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Summer Learning Opportunities at HUC-JIR/New York
 
 
Chevra Kadisha and Liberal Jewish Communities
June 15-19 | M-Th: 9 am – 5 pm (with one or two early evenings), F: 9 am – 12 pm
$450
Registration deadline: May 22
The Chevra Kadisha may be the least known and most poorly understood of all Jewish institutions. Its work is a powerful blend of mundane physical actions and incredible spiritual inspiration. In this class, we will study with nationally recognized Chevra Kadisha experts, including David Zinner, Executive Director, Gamliel Institute, and Rabbis Stuart Kelman and Joe Blair, staff, Gamliel Institute, to explore texts from Tanach through Talmud and Maavar Yabbok as well as gain a unique perspective on the liturgy of the Tahara. After examining the history of the Chevra Kadisha from Prague to contemporary America, we will dip our toes into the water of Tahara tachlis.
The course will introduce liturgy and practices related to bikkur cholim, vidui, tahara and shmira, funerals, burial, and kaddish. Students will also engage in discussions about the implications of contemporary medical options and practices such as autopsy and organ donation upon our inherited chevra kadisha traditions. There will be opportunities, through late afternoon/early evening field trips, to supplement in-class study and discussions by examining rare books and manuscripts on the topic and viewing a tahara demonstration. We are working with Plaza Memorial Chapel to make arrangements for interested students to participate in shmira and, perhaps, tahara. This course is open to students in all programs and alumni.
Sponsored by the Blaustein Center for Pastoral Counseling at HUC-JIR/New York.
Questions? Contact Rabbi Nancy Wiener, D.Min., at nwiener@huc.edu or 212-824-2238.
Register Today
 
Holocaust and Human Behavior Seminar for Educators in Jewish Settings
July 6-10 | 9 am – 5 pm (ending at 1:30 pm on Friday)
Free
How is history shaped by hatred, indifference, and denial, as well as by caring, compassion, and responsibility? Grounded in the study of Jewish ethics and values, this weeklong seminar examines the range of choices that led to the failure of democracy in Germany and ultimately to the persecution of millions of Jews and other targeted groups. Participants will investigate the connection between Jewish history and identity, the moral questions inherent in everyday life, and how we as individuals and members of groups can make a difference in the world today. This seminar is recommended for 6th-12th grade world history or English language arts teachers, Tanakh and Talmud teachers, and all Humanities teachers in Jewish Educational settings.
Sponsored by Facing History and Ourselves
Questions? Contact Dr. Evie Rotstein at erotstein@huc.edu or 212-824-2248.
Register Today