MeltonKC, powered by Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy, is set for a record-breaking year by continuing to offer a safe and engaging way for adults to connect during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“In addition to expanding our partnerships with Jewish community organizations this year, our ability to transition quickly to all virtual or even hybrid classes during the warmer months has given so many students a platform to connect during these challenging months. I couldn’t be more pleased with our growth, which is already 50% more in 2020-21 than the number of students who studied with us in the 2019-20 school year,” said Megan Pener, MeltonKC director.
Currently, all classes are virtual, though some classes plan to meet outside (when possible) or convene when it is safe to return in person. In fact, discussion has already begun to select a start date for an in-person Jewish Answers to Life’s Most Challenging Questions mini-course at Village Shalom, taught by Alan Edelman. This four-session course will be a hybrid class: it will be held in person at Village Shalom (once all residents are fully vaccinated); any other students who wish to join virtually may do so.
In addition to Edelman’s course, several other class options are available this spring:
Genesis/Bereshit II: Taught by one of MeltonKC’s newest instructors, Rabbi Moshe Grussgott, this 10-week course is a follow up to Genesis/Bereshit I. Bereshit II follows the development of the first Jewish family from the birth of two nations through great wrongdoings and reunions, to the renowned blessing of the grandchildren. Students will embark on some of the most dramatic and iconic stories of sibling rivalry, wrestling with angels, palace seduction, rape, and reconciliation. Thursdays | 7-8:30 p.m. | beginning April 8 (no prerequisite needed)
Beyond Borders: The History of the Arab-Israeli Conflict: This 10-week course is a newer addition to the Melton series, and is taught by Bill Greenberg, a retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel and KI Synagogue member, whose career includes a variety of peacekeeping missions in the Middle East, Europe and Asia. The course provides students with a strong historical overview of the conflict through the lens of religion, culture, history, politics, economics, identity and survival. Thursdays | 7-8:30 p.m. | beginning mid-April
Social Justice: The Heart of Judaism in Theory and Practice: This 10-week course is another new and popular addition to the Melton series, which was introduced to Kansas City by Rabbi Doug Alpert last winter. Rabbi Alpert will bring this topic to life once again, as he guides students to explore how social justice work goes beyond addressing short-term needs and looks at structural causes of injustice today. Topics include issues related to poverty, immigration and environment, and students are encouraged to identify issues they would like to explore in greater depth. Wednesdays | 6:30-8 p.m. | beginning late April
Jewish Answers to Life’s Most Challenging Questions: Rabbi David Glickman will teach this new four-part mini-series to introduce thought-provoking approaches to the eternal mystery of the Divine’s involvement in our lives. Students will explore answers to timeless questions, including “Why do good people suffer?” and “Why is there so much evil in the world?” Having maxxed out with 30 students in a current Jewish Answers class, Rabbi Glickman has offered to teach another course this spring for those who are on the waiting list. To get on the waitlist for this free, Taste of Melton course, go to hbha.edu/melton.
“It has always been a special feeling to bring like-minded people together and create new connections. Now that we need these connections more than ever, the work of MeltonKC and our instructors is even more rewarding. It’s been fun to see people from other cities join their Kansas City friends and relatives in many of our classes, now that they are virtual,” said Pener.
MeltonKC is generously supported by HBHA, Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City, The Florence Melton School of Adult Jewish Learning, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Menorah Heritage Foundation.
For more information about Melton, upcoming courses or to register, go to hbha.edu/melton, or contact Megan Pener, , 913-327-8161. Most classes are $295 per student, which includes learning materials, and financial assistance is available for those who need it. Students only pay for the cost of materials for the four-week mini-courses.
