Adult Education

Tea and Torah with Rabbi Caine
Thursdays at 6:30 p.m.

Rabbi Caine leads us through examing the Torah text and the questions we've received about it from Rabbinic tradition and from scholarship generate thoughts and ideas that we can apply directly to our lives.  We are presently in Genesis and continue in no rush as give the text the attention it deserves.

Talmud Study with Rabbi Dobrusin
Mondays at 3:00 p.m.

Rabbi Dobrusin teaches Talmud class online on Monday afternoons from 3:30-4:30. While we will read the Hebrew/Aramaic text, translations are available and all discussions will be in English. All are welcome to join regardless of the level of your familiarity with Hebrew. Check the calendar for exact dates by clicking here. 
Zoom Link: click here
English - November
Hebrew - November

Pirke Avot: Teachings of the Sages
Thursdays, 5 p.m.

Rabbi Dobrusin facilitates “Zoom” discussions on the classic Rabbinic text: Pirkei Avot. While the title is usually translated as “Teachings of the Sages”, a more interesting translation is "Chapters of Fundamental Principles." Pirkei Avot consists of short rabbinic statements concerning ethics, faith and interpersonal relationships. Reading Pirke Avot helps us focus on the values and principles which guide our lives. We will study the text in English referring occasionally to the Hebrew. The text can be found in the Shabbat morning Sim Shalom siddur. Check the calendar for exact dates by clicking here. 
Zoom Link: click here
Pirke Avot 259-263
Pirke Avot Chapter 3 & 4

Intro to Judaism with Rav Nadav
Biweekly on Sundays at 1:00 p.m.

Though directed at people who are considering conversion, this serious examination of the main dimensions of Judaism -from mysticism to Talmud to Jewish Holidays and rituals - is open to anyone who wants to deepen their Jewish literacy. This course is open to members and non-members. Contact the office for details.  Class videos and topics may be found here.

The Stories Behind the Stories of Genesis

“The Stories Behind the Stories of Genesis” is an eight-week course taught by Liz Fried, Ph.D. In it we’ll read the stories in Genesis of Noah, of Adam and Eve, and of Creation, as well as the Babylonian myth that lies behind each of them. We’ll ask how knowing their Babylonian background enriches our understanding of the biblical stories that we read every year.

●    8 sessions - $115/member, $135/non-member (course book included)
●    Sessions are Sundays at 7:00 p.m. and begin January 10, 2021.
●    Register by December 25, 2020.

Beginner's Hebrew

This Hebrew class is for beginners. We will practice reading, writing and speaking Hebrew together, all while keeping the topic relevant to current events, holidays, Israeli culture and other interesting topics. This class is taught by Yael Ross.

●    12 sessions - $180/members, $200/non-members
●    Sessions are on Sundays at 7:00 p.m. and begin January 10, 2021.
●    Register by December 25, 2020.

Biblical Hebrew

Biblical Hebrew: a class in biblical Hebrew for students who can read Hebrew (Level 2). The class will both read and discuss biblical texts and study aspects of biblical Hebrew grammar. Students will decide which texts to read. This class is taught by Liz Fried Ph.D.

●    12 sessions - $180/members, $200/non-members
●    Sessions are on Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. and begin January 6, 2021.
●    Register by December 25, 2020.

Click here to register for the above classes

Needs based scholarships are available. Contact Beth Jarvis.

There are so many outstanding resources for learning beyond our walls on-line.  These are but a few suggestions for resources.

Scholarstream.    Beth Israel is a sponsor of ScholarStream, a series of courses from top scholars of the Conservative movement from its leading institutions to engage deeply with our texts and traditions.

Collaborative Series:

What should Zionism look like in an era of a confident and strong Jewish state? Can the various flavors of Judaism’s enduring focus on the Land of Israel translate into a new Zionist ethos? Join JTS, the RA, the Schechter Institutes and Ziegler for a collaborative ScholarStream series, in which teachers representing each institution will explore these and other questions—re-examining some of Zionism’s key ideas, moments, and challenges, from its earliest origins and into the 21st century. Click here for full details and to register.

All 4 classes will take place on Wednesday evenings at 8:00 PM ET/5:00 PM PT.

• April 21: Zionist Thought: Classical Theories and Current Dilemmas (JTS) with Dr. Arnold M. Eisen, Professor of Jewish Thought and Chancellor Emeritus, JTS 
• April 28: Everywhere I Go! Affirming our Rootedness in Zion and the Earth (Ziegler) with Rabbi Dr. Bradley Shavit Artson, Abner and Roslyn Goldstine Dean's Chair, Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies
• May 5: Religion and State in Israel: A Zionist Dilemma (Schechter) with Rabbi Prof. David Golinkin, President, Schechter Institutes, Inc.
• May 12: Topic TBA (RA) with Rabbi Lauren Berkun, Vice President, Rabbinic Initiatives, Shalom Hartman Institute of North America.

Jewish Theological Seminary.    Click here for Courses and also click on their website under "Learning" to see all their offerings.

American Jewish University.  Top scholars from the Ziegler School as well as the university offering a wide range of outstanding courses.  Click here.

Hadar.  From Talmud to inspirational music and liturgy, Hadar has outstanding learning opportunities.  Click here.

The Conservative Yeshivah in Jerusalem.  Great learning.  Click here.