un in the fun isn’t all summer is about. It’s also a great time to broaden your knowledge and expand your horizons. Here are a few programs that offer learning opportunities to help you do just that.

JCC Summer Institute to focus on Israel

In commemoration of Israel’s 65th anniversary, this year the Greater New Haven Jewish Community Center’s Summer Institute features lectures that focus on several pressing issues facing Israeli society. All classes are held at the JCC on Mondays at 7:30 p.m.
Topics include:

July 8  – The Future of Peacebuilding in Israel

Rabbi Marc Gopin, director of the Center on Religion, Diplomacy, and Conflict Resolution at George Mason University’s Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution and the author of Bridges Across an Impossible Divide: The Inner Lives of Arab and Jewish Peacemakers and Holy War, Holy Peace: How Religion Can Bring Peace to the Middle East, will examine efforts of the grassroots religious peace movement to bridge the divide between Muslims, Christians, and Jews.

July 22 – African Refugees in Israel

Why are thousands of Africans seeking refuge in Israel? What challenges does it pose to Israel? What do Israeli law, international law, and Jewish law have to say on the issue of absorbing and caring for refugees? The discussion will be led by Jimmy Taber of the New Israel Fund and Stephen Slater of Right Now: Advocates for African Asylum Seekers in Israel. After the presentation, the audience will break into small groups for further discussion.

July 29 – Religious Pluralism in Israel

What is the future of religiously pluralist movements in Israel? The discussion is led by a panel that includes Rabbi Debra Cantor of B’nai Tikvoh-Sholom in Bloomfield; Miriam Benson, former Legal Liaison for the International Committee for Women of the Wall; and Rabbi Dov Linzer of Yeshivat Chovevei Torah.

The JCC is located at 360 Amity Rd. in Woodbridge. Tickets per lecture are $10 JCC members/$12 non-members. For information call (203) 387-2522 or email dedek@jccnh.org.

Sacred Summer Series accentuates the positive

The Emanuel Synagogue in West Hartford is hosting a series of three classes to help one discover the meaning, purpose and joy in life.  Classes will be led by the Emanuel Synagogue spiritual leader Rabbi David Small, Cantor Sanford Cohn, Director of Education Judith Fox, and Ritual Director Moshe Pinchover. Classes are held at various community venues.

August 12 – Gratitude: Unlock the Power of Wonder and Blessing.

At The Mandel Jewish Community Center, 335 Bloomfield Avenue, West Hartford. Gratitude is a powerful dynamic in Jewish life.  Every day opens with the word “Thank.” This session, through the prism of Jewish spiritual teaching and practice, explores ways to identify, internalize and express gratitude in our lives.

August 19 – Choose Your Best Life, Live with Meaning and Purpose.

At the Avon Free Public Library, 281 Country Club Road, Avon. Discover resources and approaches leading to life-affirming choices that express our highest values and promote positive and joyful living.

 August 26 – Taste the Sweetness: Reach for the Good in Ourselves and Others.

At The Emanuel Synagogue, 160 Mohegan Drive, West Hartford. The High Holy Days are often exclusively identified with judgment and remorse. This session unlocks the celebration and affirmation inherent in the classic Jewish Holiday Season.

For more information call (860) 233-2774 or school@emanuelsynagogue.org. Register on line at www.emanuelsynagogue.org.