FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ABOUT THE TAUBER JEWISH STUDIES PROGRAM

QWho is the Tauber Program for?
A All adults interested in learning more about Jewish ideas, texts, history and practice are welcome at Tauber courses.

QWhat is the difference between the Ikarim courses and the Yesod courses?
A Ikarim are individual eight-week courses on a variety of subjects. They may be taken in any order, and there are generally no prerequisites. Yesod is a two-year curriculum. It consists of six courses based on essential Jewish texts beginning with the Bible and continuing through the Middle Ages. Courses that are part of Yesod must be taken in sequence. However, Yesod courses will be repeated each year, so if a student misses a trimester, he or she may continue with that course in the following year.

QWhen and where do courses meet?
A All classes meet once a week for eight weeks, from 7:00 - 9:00 pm on Tuesdays or Thursdays at Temple Emanu-El.

QWhat happens if I miss a class?
AWhile steady attendance is desirable, we recognize that this is a program for adults who may have many competing demands on their time. Students enrolled in classes should speak to their individual instructors regarding needed absence.

QWho will be teaching the Tauber courses?
A The instructors include the Emanu-El rabbis and other talented educators in the Bay Area. For a list of this year's faculty, see "Tauber Faculty."

QIs there homework?
A The faculty may assign homework, generally reading. Completing the assignments makes the courses richer for all participants. The core curriculum, Yesod, will have more outside preparation than the individual Conversations.

QDo I need to be able to read Hebrew?
A Knowledge of Hebrew is not required for courses in the Tauber Program.

QWill there be examinations or other forms of grading?
A The Tauber classes will not have exams or grades. The program is built on the premise that adults are motivated by in-depth study in a joyful, collaborative environment.

QDo I have to buy books?
ASome courses will require book purchases. Students will be notified of these requirements when they receive confirmation of their registration.

QWhat is the policy on refunds?
A A refund will be issued if it is requested within a week after the first class meeting.

QWill there be a graduation or other type of recognition?
A Students who complete the two-year Yesod program will receive a certificate and be honored at a special ceremony.

QWhat is meant by course completion?
A For both Yesod and Ikarim courses, completion is achieved by attending six out of eight classes, or in the case of lower attendance, upon recommendation of the instructor.

QCan I get credit or Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for Tauber courses?
A Tauber is not associated with a university or other credit-granting institutions. However all instructors will provide course outlines which, in some cases, may be accepted for "independent study" or other purposes in some situations.

QWho should I talk to if I want to recommend a course for the future or make other suggestions?
A Send your suggestions to adultlearning@emanuelsf.org or call (415) 751-2541 x 411.

QWho should I talk to if I am having a problem with a course or with other aspects of the Tauber Program?
A Contact Mary Jane Eisenberg at adultlearning@emanuelsf.org or call us at (415) 751-2535.

QWill courses be repeated?
A Yesod courses will be repeated each year. Conversation courses may occasionally be repeated based on factors such as curriculum priorities, teacher availability, and popular demand.

QHow do I register for courses?
A Register online here

You may also register by calling (415) 751-2541 x 411.

The Tauber Jewish Studies Program is made possible by The Laszlo N. Tauber Family Foundation,
reflecting the dynamic, generous, and enduring spirit of Dr. Laszlo N. Tauber.

A program of the Madeleine Haas Russell Institute of Jewish Learning.