Lifelong learning is a cherished value and tradition here at Congregation B’nai Israel. Our adult education program engages our learners in a wide variety of formats and compelling topics, including Hebrew language, Jewish texts, tradition, values, music, ritual, Israel and contemporary topics. Check out the current line up here.
We strive to offer single and multi-session courses that appeal to all ages and stages, at varied times during the week to enable everyone to participate. If there is a topic that interests you … or something you want to learn … please let us know!
Recurring Classes – Weekly
Monday Morning Modules with Cantor Wallach
What’s In a NAME?
Dec. 5 & 12 // 9:30 a.m. // On Zoom
“What’s in a NAME?” We know what Shakespeare said but join Cantor Wallach in exploring some of the different Names of God in the TaNakh and in our liturgy and learn what our Sages and other Jewish thinkers have to say about the use and meaning of God’s different names. Each session will focus on specific names and how they may shape how we relate to God at various times in the Jewish calendar and in our individual and communal lives. The class will also listen to musical settings of prayers which include different names of God as another way
of interpreting their meaning and relevance. You are welcome to attend any single session even if you are not able to attend all of the sessions.
For Zoom information, contact the front office.
The Upright Path: How Pirkei Avot (Ethics of Our Ancestors) Can Transform Our Lives
Thursday Mornings from 9:30-10:30 a.m. on Zoom, beginning November 10th.
Join us weekly on Thursday mornings as we study the commentaries of Rabbis Tamar Elad Applebaum and Gordon Tucker on Pirkei Avot and aspire to instill the lessons of this timeless text into our lives.
This course will be taught by Rabbi Ari Isenberg .
To register, please email Joi Noel HERE.
Talmud Class
Monday Evenings from 7:30-9:00 p.m. on Zoom, beginning October 24th
This semester ~ Origins of the Jewish Prayer
Study the Origins of Jewish Prayer as it is discussed through the Talmud with Rabbi Akiba Lubow.
Recurring Classes – Monthly
Chanting Circle with Len Hausman
Sunday Afternoons from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Zoom
2022-2023 Dates:
December 11th
The CBI Chanting Circle, led by Lean Hausman, is now in its 12th year! What is it? It is not prayer, yet it is prayerful. It is not text study, yet it encounters liturgy and Biblical text very closely. It is not a singing group, yet all its words are sung.(And no singing ability is required!) No knowledge of Hebrew or ability to read it is needed, yet our chants are in Hebrew. If you are a person curious about exploring the spiritual dimensions of your Judaism, the chanting circle is for you. If you want your Judaism to be experientially compelling in a way that a usual prayer service may not always be, the chanting circle is for you. If you enjoy traditional texts being set to new and beautiful melodies, the chanting circle is for you. Each month is a different theme, usually based around holidays.
Special Programs
Ongoing Opportunities
Hebrew Reading ~ At Any Level
Whether you want to learn the aleph-bet, become proficient in a particular prayer or a few prayers, improve your Torah reading, or lead a service, Rabbi Julie will meet with you for individual 30-minute sessions at a mutually convenient time to study on your own terms.
Introduction to Torah/Haftarah Chanting
Reach out to Cantor Lorna Wallach to arrange a time for private lessons learning Torah or Haftarah trope. She will work with you until you are ready to confidently chant from the Torah for Shabbat or a simcha.
Please contact Rabbi Julie to discuss your interests!