Merrick Jewish Centre
Lifelong Learning Program
Fall 2020
Our Lifelong Learning program offers a variety of learning
opportunities which include traditional and contemporary Judaic
and secular topics of interest to the multigenerational adult
membership of the MJC
LIFELONG LEARNING - FALL SCHEDULE
Continuing to learn as adults is a basic element of our Jewish tradition. The Lifelong Learning
Committee is pleased to provide multiple opportunities to learn from master teachers and
fellow congregants. This year we are featuring three strands of events:
- Religious Teaching - Highlighted in Blue
- Jewish Culture and Context - Highlighted in Green
- Expanding Your World: Topics of Secular Interest – Highlighted in Red
In this extraordinary year, all classes and events will be presented online so it is easy to
participate from home. A few classes require pre-registration so that materials can be
secured. Most require just a sign-in.
We welcome both suggestions from congregants as well as your participation on the
committee. The Lifelong Learning Committee hopes that you will enjoy stretching your mind
and heart this year.
Please note that we have included some websites of Jewish interest that provide
regular educational material free of charge. Sign up to receive the benefits.
MyJewishLearning.com – Sign up and receive regular information on upcoming festivals,
Hebrew words and Jewish history and practices.
OneTable - This is a website specifically for people 20-40 years old who want help in
establishing the family tradition of Shabbat dinner together with friends or relatives. It is free to
join. Sign up at onetable.org. Find out how to organize with friends, menu planning and much
more.
Lifelong Learning Committee:
Steve Greenfield and Joanne Skop, Co-Chairs
Ira Blankstein
Steve & Andrea Davis
Mindy Goldstein
Richard Knox
Steve Kussin
Rabbi Charles Klein and Rabbi Jack Dermer, Advisors
We welcome new members who share our love of learning
The Best of the Daf - A weekly dive into Talmudic study focusing on the passages which
highlight the most enduring teachings which continue to guide Jewish life, thought and
practice. As Rabbi Klein participates in the worldwide Daf Yomi program, he selects only the
absolute best of the Daf for his MJC class. This class has been endowed by Susan Guttman in
loving memory of her late husband Leslie, Of Blessed Memory. Thursday, 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
on the MJC’s Zoom site.
Zoom into the Parsha of the Week - Rabbi Dermer leads participants to new
understanding of the weekly Torah portion – Wednesday, 10:00 am – 11:00 am on the MJC’s
Zoom site. Bring your own bagels.
Dr. Yossi Beilin: The Future of Middle East Peace - Longtime Israeli diplomat is interviewed
on Monday, October 5 at 11:30 am. To access, go to https://streicker.nyc/catalog-fall-2020
and scroll down to “Live from Israel,” then scroll to Dr. Yossi Beilin and click on register.
Learn to Read Hebrew - Sharyn Kussin begins a new class for adults who wish to learn or
improve Hebrew reading. Registration by October 11 at [emailprotected]
Learn to Speak Spanish - The tireless Sharyn Kussin is offering to teach Spanish. Yes, we
will travel again. Registration by October 11 at [emailprotected]
How to Survive the Campaign for College Admissions - A two-part workshop led by former
MJC President and current WCBS News education reporter, Dr. Steve Kussin. Wednesday,
October 14 and 21 at 8:30 pm. Pre-register with the office, 516-379-8650.
David Blatt - Us and Them: American Jews and Israel. Former Israeli and Cleveland
Cavalier Basketball Coach is interviewed about American Israeli relations from his unique
perspective on Monday, October 26 at 11:30 am. To access, go to
https://streicker.nyc/catalog-fall-2020 scroll down to “Live from Israel,” scroll to bottom and click
on David Blatt and then click on register.
Virtual Hollywood - Rich Knox continues his weekly presentations on Sunday at 10:00 am on
Hollywood stars, complete with video clips and fascinating tidbits. Access these fascinating
programs by signing into Zoom account 710-827-5009, password MJC613.
10/18: Gary Cooper
10/25: Elizabeth Taylor
11/1: William Holden
Weekly Zumba Classes on Tuesdays at 10:30 am taught by Carrie Chibnik Dale. Sign into
Zoom account 635-469-800, password: 814486.
Visit the Rosemary Clooney Museum - November 2 at 10:00 am. Rich Knox recommends
digital visits to fun museums led by a colleague, Sal St. George. To register for the event, go
to: https://stgeorgelivinghistory.com/ Sign up directly on the website.
Rabbis Classes - Rabbi Klein’s and Rabbi Dermer’s classes continue - see schedule above.
“Unorthodox:” the book and Netflix series - Many people have been fascinated by the true
story of a woman’s escape from the confines of her Hasidic family. The book has been
produced as a three-part miniseries. After watching the three episodes and an interview with
the author and the actress, participate in an MJC Zoom discussion on Monday, November 23
at 8:30 pm. The three-part series is available only on Netflix. To access the interview, go to
https://www.emanuelnyc.org/streickercenter/past-events/#449904988 . No registration needed.
View at your leisure before the evening of the discussion.
Improve Your Writing Skills – Wednesday, November 4 and 11, 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm, taught
by Dr. Steve Kussin. Don't let poor writing skills be a dealbreaker in the job or college search.
This three-part workshop will look at some of the most common errors in technical English as
well as several writing samples in need of improvement. Appropriate for high school and
college students, and adult learners.
Melton Classes - Watch for information on intensive learning from the Melton Center for
Jewish Education, a division of Hebrew University.
Jewish Meditation - We are interested in forming a Jewish Mindfulness Circle. Anyone who
practices meditation of any kind is asked to let us know. We would like to speak with you.
Email [emailprotected]
Musical Joy with Rabbi Dermer - Rabbi Dermer brings out his guitar for some fun and festive
singing for the whole family. Friday, November 13 at 6:00 pm. Watch for details.
Weekly Zumba Classes on Tuesdays at 10:30 am taught by Carrie Chibnik Dale. Sign into
Zoom account 635-469-800, password: 814486.
Torah Yoga - Taught by Genia Taub a master teacher. Learn how to combine yoga with
Jewish spiritual content. December 2 at 8:30 pm. Co-sponsored by Sisterhood.
Rabbis Classes - Rabbi Klein and Rabbi Dermer continue their teaching as listed in October.
Visit the “It’s a Wonderful Life Museum” - Yes, the classic movie has its own museum.
Learn the back story with a digital visit led by Sal St. George on Monday, December 7 at
10:00 am. Visit the website to register. https://stgeorgelivinghistory.com/
“Singing up a Storm” - Cantor Warschawski leads a family concert as we approach
Hanukkah. Date and time to be announced.
Virtual Hollywood - Rich Knox continues his Sunday morning programs on Hollywood icons
at 10:00 am. Use Zoom account 710-827-5009, password MJC613.
Weekly Zumba Classes on Tuesdays at 10:30 am taught by Carrie Chibnik Dale. Sign into
Zoom account 635-469-800, password: 814486.
