DeCals Offered at Hillel

What's a De-Cal Class?

DeCal classes are a wonderful opportunity to learn from your fellow students and to take a break from the rigors of Cal Academics. Every semester, Hillel students offer a variety of courses. All courses are open to the entire community--Jews and non-Jews alike.

Courses (Spring 2010):

LIFE 101 from a Jewish Perspective:

Calling all Juniors & Seniors!! Come learn (and get 2 units!) about all the things that Cal isn't teaching you about life.

Do you know how to balance your check book?
What is a deductible?
How do you ask for a raise in a job?
Are you thinking about financially planning for retirement yet?
And many many more questions answered!
Tuesdays, 4-6pm, in the Berkeley Hillel Chapel.
Undergraduate Business Administration 198 Section 1

If you have questions please contact Kelly Mizraji at kellymiz@berkeleyhillel.org.

JUDAISM 101:

Thursdays, 6:30-8:30 PM, Berkeley Hillel Chapel
First class meets on January 28, 2009

What happens at a Jewish wedding? Who is Moses? What is hamantaschen...and can you really eat them?

Judaism 101 is a survey of the history and major holidays, rituals, laws, and texts of the Jewish people. Through readings, lecture and active discussion, this interactive seminar will give participants an overview of Jewish thinking, teachings and values over the last 3,500 years. Bring your questions!

Class will meet on Thursday afternoons, 6:30PM to 8:30 PM, at Berkeley Hillel in the chapel. Two units.
For more information, please contact Dorothy at judaism101@berkeleyhillel.org.

JEWISH SOCIAL JUSTICE: THEORY & PRACTICE:

Thursdays, 4-6 PM, Berkeley Hillel Chapel
First class meets on January 28, 2009

What are Jews in the Bay area and beyond doing about food sustainability? free trade? economic justice? immigrants rights? international development?

“Jewish Social Justice: Theory and Practice” is an introduction to various social justice issues from a Jewish perspective. We will be learning about various social problems – from the local to the international. We will also be learning about some of the many organizations that are working to reduce inequality in our society from the organization's leading activists themselves.

This course is meant to expose students to issues of justice, and, especially, to empower them to do real work in the struggle for social justice. We are interested in both the theory and practice of social justice; therefore, for every issue that we study, we will also actually engage in actions that can make a difference.

We will also be learning about how Judaism figures into social justice. Students do not need to be Jewish to take this course, nor do we expect anyone to come into the class with previous knowledge of Jewish approaches to social justice. Towards the end of the semester, we will also be addressing interfaith social justice work.

Class will meet on Thursday afternoons, 4PM to 6 PM, at Berkeley Hillel in the chapel. Two units.

For more information, please contact jsj@berkeleyhillel.org.

ISRAEL & AMERICAN JEWISH IDENTITY:

Tuesdays, 5-7PM Location: TBA
Jewish Studies 98/198, 1 to 2 units

Every year, enormous amounts of funds and energy are poured into organizations dedicated to creating connections between Jewish American youth and the State of Israel. Building a relationship to Israel is perceived as a tool in strengthening Jewish identity for young American Jews. This class will help students explore and question the connection between Jewish Identity and the notion of a Jewish nation-state.

This class will provide a safe space for an open discussion which will reach beyond the usual dichotomy of pro-Israel, anti-Israel. We will spend a considerable amount of time discussing American Jewish identity and Jewish education in relation to Israel. We would like to invite students of other ethnic or religious backgrounds to join us.

ISRAELI DANCE:

Come learn various Israeli dances. One or two Units.
For more information visit the site www.ocf.berkeley.edu/~ifdance/.
Tuesdays, Intermediate, 5-6:15pm; Beginner, 6:30-7:45pm, in the Berkeley Hillel Auditorium.