2011-2012 Classes

Upcoming Class - Beginning Spring. 2012
Exodus II at Congregation Olam Tikvah (Fairfax, VA) - Thurs. mornings

Current Melton Classes:
Classes in Northern Virginia:
Ethics and Dramas at Temple Rodef Shalom - Weds. evenings
 

Classes in Maryland:
Ethics and Dramas at Ohr Kodesh Congregation - Mon. evenings
 

What is Melton?

The Florence Melton Adult Mini-School (FMAMS) is a comprehensive, pluralistic program of adult Jewish learning offered throughout the world. Developed at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, the Melton curriculum offers adults a well-rounded, in-depth study of Judaism in a user-friendly format. Explore Jewish texts from Biblical through contemporary sources in an intellectually stimulating, non-denominational environment.

Read "Melton: Learning as Community" to see how our Melton Adult Mini-School impacted two of the program's alumni.

Melton’s Approach to Jewish Learning:

• University-caliber faculty and curriculum
• Designed for busy adults
• Learning for pleasure; no pressure
• No prerequisites, homework or exams
• Relates ancient wisdom to modern life
• Dynamic faculty of rabbis and educators encourages dialogue
• Unique non-denominational approach

Click here to view a video about the Melton program.

Class Descriptions

Rhythms and Purposes of Jewish Living 
Rhythms of Jewish Living examines the Jewish calendar, holidays and life-cycle events.  Students explore ideas, beliefs and practices that define Jewish life. Purposes of Jewish Living explores Jewish thoughts and beliefs.  Essential Jewish theological concepts are presented through in-depth examination of the Bible, Talmud and other sacred texts.

Ethics and Dramas of Jewish Living
Ethics of Jewish Living addresses the relationship between Jewish life and ethical   behavior.  The focus is on how Jewish tradition shapes our relationships with other human beings. Dramas of Jewish Living presents the significant moments that have shaped Jewish memory from the Biblical period through the  formation of the modern State of Israel.

Dates/Locations:
Monday evenings (7:15-9:15 PM)
Sept. 19, 2011-May 14, 2012
Location: Ohr Kodesh Congregation (Chevy Chase, MD)
Cost:  By Sept. 15, 2011:  $700 (includes materials and tuition); After Sept. 15, 2011:  $725 (includes materials and tuition). Discounts: Bring a friend or family member new to Melton, and you each receive $25 off.  Click here for registration material.

or

Wednesday. evenings (7:15-9:15PM)
Oct. 26, 2011-June 13, 2012
Location:  Temple Rodef Shalom (Falls Church, VA)
Cost:  By Sept. 15, 2011:  $700 (includes materials and tuition); After Sept. 15, 2011:  $725 (includes materials and tuition). Discounts: Bring a friend or family member new to Melton, and you each receive $25 off.  Click here for registration material.

Exodus I:  From Slavery to Sinai  
This course brings us the Egyptian narrative of our people from slavery to redemption. Leadership, bravery, faith and doubt define some of the critical moments in these texts and challenge our own assumptions.

Dates/Location:
Thursday mornings (9:30-11 AM)
Oct. 27, 2011-Jan. 12, 2012 (10 sessions)
Location:  Congregation Olam Tikvah (Fairfax, VA)
Cost:  $286 (includes tuition and materials).  Registration deadline:  Oct. 17, 2011.  Click here for registration material.

Exodus II:  Revelation and Revolution 
Follow the development of the emerging Jewish nation from their awe-inspiring encounter at Mount Sinai through the building of the tabernacle in the wilderness and the Israelites’ worship of the Golden Calf.

Dates/Location:
Thursday mornings (9:30-11 AM)
March 15- May 24, 2012 (10 sessions)
Location:  Congregation Olam Tikvah (Fairfax, VA)
Instructor: Norman Shore
Cost:  $286 (includes tuition and materials).  Registration deadline:  March 12, 2012. Click here for registration material.

Classes in Northern Virginia
Classes in Maryland

For further information, please contact learnwithus@pjll.org or 240-283-6234. ****It is recommended – but not required – that entering students begin their studies with the Rhythms and Purposes units.