Advanced Learning Institute - Jewish Collaborative of Orange County

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Current and upcoming classes

Looking for in-depth Jewish learning? Join our ongoing group of adult learners and engage with gifted Jewish scholars from around the country.

November 10,17,24 and December 1 | A New Look at Stereotypes: Revised Text-based Perspectives on Women of the TaNaKh with Rabbi Suzanne Singer

December 8, 15, 22 and 29 at 11:00 am PT (note time change for this course) | Foundations of Transformative Kabbalah with Melanie Gruenwald

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A New Look at Stereotypes: Revised Text-based Perspectives on Women of the TaNaKhFoundations of Transformative Kabbalah with Melanie Gruenwald

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We are a patron-supported organization. While no donation is required to participate in ALI, we rely on participant donations to sustain this program. All Collaborative programs are made possible through voluntary contributions. Every gift is greatly appreciated!

$500 - ALI Sustainer$360 - ALI Partner$180 - Friend of ALI$72 - Recommended donation per 4-class series$36 - Recommended donation per 2-class series$18 - Suggested per class contributionOther amount or I am unable to donate at this time (Enter 0)Thank you!

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Current and upcoming classes

A New Look at Stereotypes: Revised Text-based Perspectives on Women of the TaNaKh with Rabbi Suzanne Singer

Mondays, November 10,17,24 and December 1
9:30 am PT | 12:30 pm ET

When you think about biblical women, what images and words come to mind? Temptress? Victim? Women subjugated by husbands or fathers? Close textual reading reveals that these stereotypes are incongruous with the actual lived experiences of female characters in TaNaKh. In this course we will gain some new insights into the extraordinary women that populate the pages of our Holy Scriptures.

November 10 | Woman as Temptress: Eve, Jezebel and Delilah
November 17 | Women Warriors: Devorah, Yael and Judith
November 24 | The Oppressed Who Strike Back: Hagar, Tamar and Yiftah's Daughter
December 1 | Agents for Change: Daughters of Zelophehad, Vashti and Esther

After a successful career in film and TV production, second career Rabbi Suzanne Singer served Temple Beth El in Riverside, CA for 15 years. She currently works as adjunct clergy for small congregations, teaches for the Union for Reform Judaism and JCoOC, and is active with mission-driven Jewish non-profits in the US and Israel.

Foundations of Transformative Kabbalah with Melanie Gruenwald

Mondays, December 8, 15, 22 and 29
11:00 am PT | 2:00 pm ET (note time change for this course)

There is so much more to life than meets the eye! In this introductory course, Foundations of Transformative Kabbalah, we will explore topics like unseen reality, how the infinite and the finite hold space for the other, the relationship between shattering of the vessels and tzimtzum (contraction), how we find light in darkness - and more.

Week 1: What is Kabbalah?
Week 2: Exploring the Concept of the Infinite
Week 3: Tzimtzum and Shattering of the Vessels
Week 4: Finding Light in Darkness

Melanie Gruenwald is the Executive Director of Kabbalah Experience, a Denver-based inclusive learning forum rooted in Jewish mysticism with branches in contemporary thought and modern sensibility. A compassionate educator, facilitator, and community builder, Melanie weaves the wisdom of Kabbalistic teachings with contemporary life, helping people find meaning, connection, and light in all stages of personal and spiritual transformation.

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Sun, November 16 2025 25 Cheshvan 5786

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