The 2,000-year old “chevruta” style of learning — which involves learning in pairs — has been described as an act of creation because the people studying together gain insights that they could not have gleaned independently.
That traditional Jewish method of study is the format for an exploration of the topic, “War and Peace: Do the Ends Justify the Means?” at the eighth annual Day of Discovery, which will take place on Sunday, Feb. 18, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Cardinal Stritch University.
In pairs, participants will address the subject through biblical and talmudic texts, prayers, newspapers, poetry and even folksongs. After an introduction by Sherry Blumberg, Ph.D., and a text study with facilitators, Rabbi David Cohen will lead the discussion.
“If the chevruta is successful,” said Jacobson, “we want to offer it on an ongoing basis,” said Alice Jacobson, Creativity Center director at the Coalition for Jewish Learning, the education program of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation.
The day, which is free and open to the community, is sponsored by CJL, the Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center and the Wisconsin Council of Rabbis. Many local organizations and synagogues are co-sponsors.
The day will include 40 sessions on a wide range of topics, such as “Jews and the Graphic Novel,” “Geography of the Shtetl,” “Sensual Imagery & the Kabbalistic Secrets of Song of Songs,” “How Many Women Does It Take to Drive a Tank?” and “Shechita versus PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals).”
Rabbis, cantors and educators from throughout the community will present subjects that cover the political and religious spectrum.
“What makes this event so unique is that it brings people from all different movements together to study, learn and teach,” said Jacobson,
“Participants get a “taste” of what Milwaukee has to offer in Judaic learning.”
A Day of Discovery will also include a teacher recognition event to honor CJL’s teacher of the year, Aimee Bachar, a teacher at Milwaukee Jewish Day School.
Other awards will also be given, including
• The Gil Incentive For Teachers (GIFT) Awards, to be presented to Beth Goldstein of Congregation Sinai and Martin Gutnik of Hillel Academy;
• The Rabbi Emanuel and Deborah Lifshutz Mitzvah Award, to be presented to Nadine Siegman of Congregation Beth Israel;
• The Chai Award, to be presented to Julie Armour of MJDS, Amy Joannes and Miriam Liff of Yeshiva Elementary School, Kate Mann of Congregation Sinai and Suzanne Weinstein of Nicolet High School.
For the first time, CJL will present a nominee for the Grinspoon-Steinhardt Award for Excellence in Jewish Education, a national award with a $1,000 cash prize and another $1,500 to be used for professional development. This award will be given in June at the United Jewish Communities’ General Assembly.
For more information or to register, call 414-247-1991 or visit www.cjlmilwaukee.org.
Some sessions will have limited enrollment. A kosher lunch is available by pre-registration and with advance payment of $10 per person.
MORE STORIES
Loading ...