10 | MARCH 19 • 2020 

T

ake two well-known 
local rabbis. Add a 
group of adults from 
all walks of life. Sprinkle with 
thought-provoking topics. Stir 
in lots of lively discussion. 
Serve with coffee.
That’
s the recipe for the 
Jewish Community Center’
s 
(JCC) breakout JLearn class, 
better known as “The Perfect 
Blend: Coffee With The 
Rabbis,” a class begun last 
year that was so popular and 
filled up so quickly, it’
s been 
expanded to three sessions 
this year — already sold out.
The program was the 
culmination of a conversation 
between JLearn/Melton 
Director Shelley Wish 
Chaness and Rabbi Joshua 
Bennett of Temple Israel.
“He said, ‘
It’
s too bad we 
just can’
t get together and talk 
on a less formal scale. That’
s 
what people really want to do 
with a rabbi,’
” Chaness said. 
That’
s how the class was born.
Last year, the class quickly 
grew to 35 participants. “The 
class has taken on a life of its 
own. I can’
t believe how big 
this is getting,” she added.
During the classes, Bennett 
and his friend of more than 
two decades, Rabbi Joseph 
Krakoff, senior director 
of the Jewish Hospice and 
Chaplaincy Network, engage 
students on themes including 
death and dying, Jewish 

holidays, gratitude, humor 
and sexuality. They offer 
Reform and Conservative 
viewpoints with respect and 
insight, during conversations 
filled with both laughter and 
serious reflection.
“This class isn’
t intended to 
pit Reform Judaism against 
Conservative Judaism,” 
Bennett said. “Rather, it’
s an 
opportunity for dialogue with 
a friend who comes from 
another perspective. It’
s an 
example of what can happen 
when two people with diverse 
opinions agree to listen to one 
another.”
Krakoff agreed. “In this 
complex world, it’
s important 
that we authentically listen 
to and hear other voices,” 
he said. “When we honestly 
consider another perspective, 
our own approach to what 
we do can be thoughtfully 
challenged and even 
deepened.” 
Chaness said plans are in 
the works to offer the class 
next year in a presentation 
format to accommodate the 
growing number of 
students. 

For more information, call (248) 205-
2557. Note: The complete catalog 
of classes can be found at JCCDET.
org/JLearn.

JUDY GREENWALD CONTRIBUTING WRITER

COURTESY JLEARN

Rabbi Joseph Krakoff and Rabbi Josh 
Bennett at a “coffee talk” last year

Jews in the D

Coffee Talks

Two rabbis share diverse
opinions in JLearn course.

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