Geography of the Prayerbook

Past Sessions
Wednesday, March 26, 2025 • 26 Adar 5785 - 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM - Zoom
Wednesday, March 19, 2025 • 19 Adar 5785 - 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM - Zoom
Wednesday, March 12, 2025 • 12 Adar 5785 - 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM - Zoom
Wednesday, March 5, 2025 • 5 Adar 5785 - 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM - Zoom
Wednesday, February 19, 2025 • 21 Sh'vat 5785 - 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM - Zoom
Wednesday, February 5, 2025 • 7 Sh'vat 5785 - 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM - Zoom

Taught by Marjorie Hochberg, Cantorial Soloist Emerita, this course will delve into the geography of important prayers such as the Sh’ma, Amida and Torah and Haftarah Blessings.

Did you know that the Hebrew root of the word siddur, prayer book, is the same as the root for seder, the Passover table service? Both mean “order,” because both are thoughtfully ordered.

If you’ve ever felt like the order of the service, the meaning of prayers, and the choreography of Jewish worship is a mystery, Geography of the Prayerbook is for you. Part history, part translation, and part interpretation, this class helps anyone who is looking for a way to navigate Reform Jewish services.

Hebrew reading is not required but is helpful. If you are a person who may not read Hebrew and don’t have the time to learn Hebrew skills but want to have a deeper understanding of the prayers, this course is for you as well. All are welcome, especially if you don’t feel “Jewish enough.”

Instuctor Bio

Marjorie Hochberg is the Cantorial Soloist Emerita at Kol Ami.

Marjorie was the Cantorial Soloist at Temple Emanu-El/Kol Ami for over 30 years. In that role she officiated at Shabbat and festival services, helped to direct and support adult and youth choirs at Temple Emanu-El, and took part in many concerts, Purim Spiels, and special events. She also prepared many B’nai Mitzvah students and continues to teach a variety of Adult Education classes on Hebrew language and Judaics.

Marjorie is married to Dr. Judy Shepard Gomez, lives in Tucson, AZ, and enjoys travel, and loves spending time with their 10 grandchildren.

Pricing

Members: $66 per person

Pillars: $0 per person - benefit of Pillar level

Friend of Kol Ami (Non-Member): $80 per person

Members

Make sure you are logged into your account to register at the reduced member price. Contact the office at kolami@katucson.org or (520) 327-4501 if you need any help registering.

Mode of Instruction

This course will be offered on Zoom only.

Registration Deadline

The deadline to register for the class is Sunday, February 2, 2025, 11:59 PM.