If you’ve got a question relating to just about any facet of Judaism, the Osher Marin JCC’s new Center for Jewish Life — slated to open this fall — most likely has an answer.
Want to learn about Jewish spirituality and mysticism? There’s a class for that. Curious about how different streams of Judaism view God? There’s a class for that, too. Interested in what the Torah has to say about crime and punishment? Well, you get the idea.
Beginning Oct. 1, the Center for Jewish Life will offer several seven-part lecture series, in addition to cultural and musical event and symposiums geared toward adult Jewish learners. A grant from the Koret Foundation and Taube Foundation for Jewish Life and Culture is funding the center.
“[The CJL] really was a way of creating something vibrant that could be known in the community,” said Joanne Greene, the director of the center. “We’re trying to cast a broad net to bring in people well beyond the usual suspects, and appeal to both traditional, lifelong Jewish learners and non-Jews interested in religion or culture.”
Greene previously developed a family education program at a synagogue and also chaired the Camp Newman-Swig board before landing the role of CJL director in April.
Since then, she has collaborated with a host of local Jewish organizations to create the educational lineup, and has tapped Rabbi Darren Kleinberg to be the visiting Osher Marin JCC scholar.
Currently based in Phoenix, Kleinberg will travel throughout the year to San Rafael to teach. The gig will be nothing new for the Modern Orthodox rabbi who founded and directs KiDMa—the Southwest Community, a nondenominational adult education resource serving the greater Phoenix area.
Greene anticipates the classes at the Marin JCC will draw hundreds of participants.
“People will resonate with different topics,” Greene said. “Some are more intellectual and will want to go deeper with subjects they’ve already been exposed to. Others will be brand new to Jewish learning. I suspect some of the JCC staff members who are not Jewish will want to come to the classes.”
Most of the lecture series will take place in the Kurland Lounge, located inside the JCC. The space also features a gallery, which is the site of the CJL’s first event on Oct. 1, “Jews of Color — In Color.”
Images of isolated Jewish communities taken by Oakland photojournalist Bryan Schwartz will be on display in the gallery. Schwartz founded Scattered Among the Nations in 2001, a nonprofit dedicated to chronicling Jewish diversity and educating people about Jewish communities around the globe.
Classes are slated to begin about two weeks later. Each series features seven lectures held on a monthly basis. Dates and times vary by series. Cost is $100 for the series, or $18 for a single session.
In addition to the aforementioned programs, the Center for Jewish Life will offer “On One Foot,” a series of classes dissecting Judaism in 60-minute increments; “Jewish Identity and Diversity in the 21st Century,” an interactive class discussing the impact of the changing demographics of the Jewish community; and “Repairing the World,” a networking breakfast for business professionals interested in exploring the Jewish roots of social justice through text and discussion.
And if participants happen to miss a class or two, Greene has a solution: podcasts. “This is a no-brainer,” said Greene, who’s worked in media production and marketing. “We’ve got incredible speakers and, with their permission, we’ll put the content on our Web site and iTunes.”
Lastly, Greene is adamant about making sure everyone has a chance to take a class, regardless of their financial situation. “If someone is interested in taking a Jewish class and can’t afford it, they can come talk to me,” she said. “It’s too important to deny that of anyone.”
The Center for Jewish Life is located at the Osher Marin JCC, 200 N. San Pedro Road, San Rafael. More information or registration: (415) 444-8000. Scholarship assistance: Joanne Greene, (415) 444-8066.