The Conejo West Valley Melton School of Adult Jewish Learning welcomes you.
Learn with us and discover unique conversation and community.
Melton is where you come for the learning and stay for the community.
FOR THOSE SEEKING A MORE MEANINGFUL JEWISH LIFE
Join the Great Jewish Conversation. Discover other wisdom seekers. Experience learning with Melton.
Our Purpose: Melton engages learners in a life-enhancing study of Jewish texts and ideas that nurtures and deepens the Jewish community locally and worldwide.
What You Can Expect:
• An Engaging Curriculum: Developed by insightful scholars, taught by highly-skilled local educators, and reviewed by experts at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
• Interactive Classes: We encourage open dialogue and discussion between learners and educators as we approach every topic with curiosity and sincerity.
• Wisdom For Life: We make Jewish texts and ideas accessible, inspirational, and enriching for all learners.
• Jewish Community: Through Melton, you become part of a worldwide movement of learners that spans many continents. Our online learning and travel seminars create meaningful connections.
Reserve your space today! Register online now. Contact Pamela Rooks, Melton Director at pamela@templeetzchaim.org for more information about classes, or to get help with questions or payment concerns.
The Melton School offers a Foundations of Jewish Family Living course for parents and grandparents. Let us know of your interest. Never Stop Learning, Never Stop Growing.
ARE YOU SEEKING A MORE MEANINGFUL JEWISH LIFE?
Reserve your space today! Register online now. Contact Pamela Rooks, Melton Director at pamela@templeetzchaim.org for more information about classes, or to get help with questions or payment concerns.
engage in GREAT CONVERSATIONs AND forge DEEP CONNECTIONS.
Registration is now open for winter 2025 classes beginning january 7,8,9 2025
*living wisdom: year of discovery begins December 15,2024
Omg, can you believe / 6 Sunday mornings / 10:00-11:30AM dec 15, 22, jan 5, 12, 19, 26
pray it forward feb 2-mar 16 with Rabbi ari averbach/ members of the tribe mar 23- may 18
temple etz chaim / thousand oaks with Michael Raileanu (via zoom) $479 all three courses / $210 each course / includes user-friendly melton e-books / melton paper books extra NO HOMEWORK. GREAT CONVERSATION!
This series of 6-week courses grapples with challenging questions related to the purposes of Judaism, Jewish practice and faith in God. Dive into the BIG questions around God and God’s relationship to Humankind. From the mundane to the holy, uncover a connection to God through the rich wisdom found within Jewish texts. Examine the many different understandings of God, free will, and mitzvot expressed by Jewish philosophers, rabbis, leaders past and present – add your voice. Explore the divine, the prophetic, and even the supernatural, as we amplify and dissect your deepest God-questions. Just do not expect to leave with any final answers.
Click to register for classes. https://tec-to.org/melton-registration
*Beyond Borders: The History of the Arab-Israeli Conflict Part I 10 TUESDAY mornings / 9:30 AM -11:30AM Jan 7, 14, 21, 28, Feb 4, 11, 18, 25, mar 4, 11 Via zoom / With benzy kogen $360 includes user-friendly melton e-book / melton paper books extra
Examine maps, media documents, original speeches & the famous "Balfour Declaration" anew, as we study the roots of the conflict between Jews & Arabs over the modern State of Israel. These 10 sessions encompass the return of the Jews to the land, the role of the British, the Cold War, the rise of Palestinian nationalism, the 1967 War, and the post-1967 vision for a “Greater Israel”, including the initial rise of Islamic fundamentalism. From religion and culture to history, politics, economics, identity, and survival, the material is designed to encourage discussion and debate, challenging learners to appreciate the basis of the claims made by all sides.
*Feminine Phenomena in the Bible 10 Wednesday mornings / 9:30 – 11:30 am Jan 8, 15, 22, 29, Feb 5, 12, 19, 26, Mar 5, 12 via zoom / With revital somekh-goldreich $360
In addition to less-often studied commentary on the spiritual giantesses of the Bible, we will explore intriguingly feminine - and not necessarily feminist - phenomena in unexpected passages. Text, image, and sound will illuminate ancient mores that persist to this day, as well as related dynamics around identity, gender, and values. Texts will be assessed through mythical, historical, theological, geopolitical, and sociological lenses - considering ethics, current affairs, and pop culture - to discover new and relevant ideas and to co-create interpretations (midrashim). This course is designed by local faculty.
*Moses Maimonides and His Enduring Contributions 10 thursday mornings / 9:30 – 11:30 am Jan 9, 16, 23, 30, feb 6, 13, 20, 27, mar 6, 13 via zoom / With Michael raileanu $360
Join us as we explore the life, writings, and philosophy of one of the world's greatest minds: Rabbi Moshe ben Maimon, the RAMBAM (1138 - 1204). His ongoing influence is felt in Jewish studies, mathematics, philosophy, and myriad other areas around the world. A Sephardic rabbi and philosopher who became one of the most prolific and influential Torah scholars of the Middle ages, he was also a preeminent astronomer and physician serving as the personal physician of Saladin. We will examine his continuing impact and his multifaceted life. This course is designed by local faculty.
*Israeli Literature as a Window to a Diverse and Vibrant Society 10 thursday mornings / 9:30 – 11:00 am Jan 9, 16, 23, 30, feb 6, 13, 20, 27, mar 6, 13 via zoom / With rabbi adam schaffer $310 includes user-friendly melton e-book / melton paper books extra
Encounter Israeli society through the pens of Israel’s leading writers, discovering voices that are original, frank, contemporary, and heartfelt. This course takes you on a literary journey offering a fresh and fascinating examination of Israeli society. Learners will gain insights into the Israeli national psyche through written reflections on themes including longing for Zion, War, Peace, Immigration, Land and Identity.
*Baruch Spinoza and the Birth of Modern Theology 10 thursday evenings / 7 pm – 8:30 pm Jan 9, 16, 23, 30, feb 6, 13, 20, 27, mar 6, 13 via zoom / With Michael raileanu $310
Baruch Spinoza was one of the most influential philosophers between the renaissance and the modern age. His thoughts on God, Nature, reality, community, and existence continue to influence us to this day. His thought processes are complex and intricate but also beautiful and inspirational. Join us as we explore someone whose influence has reached well beyond his humble Dutch beginnings and will continue to do so for quite some time. This course is designed by local faculty.
Click here to register for classes:
https://tec-to.org/melton-registration
*Subsidies available / all interested learners are welcome. Please contact Melton Director, Pamela Rooks at pamela@templeetzchaim.org if you need assistance with registration or payment.
Melton courses include Melton eBooks. eBooks will be emailed to you before your class begins. You have the option to order a paper book for an additional cost of $50, includes shipping.
Come face-to-face with Jewish texts and discover the profound intentions that have been a part of Judaism and Jewish living from ancient times to the present day. Study the moments that have shaped our collective experience, defining who we are as a people. Journey into the heart of Jewish thought and listen to the influential voices of our ancestors, modern philosophers, theologians, and rabbis throughout the generations.
Have more questions? Need help figuring out if Melton learning is right for you?
Contact Pamela Rooks, Conejo West Valley Melton Director. Email pamela@templeetzchaim.org.
Learn the Rhythms of Jewish Living--What is the point of living Jewishly? What ideas, beliefs, and practices are involved? This course examines a wide variety of Jewish sources to discover the deeper meanings underlying Jewish holidays, life-cycle observances, and Jewish practice.
Learn the Purposes of Jewish Living--Why do Jews believe as they do? What are the big questions of life and how do Jewish thinkers answer these questions? This course explores both ancient and modern responses to many of the major issues of Jewish thought and theology.
Learn the Ethics of Jewish Living--How do Jewish teachings shed light on contemporary issues such as the environment, inter-personal relationships, end-of-life decisions, and stem cell research? This course explores the wisdom of ancient and modern rabbis, scholars, and thinkers, offering multiple Jewish approaches to conducting our lives in the communal and private spheres.
Learn the Crossroads in Jewish History--What are the lessons and dilemmas of Jewish history, from the earliest wanderings of Abraham to the modern experiment in Jewish statehood? How do the turning points in history influence our lives today? This course investigates how the Jewish past gives meaning to the Jewish present.
Travel with Melton
Explore Israel, Europe, and the Americas, gaining new insights and a deeper understanding of Jewish life, past, present, and future. Whether walking in the footsteps of our matriarchs and prophets, or grappling with major events of modern times, the learning, friendships, and beautiful memories created on a Melton Travel Seminar are simply unparalleled!.
For more information on Melton travel seminars, click here https://meltonschool.org/travel
donate locally to melton
Please consider making a donation to help subsidize learning and expand the great Jewish conversation in our community. Not everyone who wants to learn is able to pay in full. Donations are 100% tax-deductible.
*Subsidies available / all interested learners are welcome. Please contact Melton Director, Pamela Rooks at pamela@templeetzchaim.org if you need assistance with registration or payment.
Melton courses include Melton eBooks. eBooks will be emailed to you before your class begins. You have the option to order a paper book for an additional cost of $50, includes shipping.
Come face-to-face with Jewish texts and discover the profound intentions that have been a part of Judaism and Jewish living from ancient times to the present day. Study the moments that have shaped our collective experience, defining who we are as a people. Journey into the heart of Jewish thought and listen to the influential voices of our ancestors, modern philosophers, theologians, and rabbis throughout the generations.
Have more questions? Need help figuring out if Melton learning is right for you?
Contact Pamela Rooks, Conejo West Valley Melton Director. Email pamela@templeetzchaim.org.
donate locally to melton
Please consider making a donation to help subsidize learning and expand the great Jewish conversation in our community. Not everyone who wants to learn is able to pay in full. Donations are 100% tax-deductible.
Invite other members of the tribe in your community to experience Jewish Wisdom while engaging in Soulful Jewish Learning.
Never Stop Learning, Never Stop Growing
Have more questions? Need help figuring out if Melton learning is right for you? Contact Pamela Rooks, Director, by email at pamela@templeetzchaim.org.
Ask about our Foundations of Jewish Family Living Curriculum for adults who want to bring the conversation home to share with their children/grandchildren and friends. Learn the Master Stories and Jewish Values.
Please let us know if you would be interested in sponsoring Jewish Living Wisdom by emailing Melton Director Pamela Rooks at pamela@templeetzchaim.org.
Thank you for your participation in the ageless pursuit of Jewish wisdom!
Register now and experience the adventure of Jewish text-study
sign-up today; invite a friend
Everyone is welcome!
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