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Adult learners may audit Siegal College-CJL classes

January 9th, 2004

Though there are many opportunities for adult education in Judaic fundamentals in our community, apparently there are fewer options for study of advanced Jewish subjects for people seeking personal enrichment.

“Many people have told us that they have taken ‘101’ over and over,” said Steven Baruch, Ph.D., executive director of the Coalition for Jewish Learning, the education program of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation. “They are ready for advanced.”

So beginning in February, for the first time in Milwaukee, non-degree students will be allowed to participate in a program that until now was open only to local students seeking advanced degrees in Jewish education or Jewish studies.

The two kinds of students will be able to participate together in videoconferencing courses on Jewish studies and Jewish education topics offered by the Siegal College of Judaic Studies in Cleveland in cooperation with CJL.

Moreover, as CJL’s advanced degree coordinator Eve Joan Zucker said, participants will be able to interact with students in Kansas City, Birmingham, Dallas, Houston and Atlanta who are also participating.

At present, 12 Milwaukee-area students are in the degree program originating from Siegal College. (Another three are doing similar work through CJL in collaboration with the Spertus College of Jewish Studies in Chicago.) If this first attempt to open the Siegel classes to auditors is successful, more such classes will be offered, Baruch said.

Three classes are being offered in the coming semester:

• “The Amazing Brain: Harnessing Its Power for Jewish Education” applies findings of research in cognitive science, developmental psychology and anthropology to Jewish education for learners of all ages. Mondays, Feb. 2-May 10, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

• “From Tyranny to Freedom: The Book of Exodus” draws on classical and modern Bible commentary to probe themes ranging from the making of a tyrant to Jewish nationalism. Thursdays, Feb. 5-May 13, 8:30-10:30 a.m.

• “Exodus in Depth: The Early Life of Moses” focuses on the first six chapters of Exodus and examines them from a wide variety of historical and Jewish perspectives. Thursdays, Feb. 5-May 13, 7-9 p.m.

Cost for auditors is $250 per course. For more information, call CJL, 414-962-8860.