Meet the new minds of JLearn!

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So who are the fabulous new instructors JLearn has added to our 2019 Fall class schedule? See for yourself why we think we have the very best talent in the community to bring you the very best in Jewish Adult Education!

We asked them each 3 questions so you could get to know them a little better …

Rabbi Yonatan Dahlen
serves as a pulpit rabbi at Congregation Shaarey Zedek in Southfield.

MELTON CORE, YEAR 2: CROSSROADS

Why do you enjoy teaching?

I love teaching, because I truly think that Jewish learning is a form of prayer. When a great question or conversation comes up, it creates a moment of amazing potential to deepen the lives of everyone present. There is something so powerful and beautiful about growth through dialogue, and the interactive learning of Jewish tradition is an incredible example of that.

Three words that best describe your teaching style?

Passionate. Patient. Validating.

What are your hobbies and favorite food?

I am an avid fly fisherman, a big soccer fan, and a sucker for a good book. I also love cooking, which is great, because the next question I’m supposed to answer is my favorite type of food - the correct answer is all things Italian. I studied for a little less than a year in Florence when I was in college, so Tuscan pasta, salads, and wine are my absolute favorite foods.

Rabbanit Jenna Englender
received rabbinic ordination from Yeshivat Maharat and is a graduate of the Gallatin School at NYU.

MELTON CORE, YEAR 1: RHYTHMS
MELTON CORE, YEAR 2: CROSSROADS

Why do you enjoy teaching?

Teaching is the most fulfilling and exciting way I've found to always be learning something new. Students are the best learning partners!

Three words that best describe your teaching style?

Interactive. Curious. Text-based.

What are your hobbies and favorite food?

I love to knit and am an avid reader (lately my two favorite genres are Jewish fiction and good fantasy). Food-wise I like anything cheesy. I'm also on a life-long quest to find the best kosher Mexican food.

Dr. Rabbi Elliot K. Ginsburg
is an Associate Professor of Jewish thought and Mysticism at U of M, as well as a rabbi and author.

ENTERING THE DAYS OF AWE: TEACHINGS AND PRACTICES IN A MYSTICAL KEY
Wednesdays, 7 – 8:30 PM Begins September 4 for four weeks

Why do you enjoy teaching?

Teaching is a chance to connect deeply with the sources of the tradition, with an array of interpreters through the ages, and at the same time to connect with those present in the room. When I teach I am also learning. It is as though channels of awareness open anew in the give and take of conversation, questioning, analysis, and reflection. When we become a supportive learning community, gates open.

Three words that best describe your teaching style?

Passionate. Engaged. Funny.

What are your hobbies and favorite food?

My hobbies are reading (mostly in English and Hebrew), hiking and walking, music and chanting, cooking (I'm adventurous and lean towards the Mediterranean and Middle East). In spring-summer, I also love tending my vegetable garden.

Dr. Ian Greenspan
currently teaches at Oakland University and received his Ph.D. and M.A. in History from the University of California at Berkeley.

THE BLOOD LIBEL AND ANTISEMITISM: A SPECIAL PASSOVER PRESENTATION
Tuesday, 7 – 8:30 PM
March 31, one session

EXISTENCE IS OUR RESISTANCE: A CRUCIAL DISCUSSION OF ANTISEMITISM YESTERDAY AND TODAY
Tuesdays, 7 – 8:30 PM
Includes March 31 for six sessions

Why do you enjoy teaching?

I most enjoy interacting with students, and seeing them pull together various broader strands/themes from the taught material.

Three words that best describe your teaching style?

Engaging. Dynamic. Integrative.

What are your hobbies and favorite food?

Book collecting and time with family. Tofu and pizza.

Saeed Khan
is in the Department of History at Wayne State University and is a Lecturer in Islamic history and civilizations.

JERUSALEM DURING THE MUSLIM ERA
Thursdays, 1 – 2:30 PM
Begins Nov. 14 for five weeks

Why do you enjoy teaching?

I enjoy teaching because I love the knowledge of ideas and the idea of knowledge, and the way they come together with the engagement of teaching.

Three words that best describe your teaching style?

Open. Objective. Honest.

What are your hobbies and favorite food?

My hobbies are book shopping and pop-rock music, both playing and listening. Favorite food is some really good bread and some terrific cheese.

Paul Kavieff
is a U.S. organized crime historian and has authored four books on organized crime history.

MAYHEM IN THE MOTOR CITY: THE PURPLE GANG
Wednesdays, 7 – 8:30 PM
Begins October 23 for five weeks, including a Documentary Presentation at The Berman for the last class. Lectures held at The Max M. Fisher Federation Building.

Why do you enjoy teaching?

It’s a great experience to pass along information on history in an understandable approach and in a realistic style, so that students really comprehend the subject.

Three words that best describe your teaching style?

Sensational. Exciting. Knowledgeable.

What are your hobbies and favorite food?

I love to exercise and drive my street rod. Bar B Q is my favorite!

Dr. Seth Korelitz
is Director of Jewish Studies at Frankel Jewish Academy.

MELTON CORE YEAR 1: RHYTHMS

Why do you enjoy teaching?

I love teaching because I consider helping people grow as Jews my life’s mission, because it’s fun, and because I always learn something in my teaching.

Three words that best describe your teaching style?

Creative. Dynamic. Challenging.

What are your hobbies and favorite food?

I like to read a good mystery when I have some free time, and I love listening to music.

A single favorite food? Oy, so hard. Umm...Nope, can’t do it! But I’ve been a vegetarian for almost 35 years.

Cantor Michael Smolash
serves as a cantor of Temple Israel in West Bloomfield.

NOT YOUR PARENT’S SUNDAY SCHOOL
(For parents of school-age children)
Mondays, 9:30 – 11:45 AM
Begins September 16

Why do you enjoy teaching?

I enjoy teaching because it opens doors for people.

Three words that best describe your teaching style?

Upbeat. Curious. Free Flowing.

What are your hobbies and favorite food?

I like kayaking and hiking. My favorite food is Cheesecake!

We Invite The Community To A Sneak Peek Of Our 2019-2020 Instructors.

Free of charge. Registration required.

Monday, August 19, 2019
Max M. Fisher Federation Building

MORNING SESSIONS
9:30 AM – 11:50 AM
Rabbi Michele Faudem
Jill Gutmann
Saeed Khan
Dr. Michael Pytlik
Robbie Terman
Nina Yahalomi Klevitsky

EVENING SESSIONS
7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Dr. Ian Greenspan
Michael Hodges
Rabbi Joseph Klein
Dr. Justin Sledge

To register and more information: 248-205-2557 or [email protected]

All classes held at The Max M. Fisher Federation Building unless otherwise indicated.

Scholarships available.

To see the complete catalog: JCCDET.org/JLearn

Questions or to register: 248-205-2557

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