Classes and Workshops
Jewish learning comes in so many forms for all ages. Regular classes offered include several levels of Hebrew; Introduction to Judaism; and Love & Religion, our interfaith couples workshop. Meet our Jewish Life instructors.
Please make sure to read our registration policies before registering for a class.
The Healing Power of Marking Time During COVID-19
Monday, June 22
Wednesday, July 22
Thursday, August 20
Taught by Amanda Herring, Manager of Jewish Life & Learning
During this unprecedented time when our regular schedules and ways of marking time have been disrupted, it is more important than ever to be in touch with the calendar and its wisdom. Dive into the themes of each lunar month, learn how they helped our ancestors track time agriculturally, and keep hold of important events in the Jewish people’s history. Register for one class or all three!
Introduction to Judaism
Summer 2020 Session: Tuesdays, June 23 – August 18
7:30 PM – 9:15 PM
Taught by JoHanna Potts
Come explore the rich fabric of Judaism! Using traditional texts and modern examples, we will cover the fundamentals of Jewish life, including Shabbat and holidays, prayer, lifecycle rituals, ethics, and beliefs. This class is ideal for learners with questions—whether you’ve never studied Judaism before in your life, you’re looking for a Hebrew School refresher, or you’re somewhere in between!
Hebrew Classes
Summer 2020 Session: Mondays, Tuesdays, or Wednesdays
June 1 – August 12, 2020
Taught by Gila Efrati or Sarit Lisogorsky
The Edlavitch DCJCC offers many levels of conversational Hebrew, from learning the aleph-bet to reading advanced literature. Our teachers are native Hebrew speakers with extensive teaching experience, including at the university level. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the summer session will be held virtually via Zoom.
Classes for Theater Lovers:
The Art of Adaptation
Thursdays, July 9-August 13, 5:30 – 7:00 PM
Taught by Aaron Posner
Aaron Posner (Theater J’s Life Sucks and others) has written award-winning adaptations of works by Chekhov, Chaim Potok, Shakespeare, and more. Ever wondered how a writer transforms a story from one genre to another, from novel to play, play to movies, movies to musicals, or real life to play? Explore the process of adaptation from conception and composition through completion and performance using great Jewish short stories as examples. Whether you aspire to create your own adaptations or want to better understand the art you see on stage, this class is sure to open your eyes. This is a participatory discussion-based course; no prior writing experience required.
Inside the Designer’s Studio
Mondays, July 13-August 3, 2020, 4:30 – 6:00 PM
Taught by Nephelie Andonyadis
Design is a critical element in telling the story of a play; it creates an aesthetic and a context, while supporting and interacting with every other element of a production. Acclaimed scenic and costume designer Nephelie Andonyadis (Edward Albee’s Occupant) will provide a window into the designer’s point of view and share the process through which the physical world of the play is created on stage. Where do the ideas come from? How much leeway does a designer have? And how should an audience member look at the designs in performance? Broaden your understanding of theater through a series of readings, lectures, discussions, and projects in this participatory class. No prior design or art experience required.
Creating a Character
Wednesdays, July 15-August 12, 2020, 3:30 – 5:00 PM
Taught by Holly Twyford
Where does an actress find the clues that shape her portrayal of a character? How does a performer transform herself into someone else? Holly Twyford, one of DC’s most esteemed actor/directors, will pull the curtain back to reveal how an actor understands, interprets, and plays different roles. Using a variety of characters from Shakespeare as the foundation, she’ll lead discussions on how a professional reads and analyzes the text to crack open a character, and what an audience can learn from the choices an actor is making on stage. This is not an acting class; no prior experience in acting or Shakespeare is required. Please note that students will read several of Shakespeare’s plays as homework, specific titles to be assigned by instructor.
How to Watch a Play
Thursdays, July 16-August 20, 2020, 3:30 – 5:00 PM OR 6:00 – 7:30 PM
Taught by Adam Immerwahr and Kevin Place
What does a theater professional “see” when they watch a play? Deepen and enrich your experience of the live theater with the techniques and approaches that theater professionals use. From evaluating a production’s concept to unpacking the staging choices, develop your theater reviewer’s “toolkit” in lively group discussions. Students will watch recorded productions (from a range of companies across the country) before each class and then unpack them as a group under the guidance of Theater J’s Artistic Director and Associate Producer. Some purchases of online viewing may be required.
The Actor as Collaborator
Tuesdays, July 21-August 11, 2020, 7:00 – 8:30 PM
Taught by Susan Rome
Prepare for a deep dive into the process of acting with a Theater J favorite, award-winning actress Susan Rome. For an actor, the journey of preparing a performance is full of collaborations, beginning with the audition process and continuing in the rehearsal room, working closely with directors, playwrights, designers, and other actors. Learn how all these relationships combine to enable the final—and most essential—collaboration: that of the performer with the audience. The class will use texts primarily from productions Rome has worked on at Theater J. The focus will be developing an understanding of the actor’s process that students will find valuable when viewing theatrical performances. This is not an acting class; no previous acting experience is required.
* Learning should never be cost-prohibitive. If the cost of any EDCJCC class prevents you from registering, please contact Lisa Silverman at 202-777-3260 or email lisas@edcjcc.org to discuss payment plans or other alternatives.
The Edlavitch DCJCC embraces inclusion in all its programs and activities. We welcome and encourage the participation of all people, regardless of their background, sexual orientation, abilities, or religion, including interfaith couples and families.