The Mystical Sefirot: One of the most central and fascinating doctrines of Jewish Mysticism is that of 10 Sefirot. According to the Zohar, the Sefirot are the basis of all reality (rather like we understand DNA today). This class will study medieval and modern teachings on the Sefirot, one at a time, one per class session. No Hebrew knowledge required; only an ability to consider imagination as important a perspective on the universe as scientific rationality. COST: $180

Jews & Islam: Using a variety of texts and other media, we will trace the evolution of the complex interaction between Jews and Muslims beginning with Muhammad's relations with Jewish tribes in Arabia. We will then explore everyday Jewish life under Islamic rule during the period 850-1200 CE. The rise and decline of the Ottoman Empire, encounters with European Imperialism, and roots of the Israel-Arab conflict will conclude this historical survey. COST: $180

Tanakh: K'tuvim-The Final 13: The third and final division of Tanakh, K'tuvim (Writings), is a marvelous collection of diverse textx-moral exhortation, an apocalyptic prediction of the end of days, a grim treatise on the meaninglessness of life, an erotic love poem, praise, lament, and some history for good measure. We'll study representative passages from each of the books of K'tuvim, commentaries, and the social, religious and historical contexts in which scholars believe these writings were written. Bring a Tanakh and an eagerness to explore the last 13 books of our Bible. COST: $180

The Relationship Between Judaism & Christianity: is often described as like "root and branch". But does this common simile hold up under scrutiny? Using texts from the Torah and Talmud, early Christian texts and contemporary scholarship, we'll trace the transformation of the Jewish Nazarene sect into a Hellenistic gentile faith. Find out when Christianity moved the Sabbath to Sunday, why the gospel accounts of Jesus' birth contradict each other, what the Talmud has to say about Jesus, and whether the Last Supper really was a Passover seder. Along the way we'll try to construct a more accurate and useful comparison of the relationship between these two related, yet profoundly different, religions. COST $180

Tanakh: Nevi'im: The second division of the Torah, Nevi'im (Prophets) represents three periods in Jewish history: the transition from the wanderings in the wilderness and settlement into the land of Israel, the establishment and dissolution of the monarchy, and conquest and exile. We'll study representative passages from Joshua and Judges, I and II Samuel, I and II Kings, and the prophetic books with a focus on how they reflect changes in the understanding of God, peoplehood, and history. COST $180

The World of Yiddish Culture: This 5 week course will delve into the rich world of Yiddish culture examining a variety of "texts" including translations from newspapers, memoir, theater and more. Discover the personal, political, humor and spirituality that still informs our perspectives today. COST: $90 (5 weeks)