 1204.

The Guide for the Perplexed and the first book of the Mishneh Torah were condemned as heresy by the leading rabbis of France. Indeed, this directly led to copies of both books being burnt by the Dominican-led French Inquisition in 1232. Simon Cooper will lead you through key ideas in the opening section of the Mishneh Torah, entitled Yesodei Hatorah (Foundations of Torah).

Simon Cooper recently submitted his PhD thesis on Jewish Covenantal Theology in the Dept. of Theology & Religious Studies at King’s College, London. He lectures all over the Jewish community on contemporary Jewish thought, and on medieval and modern Jewish philosophy. Simon is editorial assistant of the Journal of Jewish Studies and leads Jewish educational tours to Israel and Europe.

8pm to 9:30pm

Seven Wednesday evenings

21 April to 16 June

(no classes 19 May and 2 June)

Course fee: £75

The Book of Bamidbar

Study the weekly sedra with our Scholar in Residence and other great teachers

The Book of Bamidbar tells the story of the eventful journey from Mt. Sinai to the Land of Israel. The course includes the last three sidrot from the previous book of Vayikra which set the scene for Bamidbar. You will study a diverse range of approaches with some of the best teachers in our community. Guaranteed to prepare you for the coming Shabbat portion every week.

The climax of the course will be five lectures given by LSJS Scholar in Residence, R. Menachem Leibtag.

8pm to 10pm

Ten Wednesday evenings

Course fee:

Option 1: £75 for the series

Option 2: £8 Pay as you learn

Understanding Conversion: From Torah to Today

The Chief Rabbi, Lord Sacks

R. Dr Abraham Levy OBE

Dayan Menachem Gelley

R. Harvey Belovski

R. Dr Naftali Brawer

R. Ariel Abel

Daniel Greenberg

A seven-week course about becoming a Jew

Who is a Jew? The issue of gerut (conversion to Judaism) has made headlines many times recently. In the UK it profoundly influences Jewish schools’ admission policies and in Israel the process is fraught with problems.

Timely and important, this course will be a unique opportunity to really understand the issues from a first-class line up of experts and educators in the field.

Topics to be addressed include: the biblical origins of conversion, respect for gerim, the process of gerut in the UK today, a history of the Ashkenazi and Sephardi approaches, retractable conversions in halacha, and the need for sensitive and transparent procedures.

Defining Jewish identity has become a highly political and controversial issue in Judaism today. In this course you will learn about the key texts, history and practical realities of this crucial subject. There will be time given for questions during each class.

8pm to 10pm

Seven Wednesday evenings

5 May to 23 June (no class on 19 May)

Course fee: £75

"The Conversions course run by the LSJS was the brainchild of Rabbi Ariel Abel who suggested the concept and wrote up the topics to be addressed by the eminent speakers who took delivered the sessions. Rabbi Abel, who directs the Montefiore Endowment Semicha Course and is Rabbi of Radlett United Synagogue said: Conversion is one of several issues that need addressing by leading lights in the community. I congratulate Dr. Rafi Zarum and his team for making this course a reality and a success."

Great Books of Jewish Law

Simon Cooper

Ian Gamse

R. Reuben Livingstone

R. Johnny Solomon

Lindsey Taylor-Guthartz

An eight-week introduction to the key texts of Jewish law, from the Mishna to contemporary responsa 

Jewish legal texts can be daunting for beginners, but help is at hand. Our team of experienced educators will guide you through the development of the Jewish legal tradition, from the Mishna to contemporary responsa literature. You will learn about the historical context of each of the key texts, and gain an appreciation of the differences in style and approach.

No previous experience of Jewish learning, or knowledge of Hebrew, is required.

Option 1

8pm to 10pm

Monday evening

26 April to 28 June

(no classes 3,31 May)

Option 2

1pm to 3pm

Wednesday afternoon

21 April to 23 June

(no classes 19 May and 2 June)

Course fee: £85

Five guys named Moses

Dr Jonathan Wolfson

A five-week course on responses to modernity represented by five men named Moses

Moses Mendelssohn

R. Moses Sofer (Chatam Sofer)

Sir Moses Montefiore

Moses Hess

Moses Lilienblum

This course examines how these five very different Jewish personalities grappled with the central questions facing the Jewish community since the beginning of Emancipation. It will look at their responses to the complicated issues of modernity, enlightenment, nationality, religious practice and loyalties in changing and uncertain times, and seek to understand how they influenced each other and continue to influence us as we confront the same issues today.

Dr Jonathan Wolfson received his PhD in Modern History from Cambridge in 1998. Currently working in the City as an IT consultant, he has continued to pursue his academic research interests and regularly lectures on Jewish history and philosophy.

8pm to 10pm

Five Thursday evenings

10, 17, 24 June; 1, 8 July

Course fee: £45

Ulpan – Five levels

Our Modern Hebrew courses are taught by highly professional and motivated teachers. Whether you are a beginner or advanced speaker we have a level for you.

Beginners’ Level 0:

Designed for students who can read Alef-Bet but lack understanding.

Beyond Beginners’ L1:

For students have spent a year on Level 0 or are on a similar level.

Intermediate Levels 2 & 3:

In these levels you will learn the language to help you talk in Hebrew on your next trip to Israel.

Advanced Level 4:

Designed for able students who can speak Hebrew but need greater fluency.

If you need help choosing which level is right for you contact our office for help and advice.

12 April to 7 July

(no classes 3, 18, 19, 31 May, 1, 2 & 29 June)

Course fee: £100

Talmud for All

R. David Mason

An eight-week course to navigate the Talmud

The Talmud records over five hundred years of rabbinic discussions about Jewish law, lore, ethics, customs and history.

You will be guided through select passages in order to identify the structure, key words and underlying principles of the text.

This lucid and lively course will enable you to get a handle on this great work of traditional Judaism.

R. David Mason is the rabbi of Muswell Hill United Synagogue and represents the Chief Rabbi on issues of international aid and development. He is passionate about teaching Talmud.

Evening and daytime study options:

Monday evenings, 8pm to 10pm

19 April to 21 June (no classes on 3 and 31 May)

Wednesday afternoons, 1pm to 3pm

21 April to 23 June (no classes on 19 May and 2 June)

Course fee: £85

LSJS Visiting Scholar: Menachem Kellner

LSJS is delighted to announce three events with Professor Menachem Kellner, author of numerous academic books and articles on medieval Jewish philosophy, as well as the popular and provocative Must a Jew Believe Anything?

Beyond Belief?

Re-thinking the Fundamentals of Jewish Faith

An early evening seminar at King’s College London

Wednesday 17 March

Lecture by Professor Kellner, followed by responses from Dr Tamra Wright and Rabbi Dr Michael Harris. This event is free and open to all. There will be an opportunity to find out more about the MA in Jewish Studies offered by King’s College London in partnership with LSJS.

5pm - Kosher refreshments

5:30 to 6:45 pm Lecture and discussion

For further details and to book your place, email: Gerry@lsjs.ac.uk by 15 March

Must a Jew Believe Anything?

Public Lecture at LSJS

Monday 22 March

8pm to 9:30 pm

Fee: £10

On Sacrifice & Redemption

Public Lecture at LSJS

Wednesday 24 March

8pm to 10pm

Fee: £10

Professor Menachem Kellner is Professor of Jewish Thought at the University of Haifa. He is the author of a number of scholarly books, including Maimonides’ Confrontation with Mysticism, and dozens of articles in academic journals, as well as many occasional pieces on matters of contemporary Jewish concern.

Lunch and Learn

Take time out from your working day to attend a great study class with the cream of the LSJS faculty. Lunch and refreshments provided. Book your place or turn up on the day.  

Berwin Leighton Paisner LLP

Adelaide House, London Bridge, London EC4R

Tuesday, 12:45-1:30pm: (please note earlier start)

Fortnightly:  13, 27 April; 11, 25 May; 8, 22 June 

BDO LLP

55 Baker Street, London W1U

Wednesday, 1-2pm:

Monthly:  14 April, 12 May, 9 June, 7 July 

Denton Wilde Sapte LLP

One Fleet Place, London EC4M 7WS

Thursday, 1-2pm:

Weekly:  22, 29 April; 6, 13, 27 May; 3, 10, 17, 24 June, 1 July  

LSJS Teachers include:

Simon Cooper, Teaching Fellow

Maureen Kendler, Head of Educational Programming

R. Natan Levy, Head of Jewish Responsibility

Michael Pollak, Teaching Fellow

Dr Raphael Zarum, Chief Executive & Head of Faculty 

Contact LSJS office for more information and updates.

Tanach Yom Iyun: Summer Study Day

Keynote Scholars:

R. Menachem Leibtag

LSJS Scholar in Residence

Yeshivat Har Etzion, Tanach Study Centre

R. Alex Israel

Yeshivat Eretz Hatzvi, Machon Pardes,

Rabbi of Tzohar

An in-depth study day on all things biblical

International guest speaker

Rabbi Gad Dishi

Lawyer and Educator, Author of ‘Jacobs Family Dynamics’

LSJS is proud to be launching this ground breaking event in London. Led by two internationally-known Tanach teachers, this day will present a wide range of approaches to Tanach, covering some less familiar books as well as those that are well-known but with a fresh perspective. 

9:30am to 5:30pm

Sunday 4 July 2010

Fee: £30 including lunch

Reductions available for group bookings as well as educators and students

Fast of Tammuz - Special shiurim

Jerusalem: How the End Began

R. Menachem Leibtag

10am-12pm, repeated 8-10pm on Tuesday 29 June

Fee: £10

Fast ends: 10:21pm

LSJS TIkkun Leil Shavout

We have invited eight great teachers to each choose a text that surprises, inspires and challenges them. On this night they will all share them with you.

Dr Harris Bor                      Sammy Rubin

R. Leo Dee                          M D Spitzer

Dr Benjamin Elton              Dr Tamra Wright

Michael Pollak                     Dr Raphael Zarum

Tuesday night 18 May 2010          

Starts 12:00am

Four choices every hour –something for everyone

Midnight:

Three Rabbi’s philosophy of history: Hirsch, Kook and Soloveitchik - Dr Benjamin Elton

A Serious Jew: Levinas on Revelation and the ‘Difficult Freedom’ of Being Jewish - Dr Tamra Wright

Oral Torah and the Written Torah: which was given first? and why is this important? - M D Spitzer

1am:

A Jewish response to ‘Original Sin’ and the ‘Fall of Man’ - Dr Raphael Zarum

Rabbinical Revolution and Reconciliation: what is educational leadership? - Sammy Rubin

If freedom is so important, how can we permit slavery? - Dr Harris Bor

2am:

Red Revelation Rising: Why did Moshe throw blood all over us at Mt. Sinai? - Dr Raphael Zarum

Change in Halacha – the story of Shavuot - Michael Pollak

Significant Silences: what silence can teach us about Shavuot - Dov Lerner

Break between classes – ice cream and coffee served.

Fully-stocked Bet Midrash open all might for personal and chavruta learning.

Shacharit at 3:15am approx

Organized by the Alei Tzion Community

Refreshments of luscious ice cream, and Fairtrade coffee, tea and herbal drinks served through the night.