Our Affiliation
We are affiliated with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, the association of Conservative congregations in North America.
LTJY
Living the Jewish Year (LTJY)
A Community of Jewish Learners
An Outreach Program of Temple Beth Shalom Mentor and Jewish Coach, Rabbi Dov Gartenberg
Living the Jewish Year is an award-winning program of adult-family Jewish learning. LTJY provides a structure for learning and experiencing the Jewish way of life while also fostering a sense of community. LTJY gives each person a chance to experience the richness of Jewish life in the context of a warm and supportive congregation. LTJY offers each person the experience of the full cycle of the Jewish Sabbaths and Festivals. Participants learn to lead a life centered around ‘Mitzvah’, holy actions that sanctify and better our world and ourselves.
LTJY creates community among participants with a unique combination of celebration, learning, and Jewish coaching. The learning takes place on Tuesday evenings at Temple Beth Shalom with courses on Judaism and Hebrew. Participants also share in the communal Shabbat by attending services and coming to the weekly gatherings of 70 Faces-a Torah study opportunity on Shabbat mornings. Rabbi Gartenberg and congregational members serve as Jewish life coaches, helping participants to master home and synagogue practices and to partake of the joys and purposefulness of Jewish life.
LTJY Fosters A Feeling of Belonging: LTJY enables Jewish and Prospective Jew by Choice participants to feel fully a part of synagogue life while studying with the Rabbi. This is an ideal way for people new to synagogue life to learn the rhythms of Jewish community, to build relationships, and acquire skills and knowledge to participate fully in the life of the Jewish community.
Philosophy of LTJY: Rabbi Gartenberg takes a pluralistic approach, celebrating different Jewish paths. Cultural, religious, and anyone in between are welcomed and encouraged to explore different ways of being Jewish. LTJY reflects the values of Temple Beth Shalom which is an innovative Conservative synagogue that encourages the participation of men and women in religious life.
Rabbi Dov Gartenberg serves as teacher, mentor and coach, helping each participant to explore the meaning and the practice of Judaism in his/her life. His mentoring is a key part of the program, helping each participant to find his or her unique Jewish spiritual path and place in Jewish community.
Who is LTJY for?
· LTJY is ideal for any person who seeks to a more thoughtful and engaged relationship to Judaism and its way of life.
· LTJY is ideal for people who are considering joining a synagogue but are not quite ready to make the financial or emotional commitment.
· LTJY is also an excellent choice for synagogue members who seek a renewal of their Jewish practice and knowledge.
· LTJY is designed for persons seeking to become Jews By Choice.
· LTJY is designed for intercultural couples to explore Judaism’s place in their relationship.
Components of the LTJY Program
1. Two hours of study each week in Rabbi Gartenberg’s Way of Judaism Class and a Course in Hebrew.
Parents in the Torah School may take the Judaism for Parents Class on Sunday Mornings
2. Participation in Shabbat services of participant’s choosing and invitations to Shabbat and Festival home gatherings
3. Rabbinic Guidance on Personal Observance and Spiritual Growth
4. Membership in the Congregation at highly discounted rate as one becomes familiar with how to participate in services and festivals.
5. Conversion Counseling and Planning for those intending to become Jews by Choice
Duration of the Program: LTJY is built to last a year through a full cycle of the Jewish festivals. Participants may sign on for a second year since the curriculum runs in a two year cycle. LTJY is open for enrollment at any time in the year.
For more information about LTJY, contact Rabbi Gartenberg at rabbi@tbslb.org or 562 426-6413. Temple Beth Shalom;3635 Elm Ave. Long Beach, CA 90807 www.tbslb.org
Tuition
LTJY is $500 a year for individuals and $750 year for couples. During the year, participants enjoy a one year non-voting membership in Temple Beth Shalom which includes seats for the High Holidays and member rates for all TBS events. Fees do not include the cost of books or materials or food costs at events. Speak to Rabbi Gartenberg if financial consideration is a concern.
Free for TBS Members: The LTJY program is free to members in good standing of Temple Beth Shalom (but does not include the fee for the Hebrew course). To register for the program, please make an appointment with Rabbi Gartenberg. Those interested in conversion to Judaism should make an appointment with the Rabbi at rabbi@tbslb.org or 562-426-6413 Ext 202.
About Rabbi Dov Gartenberg
Rabbi Dov Gartenberg is a dynamic teacher and compassionate guide. He was educated at UC Berkeley, Hebrew University in Jerusalem, Harvard University, and the Jewish Theological Seminary. He has served as a congregational rabbi and as a director of a Jewish Outreach Organization called Panim Hadashot, New Faces of Judaism.
He developed the LTJY program in Seattle in 1990. The initial program was awarded an Avi Chai grant in recognition of its excellence. He has mentored over 400 adults and families in this program. Rabbi Gartenberg is committed to helping people on their Jewish journeys and continues to have strong relationships with those who have completed LTJY.
