By COLlive reporter
Fewer people in the U.S. have applied for unemployment benefits last week, a sign that layoffs are dropping and employers may be hiring more workers. And there is a new organization that will be helping frum Jews.
After weeks of preparation and planning, The Brooklyn Geshem Center hit the ground running as they launched a video production and editing course that began this week.
The new center is poised to be an integrated source of career opportunities and professional development for individuals in the Crown Heights Jewish community through hands on learning and training.
It’s founder is Rabbi Levi Kaplan of The Shul on Albany Avenue and the Jewish Technical Vocational School in Crown Heights.
“I strongly believe that the community is in need of a professional, serious learning center than can offer technology courses and classes for women and men,” he told COLlive.com.
“We have a positive mission which includes providing affordable training and learning of real skills that will help facilitate employment, personal growth, and development,” he said.
The Geshem Center is currently accepting applications for courses beginning after Pesach, subsidized to only cost $180.
Students will receive lessons from instructors who teach in an integrated manner; combining lecture, presentation, discussion, and hands on learning projects. Each course is designed to maximize learning in the most practical and efficient way.
Among the instructors:
James Burns, a multi-media specialist with 10 years of experience working as a Video Media Producer and Television Broadcast Correspondent.
Stephen Diggs, an investigative journalist in Africa has an education background in photo journalism and design with 15 years of professional experience.
Tisho Richardson, a S.E.O specialist and web developer in New York City and a private consultant to dozens of online companies, non-profits, and business organizations.
Craig Patches, a video and animation producer, received his education training from the California Institute of Art where he focused on Film and Video with a specialization in character animation.
Mustafa Aldwiri, a Senior Computer Programmer and Analyst for over 15 years.
John Contreras, a graphic design and web specialist from New Jersey who has been teaching Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign Programs for years and has a strong educational background.
Michael Rosnach, an instructor and private tutor in the city of New York, teaching children through college age adults at many different levels.
So if you’d like to master a camera like Yankee Teitelbaum or design stunning artwork, check out the schedule of courses:
Introduction to Graphic Design for Women
8 week course
Begins Sunday May 1st
Meets Sunday 4:45-6:45PM & Wednesday 3:30-5:30PM
Beginners Digital Photography for Women
8 week course
Begins Tuesday May 3rd
Meets Tuesday 6-8 PM, Wednesday 6-7 PM*, Thursday 6-8 PM
Introduction to Traditional Animation Design for Women
8 week course
Begins Sunday May 1st
Meets Sunday 4:45-6:45PM, Thursday 6:00-8:00PM
Foundational Video Production & Editing for Men
25 week course, 150 hours
Began Sunday April 3rd
Meets Sunday 1:00-4:00PM, Wednesday 7:30-10:30PM
Beginners Web Design for Men
8 week course
Begins Sunday May 1st
Meets Sunday 7:30-9:30PM; Thursday 8:30-10:30PM
Introduction Computer Programming for Men
8 week course
Begins Sunday May 1st
Meets Sunday 9-11 AM, Monday 7:30-9:30PM, & Wednesday 7:30-9:30PM
Foundational Internet Marketing for Men
8 week course
Begins Sunday May 1st
Meets Sunday 11:00AM-1:00PM, Tuesday 8:30-10:30PM
Other courses coming soon are introduction to drawing & painting, resume & interview workshops, intermediate courses, 3D animation and more.
For more information, visit GeshemCenter.com
Next step should be formal lessons in school.
Hey why doesn’t yossi levin get any credit?! Thanks to yossi for helping put this together!
The video class is great – more people who are interested in video should join quick since it is only just starting now
More and more women are starting their own businesses from home and need to know how to creatae their own websites, it’s a pity this course is only offered for men – can we have it too?
Somebody is actually doing something to help the community problems besides writing an op-ed.
best of luck….
Right now the center is starting with adult programs, but the goal is to grow and offer programs for kids, teens, and adults (iyh). The courses starting May 1st will run for 8 weeks and then there will be NEW programs all through the summer. Let us know what you are interested in: geshemcenter@gmail.com
This is a critical opportunity for our community. There’s a lot that goes into making Geshem work, and it looks like you’re on your way.
Brocha Ve Hatzlachah
– Ronnie
Huge mitzvah by creating this program that will have many ripples in the community – beautiful and healthy, thank you!
This is very important for our community, may you have much Hatzlochoh.
what age does it start at?
its about time someone started to care. now lets do the same for the younger boys and girls who have so much to offer, but cannot sit all day in yeshivah
You must also have a course teaching Yankee’s fine midos, kind and calm personality. Yankee is a pleasure to work with and super talented. A treasured soul in our community.
any chance there will be a summer course?