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Brandeis Conejo Valley/San Fernando Valley Chapter - Study Groups UpdateStudy group leaders: Have any new or interesting information, pictures or updates to share? Please e-mail to Alvira Study group news, updates and opportunities - November 2025:We continue to be proud of the unique Study Groups offered to our members! Share good times and camaraderie as we support Brandeis University on its academic excellence and commitment to social justice issues. Learning and making new friends at the same time is wonderful. Why not join one of the following study groups our chapter offers and expand your horizons? You will be delighted you did. FOR MORE DETAILS - ALWAYS CHECK OUR NEW AND UPDATED WEBSITE: https://brandeisconejosfv.org Share your ideas and thoughts, learn from others, and make strong, lasting friendships. A complete list of Groups can be found on our website along with extensive general information. (click here for study group grid) For Ideas and places to visit - check those 2 links below: LIST 1- with links to the website(click here for list of places to visit) LIST 2 - places recommended(click here for list of places to visit) At this time, groups are meeting in person, "Zooming", and a combination of both! FEATURED STUDY GROUP: Talmud and Current Issues mfirst Wednesday of the month on zoom from 100 to 3:00. This group meets the first Wednesday of the month on zoom from 100 to 3:00. Rabbi Lisa See prepares discussions around pertinent topics . She charges a small fee that is divided up amongst the group. Currently discussions include what's happening in Israel and college campuses. Time is spent relating current events to what the Talmud expresses on such events. Antisemitism is not a new topic nor is relationships between other religions and ethnicities. This is a wonderful opportunity to express opinions and share with likeminded individuals. Please join us for a free session on line before making the decision to become a group member. New Study Groups just formed and invite YOU to join!!! 
INTERNATIONAL WINE CONNOISSEURSMeeting every other month on 3rd Saturday evening. Each get-together will be themed to explore various wine regions around the world. Members are asked to sign up in pairs only. Each pair will be asked to bring a bottle of the wine from the area of the month (host will choose the region) at a price point of between $25-$40. Each pair will be asked to present their wine selection to the group. The hosts will provide a hearty appetizer large enough to share with the group, water and dessert. Please contact: Alvira Klain - etty10@hotmail.com, is wine is your adventure - we have space for 4 more people. WALK, TALK AND COFFEE We had a wonderful 1st walk at the beautiful Balboa Lake Park and the Coffee House was charming and tasty. Our weather is still perfect to enjoy morning walks on easy paved paths. We alternate between discovering neighborhoods for walking to revisiting favorite walks in local parks. These 60-90 minutes will be a breeze as we "walk and talk." Those wanting to continue the conversation may linger over self-pay beverage and treat at a nearby spot. Please contact: Alvira Klain etty10@hotmail.com to start walking, moving and enjoying fresh air. This group is meeting by-weekly on Tuesdays mornings at 10 a.m.!!! New Study Groups in planning stage:  KNITWITS AND OTHER NEEDLESv
Join knitters, "crocheters", "needlepointers", quilters and embroiderers of all levels to learn new skills,
work on projects and enjoy needle arts together. If you have ever used a needle of any type, we have room for you.
Bring your UFOs (Unfinished Objects) or WIPs (Works in Progress) and a bag lunch. We'll meet in each other's homes
to sit, stitch, schmooze and help each other complete our treasures. We look forward to your company.
Beginners welcome. We will have someone to teach as well.Please contact: Alvira Klain - etty10@hotmail.com, to be added to the list!! 
Photography group.Go to various locations for photo shoots, review and critique each other's photos. Can be for camera or phone photography. Please contact: Penny Greenblatt - penny935@aol.com, if this is for you!  POKER / Texas HoldemWant to learn how to play? This is your chance! We will meet in the evenings, after dinner for a friendly game. Learn strategies and enjoy everyone company! Please contact: Alvira Klain etty10@hotmail.com Discussion about senior issues - new group is forming! This group will meet once a month in people's homes or restaurant, if the group is small and prefers to meet during lunch or dinner. Open to men and women. Each member takes a month and chooses a subject that every senior wants to know: healthcare, good coupons, how to apply for Senior Metro card or Senior park parking, etc. We have lots to learn and investigate: as a group, we can achieve it! We have a leader who is experienced in leading senior discussion group! Please contact: Alvira Klain etty10@hotmail.com New movie group in the planning stages meeting on Wednesday, November 19th from 1:00 to 3:00. All interested parties contact Frona ASAP - email: kidzathart@aol.com Adventurers: An exciting new Study Group is forming! The group will meet every third Sunday of the month. This is an on-the-town social group for couples that will plan outings including visits to museums, galleries, concerts, theaters and more. It is a wonderful way to meet new friends and to share new experiences. Join now, before it fills up. If this study group interests you please contact: Lynn Spatzer - lynnielen@verizon.net French Conversation: French Conversation is a new Study Group meets first Monday of the month from 10:30-12:00. Leader: Judy Perlman. This is a group for people who want to learn to speak conversational French and for those who love to teach. Individuals who are interested may contact Lynn at lynnielen@verizon.net. Spaces are still available. IMMEDIATE OPENINGS ARE AVAILABLE IN THE STUDY GROUPS LISTED DIRECTLY BELOW - CONTACT THE STUDY GROUP VPs TO PARTICIPATE. WITHOUT MAKING A COMMITMENT, FEEL FREE TO VISIT ANY STUDY GROUP TO SEE IF IT MEETS YOUR EXPECATIONS. For groups listed below, please contact each VP 
(click here to send email directly to Penny) penny935@aol.com Study Groups with Available Space - Portfolio A: *Contact: Penny Greenblatt: penny935@aol.com Art and About: meets on the 4th Thursday of the month. Women of Brandeis Group "Art & About" have traveled throughout LA and surrounding areas to view and gain insight into the various mediums of Art, Architecture and Sculpture. Our meetings take place on the 4th Thursday of each month. We've visited artists in their studios, seen exciting gallery shows, toured local historical landmarks as well as attended outstanding Museum Exhibitions, oftentimes guided by a knowledgeable docent. We welcome new members who love Art and enjoy making new acquaintances with a common interest!! Leader: Diane Levine - lfevents@aol.com Weekenders: Couples On the Town - meets every 3rd Saturday. This group is for couples who can and LOVE to go around! Trekkies: meeting - 3rd Thursday and looking for more members. This is "A Men's On the Town" Group to travel around and to visiting stimulating venues together. Sometimes we are joining with "A Women On-the-Town", so if you wife or partner already having fun every 3rd Thursday - come and join us!!! Leader: Ron Mittelman. Pan: meeting twice a month - 1st and 3rd Wednesday at El Torito in Woodland Hills and looking for 1 or 2 more players. If you know a little about the game and would like to improve and have fun with friends, contact Penny. Leader: Artheen Block - amanda177@aol.com Walk, Talk and Coffee : meets every other Tuesday at 10 a.m. New walking group just started and we are inviting more men and women to join. We walk in different neighborhoods. After the walk, we go for coffee or an early lunch or just go on with our day.The goal is to keep moving!!! If you like walking, please contact: Alvira etty10@hotmail.com
(click here to send email directly to Rita Wolenik) bobreet@aol.com Study Groups with Available Space - Portfolio B: *Contact: Rita Wolenik: bobreet@aol.com Shabbatniks study group is looking for a few new members. It is open to anyone who is interested in going to dinner and then attending services on Friday nights. This group meets the third Friday of the month and is organized by each member taking a month and choosing a dinner site along with a temple to visit. This is an opportunity to explore a new Jewish community and celebrate the Shabbat. Leader: Fredda Katz Talmud and Current Events: Women's Discussion group led by Rabbi Lisa. Meets 1st Wednesday of the month 1:00 on zoom. Leader: Helene Gollub - HeleneGollub@gmail.com Book Thieves: Exiting Women's book group that meets the second Tuesday of the month in homes at 10:00. Members make books selections and discuss books. This group is looking for few more members to join the fun and interesting ladies on the trip of adventure into the magical world of books! Leader: Jackie Kanter - jkantor35@gmail.com Bits and Pieces: Meets the third Thursday of the month at 10:30. It is a potpourri of fun experiences:interesting discussions have taken place along with hands on activities. Leader: Nancy Tanowitz - NancyTanowitz@yahoo.com Literary Potpourri: 1st Tuesday 10:00 am - Women's Book Club
(click here to send email directly to Frona DeCovnick) kidzathart@aol.com Study Groups with Available Space - Portfolio C: *Contact: Frona DeCovnick: kidzathart@aol.com Reel Men: meets at 4:00 on the first Tuesday needs 2 or 3 more men. Women in the Know: Women's Current Event group and much more - looking for a few more members for stimulating afternoon. Meetings every 2nd Tuesday 1:00 pm at members homes or the library. Breaking News /needs one new member. It meets at 11:30 on the 2nd Friday at Vincitore Restaurant in Agoura. Films R Us is a couples' group that meets the 3rd Sunday of the month at 7:00 p.m. They need one more couple. CEMavens has two openings for men who like to discuss current events. They meet the 2nd Tuesday at 9:30 at the Chabad House in Westlake Village The Current Chicks, a current events group, which meets the 4th Wednesday of Month at 10:30 at Novo Cafe in Westlake, has an opening for 2 more members. Legal Eagles: is a legal puzzlers women's group that meets the 2nd Thursday at 1:00 p.m..
(click here to send email directly to Lynn Spatzer) Study Groups with Available Space - Portfolio D: *Contact: Lynn Spatzer - lynnielen@verizon.net - (San Fernando valley) World Affairs: This women group meets 2nd Monday of each month in the SF Valley at each others homes from 10-12 noon, for a lively discussions using "The Great Decisions Book". Some of our subjects that we discuss are issues that effect the world as well the US. We talk about interactions with world leaders that effect all Americans. We would like to add few more women to our womderful, friendly discussion group. Leader: Linda Kavalsky - lbkartwear@gmail.com Spanish Circle: 1st and 3rd Monday at 11:30 - Spanish Discussion Group, conversational Spanish - meetings in person at members' homes on a rotating basis. Spanish Circle has openings for people who can speak beginning and intermediate Spanish. French Conversation - learn, speak and discuss topics in French. This is a group for people who want to learn to speak conversational French. CLICK HERE FOR COMPREHENSIVE LIST PORTFOLIO A-B-C-D of study groups so you can "shop around". CLICK HERE FOR FULL Study Group Schedule Social Justice FocusNo Cost for these events, just your helping hands and a smile! Social Justice VP CONTACT:Beth Doshay mspsy2kids@aol.com THERE IS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE!
Contact us if this or any other on the Study Group list interests you. Also check out the web site on regular bases to see more of what is available. and DO NOT FORGET to RSVP. We also feel that there are a few groups that really need defining: "On the Town" groups go someplace exciting and interesting every month. That includes educational, recreational, dining, crafts, and charity excursions. "Pot Pourri" groups are a combination of events. They include trips to places you will enjoy and discussion and demonstrations of interest. "Life and Times" groups" discuss first a "woman of history" and then a topic of interest. These can range from what a first aid kit should include to an era in history. "Lunch & Learn" group members enjoy a great lunch and a lecture from a person of interest arranged by the group's members. Remember, if you have a question about any Study Group, contact the appropriate V.P. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Just a quick reminder. All those checks you are making out for Study Groups, don't forget to make them out to: "Brandeis University". And, by the way, don't forget to renew your membership by either mailing in your check to National or online at BNC Annual Membership Dues  Contact for Tribute Cards: Mary Berlin - skenky@aol.com Updates and Photos from various Study Groups:
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