Congregation Beth El

Beth El's Adult Education program has a large variety of offerings that bring excitement, depth and diversity to Jewish learning. There are learning opportunities for adults of all ages and backgrounds from Torah study every Shabbat morning to Hebrew classes at all levels plus our newest offerings featured below.

All texts will be provided for any course and are, except as otherwise noted, in English and Hebrew. No previous study is required. Each session of any course may be attended as a stand-alone or as part of the series. Most courses are free to all who want to participate and may be joined at any point in the year or series. On Sunday mornings, come in for coffee and a bagel at 9:15am before the classes start.

Torah Talk
9:00am – 9:30am
Every Saturday
Every Shabbat preceding services, Torah Study on the weekly portion led by the clergy & guest teachers. All are welcome.

Talmud Study
1:00pm – 2:00pm
Every Saturday
Every Shabbat following services and a kiddush lunch, a group of congregants sit and study Talmud. All are welcome. Instructor: Mark Chodrow.

Fall 2010 Program

Adult Ed Sunday Morning Series
October 10, 17, 24, 31
9:15-10:30am
Speed Dating Meets Bible Study: 39 books in 4 sessions
Depending on how you count them, the Hebrew Bible has 39 books. This course will be an introduction to its structure and will examine the major themes of each book. A copy of the JPS Tanakh will be required. Led by congregant and Jewish educator, Howard Cooper
10:45am-12:00noon
Four R’s: Rashi, Rambam, Ramban and Ralbag
Learn from Beth El’s expert, Rabbi Len Levin, on the pillars of Medieval Jewish philosophers, educators and Biblical commentators

Advanced Hebrew
Dates TBD
This class is conducted only in Hebrew. Among other things, we will discuss poetry, newspaper articles, and short stories. You should be able to converse comfortably in Hebrew, as well as comprehend at least 80% of what you read.

Hebrew Bootcamp
Dates TBD
You know how to read the words in the siddur; but do you ever wonder WHAT those words mean? Hebrew Bootcamp may be for you. In this "basic training" course, we exercise our language skills, flex our vocabulary, and whip ourselves into shape to appreciate the rich and beautiful language of liturgy.

Next Steps on your Jewish Journey (Year 2)
Thursdays from October 7 - December 16,2010, 8:00pm
For those who are actively seeking the next step in their Jewish journey, both practical and spiritual. We will conclude our study with a joyous Shabbat celebration on December 18, 2010 which will provide us the opportunity to share our newly acquired skills and learning! Feel free to join us even if you didn’t participate last year.

Friday-Saturday, October 22-23
Scholar-in-Residence: Daniel Gordis
Senior Vice President of The Shalem Center in Jerusalem.
One of Israel’s leading scholars, authors and lecturers on the challenges facing the Jewish state and the Jewish people.
click here for full schedule and topics

Chairpersons Erika & Bill Gold (be1111@comcast.net); or any member of the Adult Education committee: Rabbi Francine Roston, Cantor Perry Fine, Sherri Morris (Director of Congregational Learning), Janet Easterling, Joel Friedman, Marilynn Jacobs, Rabbi Len Levin, Nikki Pusin, Joel Rublin, Shelley Slafkes, Mel Zwillenberg, Susan Zwillenberg.