Adult Education - Learning Opportunities

Weekly Classes:

MELTON LEARNING FOR WONDERING ADULTS with Rabbi Zimmerman

Spring...BETWEEN THE LINES: FROM TEXT TO LIFE

Jewish texts have informed Jewish thought and practice for over 3,000 years. Jewish learning is not about accumulating information. Learning links individuals to a vibrant extended family, a global community; it links past and future through the transmission of wisdom and life experiences of a people; it builds community both virtually and in person. Judaism treasures learning for all, children and adults alike, and especially promotes life-long learning. For Melton adult learners, engaging in learning can stimulate deeper participation in Jewish life
and generate new meaning for many other aspects of one’s life.

Referring to Torah, a Mishnah in Tractate Avot (5:22) says, הֲפָךְ בָּהּ וַהֲפָךְ בָּהּ דְּכלָֹּא בָהּ , “Turn it and turn it again, for everything is contained in it!” Judaism teaches to read the Torah, to read it again, and to read it yet once more. To look at its letters and at the spaces in between the letters. To consider it from all sides. To wrestle with it, with its meaning, and its applications. Where did these texts originate from? The answers to this question impact the theological differences among the Jewish denominations, the interpretations of the texts, and Jewish daily practice.

In this course, the structure and authorship of the sacred texts are examined. Torah, the Prophets and Writings, the Talmud, the commentaries of old and of today – together they area record of the encounter of the Jewish people with its rich heritage. Some of the questions addressed by Between the Lines are:
• What is the purpose of Jewish learning?
• Without previous education, can one study Jewish texts?
• Who wrote the Torah and why does it matter?
• How do different beliefs about authorship of the Tanakh and the binding nature of Jewish law impact upon Jewish life today?
• What do Jewish texts teach about Jewish values and how are these values put into practice?
• What is mussar and how does it relate to Jewish text learning?

Texts in this course present ancient and modern understandings of the origin of the ancient texts, as well as how these sources form a corpus of teachings that impact both the beliefs and the practices of the Jewish people.

Cost is $65 per person,  $105 per couple (Sharing One Book)

CLICK HERE for the Registration Form

Weekly Classes:

Thursdays – 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. - Presently, this class is being zoomed on line - 

PARASHAT HASHAVUA (weekly Torah portion) CLASS with Rabbi Zimmerman.

Grab a cup of coffee and snack and join Rabbi Mark and friends online for a lively weekly study session on the weekly Torah portion (Parashat HaShavua). Zoom link on the Beth Shalom website.  CLICK HERE

New participants are always welcome, and no previous knowledge required.  Open to the community. Drop in anytime!

Monthly Classes & Discussions:

STARTING Monday, September 12th                                        Second Monday of each month  7:15 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. via Zoom
CHAI MITZVAH

 Chai Mitzvah is an adult Jewish engagement initiative, that guides the participants in answering questions through study, spirituality, and social action. This year Chai Mitzvah will include two areas of study.  First, we will be looking at “Critical Conversations, a five-part curriculum based on the book In Good Faith: by Scott A. Shay. Each topic is designed to spark open and meaningful discussion that will encourage us to think critically.

Some of the subject areas include “What is Modern Day Idolatry”, “Faith and Prayer”,” Can Science and God Exist?”. Along with this curriculum, we will continue learning about Jewish women who have made or are making an impact on our lives today.  Some of these women are Dona Gracia Nasi; Nadine Gordimer; Rose Pastor Stokes; Rosalyn Yalow; and Helen Suzman.  The cost for this class will be $10.  If you are interested in joining our class, please contact me at marshakfish@gmail.com.  

KIDDUSH U

Saturdays around noon  - Upcoming Dates and Topics to be advised soon

Join us for Shabbat morning services, then enjoy our fabulous Kiddush lunch and stay for dynamic discussions in Kiddush U, with inspiring guest speakers. Learn about important people and events that made an impact on Jewish history or current issues that are in the news.

Watch the eBlast for upcoming topics and dates. If you would like to lead a discussion contact Rabbi Mark at Rabbi@bethshalom.net

MEN'S CLUB LUNCH & SPEAKER

Sundays 10:00am - 

Come for a delicious Sunday brunch with lox and bagels and stay for  interesting and educational speakers.

Join us at 9:30am for minyan and then a yummy brunch prepared by the Men’s Club, followed by a speaker. Brunch is $8 per person and there is no cost for the speaker.

Watch the eBlast for dates and topics.

Special Adult Education Classes

B'NAI MITZVAH CLASS

Starting after the High Holidays

Did you miss out on the opportunity to have a Bar/Bat Mitzvah experience as a child? Or are you new to Judaism and would like this opportunity?  It is never to late to learn how to lead a service and chant a Torah and/or a Haftorah reading. Join Eileen Cohn, our B’nai Mitzvah Coordinator, and fellow members of our kehillah, as you learn together and celebrate a joint B’nai Mitzvah ceremony. For more information contact Eileen Cohn, eileensc6@gmail.com

BEGINNER HEBREW & SIDDUR SKILLS

Have you always wanted to learn how to read Hebrew but were too apprehensive to start? Now you can join fellow congregants to learn basic Hebrew reading skills and become more familiar with the  siddur. Classes will be taught by Fred Rich, and meet online weekly beginning after the Fall holidays. Once we have a group interested in taking this class, we will set a day and time. Fee: $36, includes textbook.

For more information contact Linda at: Linda@bethshalom.net