Beit Midrash Eitz Chaim
Portland, Oregon
New York City, NY
Jerusalem, Israel
Spring 2023
Courses Forthcoming
The MIX
1 mix/'miks vb to combine, mingle or blend into an intimate association with a retained identity of the parts. two or more different qualities or things placed, combined, or considered together.
Together, in this text based course, we will study the evolution of current Jewish practices, rabbinic theology, and Jewish ethical teachings, through the exploration of the masterpieces of Jewish literature. Each week, we will combine Biblical, Mishnaic, Talmudic and contemporary sources in order to create the opportunity to meet G-d. No subject matter will be off limits. And of course, we will blend in a dash of controversy as an ingredient to The Mix.
INSTRUCTOR:
Rabbi Kim L. Rosen
DAY/TIME:
Wednesdays, 6:30-8:00 PM
LOCATION:
Offices of Beit Midrash Eitz Chaim
Aleph-Bet of Judaism: A Liberal Perspective Part I
Being a Jew is a life-long journey of observance and learning. The more we study throughout our lives, the more meaning we find in the practice of our Judaism. This unique course is designed to help you continue your Jewish journey, offering an introduction to Judaism, and delving into the religious, historical, cultural and theological aspects of Judaism. Throughout this two-semester course, we will concentrate on the dynamics of Judaism as a religion, gaining an understanding of its basic tenets and practices. We will examine biblical and classical rabbinic sources, practical aspects of observance as well as major events that have shaped contemporary Jewish life. Each session will begin with Hebrew decoding. This course is geared to both Jews wanting to strengthen the foundation of their religion and non-Jews who are considering conversion.*
INSTRUCTOR:
Rabbi Kim L. Rosen
DAY/TIME:
TBA
LOCATION:
Offices of beit midrash EITZ CHAIM
Jerusalem of Gold, City Center
J-Marriage
What do you get when you mix a rabbi, several couples and some "hot" topics?
FUN! Heated Discussions. LEARNING! Differences of Opinion. LAUGHTER! Stimulating Conversation. COMMUNICATION! Interaction as a couple. LOVE!
Much of our Jewish ritual and our Jewish identity are transmitted at home and in the family. The values of our tradition are an integral part of a Jewish marriage, which is a journey of commitment, of learning, of sharing, and of participation in Jewish life. We will discuss how your individual pasts form a collective future. We will delve into how healthy relationships allow us to create spiritually loving and sacred homes. As you embark on this journey, we will explore these Jewish traditions and rituals in an inclusive and welcoming environment. The focus of these discussions will be Jewish law and identity, the communication of core values to each other, and innovative ways of creating new Jewish memories as a couple.
This course is limited to five couples currently engaged or married within the last six years.
INSTRUCTOR:
Rabbi Kim L. Rosen
DAY/TIME:
Thursdays, 6:30 pm-8:00 pm
DATES:
TBA
LOCATION:
Offices of beit midrash EITZ CHAIM
Jerusalem, Israel
Jewish Spiritual Guidance and Pastoral Counseling
There are many ways we find our way to God. Sometimes we get there through faith, other times we use more analytical and psychological methods. This is an opportunity for you to look at how you find holiness in your life and examine your relationship with God. We want to meet you where you are spiritually, whether youre far along on your journey or in the midst of a crisis. We are not here to judge, but rather to serve as facilitators. We will help you to sensibly prepare and deal with the critical issues you face throughout your lives.
PASTORAL COUNSELOR:
Rabbi Kim L. Rosen
DAY/TIME/LOCATION:
To be mutually arranged at the offices of beit midrash EITZ CHAIM
Also Available via Zoom
Power Lunch and Learn
Over lunch, join other professionals for an enjoyable, informal and interactive hour discussing stimulating texts and their relevance in our modern world. You will explore Jewish sources and apply their lessons to modern social issues. This setting enables several dialogues to take place at once: between Jewish sources and Western culture; between theoretical study and practical application; and between the topic being studied and your colleagues personal approach to it. Filled with lively discussions, controversial subjects and great food, these sessions infuse tastes of Judaism and holiness into your very busy work week.
INSTRUCTOR:
Rabbi Kim L. Rosen
DAY/TIME:
May 7 and June 15
LOCATION:Offices of beit midrash EITZ CHAIM
Jerusalem of Gold, City Center
Talmud (Intermediate)
Study selections from the Babylonian Talmud, the central text of Rabbinic Judaism, and other rabbinic sources. Together we will study this masterpiece of Jewish literature as we learn about the evolution of current Jewish practices, rabbinic theology and Jewish ethical teachings. This course provides basic skills in Talmud study, methods of argumentation, rabbinic terminology and key phrases as well as the governing principles of Talmudic logic. In addition, we will get to know some of the rabbis of the Talmud and their particular approaches to Jewish law and belief. This study also enables us to understand, by comparison and contrast, some of the legal principles by which we govern our lives today. Talmud study is a life-long journey, each portion building upon the next. This course is an opportunity to continue the journey you have already started. Knowledge of Hebrew is not required.
INSTRUCTOR:
Rabbi Kim L. Rosen
DAY/TIME:
Wednesdays, 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
DATES:
TBA
LOCATION:
Offices of beit midrash EITZ CHAIM
Jerusalem of Gold, City Center
These Are My Final Words: The Last Letters Written by Holocaust Victims
Ordinary people became extraordinary people. This course will examine a unique set of personal correspondences including letters, poems and articles. Written in jails, in ghettos, in hiding, and in concentration camps, these individual voices are often last testaments just moments prior to death. Penned out of desperation, concern and love often addressed to unknown recipients these letters were acts of enormous bravery. Informing world Jewry of the unbelievable atrocities taking place in Nazi occupied territories, they were filled with both despair and hope, and with accusation and reconciliation. In many cases they informed American Jewry and those Jews living in Palestine in the yishuv, through scrupulous documentation, of the systematic extermination of Jews, mobilizing those abroad to action. Let us study these inspirational letters of bravery as together we fight apathy and together we remember.
INSTRUCTOR:
TBA
DAY/TIME:
Mondays, 1:00 pm - 2:15 pm
DATES:
TBA
LOCATION:
Offices of beit midrash EITZ CHAIM
Jerusalem of Gold, City Center
Torah Study
Our Sages teach us that studying Torah in a community is far superior to studying Torah alone. Torah, the heart of Judaism and Israels spiritual legacy, is the first five books of our Hebrew Bible. Passed on from generation to generation, the Torah offers the narrative of our Jewish experience. This class will come together each Shabbat morning to study the parashat hashavua, the weekly Torah Portion. We will have an opportunity to meet God through the study of our texts, to observe the changing and developing beliefs of the Israelite community, to gain perspective on our history, and to discuss not only our own communal identification, but our individual ideas and responses. The study of Torah is ongoing. Whether you have many years of experience studying Torah or are just beginning, we welcome you to this class.
INSTRUCTOR:
Rabbi Kim L. Rosen
DAY/TIME:
Saturdays, 2:00PM
DATES:
TBA
LOCATION:
Offices of beit midrash EITZ CHAIM
Jerusalem of Gold, City Center
Classes open to all members of the Jewish community.