YIWS Programming for 2007 - 2008

Women's Tefilla Workshop

Monday Evenings - 8:45 pm - 9:30 pm

This class focuses on the process of prayer and sensitizes us to why and to whom we daven. Using the guidance of Rabbi Shlomo Wolbe's Aleh Shur, the women in this class explore themselves and the structure of daily prayer in an attempt to reach out and connect to the Master of the Universe. The class is extremely participatory and assignments are distributed on a weekly basis to help concretize the learning experience. The class will begin the new semester with the Pseuki D'Zimra section of prayer and will then move on to Shema and Shmonei Esreh.

Men's Class: Contemporary Responsa - Halachic Dilemmas

Wednesday Evenings - 8:45 pm - 9:30 pm

In this course we will be studying the responsa of Rabbi Moshe Feinstein, Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, Rabbi Shlomo Zalman Auerbauch as well as the halachkic writings of many other significant decisors of jewish law.  Topics to be explored include: baby naming, issues in jewish education, sex-selection & IVF in child birth, idol worship, wigs and inviting the not yet observant for shabbos & yom tov. The class will be textually based and materials will be provided.  Each topic will take a number of weeks to cover.  

West Side COJO and YIWS - Family Enhancement Lecture Series:

Sunday Evenings - 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm

On a monthly basis lectures are presented addressing issues that impact upon all marriages. Communication, finances, the addition of children and in-law challenges are all issues that have been and will continue to be discussed. This class is particularly helpful to newly married couples, transitioning and adjusting to married life. Practical guidance and the latest in psychological research are presented and analyzed through the prism of a Torah perspective.

Wednesday Mornings - 10:45 am - 11:30 am

On a monthly basis lectures are presented for mothers focusing on the challenges and rewards of raising children. This support group will emphasize effective parenting techniques and building self-esteem, as well as Torah perspectives on parenting. The group in meant as a forum where mothers can share their experiences and insights with one another.

**Rabbi Dovid Cohen, presenter of these lectures is available for private consultation on these and other issues. His office hours are Monday & Wednesday evenings before and after his regularly scheduled classes. To schedule an appointment: e-mail cohen.dovid@gmail.com  

The Following Events Take Place Periodically:

Dessert, Dilemma & Discussion

This is an opportunity to explore contemporary halachic issues in the fields of bio-medical ethics and other "hot topics". These informal "get-togethers" are hosted in the homes of YIWS members on a rotating basis.

Friday Night Tisch (winter months only)

This is an opportunity to sing zemirot and discuss the weekly parsha. Hot Cholent will be provided along with alcoholic beverages - all in the spirit of "kavod shabbos kodesh."

***Please be sure to sign up for the YIWS e-mail list to be kept apprised of exact dates for these lectures.