Conejo Jewish Academy begins spring semester

The Conejo Jewish Academy at 30345 Canwood St. in Agoura Hills will begin its spring semester Tues., April 17.

The academy is for Jews of all affiliations and levels of observances, and offers courses, study groups, lectures, workshops and a variety of study opportunities for teenagers.

The academy will also offer courses and study groups in satellite locations in Simi Valley, Newbury Park, Thousand Oaks and Calabasas.

For more information or reservations, call (818) 991-0991.

Upcoming classes include the following.

+"Faith and Destiny: A Kabbalistic Journey Beyond the Zodiac," a five-part course that discusses the Chassidic and Kabbalistic perspective on astrology, Divine Providence and free will, and shaping one's destiny. Rabbi Yisroel Levine will teach the classes, which will begin at 8 p.m. April 17. The fee is $25.

+"Caffeine for the Soul" is a free weekly women's roundtable study group that offers lessons on parenting, Jewish homemaking, spiritual growth, Biblical reflections, and coffee and pastries.

The instructor is Rebbetzin Matty Bryski and meets at 10 a.m. Tuesdays at her home in Agoura Hills. Call the academy for directions.

+"Wednesday Lunch 'N Learn" with Rabbi Moshe Bryski begins 12:30 p.m. April 18 and will discuss the power of repentance and the mystical meaning behind "The 13 Divine Attributes of Mercy." A lunch follows the one-hour class. No fee.

+"Flashbacks in Jewish History: How Our Past Informs Our Future" is a sixweek course that examines how Jews have survived cultural onslaught and the threat of assimilation. Rabbi Shlomo Bistritzky teaches the course beginning 8 p.m. April 26. The $40 fee includes textbooks.

+"Friday Women's Class with the Rabbi" meets at noon at a private home in Agoura Hills starting April 20. Rabbi Bryski will lead discussion on "The Golden Calf."

+"Jewish Tradition and the Supreme Court" will meet at the academy at 8 p.m. Wednesdays May 9 and 16. A panel of attorneys will examine case law of the U.S. Supreme Court as it ruled on matters of Jewish interest. Rabbi Bryski will moderate. The fee is $10.