The Melton School
The Florence Melton School of Adult Jewish Learning is a global network of 60 community-based schools that offer adults an opportunity to gain Jewish literacy in a non-denominational, intellectually-stimulating learning environment.
The curriculum, created by scholars at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, explores the texts of Jewish tradition, both ancient and contemporary. Join us for spirited dialogue, meaningful study, and the opportunity to gain a profound understanding of what it means to be Jewish.
Gesher Program
The Gesher Program is a dynamic, engaging, and life-changing Jewish learning opportunity at the J! Gesher courses that are developed by the Dallas area Rabbis and Educators for JCC Dallas.
Upcoming Classes
Navigating the Challenges of a COVID-19 World
Over the last 5 months, we have witnessed seismic changes in the world on a whole variety of levels, both macro and micro, many of which will undoubtedly have far-reaching consequences for many years to come. Does Judaism have anything practical to offer when faced with enormous personal, economic, psychological, and health challenges? In this text-based course, we will examine some of the Torah’s timeless teachings on dealing with anxiety, adversity, and personal challenges.
Dates: Mondays | October 5 – December 14
Time: 9:30 – 10:30 am
Location: Zoom classroom
School: Melton Program
Instructor: Rabbi Peretz Shapiro
Tuition: $180 J member/ $220 public
Members of the Tribe
In this short six-session quest, we’ll dive deep into a fundamental, challenging question for Members of the Tribe: “What is the overarching purpose of Judaism?” Together, we’ll examine aspects of what might be considered the Jewish mission, a blend of practices that distinguish us as Jews, and what to do with this idea of being called the “Chosen People.” Prepare to explore how Big Jewish Ideas and lessons from our history serve to enrich our collective actions as individuals and as a people.
Dates: Wednesdays | October 7 – November 11, 2020
Time: 10:45 am – 12:15 pm
Location: Zoom classroom
School: Melton Dallas
Instructor: Laura Seymour
Tuition: $179 [Includes textbook]
Exploring a Forgotten World: A Social History of Medieval Jewry as Revealed in the Cairo Genizah
This ancient-era version of reality TV gives you a front-row seat to the drama, gossip, legal transactions, and other daily intrigues – straight from the Middle Ages. This course brings to life an exotic era in Jewish history, revealing the inner thoughts of real-life characters and exploring the daily interactions and behaviors of Jewish men, women, and families living along the Mediterranean more than 1,000 years ago. All of this has been uncovered through the discovery of a collection of worn-out scraps, text fragments, and documents from ancient times. Come along for a journey of intrigue and adventure!
Dates: Tuesdays | October 6 – December 15
Time: 10:00 – 11:30 am
Location: Zoom classroom
School: Melton Program
Instructor: Debra Polsky
Tuition: $295 [Includes textbook]
Great Musical Partnerships: Their Stories & Their Songs II
s it ironic that so many great songs we know and love as “standards” were written by Jewish songwriting teams? For most of the 20th-century Jewish artists have teamed up to create some of the most memorable music the world has known. From Rodgers and Hart, Lerner & Loewe, Comden & Green, King & Goffin, Gershwin & Gershwin, and of course, Rodgers and Hammerstein, the Jewish influence is everywhere. Come join us each week for a musical sing-a-long and story about these incredible artists that truly created the American Musical Theater. There are no pre-requisites except for an inquisitive mind and a love of music. Mark’s classes fill up fast, so let us know your plans.
Dates: Wednesdays | October 7 – December 16
Time: 9:30 – 10:30 am
Location: Zoom classroom
School: Melton Program
Instructor: Mark Kreditor
Tuition: $180 J member/ $220 public
Southern Jewish History
This class will explore the history of the Southern Jewish people: their origin stories and immigration, the impact of the Civil War and influential Jewish Southerners, assimilation, and Civil Rights. Participants will explore the history and heritage of the American Jewish south through the following time periods: The Colonial Experience (1654- 1776), The Antebellum Interlude (1776-1840), The Manifest Destiny (1840-1890), The Tidal Waves of Immigration (1880-1940), The Continuation of the Other (1940-present).
Dates: Tuesdays | November 3 – December 15*
Time: 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Location: Zoom classroom
School: Gesher program
Instructor: Beri Schwitzer
Tuition: $165 member/ $205 public
*No Class November 24
Jewish Short Stories as a Path to Understanding Diverse Jewish Cultures
This class will use short stories as the primary vehicle to examine the history and culture of Jews from very diverse backgrounds. The lessons will focus on four settings of Jewish life: India, Morocco, Syria (Aleppo), and Eastern Europe.
Dates: Wednesday | November 18 – December 16*
Time: 10:45 am – 12:15 pm
Location: Zoom classroom
School: Gesher program
Instructor: Gerri Patterson
Tuition: $100 member/ $125 public
*No Class November 25
For questions or more information, contact Rachelle Weiss Crane at rweisscrane@jccdallas.org.