Tikvat Israel News

TI congregant Arlene Berger is going back to school — this time to become a certified religious leader.

A veteran Jewish educator, Arlene was formally accepted this spring into the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College (www.rrc.edu) in Wyncote, Pa., a Philadelphia suburb. It's a five-year program with each year based on a period in Jewish history. The first year is called the Biblical year.

Arlene will enroll as a part-time student, commuting to the college weekly, while continuing to serve as education director of the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Jewish Community Group (www.bccjcg.org).

"Luckily I have a wonderfully supportive husband and children to help me get through the hard work of the next several years!" she said.

Since joining TI in 1994, Arlene has been active on several synagogue committees and has held leadership roles in Sisterhood. She co-founded the Family Programming Committee and led the monthly Shabbat service for children in grades K-2, Kehillat Kids, and the children's high holiday services for more than five years.

Arlene participated in a Q & A with the chair of the TI Strategic Communication Committee, Jay P. Goldman, about her unusual mid-career change.

Q: How does admissions work for this rabbinical college?

Arlene: There is a rather extensive process. I attended a four-day institute for prospective students in November, which included a Shabbat in the community. We attended classes, met with department heads, learned about financing school, learned details about what life is like for people as a rabbi, things like that. I was so impressed with all that I met there — the respect and learning that took place in the classes was amazing. I couldn't wait to be part of it. When one applies, there are several hours of placement tests in Hebrew and Judaics as well as an oral discussion with a Hebrew teacher. This is to determine level of Hebrew and Judaics knowledge; they require a minimum level of Hebrew equivalent to two years of college Hebrew.

Q: Who are your classmates and what's the program of study involve?

Arlene: The student body ranges in age from early 20s to late 50s. Each class has a wide range of backgrounds and life experiences. This makes it all very interesting and diverse.

Q: How many fellow students will be in your first-year class?

Arlene: Actually two classes begin each year. Biblical year students (year 1 of the program) and Mechina students (a preparatory year for those who need more Hebrew or Judaics background before beginning the regular program). There are 12 new students beginning in September, half in Mechina and half in the Biblical year. However last year's Mechina students will be in the Biblical year with me. Each class is small, between 10 and 20 individuals.

Q: Are most part-time students, like yourself?

Arlene: No, I'll be the only one in my year, maybe in the school right now. Taking 4-6 courses per year counts as full time, but really one needs 5 or 6 courses a semester to graduate within 5 years. I'll probably do 4 or 5 courses and stay up there one or two nights a week. At the Institute for Prospective Students, I made a good friend who is in her 4th (2nd to last year) of the school. I will be staying at her apartment when I commute next year.

Q: What motivated you to apply to this program?

Arlene: I looked into Jewish Theological Seminary, RRC and some of the independent schools. RRC seemed the best fit in most ways — it is welcoming to commuters, part-time people and older students looking to change careers, much more so than some of the other established schools.

Though the Berger family is very much part of the conservative movement in its practice, educationally I have been Reconstructionist for years. Programs that I've done and curriculum I've written all contain Reconstructionist thought, approach and phrasing. When I read the book that is considered an approachable introduction to Reconstructionism, Exploring Judaism: A Reconstructionist Approach, I found many of my unarticulated thoughts written there. It was an eye-opening encounter.

There are still many things about Reconstructionism that I have questions about and don't know where I will stand on them, but I love the idea that Reconstructionism focuses on learning all about a topic/ritual/prayer and making informed decisions. It also encourages reframing or reconstructing ritual to make it more relevant to modern times. As I work with the interfaith and unaffiliated segments of Judaism, I feel this is the way we will ensure that Judaism will survive for the future.

Q: What's your personal goal since you already hold a BA, MSW and MBA?

Arlene: This isn't about getting into school to get a degree, it's about something that will impact not only the rest of my life, but also that of Warren, Jennie and Alex. Much heavier. I'm not sure what I'll do after I become a rabbi — maybe a pulpit. My focus will likely be education for families and adults.

TI Member Enters Rabbinical College.........posted May 1, 2006