TORAHTHON 2009
A LEARNING EXTRAVAGANZA
Wednesday evenings:  November 4, 11 & 18 - 7:00 to 9:30 PM

All sessions held at Herzl-Ner Tamid
3700 E Mercer Way, Mercer Island 98040

Registration for the Torahthon is easy:

Choose the night(s) you want to attend. Check this page frequently, as classes may be cancelled because of lack of enrollment. To ensure that the class you want happens, please register early!

Everyone is invited to join us for an Opening Reception honoring Guest Chefs from Kiryat Malachi on November 4 from 7:00pm -7:20pm.

• Wednesday, November 4

• Wednesday, November 11

• Wednesday, November 18

• Bio information about Torahthon presenters

Registration Fee - $12 per evening (1 or 2 classes) or $30 for the whole series (6 classes)

Wednesday, NOVEMBER 4 top

7:20 - 8:20 PM

A1. David Balint: A Fresh Look at the Book of Job
The Book of Job immerses us in a religious dilemma: why do the righteous suffer and the wicked prosper. In this two-part session, we will engage in a survey of this book with special attention on the Jewish view of this eternal puzzle.

A2. Professor Gad Barzilai : The Political and Constitutional Structure and Culture in Israel
Professor Barzilai, who holds both a PhD and a JD, will provide insightful background on this topic. Prior to his coming to the UW, Professor Barzilai was Professor of Law and Political Science at Tel Aviv University.

A3. Rabbi Chaim Levine: Life in the Fast Lane: A Jewish Guide to Wealth, Wisdom, Honor, and Power
Could four short lines in "Ethics of our Father's" act as a timeless guide for humanities quest for Happiness? Join us for a fun and interactive exploration of Wealth, Wisdom, Power, and Honor.

A4. Techiya Levine: Zip It! What Judaism Has to Say About What Not to Say
�Guarding One�s Tongue�, i.e. not speaking Lashon Harah, is a Jewish principle that impacts us every day. Come learn more about ways in which you can strengthen your ability to guard your tongue.

A5. Rabbi Jay Rosenbaum: Judaism on the Offense: The Next Thousand Years of Jewish History
Rabbi Yitz Greenberg and others say that post-Holocaust and with the rebirth of Israel we are entering the third major era of Jewish history. What did the other two look like and how is this one different? What�s next for the Jewish people in the coming millennium?

A6. Rabbi Marna Sapsowitz: On the Vilna Gaon, Learning Yiddish, and Holocaust Obfuscation
Rabbi Sapsowitz will reflect on the month she spent this summer studying Yiddish in Vilnius, Lithuania. Once known as the Jerusalem of the North, Vilne was a center of Jewish learning. Rabbi Sapsowitz found it full of surprises � some delicious and some very disturbing.

A7. Rabbi Mark Spiro: Isn�t It Enough To Be A Good Person?
Come explore the role of �ritual� in Judaism and find out why �Tikun Olam� is not the ultimate purpose of the Jewish people.

A8. Women of Kiryat Malachi: Tales of Aliyah and Adaptation
Our guests from Kiryat Malachi come from Iraq/Kurdistan, Yemen, and Buchara. Hear about their challenging and exciting experiences as they came to Israel and adjust to Israeli life.

8:30 � 9:30 PM

A9. David Balint: A Fresh Look at the Book of Job
This is a continuation of the earlier session. There is too much fascinating material to fit into a one hour session!

A10. Guest Chefs from Kiryat Malachi: Ethnic Spices of Israel
This spice workshop features the favorite spices of different ethnic groups in Israel, including traditions from Morocco, Ethiopia, Iraq/Kurdistan, Yemen, and Buchara. Participants will have a chance to sample dishes made with these spices and may even get to take home some samples along with some recipes.

A11. Rabbi Chaim Levine: Life in the Fast Lane: A Jewish Guide to Wealth, Wisdom, Honor, and Power
Could four short lines in "Ethics of our Father's" act as a timeless guide for humanities quest for Happiness? Join us for a fun and interactive exploration of Wealth, Wisdom, Power, and Honor.

A12. Rabbi Jim Mirel: The Afterlife as Seen by the Rabbis of the Talmud
Many Jews are unaware of the traditional rabbinic view of the afterlife. The Talmud and Midrash contain striking passages which speak in detail of the �world to come�, the resurrection of the body, and who will be given the privilege of life eternal. Come and explore a dozen traditional texts that address these fascinating topics.

A13. Rabbi Mark Spiro: Deep Impact: Our Free Will and Reality
Discover how our personal power extends way beyond simple choice to ultimately impact the very fabric of reality.

A14. Rabbi Chaim Weiss: The Prayer Formula � What Does It Really Mean?
What is the formula for prayer? Are we praying for God or for ourselves? How do we analyze our prayers? This session will try to address some of these important questions regarding prayer.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11 top

7:15 - 8:15 PM

B1. Dr. Shirah Bell: Liberate the True Nature of Your Soul: An Introduction to Classical Mussar
We know right from wrong. However, that knowledge does not lead reliably to new attitudes and actions. �I know I should be generous and patient, but I can�t stop feeling angry and yelling�. Mussar, a 1,000-year-old Jewish tradition, tackles this dilemma directly. Mussar guides people in developing everyday practices that change behaviors and emotions, enabling us to act more consistently with our ethical sensibilities and become our finest selves. In this class we will get a taste of Mussar practice.

B2. Rabbi Olivier BenHaim: The Secret of Redemption
We will explore classic biblical and midrashic texts that will reveal the secret, hidden in plain sight, which triggered the process of our redemption from Egypt.

B3. Rabbi Bernie Fox: Miracles? What Are They? How Common Are They?
Are miracles rare? Or do they happen all the time? Come explore some traditional Jewish texts that may challenge your ideas.

B4. Rabbi Josh Hearshen: Parsha and Poker
In Europe, the Rebbe had a tische, where people sat, schmoozed, and learned. Now we have the Rabbi�s Poker game, where the learning continues. Join a lively discussion on the Parshah, and then play a tournament-style poker game! This is a monthly adult learning opportunity here at HNT, which is being hosted this month by the Torahthon for a special session. We will learn the Parsha for 45 minutes and then we will play poker for the rest of the evening. Proceeds will be donated to a pre-determined charity.

B5. Wendy Marcus: From Shtetl to Internetl : The Resurgence of Klezmer and Yiddish
What is responsible for the current interest in Klezmer and Yiddish? Wendy Marcus, co-founder of the Northwest�s pioneering klezmer band The Mazeltones, details the improbable Klezmer revival of the 1970�s and the concomitant increase in interest in all things Yiddish.

B6. Rabbi Barry Schlesinger: Freezing the Building in the Settlements and Jewish Law
Rabbi Schlesinger is a rabbi with the Masorti Movement, which is a part of the Conservative Movement in Israel. He will share an insider�s perspective of this complex topic.

B7. Professor Michael Rosenthal: Maimonides: Exploring the �Guide for the Perplexed�
Moses Maimonides (1135 � 1204) was born in Cordoba, Spain, and died in Egypt. He was the most important medieval Jewish commentator, jurist, and philosopher. We will discuss some of the major tenets of his views in the �Guide to the Perplexed�, including: How Should a philosopher read the Bible? What knowledge can we have of God? How should we understand reward and punishment? Be part of this thought-provoking and lively discussion.

B8. Sid Weiner: Let�s talk about Ethiopian Jews Past and Present
Long before most of the world knew about the plight of the Ethiopian Jews, Sid Weiner was personally involved. He has been a leader in the issues of Ethiopian rescue and education for the past 26 years. Come for an eye-witness perspective of this historic movement.

B9. Bob Zimmerman: The Many Facets of the Book of Esther
Over the years, Bob has studied with several wonderful teachers, each of whom has given a different perspective on the Book of Esther. Come benefit from Bob�s accumulated wisdom, and discover some new facets of this intriguing story.

B10. Rita Zohav: Midrash: How the Rabbis Found Hidden Meanings in the Biblical Texts
Through close reading of some biblical texts, we will explore the types of problems found in the texts and the ways in which the rabbis made Midrash Aggadah (about the stories) and the Midrash Halakha (laws). Texts will be provided in Hebrew and in translation.

8:30 - 9:30 PM

B11. Dr. Shirah Bell: Liberate the True Nature of Your Soul: An Introduction to Classical Mussar
We know right from wrong. However, that knowledge does not lead reliably to new attitudes and actions. �I know I should be generous and patient, but I can�t stop feeling angry and yelling�. Mussar, a 1,000-year-old Jewish tradition, tackles this dilemma directly. Mussar guides people in developing everyday practices that change behaviors and emotions, enabling us to act more consistently with our ethical sensibilities and become our finest selves. In this class we will get a taste of Mussar practice.

B12. Rabbi Josh Hearshen: Parsha and Poker
The poker game continues�

B13. Rivy Kletenik: The Leviathan: A Literary Exploration
Get to know this legendary sea monster who has captured the imagination of rabbis, writers, and romantics. We will consider the core texts that form the basis upon which the legends are based, and will try to make sense of the �Big Idea� of this famous fish.

B14. Professor Michael Rosenthal: Spinoza- Heretic, First Modern Jew, or Radical Atheist?
Baruch Spinoza (1632-1677) was born into the Jewish community of Amsterdam and was excommunicated from it when he was 24 years old. He went on to write some of the most important philosophical works of the seventeenth century. We will discuss a little of his personal and intellectual background but will focus mostly on some of his philosophical ideas, such as: What is God? Are we free? What does it mean to act ethically in a scientifically understood natural world?

B15. Rabbi Jay Rosenbaum: Time Maps as a Key to Personal and Jewish Identity
How we organize time determines how we see reality. Just as the map of the spatial world has changed with human progress, so has our map of time. We will explore how Jewish perspectives on time can help us to change our vision of who we are and what we need to do to live a rich and meaningful life.

B16. Rabbi Barry Schlesinger: Midrash Naomi: Reading Between the Lines of Yerushalayim Shel Zahav
When is a song more than a song? Find out the hidden references and connections within the lyrics of �Jerusalem of Gold�.

B17. Jay Weiner: Lessons in Mentoring and Leadership From the Torah
By closely reading the two versions of the giving of the Ten Commandments, we can learn valuable lessons about strategic leadership and effective mentoring from Moses himself!

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18 top

7:15 - 8:15 PM

C1. Nance Adler: Zachor Versus Sh�mor
Why do we find both terms in the Ten Commandments? Find out why memory becomes stronger when it is active rather than passive.

C2. David Balint: Introduction to the Book of Daniel
Here�s a book of the Bible that is never read as part of our Shabbat and holiday cycle, yet it contains fascinating insights about Judaism during the Babylonian exile. Come and discover this hidden treasure.

C3. Rabbi Simon Benzaquen: God, the Jewish People, and the Structure of the Jewish Family
What are our responsibilities to God, to our people, and to our families?

C4. Professor Paul Burstein: Anti-Zionism or Anti-Semitism?
Are American Jews acquiescing in anti-Semitism provided it�s called anti-Zionism? Many of those very hostile to Israel claim they are anti-Zionists but not anti-Semites. Is this true? Or is the claim simply a way of getting many people, including Jews, to accept the re-entry of anti-Semitism into respectable public discourse?

C5. David Isenberg, DDS. "I'll drink to that!" Wine Making and Viticulture in Jewish Antiquity.
This class will explore the history of wine as an elemental component in Jewish social encounters along with the actual viticultural practices that evolved around wine making in antiquity in Eretz Yisrael. The actual cultivation of vines and the social dimensions of both the vineyards and the consumption of wine will be discussed.

C6. Cantor Brad Kurland: An Old-Fashioned Kumsitz
Here�s a chance to harmonize with Cantor Brad on your all-time favorite Israeli folksongs.

C7. Rabbi Bob Maslan: Is it Israel�s Fault?
Examine the history of the Arab/Israeli conflict from its beginnings with Isaac and Ishmael through today�s headlines.

C8. Rabbi Daniel Septimus: When I Pray- Jewish Theology of Prayer
When I pray, I�What do we do when we pray? What is the power of worship and prayer? Can we pray for what we want, or are there limits? Come and learn what some of our great rabbis from medieval times to modern have said about what they do when they pray.

C9. Rabbi Zari Weiss �Jewish Wisdom for Uncertain Times�.
The Jewish Tradition has a wealth of resources to which we can turn when the circumstances--external and internal--are challenging and uncertain. In this class, Rabbi Weiss will offer various texts, practices, and teachings that we can turn to during such times.

8:30 - 9:30 PM

C10. David Balint: A Fresh Look at the Book of Jonah
You make think you know the story of Jonah, but there is a lot more to the book than the surface plot. This is your chance to study the Book of Jonah when you are not tired and hungry.

C11. Professor Paul Burstein: Are American Jews Abandoning Israel?
Many people are claiming that more and more American Jews feel little emotional connection to Israel, and there are some academic studies that support this claim. Is this true? And what are the implications if such an important unifying factor in American Jewish life is waning?

C13. Rabbi Josh Hearshen: Is The Force With The Jews?
An exploration of the Star Wars Epic Saga through the lens of our people. Together we will examine the various Jewish values and concepts in the six movies. Emphasis will be placed on the original three. Light saber not required.

C14. Moti Krauthamer: How Do You Treat Others in Business? And Other Practical Applications of Jewish Ethics
In this class we will study the intricacies of business ethics and making good decisions. This could be in the financial business world, but also in the business of being ethical teens and adults and dealing with ethical issues that impact both teens and adults. Adults are invited to join Hebrew High students for this session of an ongoing class.

C15. Rabbi Yechezkel Kornfeld: Come Join My Class
Students at Hebrew High have the pleasure of studying with Rabbi Kornfeld every week. Now you are invited to join his students for a fascinating learning session.

C16. Rabbi Jay Rosenbaum: All of Jewish History in One Hour
3,000 years of Jewish history is a lot to keep track of. It's easy to miss the forest when we're looking at each tree. In this class, we'll look at major trends, ideas and personalities in four major periods of Jewish history: Biblical, Rabbinic, Medieval, and Modern. We'll explore what distinguished each period, how they differ from each, and what common thread unites them

C17. Mark Sandler: Song of the Distant Dove � The Poetry and Pilgrimage of Judah Halevi
Judah Halevi is the best known and most loved of the medieval Hebrew poets, partly because of his passionate poems of longing for the land of Israel and partly because of the legend of his death as a martyr at the gates of Jerusalem. This session includes a look at the life and times of Judah Halevi, a selection of his poetry/piyyutim in Hebrew with English translation, and a presentation of modern Israeli songs based on his poetry accompanied by pictures of Israel.

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION ABOUT TORAHTHON PRESENTERS top

Nance Morris Adler teacher Jewish studies to the 5th and 7th graders at JDS. She holds a Master�s degree in Jewish studies from the Jewish Theological Seminary and a teacher�s license from the National Board of Licensing.

David J. Balint is a life-long resident of the Northwest and is a trial attorney. He has led groups discussing the Book of Job periodically since 1993, and is in the midst of writing a book on the subject. He has also done extensive study on the books of Daniel and Jonah.

Dr. Gad Barzilai is Professor of International Studies, Law, and Political Science at the UW. He holds the Pruzan Chair of Jewish Studies and is the chair of the Samuel and Althea Stroum Jewish Studies Program.

Dr. Shirah Bell directs the Mussar Institute�s basic educational offering, Everyday Holiness: The Course, teaches Mussar at local Seattle synagogues, and trains Mussar group facilitators. She is certified in Spiritual Direction, guiding people in the practice of holy listening � attending to the Divine presence in everyday life.

Rabbi Olivier BenHaim has an Orthodox/Conservative French Sephardic background, and has been a student of Torah and the Jewish way for most of his life. He studied at the Maayanot Yeshiva in Jerusalem and followed many spiritual teachers during his years in the Holy Land. Since moving to Seattle in 1997, Rabbi Olivier has embraced the mystical and meditative path of Judaism. He was ordained as a rabbi last June at Bet Alef Meditative Synagogue, where he now serves.

Rabbi Simon Benzaquen has been the rabbi of Sephardic Bikur Holim since 1984. He was born in Morocco, educated in England and France. He is a member of the Executive Council of Sephardic Rabbis of the USA and Canada, and one of the rabbis of the V�Ad HaRabbanim in Seattle.

Dr. Paul Burstein is Professor of Sociology, and Adjunct Professor of Political Science at the University of Washington and a member of Herzl-Ner Tamid.

Irit Eliav, MSW, is the Director of Education at Congregation Beth Shalom. This is her ninth year teaching at Hebrew High. Irit worked for four years as a Community advocate at the Eastside Domestic Violence Program in Bellevue, WA, and is the author of Yad B�Yad: Working Hand in Hand to create Healthy Relationships and co-editor of A Journey Towards Freedom: A Haggadah for Women Who Have Experienced Domestic Violence.

Rabbi Bernard Fox received his rabbinic ordination from Yeshiva B�nei Torah in Far Rockaway. He also holds an MBA from Long Island University. He has been headmaster of Northwest Yeshiva High school since 1985.

Rabbi Josh Hearshen is the Assistant Rabbi at Herzl-Ner Tamid Conservative Congregation. A graduate of the Zeigler Rabbinical School, Rabbi Hearshen has been honored with several awards for excellence in teaching.

Rivy Poupko Kletenik is Head of School at the Seattle Hebrew Academy and writes a monthly Jewish advice column for Seattle�s JTNews called �JQ�.

Rabbi Yechezkel Kornfeld is the rabbi at Congregation Shevet Achim on Mercer Island, and has taught at Hebrew High for many years. He also teaches at the Chabad Center. Rabbi Kornfeld is a winner of the Samis Excellence in Education Teaching Award .

Cantor Brad Kurland has enriched Herzl-Ner Tamid with his beautiful voice and love of music for over 20 years.

Moti Krauthamer has worked for news organizations such as CNN, BBC, Reuters, and locally for KIRO TV. An independent film maker, talk-show host, and reporter, Moti has been honored by the United Nations and has received an EMMY. He has been teaching at Hebrew High for several years.

Rabbi Chaim Levine is director of LivingJudaism, Jewish organization dedicated to sharing the relevance of Judaism and Jewish values in a way that directly impacts the wisdom, well being, and closeness of Jewish individuals, marriages, and families and enables them to become better participants and contributors in their communities.

Techiya Levine teaches courses on modern Jewish parenting at LivingJudaism. A longtime resident of Seattle, she is the daughter of Cantor Isaac Azose.

Wendy Marcus is a violinist, hazzanit, and music director at Temple Beth Am. This summer, she won the Serena McDonald Kennedy Award from Georgia�s Snake Nation Press for her debut collection

Rabbi Bob Maslan brings passion, commitment, and a wonderful sense of humor to his teaching. He inspires both children and adults at Herzl-Ner Tamid and as a guest rabbi at many area synagogues.

Rabbi Jim Mirel has been associated with Temple B�nai Torah for 22 years. In addition, he is a Jewish musician and founder of Mazeltones. He has been in Seattle for 34 years, and is a member of the Review Board of the Fred Hutchinson Ethics Committee.

Rabbi Jay Rosenbaum is the senior rabbi of Herzl-Ner Tamid. He loves baseball and movies. He created �Make a Lulav Shake� and �Sneak Into Shul on Yom Kippur�.

Michael Rosenthal is an associate Professor of Philosophy and member of the Jewish Studies Program at the University of Washington. He received his BA from Stanford University and both his Ma and PhD in philosophy from the University of Chicago. His current research focuses on the philosophy of Benedict (Baruch) Spinoza.

Mark Sandler is a real estate developer and longtime member of the HNT family. Mark spent his formative years in Israel, where he developed a love of Israeli and biblical music. He has returned to Israel several times in recent years, and continues to study Hebrew independently.

Rabbi Barry Schlesinger is the rabbi of Kehillat Moreshet Abraham (KMA) in Israel, which is one of the few Conservative synagogues in Israel. He is active in promoting the ideas of Jewish pluralism

Rabbi Mark Spiro is the Educational Director of LivingJudaism, a Seattle based organization that helps individuals enhance their level of personal well-being regardless of their circumstances, so that they can increase their level of enjoyment, wisdom and effectiveness within all of their roles and relationships.

Rabbi Marna Sapsowitz is a 1989 graduate of the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College.  She has served congregations in Yakima, Olympia, and the Boston area, and is currently part-time Acting Rabbi for Temple Beth Or in Everett.  She has a passion for liberal/progressive Jewish life in Eastern and Central Europe.

Jay Weiner is the Mid-Continent Executive Director of the United synagogue of Conservative Judaism.

Sid Weiner is a long-time activist in the Seattle Jewish community. He played a direct personal role in the rescue and resettlement of Ethiopian Jews, and is deeply involved in ongoing efforts to improve the educational opportunities for Ethiopian Jews in Israel. He helped to found SAEJ: Save All Ethiopian Jews.

Rabbi Chaim Weiss is a Judaic Studies teacher and Special Needs coordinator at Northwest Yeshiva High School, which was his alma mater. He received S�micha from Yeshiva B�nai Torah, Long Island NY, and his MS degree in Special Education from Adelphi University.

Rabbi Zari Weiss Ordained from HUC-JIR in May 1991, Rabbi Weiss currently serves as a rabbi in a variety of capacities in the Puget Sound region. Passionately interested in and committed to the intersection of Judaism and the pursuit of justice, she recently launched Rodef Tzedek: The Center for the Pursuit of Justice.

Bob Zimmerman has been teaching middle school students and adults for many years. He is also the Shamas/Gabbai for Herzl-Ner Tamid�s morning minyan.

Rita Zohav has been the Middle School Jewish studies teacher at JDS for the past five years.  She holds Masters degrees in Jewish Education and Jewish Studies from Gratz College and completed the Senior Educators Program the Hebrew University in Jerusalem.

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