Torah in the Tongass

Monthly Topics on Judaism, Jews, and Alaskan Jewish Life

With Rabbi Dov Gartenberg

Upcoming Topics

All Sessions take place at Congregation Sukkat Shalom 211 Cordova St, West Juneau Unless Otherwise Indicated.

• Mon  Feb 13, 2012 Israel and Jewish Identity: A Brief History and Facilitated Discussion  (Will Meet at another location to be announced)

Rabbi Dov Gartenberg and his wife, Dr. Joanne Frankel moved to Douglas in July 2011. CSS is happy to announce that Rabbi Gartenberg will serve CSS throughout the year in a spiritual and educational leadership capacity. Rabbi Gartenberg has served congregations in Seattle and the Los Angeles area. He is well known as a master teacher and an innovator in communal Jewish life. Rabbi Gartenberg led our Fall Festivals and is is working with CSS members on an exciting program of services, classes, festival events, and gatherings. He has introduced an adult learning series called Torah in the Tongass. He is serving as the head teacher in our religious school. Rabbi Dov also leads a Jewish Outreach organization called Panim Hadashot, New Face of Judaism, which offers unique educational and experiential programs for adults and families. Please introduce yourself to Rabbi Gartenberg and share your aspirations for Jewish life in the Southeast. You can contact Rabbi Gartenberg at panimhadashot@gmail.com or call the synagogue phone at (907) 463-4333. 

Hebrew in the Tongass

With Rabbi Dov Gartenberg and Zachary Gartenberg

Wednesday Evenings 7-8:15, beginning on January 18, 2012 at Congregation Sukkat Shalom, 211 Cordova, West Juneau

Are you tired of being clueless in the synagogue, or are you fascinated by the original language of the Bible, or do you want to visit Israel and understand the language of the Jewish people, or do you want to get greater insight into Judaism, then these Hebrew classes will be exciting for you. These classes are also good for those seeking an adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah or who may be interested in becoming Jews by Choice.

Learn Hebrew and gain key insights into Jewish culture and perspectives with Rabbi Gartenberg's Hebrew Word Stories. The class has two stages. Stage 1 is for those at the very beginning who want to learn how to read Alef-Bet. Stage 2 builds on Stage 1 or fits for anyone who has the ability to read Hebrew script but has a very limited vocabulary.

Stage 1: Crash Course in Hebrew Reading and Writing

5 Wednesday Sessions from January 18 to February 15, 2012, 7-8:15pm at Congregation Sukkat Shalom

Learn the read the Alef Beit and to write cursive Hebrew. Each session will also focus on key Hebrew words as gateways to understanding key Jewish insights. Participants will learn the entire alphabet and be able to read and write Hebrew. This class is for those who currently cannot read Hebrew.

Stage 2: Prayerbook and Classical Hebrew with Explorations of Jewish Insights Unlocked by Hebrew Concepts.

10 Wednesday Sessions Starting February 22. Ending May 9, 2012 7-8:15pm at Congregation Sukkat Shalom

Participants will learn to understand key Hebrew prayers and passages, build a starting vocabulary, and acquire facility for reading and writing Hebrew and active participation in Jewish prayer and Torah study. Each session will also focus on key Hebrew words as gateways to understanding key Jewish insights.

Prerequisite: Ability to phonetically read Hebrew script.

 Classes will be recorded so that those who must miss due to illness or travel can keep up.

Classes are sponsored by Congregation Sukkat Shalom and New Face of Judaism: Panim Hadashot. To sign up please contact Rabbi Dov Gartenberg at panimhadashot@gmail.com or 562 304-8815.