John Rothmann
Sunday, January 27, 9:15 a.m.
What to Expect from the Elected Administration

John Rothmann is a perennial favorite at PTS and is kicking off our 2012 series. Besides being a KGO Radio Talk show host, he is also an author, lecturer, teacher, activist, and political consultant. He has spoken at over 150 campuses throughout the United States, Canada, and Israel, and was even involved in Richard Nixon's political campaign in 1968.

Marty Brounstein
Monday December 3, 7:00 p.m.

Come hear an engaging presentation by Bay Area author Marty Brounstein on his book Two Among the Righteous Few: A Story of Courage in the Holocaust. It is a remarkable true story of interfaith compassion, courage, and rescue, involving a Christian couple in the Netherlands who saved the lives of at least two dozen Jews during World War II and the Holocaust. This story also has a meaningful personal connection to our guest speaker -- come to the program to hear more. Co-sponsored by First Presbyterian Church.

Rabbi Naomi Levy
Saturday, January 12, 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, January 13, 9:00 a.m.

Rabbi Naomi Levy will serve as the North Peninsula Jewish Community Scholar in Residence, which is developed and sponsored by the Peninsula Jewish Community Center, Peninsula Temple Beth El, Peninsula Temple Sholom, Peninsula Sinai Congregation, Congregation Beth Jacob, and the Ronald C. Wornick Jewish Day School. Rabbi Levy, the author of three books, including Hope Will Find You: My Search for the Wisdom to Stop Waiting and Start Living, will give 12 lectures during her stay in our community, making presentations throughout the community in each of the sponsoring institutions. Among her topics will be spiritual parenting, finding our purpose in life, coping with life's challenges, creating meaningful prayer, and tikkun olam (social justice).

Rabbi Eric Weiss
Friday, March 15-17, 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, March 16, 9:00 a.m.
Torah Study; 10:30 a.m. Lay-led Minyan
Sunday, March 17, 9:00 a.m.

The Bay Area Jewish Healing Center, led by Rabbi Eric Weiss, is dedicated to providing Jewish spiritual care to those in need. During our weekend with the Center's rabbis, we will delve deeply into Judaism's rich tradition of caring for those in need, and examine the ways in which we at PTS can better support one another.

Join us for interactive discussions on variety of topics that matter. Everyone is welcome. Come every week, or drop in when you can. (Please check the Temple schedule for dates and times.)

Torah Today with Rabbi Feder
Parashat Hashavuah or Weekly Torah Portion
Most Saturdays, 9:00-10:15 AM
Room 11

Start your Shabbat morning by delving into the words of our Torah. We'll read excerpts of each portion and explore traditional commentaries as well as modern interpretations. This is a study session for people who want to engage in lively debate and active dialogue about how our ancient texts are relevant in our lives today.

Hot Topics with Rabbi Feder
Mostly Third or Fourth Thursday of Each Month, Noon-1:30 PM
Off-site

Join this round-table discussion to take a contemporary look at Jewish thought, ideas, and teachings. Topics might include Israel, preparation for holy days, Jewish mourning rituals, a Jewish look at the New Testament, or Jewish philosophy. Whether you become a regular or are a periodic participant, all are welcome. Join us at the Law Offices of Norman Harris, 1220 Howard Avenue, Burlingame. This is the ultimate brown-bag lunch - you supply the food and Rabbi Feder supplies the food for thought.

Back to the Source with Rabbi Feder
A Verse by Verse Reading of the Torah
Most Wednesdays, 11:00 AM-Noon
Room 11

The Torah has influenced civilization more than any other book. The Torah has it all - poetry, history, lofty narratives, epic family dramas, and inspiring moral teachings. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to take the time to really understand all our Torah has to offer? Bring your lunch if it's during your lunch break, and join us as we explore the meaning of a passage, understand the nuances of the language, and gain greater insights about key teachings.

Jewish Understandings of Afterlife and Messiah
Rabbi Rebekah Stern
Meets Thursdays, beginning Oct. 11 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Room 11

Few questions are more commonly asked than, "What happens after we die?" Over the millennia of Jewish thought, many answers have been suggested. This weekly class will explore the Jewish concepts of soul, afterlife, and messiah, tracing ideas through Biblical, Rabbinic, and contemporary texts. We will also compare and contrast text and traditions from Jewish and other monotheistic traditions.

Beginner's Hebrew*
Ava Brand, Religious School Teacher
Meets Monday evenings,
Oct. 15 - Dec. 10, 7:00 - 8:15 p.m.

Learn how to read Hebrew in only 9 sessions! Take advantage of this beginner class to:
• Become familiar with the Hebrew alphabet
• Improve your Hebrew reading fluency
• Delve into a bit of modern Hebrew
Come explore the Hebrew language in a relaxed group setting!

Intermediate Conversational Hebrew*
Eran Vaisben, Education Director
Meets Monday evenings, Jan. 7 - Mar. 18, 7:00 p.m. - 8:15 p.m.

Do you have good basic Hebrew reading skills? The goal of this class is to further your overall understanding and use of the Hebrew language. The class emphasis is on communicative skills that will enable you to communicate in simple Hebrew in everyday situations. This class explores Hebrew dialogue, articles, stories, and songs. Families are also invited to learn together. Prerequisite: Hebrew reading and basic Hebrew vocabulary

*Sign up is required. To register, please contact Eran Vaisben at evaisben@sholom.org or call (650) 697-5579.