Valley Beit Midrash

ABOUT THIS CLASS: Mitzvot are oftentimes understood as outward-facing actions, but doing the internal work to develop one’s middot, or character traits, is equally a mitzvah we are called to fulfill. The Torah, both in law and narrative, has much to teach us about cultivating a healthy personality of Humility, Patience, Gratitude, Order, and more. In this series – inspired by the works of Rabbi David Jaffe and Alan Morinis – we will journey through a number of the core character traits, study their appearances in canonical Jewish works, and explore practical ways of becoming better citizens, family members, and friends through the practice of Mussar. Class 4 discusses the trait "Zerizut". ABOUT THE SPEAKER: Originally from Los Angeles (where he was a successful child actor), Rabbi Loren Berman is the East Coast and Mid-Atlantic Regional Jewish Educator for Moishe House and an Outreach and Engagement Associate at Sefaria. Previously, he was the supervisor of High Holidays programming at Riker’s Island Corre

Enjoy the fourth session of Valley Beit Midrash's "The 40 Greatest Debates in Jewish History!" series. (1 per week for 40 weeks). Topic: Rambam vs. Ra'avad In this class, we will explore the 40 greatest debates in Jewish history. We will study texts, reflect on the historical contexts, and discuss the values involved. Rabbi Shmuly Yanklowitz will present for about 20-30 minutes and then the remaining 30-40 minutes will be for questions and conversation. DONATE: http://www.bit.ly/1NmpbsP​​​​​​​ For podcasts of VBM lectures, GO HERE: https://www.valleybeitmidrash.org/learning-library/ https://www.facebook.com/valleybeitmi...​ Become a member today, starting at just $18 per month! Click the link to see our membership options: https://www.valleybeitmidrash.org/become-a-member/

ABOUT THIS CLASS: Recently, the nascent field of social neuroscience has provided research evidence concerning processes contributing to empathy and compassion. The talk will explore this body of research and examine its relationship to traditions that endeavor to cultivate compassion. ABOUT THE SPEAKER: Dr. Kaszniak is Professor of Psychology, Neurology, and Psychiatry and is currently Director of the Arizona Alzheimer’s Consortium Education Core, Director of the Neuropsychology, Emotion, and Meditation Laboratory, Faculty and Advisory Board member of the Evelyn F. McKnight Brain Institute. He is the co-author or editor of seven books, including the three-volume Toward a Science of Consciousness (MIT Press), and Emotions, Qualia, and Consciousness (World Scientific). His research, published in over 155 journal articles and scholarly book chapters, has been supported by grants from the U.S. National Institute on Aging, National Institute of Mental Health, and National Science Foundation, as well as several p

ABOUT THIS EVENT: Despite our best efforts, we’re all vulnerable to believing things without using logic or having proper evidence—and it doesn’t matter how educated or well read we are. But there is a method for avoiding such pitfalls of human nature, and it’s called skepticism. By using rational inquiry and seeing subjects from a scientific perspective, we can approach even the most sensitive claims with clear eyes to ultimately arrive at the truth. In this lecture Dr. Shermer will surprise, challenge, and entertain you, you will learn how to think, not just what to think—and you’ll come to understand why extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence. You’ll discover how skepticism can help differentiate between real science and pseudoscience, as well as between “scientific” history and pseudohistory—distinctions that have serious educational and political implications. As you learn how our brains work to form beliefs, you’ll examine the classic fallacies of thought that lead us to experience mistakes

ABOUT THIS CLASS: Mitzvot are oftentimes understood as outward-facing actions, but doing the internal work to develop one’s middot, or character traits, is equally a mitzvah we are called to fulfill. The Torah, both in law and narrative, has much to teach us about cultivating a healthy personality of Humility, Patience, Gratitude, Order, and more. In this series – inspired by the works of Rabbi David Jaffe and Alan Morinis – we will journey through a number of the core character traits, study their appearances in canonical Jewish works, and explore practical ways of becoming better citizens, family members, and friends through the practice of Mussar. Class 3 discusses the trait "Hakarat HaTov". ABOUT THE SPEAKER: Originally from Los Angeles (where he was a successful child actor), Rabbi Loren Berman is the East Coast and Mid-Atlantic Regional Jewish Educator for Moishe House and an Outreach and Engagement Associate at Sefaria. Previously, he was the supervisor of High Holidays programming at Riker’s Island

ABOUT THE SPEAKER: Professor Steven Pinker, Ph.D., is the Johnstone Family Professor in the Department of Psychology at Harvard University. He is the author of multiple bestselling books on cognitive science and psycholinguistics, including Enlightenment Now, The Better Angels of Our Nature, and Rationality (forthcoming). He has also been named one of Time Magazine’s “100 Most Influential People in the World Today” and Foreign Policy’s “Top 100 Global Thinkers.”

Enjoy the third session of Valley Beit Midrash's "The 40 Greatest Debates in Jewish History!" series. (1 per week for 40 weeks). Topic: Gun Rights vs. Gun Control In this class, we will explore the 40 greatest debates in Jewish history. We will study texts, reflect on the historical contexts, and discuss the values involved. Rabbi Shmuly Yanklowitz will present for about 20-30 minutes and then the remaining 30-40 minutes will be for questions and conversation. DONATE: http://www.bit.ly/1NmpbsP​​​​​​​ For podcasts of VBM lectures, GO HERE: https://www.valleybeitmidrash.org/learning-library/ https://www.facebook.com/valleybeitmi...​ Become a member today, starting at just $18 per month! Click the link to see our membership options: https://www.valleybeitmidrash.org/become-a-member/

ABOUT THIS EVENT: In this time of pandemic and social disruption, is it wise or naive for us to trust? We’ll explore the experience of trust by looking at the writings of Etty Hillesum, a Dutch woman in her late twenties living in Nazi-occupied Amsterdam. Etty’s journals and letters have been called “the most spiritually significant documents of our age.” Who was this young woman and what is the impact of her writings in our Jewish communities today? Together, we will examine what gets in the way of trust and how to cultivate it, even in the direst of circumstances. ABOUT THIS SPEAKER: Rabbi Dorothy Richman serves as the rabbi of Makor Or: Jewish Meditation Center and is a founding faculty member of the Romemu Yeshiva in New York City. Her teaching integrates Jewish text, practice, ritual and music to help students connect to themselves, to each other, to the Divine, and to their communities. DONATE: http://www.bit.ly/1NmpbsP​​​​​​​ For podcasts of VBM lectures, GO HERE: https://www.valleybeitmidrash.org/

ABOUT THIS CLASS: Mitzvot are oftentimes understood as outward-facing actions, but doing the internal work to develop one’s middot, or character traits, is equally a mitzvah we are called to fulfill. The Torah, both in law and narrative, has much to teach us about cultivating a healthy personality of Humility, Patience, Gratitude, Order, and more. In this series – inspired by the works of Rabbi David Jaffe and Alan Morinis – we will journey through a number of the core character traits, study their appearances in canonical Jewish works, and explore practical ways of becoming better citizens, family members, and friends through the practice of Mussar. Class 2 discusses the trait "Anavah and Humility". ABOUT THE SPEAKER: Originally from Los Angeles (where he was a successful child actor), Rabbi Loren Berman is the East Coast and Mid-Atlantic Regional Jewish Educator for Moishe House and an Outreach and Engagement Associate at Sefaria. Previously, he was the supervisor of High Holidays programming at Riker’s

Enjoy the second session of Valley Beit Midrash's "The 40 Greatest Debates in Jewish History!" series. (1 per week for 40 weeks). Topic: Yitz Greenberg vs. Meir Kahane In this class, we will explore the 40 greatest debates in Jewish history. We will study texts, reflect on the historical contexts, and discuss the values involved. Rabbi Shmuly Yanklowitz will present for about 20-30 minutes and then the remaining 30-40 minutes will be for questions and conversation. DONATE: http://www.bit.ly/1NmpbsP​​​​​​​ For podcasts of VBM lectures, GO HERE: https://www.valleybeitmidrash.org/learning-library/ https://www.facebook.com/valleybeitmi...​ Become a member today, starting at just $18 per month! Click the link to see our membership options: https://www.valleybeitmidrash.org/become-a-member/

ABOUT THIS EVENT: This will be an hour long discussion with attendees on how Jewish wisdom can inspire a paradigm shift with renewed leadership. ABOUT THIS SPEAKER: Rabbi Yehuda Sarna serves as the University Chaplain and Executive Director at the Bronfman Center for Jewish Student Life at New York University. He is a Senior Fellow at the Of Many Institute for Multifaith Leadership at NYU, where he designs educational experiences and curricula to train the next generation in interfaith action. Rabbi Sarna was one of the principal subjects of Chelsea Clinton’s 2014 documentary, Of Many, which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival and aired nationally on ABC in 2017. The documentary is utilized as a teaching tool for universities and high schools around the country seeking to establish norms of religious and spiritual diversity within their institutions. The Of Many Institute designed an award winning training module, Faith Zone, to train university students, staff and administrators in religious literacy. R

ABOUT THIS CLASS: Mitzvot are oftentimes understood as outward-facing actions, but doing the internal work to develop one’s middot, or character traits, is equally a mitzvah we are called to fulfill. The Torah, both in law and narrative, has much to teach us about cultivating a healthy personality of Humility, Patience, Gratitude, Order, and more. In this series – inspired by the works of Rabbi David Jaffe and Alan Morinis – we will journey through a number of the core character traits, study their appearances in canonical Jewish works, and explore practical ways of becoming better citizens, family members, and friends through the practice of Mussar. Class 1 discusses the trait "Hitlamdut". ABOUT THE SPEAKER: Originally from Los Angeles (where he was a successful child actor), Rabbi Loren Berman is the East Coast and Mid-Atlantic Regional Jewish Educator for Moishe House and an Outreach and Engagement Associate at Sefaria. Previously, he was the supervisor of High Holidays programming at Riker’s Island Cor

ABOUT THE SPEAKER: Janet R. Kirchheimer is a Clal Teaching Fellow, Assistant to the Presidents, and LEAP Program Manager. A poet, essayist, creative writing teacher, and filmmaker, she is the author of How to Spot One of Us (2007, Clal). Nominated for a Pushcart Prize, her work has appeared in numerous journals, anthologies, and on-line publications. Janet has taught and given talks and readings at a wide variety of organizations. Most recently she was part of a “Six-Word Memoir” storytelling event held at the Tenement Museum in New York City, and her chapter “At the Water’s Edge: Poetry and the Holocaust” appeared in “The Psychoanalytic Textbook of Holocaust Studies” in 2019. Janet is producing, AFTER, a film that explores poetry written about the Holocaust featuring renowned contemporary poets. She is also a gold-star licensed New York City Sightseeing Guide conducting tours about the first Jewish community in North America, founded in 1654. When she’s not giving tours, Janet is busy being a hyphenated

ABOUT THIS EVENT: What goes into creating Torah scrolls and other sacred writing? Participants will get an inside peek into the materials used, including parchment and writing instruments, as well as the process of writing, such as letter formation and spiritual intention. ABOUT THIS SPEAKER: Julie Seltzer is a Torah Scribe and Educator living in the Hudson Valley, NY. She was trained by Jen Taylor Friedman and learned with several scribes in Jerusalem. Currently, Julie recently completed her fourth Torah scroll for Congregation Kol Ami in White Plains, NY, and is writing a memoir about her spiritual journey. She is excited to be part of a growing network of women scribes.

Hitaloot HaOlam-The Elevation of Existence Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak HaCohen Kook TZ’L (1865- 1935) is considered by many to be the preeminent teacher of the Torah’s full illumination for our epoch. He was the Chief Rabbi of Jerusalem and the Land of Israel from 1920-1935. The close circle of extraordinary students around him came to the conclusion that he was experiencing prophecy. He was the first one to refer to Medinat Israel-The State of Israel (in his writings in 1906) and his influence on the rebirth of Israel physically and spiritually is incalculable and growing. In our ten sessions, we will learn the foundational roots of his teachings and the soaring wings of his vision. The first five sessions will be devoted to the five foundations of his worldview- as defined by his premier student Rabbi David Cohen-HaRav HaNazir TZ’L (with Rav Kook’s agreement).

Enjoy the first session of Valley Beit Midrash's "The 40 Greatest Debates in Jewish History!" series. (1 per week for 40 weeks). Topic: Hillel vs Shammai In this class, we will explore the 40 greatest debates in Jewish history. We will study texts, reflect on the historical contexts, and discuss the values involved. Rabbi Shmuly Yanklowitz will present for about 20-30 minutes and then the remaining 30-40 minutes will be for questions and conversation. DONATE: http://www.bit.ly/1NmpbsP​​​​​​​ For podcasts of VBM lectures, GO HERE: https://www.valleybeitmidrash.org/learning-library/ https://www.facebook.com/valleybeitmi...​ Become a member today, starting at just $18 per month! Click the link to see our membership options: https://www.valleybeitmidrash.org/become-a-member/

Hitaloot HaOlam-The Elevation of Existence Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak HaCohen Kook TZ’L (1865- 1935) is considered by many to be the preeminent teacher of the Torah’s full illumination for our epoch. He was the Chief Rabbi of Jerusalem and the Land of Israel from 1920-1935. The close circle of extraordinary students around him came to the conclusion that he was experiencing prophecy. He was the first one to refer to Medinat Israel-The State of Israel (in his writings in 1906) and his influence on the rebirth of Israel physically and spiritually is incalculable and growing. In our ten sessions, we will learn the foundational roots of his teachings and the soaring wings of his vision. The first five sessions will be devoted to the five foundations of his worldview- as defined by his premier student Rabbi David Cohen-HaRav HaNazir TZ’L (with Rav Kook’s agreement).

Enjoy the thirty-eigth session of Valley Beit Midrash's "39 Ways to Repair the World" series. In celebration of Rabbi Shmuly’s 39th birthday, he is going to teach the 39 melachot over the coming year (1 per week for 39 weeks). He’ll teach the 39 Shabbat Channels from philosophical & theological perspectives. Each of the 39 can move us toward a deeper realization of these 39 dimensions of Shabbat rejuvenation in order that we can bring about 39 strengthened ways to repair & heal the world (& ourselves! & our families! & our communities!) on the other 6 days (emulating Divine creation and transforming our world into a holy dwelling place! DONATE: http://www.bit.ly/1NmpbsP​​​​​​​ For podcasts of VBM lectures, GO HERE: https://www.valleybeitmidrash.org/learning-library/ https://www.facebook.com/valleybeitmi...​ Become a member today, starting at just $18 per month! Click the link to see our membership options: https://www.valleybeitmidrash.org/become-a-member/

Join Eddie Chavez Calderon as we honor and share the impact Mexican diplomat Gilberto bosques Saldivar had on the Jewish community during WWII and helped save hundreds of Jews. DONATE: www.bit.ly/1NmpbsP​​​​​​ LEARNING MATERIALS: www.valleybeitmidrash.org/wp-content/u…-MOSHE-1.pdf For podcasts of VBM lectures, GO HERE: www.valleybeitmidrash.org/learning-library www.facebook.com/valleybeitmidrash BECOME A MEMBER: www.valleybeitmidrash.org/become-a-member Valley Beit Midrash is proud to host the Jaburg Wilk Learning Season. Learn more about Jaburg Wilk at www.jaburgwilk.com/​

ABOUT THIS CLASS: The dynamics of individuality and community within Jewish settings ABOUT THE SPEAKER: Rabbi Aberson, who prefers to be addressed as ‘Rabbi Brodie’, received his ordination from the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies. His degrees include an MA in Middle Eastern Studies from Ben Gurion University of the Negev and a Certificate in Education from the American Jewish University. He also has a BA in Anthropology from Muhlenberg College. Rabbi Brodie’s driving goals are to connect Jews to their traditions, their texts, and to each other. He believes, “By building stronger relationships with each other and our traditions we can build even better communities.” Rabbi Brodie believes Jewish education goes far beyond Bar or Bat Mitzvah. One of his goals is to instill a love of Judaism across the generations. “I felt the love and warmth that this congregation is known for from the first moment I stepped onto the TBSEV campus,” Rabbi Brodie continued, “I am excited to become a part of it, and cherish t