After more than a year of pandemic life, many of us are ready to explore the world in new ways and add meaning to our lives. Fortunately, MeltonKC, now part of Jewish Experiences, a Collaboration of Jewish Federation and The J, provides a wide array of educational opportunities for any adult in Kansas City who seeks continued growth and learning.
“Keeping our minds stimulated, maintaining a growth mindset and staying connected to one another are so important to getting through the rigors of our new normal. We are so pleased that MeltonKC is offering more fall classes this year that will pique our interest and engage us in interesting, important and relevant conversations,” said Megan Pener, MeltonKC program director.
In addition to a host of other courses, MeltonKC has several new and timely offerings designed to help students cope with the ongoing challenges presented by the pandemic. These courses include:
- Social Justice: The Heart of Judaism in Theory and Practice, taught by Rabbi Doug Alpert, which looks at the underlying causes of injustice with an eye toward bringing about change.
- Press Pause: Rest, Assured, taught by Rabbi Amy Wallk-Katz, focuses on the Jewish approach to mindfulness and self-care, and looks at Jewish practices that ask us to pause, reflect and refrain from business as usual to allow us to reboot and anew each week.
- Pray It Forward: G-d, Gratitude, and Gathering Together, a locally designed course taught by Farrah Udell, takes a look at prayer as a means to build community, to express gratitude, and to share our deepest needs. Students will explore some of the concepts behind prayer and the power meditation, as they link the past, present, and future, to the immediate and the transcendent.
At this time, MeltonKC classes are a mix of virtual-only, in-person, and multi-access (in person and virtual). However, as the pandemic continues to evolve, classes may adjust to meet the current health guidelines as well as the needs of students enrolled in the course.
MeltonKC welcomes participants from all walks of life - including those from non-Jewish faiths - as long as participants are curious, opened-minded and interested in learning something new. No prerequisites are required for any of this year’s MeltonKC courses, and beginners and seasoned Melton students alike are invited to learn and grow within this supportive community.
“Our community of students continues to thrive and learn, and I look forward to another year of expansion for MeltonKC. With our move to Jewish Experiences, our wealth of exceptional instructors, and an expanded student body that ranges from 20-somethings to 80-somethings, we are perfectly aligned to continue connecting even more adults to Jewish knowledge,” said Pener.
Jewish Experiences is dedicated to engaging and educating community members of all ages. The premise of Jewish Experiences is to inspire and ignite a passion and curiosity for Jewish learning, living and culture through a variety of classes, events, seminars and conversation groups.
To learn more about available MeltonKC courses, and to register, go to thejkc.org/melton, or contact Megan Pener, , (913) 327-8161.
Class prices include learning materials, and financial assistance is available on an as-needed basis. Tuition fees are typically $295 per student for a 10-week course and include all class materials. However, course length and tuition fees vary by course. Please check course details at thejkc.org/melton for more information about pricing and financial assistance.
Note on COVID safety: In accordance with CDC guidelines, masks will be required for all participants, regardless of vaccination status, and we encourage physical distancing in our learning spaces. MeltonKC will continue to follow CDC guidelines and if necessary, we will move to virtual learning or postpone courses.
Upcoming Melton Courses
Join MeltonKC this fall for a wide variety of courses, including new, locally designed and mini class offerings:
- Crisis and Creativity in Exile
Begins October 4 | noon-1 p.m. | taught by Rabbi Scott White at the Jewish Community Campus
- We Are What We Remember: The Ever-Evolving Transmission of Jewish History
Begins October 6 | 10:00 a.m. | taught by Alan Edelman at Village Shalom - Crossroads of Jewish History
Begins October 6 | 7:00 p.m. | taught by Marla Brockman in a multi-access format: in person at The J Campus & Zoom - Jewish Denominations: Addressing the Challenges of Modernity
Begins October 8 | 9:30 a.m. | taught by Marla Brockman in a multi-access format: in person at The J Campus & Zoom - OMG, Can You Believe?!
Begins October 11 | 6:45 pm | taught by Rabbi Amy Wallk-Katz via Zoom (virtual only) - Beyond Borders: The History of the Arab-Israeli Conflict
Begins October 12 | 7:00 p.m. | taught by William Greenberg at KI Synagogue - Social Justice: The Heart of Judaism in Theory and Practice
Begins October 13 | 7:00 p.m. | taught by Rabbi Doug Alpert at a private residence (address provided upon registration) - Foundations of Jewish Family Living
Begins November 4 | two options: 9:30 a.m. or 7:00 p.m. | taught by Marla Brockman (morning) or Rabbi Joshua Leighton (evening) at The J Campus - Press Pause: Rest, Assured
Begins November 29 | 6:45 pm | taught by Rabbi Amy Wallk-Katz via Zoom (virtual only) - Pray It Forward: God, Gratitude, and Gathering Together
Begins January 20 | 7:00 p.m. | taught by Farrah Udell in person at the Jewish Community Campus
