What is Melton? Melton is a comprehensive adult Jewish education program. Classes are interactive and pluralistic, designed for adults at all levels of knowledge and practice. We offer a comprehensive course of study that generates spirited dialogue and an appreciation for Judaism – past, present and future.

Why is it called Melton? Florence Melton was the founder of the program and a truly extraordinary woman. (She was the inventor of the Dearfoam slipper!) She had a vision of comprehensive and pluralistic Jewish education for adults. In her 70s, she founded Melton and remained actively involved in it until her death in her 90s. The Florence Melton Adult Mini-Schools are named in honor of her.

Why take Melton? People take Melton for many reasons. But in the end, they all agree on what they gain from Melton. 100% of our students report that Melton broadened their Jewish knowledge. 97% of our students report that they feel more connected to our community, while 78% of our students say Melton strengthened their Jewish identity. Fundamentally, Melton will help you feel more connected to your heritage and your community.

Is it possible to try Melton? Yes indeed! Please see the What's New section to read about the Taste of Melton classes we are holding this summer.

How much time does it take? Classes are two-and-a-half hours, once a week. Because all texts are read and discussed aloud in class, no preparation is necessary—nor is there any homework.

What are the classes about? The first year students take two classes, Purposes and Rhythms.

Purposes explores the big questions from a variety of perspectives, questions such as: Why are we here? Why do people suffer? What happens after we die?

Rhythms covers the Jewish life cycle and calendar. This is a course for adults – it will not be a repeat of Sunday school. And no matter whether you attended Sunday school or even day school, you will learn quite a bit.

Second year students take Dramas and Ethics.

Ethics explores the ethical issues of interpersonal relationships, sexuality, aging, death, family, and community using Torah, Talmud, and classical and modern commentaries.

Dramas probes themes relevant to Jewish life today across time and throughout the Jewish world. Themes include assimilation, community, anti-semitism, and memory.

Who teaches Melton? In the morning, Jan Rabinowitch and Erica Goldman. In the evening, Jan Rabinowitch and Jonathan Emanuel.

JAN RABINOWITCH Before coming to Portland in 1987 to serve as Director of Education for Congregation Beth Israel, Jan Rabinowitch received a Master of Theological Studies from Harvard Divinity School and taught in Conservative and Reform synagogue and community day schools, wrote curricula for publication and national distribution, led teacher-training programs, and developed and facilitated interfaith dialogues for the National Conference of Christians and Jews. She served as the Spiritual Leader of Congregation Kol Ami in Vancouver, and is the founder of Binah, an interfaith education resource that offers lectures and workshops on Judaism and Judaica for interfaith and non-Jewish groups. She also serves as an education consultant and teacher and, when she finds the time to get to her art studio, works in fused and cast glass. She has been on the Melton faculty in Portland since its first year.

ERICA GOLDMAN Erica Goldman teaches music and directs the t'fillah (prayer) program at Portland Jewish Academy. Erica is one of the founders of the Portland Women's T'fillah Group and coordinates its monthly services. She holds a Doctorate in Music Theory and History from the University of Oregon, an M.M. from the New England Conservatory of Music, and a B.A. from Stanford University. This is her eighth year teaching for Melton.

JONATHAN EMANUEL Jonathan Emanuel has served as youth director, religious school teacher, Israel trip education specialist, summer camp director, and large-scale teen retreat and leadership council coordinator. From 2000 to 2005, Jonathan served as the Director of Teen Services for the Center for Jewish Living and Learning of the Jewish Federation of the Greater East Bay. In Portland, Jonathan has coordinated the MJCC Day Camp, been an instructor for Jewish elementary and high school students, as well as Jewish cultural studies classes for adults. Jonathan is the creator and director for the Portland Jewish Youth Initiative, a community High School Social Action program. In January 2009, Jonathan helped to supervise an interfaith group of Jewish and African American teens from Portland to do recovery work in New Orleans. Currently, Jonathan is an educator and Youth Director at Congregation Neveh Shalom.

What does it cost? A full Melton tuition is $925 a year (or $92.50 / mo.). We also offer a standard tuition of $725 ($72.5 / mo.)

If money is an issue, students may pay subsidized tuition at $550 ($55 / mo.), and they may pay monthly or quarterly. You can pay using a credit card too. If $55 a month is not possible for you, please speak with our director about scholarships.

Book Fee: $48 for both books and a notebook. We sell books to students at cost. You will also need a Tanakh or Hebrew Bible.

For a $20 discount, register before July 1 for Year 1, or before June 8 for Year 2. Those who pay their tuition in full at the start of the year will also receive a $20 discount!

What does it really cost to provide Melton classes?

$945 True Cost of Melton Education $725 Standard Tuition ------ $220 Per Student Gap

The Florence Melton Adult Mini-School asks all who can to pay the full tuition to help keep the school accessible to as many families as possible.

The true cost of a Melton education is $945 per student, meaning all students pay tuition at less than cost. The Florence Melton Adult Mini-School asks all who can to pay the unsubsidized tuition, to participate in annual fundraisers, and to contribute a tax-deductible donation above and beyond tuition, to help keep the school accessible to as many families as possible.

What Is the Melton Tuition Refund Policy? The Portland Melton program budgets for a full fiscal year, which entails faculty and administrative commitments based on the number of registered students. Those commitments remain even if some students drop out. In consequence, the following tuition refund policy applies to all students registered in the Portland Melton program.

Core Classes: If circumstances necessitate withdrawal after August 31, through the first class meeting, refunds will be issued less a service fee of $50 per course. Up until the third class, one-half of tuition is refundable. No refund will be issued after completion of the third class session.

Graduate Classes: Graduate classes only run with a minimum enrollment of six students. If a class is cancelled, Melton will reimburse the full tuition. No refund will be issued after the class begins.

Each prospective student must read and accept the Tuition Refund Policy in order to successfully complete registration.

I have read the Tuition Refund Policy above and agree to pay the Portland Florence Melton Adult Mini School the full amount of my yearly tuition due, regardless of whether I do or do not remain a Melton student for the entire year. I have had the opportunity to discuss the policy with the Melton staff and fully understand the refund policy of the program.

What if I have to miss some classes? There are many options for you to make up a missed class:

1) If you are travelling, you may be able to take the class in the city you are visiting.
2) You can take the missed lesson the following year.
3) You can arrange with a classmate to tape the class
4) You can, on occasion, switch from morning to evening.

Circumstance rarely provides a perfect time to do anything. Rabbi Hillel told us: If not now, when?

When and where do classes meet? Classes are Tuesday mornings at 9:30 or Tuesday nights at 7:15. Clark County is Thursday night at 7:15. Morning classes in Portland are at Neveh Shalom, 2900 SW Peaceful Lane . Evening classes in Portland are at Shaarie Torah, 720 NW 25th. For Clark County , classes will be at Kol Ami, 1006 NE 146th St., Ste B, Vancouver , WA 98685.

How do I sign up? Contact us at 503 892 3015 or melton@jewishportland.org. You can also print out the registration form below and send it to our office at 6680 SW Capitol Hwy, Portland, OR 97219.

Core Classes Registration Form 2010-2011 (95KB DOC)

Core Classes Registration Form 2010-2011 (123KB PDF)