Elderhostel offers multitude of Jewish-themed classes

Other classes in the Pacifica program include "Origins of Eastern European Jewry: The World of Our Grandparents," taught by Berkeley author and historian Ken Blady, and "A Handshake Instead of a Kiss: The Middle Eastern Conflict," taught by KGO Radio talk-show host and political consultant John Rothmann.

The commuter rate -- which doesn't include meals or lodging -- is $100. Those who pay the full fare will stay at a hotel in Pacifica and also enjoy a tour of San Francisco, with stops at Congregations Emanu-El and Sherith Israel.

Beginning Dec. 26, a six-night program in Los Angeles with the Shalom Institute provides the opportunity to delve into the deep trove of Yiddish literature and theater.

Starting Jan. 29, in West Los Angeles, the Brandeis-Bardin Institute is holding a five-night program with classes on Maimonides as well as Jewish stories from the Talmud to today.

A little farther afield, the College of Santa Fe is offering a study of Jewish contributions to New Mexico's cultural history, in January and February.

Tuition for these programs averages $620 and is all-inclusive. It covers meals, accommodations in comfortable hotels with private baths -- and often a variety of amenities, daily classes and field trips, as well as a variety of activities.

Some Jewish institutions offer kosher meals to Elderhostel participants, while other sponsoring institutions may provide kosher-style meals using kosher meat and poultry, or offer vegetarian alternatives. Elderhostel's program catalogs provide detailed descriptions of each program site's facilities, meal options and other details.

Since its inception in 1975, Elderhostel has developed collaborations with over 2,300 educational and cultural institutions in the US, Canada and in more than 100 countries around the world to provide learning opportunities throughout the year.

Here is a sampling of upcoming programs:

*Los Angeles: "Spotlight on Yiddish Theater"; "Joys of an Enduring Culture"; "Great Yiddish Literature." Sponsored by Shalom Institute/Emma Stern Adult Center. Six-night program begins Dec. 26; all-inclusive tuition starts at $627.

*West Los Angeles: "Maimonides: One Rabbi in Two Worlds"; "How Outside Influences Have Shaped the Jewish People"; "Jewish Stories from the Talmud to the 21st Century." Sponsored by Brandeis-Bardin Institute. Five-night program begins Jan. 29; all-inclusive tuition starts at $516.

Dallas: "Deep in the Arts of Texas: Exploring Jewish Involvement in the Dallas Arts. Five-night program begins Jan. 27; all-inclusive tuition starts at $691. Sponsored by the Jewish Community Center of Dallas.

*Albuquerque, N.M.: "Jewish Contributions to New Mexico's Cultural History." Sponsored by the College of Santa Fe. Five-night programs begin Jan. 13 and Feb. 10; all-inclusive tuition starts at $626.

*Pacifica: "Origins of Eastern European Jewry;" "The Jewish Contribution to the American Musical"; "A Handshake Instead of a Kiss: The Middle Eastern Conflict." Sponsored by Bay Area Classic Learning. Five-night program begins Jan. 13; all-inclusive tuition starts at $519. For commuter enrollment, which is $100, call (415) 586-7226 or visit the Bay Area Classic Learning Web site, http://www.bacl.com

*Sarasota, Fla.: "Controversial Aspects of All Jewish Holidays and Festivals: Purim Celebration." Sponsored by Flanzer JCC School of Lifelong Jewish Learning. Five-night program begins Feb. 24; tuition starts at $710.

For more information and free catalogs, call toll-free (877) 426-8056 or visit Elderhostel's Web site and online catalogs at http://www.elderhostel.org