Florence Melton Adult Mini-School

The Jewish Community Center of Greater Ann Arbor offers the Florence Melton Adult Mini-School beginning each September. The Mini-School is sponsored by the JCC and made possible through funding by the Jewish Federation and Covenant Foundation and in collaboration with a consortium of community congregations and organizations.

The Melton Mini-School is a curriculum designed to offer adults a well-rounded, in-depth study of Judaism in a user-friendly format. 

Developed at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, adult Jewish learners from all backgrounds learn about our heritage and culture in an intellectually stimulating, non-denominational environment.  Our superb faculty encourages group discussion and exploration of ideas.

This is an opportunity to explore classic Jewish sources from Biblical through contemporary texts.  There are no prerequisites, tests or homework.  The school is open to any member of the Jewish community.

COURSES OFFERED INCLUDE...

YEAR 1
Purposes of Jewish Living examines the Jewish calendar and life cycle events. Students explore ideas, beliefs and practices that define Jewish life.

Rhythms 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.

Year 1 course is on Thursday evenings from September - June (30 weeks)
7:00 - 9:15 p.m. at the JCC

Tuition: $550 JCC Member, $600 JCC non-member
$100 non-refundable deposit required with application. Full payment for class must be received by first class.

YEAR 2
Ethics of Jewish Living addresses the relationship between Jewish life and ethical behavior. The focus is on how Jewish traditions shape our relationship with other human beings.

Dramas of Jewish Living presents the significant moments, experiences and issues that shaped Jewish history from the Biblical period through the formation of the modern State of Israel.

Year 2 course is on Thursday evenings from September - June (30 weeks)
7:00 - 9:15 p.m. at the JCC

Tuition: $550 JCC Member, $600 JCC non-member
$100 non-refundable deposit required with application. Full payment for class must be received by first class.

GRADUATE
Israeli Literature as a Window to Israeli Society
(course only open to graduates of year 1 and year 2)
This graduate course of study offers a fresh and fascinating examination of Israeli society since the birth of the State in 1948. Through the pens of its leading writers, participants encounter an Israeli society that is original, contemporary, honest and proud.

The Graduate course is on Thursday evenings in the fall 2010 (10 weeks)
7:00 - 8:30 p.m. at the JCC

Tuition: $250 JCC Member, $275 JCC non-member
$100 non-refundable deposit required with application. Full payment for class must be received by first class.

SCHOLARS
(Open to the entire community)
INSTRUCTOR:  DR. MICHAEL WEISS

Jewish Denominations (Spring 2011)
Addressing the Challenges of Modernity
This Scholars course provides students with the opportunity to examine Jewish identity and religious expression against the backdrop of dramatic political and social change of the past 300 years. Gain extensive insights into the historical and ideological developments of the major movements and expolore the impact of gender, assimilationk, Israel and post-denominationalism on the movements and the Jewish people.

Jews in America (Spring 2011)
Insiders and Outsiders
This Scholars course provides students with the opportunity to consider the challenges of Jewish acculturation to American life, and the sacrifices as well as the contributions that have been made over the past 200 years. Lessons will explore such topics as the role of education, the Three Generation Hypothesis, Anti-Semitism and the Holocaust, the changing place of Zionism and the State of Israel, the Civil Rights Movement as a case study of distinctiveness and involvement, and other issues that address American and Jewish culture and identity.

For more information, contact Mimi Weisberg at 734-971-0990 or mimiweisberg@jccfed.org.