Updated Class 1 files

The first class session file has been updated. Do not be overly concerned about the seemingly large number of slides! PowerPoint doesn't leave that much room for materials, esp. if you want to make them somewhat readable.

Much of the material is meant as supplemental items as well as for those who prefer to read these items online. As mentioned, you can download any files to your computer and print only selected slides or parts of the document instead of the entire file.

Class Syllabus and Session 1 Class Notes

The class syllabus and Class notes for Session 1 are now online on the Shared Drive. This will be updated, as needed.

You may want to view the syllabus before class, to verify that the topics interest you. I plan on covering a lot of material, and I hope to cover every topic mentioned. However, class time and interest will, ultimately, determine what I can cover in class. Topics not discussed will still be available in the class notes and other files. Additionally, you can ask questions and post and / or comment in this blog.

Judaic Calendar Class Procedures, Web Viewing Instructions and Other Information

Shared Google Drive and Downloading / Viewing Class Notes and Other Files from the Web

Class files will be placed on The Sons of Israel Calendar Class web folder. I recommend that you bookmark this folder, unless you want to go through this blog, again to locate the link.

In this folder, you should find class notes as well as other useful files - some which may not be discussed in class.

There will always be a file marked "Class Notes - Session <x>". This file will be available a few days before class begins. Ideally, you should download and print this file and bring it to class. In either case, I should have a printed copy available in class, as well.

Class notes are usually PowerPoint files. Most of the other files are in MS Word, Excel, or PDF format. Every computer should have a PDF reader installed. If not, you can download a free PDF viewer from Adobe's web site. Follow their instructions to install it on your computer or tablet / smart phone.

If you don't have PowerPoint, Excel or Word, you don't need them. When you double click any file, Google will open them in its own viewer. If you have any technical problems reading the file, inform me by posting a blog entry, here, on this site. Please mention which file(s) you cannot read. I will try to convert them to PDF, or print them for you for the next class.

I recommend that you download and save the files to your own computer. You can edit, markup, and email these files to whomever you wish. I have no copyright on these items, as there is nothing I have said that can't be found elsewhere on the web, or in the Talmud, Maimonides, or some other source.

Contacting Me

If you need to leave me a personal message, please call the synagogue and they will relay it to me. If the message is more "general" for the entire class, such as a question about something mentioned in class, or administrative, like, where files are or locating materials related to calendar topics, in general, even if I have not discussed it in class, post a blog entry.

Using the Blog

I hope that you will use this blog as your supplemental class "gateway". I will be posting entries, and you can either post new entries or comment on other entries. I will be moderating the entries, just to be sure that we are not seeing "spam". ads, or other derogatory comments. Sadly, there are lots of mean and crazy people on the web, so, I need to be a cop, to some degree.

Thus, if you don't see your post, immediately, don't worry. It should be up by the next day or so, assuming that there are no problems. Generally, I don't edit posts, as I don't have the time, but, I may make some minor changes, if appropriate.

I ask and trust that you will keep your posts friendly and related to either the class or something about the calendar. Please don't ask general Jewish questions or halachic questions unrelated to the class or calendar. I am not a rabbi - you should direct such questions to Rabbi Ginsburg or your local rabbi.

I hope that you will enjoy the class and encourage others to join in. They do not need to attend the classes themselves, as they can find the materials online.