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
Monday Mornings from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Zoom
A series of multi-week courses that cover a wide range of topics:
- January 3, 10, 24, 31: The Afterlife in Jewish Tradition and Lore with Len Hausman
In the initial 4-session module of this course we will first explore the afterlife through the lens of pilgrimages to the graves of our holy ones. Following that we will delve into the concept of resurrection in Judaism, an afterlife belief few give much thought to and yet is a major theme in our most important prayers.
While the topic of the afterlife may sound, well, funereal – it is anything but! In exploring texts, traditions and folklore relating to death and its aftermath from antiquity up to our present day, we also gain insight into central questions about life, memory, prayer and God that our ancestors struggled with, and maybe us as well. Join us in this journey into an area not often discussed yet richly interesting and fascinating.
To register for any of these mini-sessions, please email Rabbi Julie HERE.
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
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 from January 6th through June 2nd.
To register, please email Rabbi Julie HERE.
Talmud Class
Monday Evenings from 7:30-9:00 p.m. beginning October 18 on Zoom
Study the Origins of Jewish Worship and the Origins of Jewish Theology as they are discussed through the Talmud with Rabbi Akiba Lubow.
To register, please email Rabbi Julie HERE.
Israeli Dancing
ON HIATUS UNTIL SPRING 2022
Perfect for new learners and those who want to expand their repertoire, classes are led by experienced dance instructor Sara Alter.
To register, please email Rabbi Julie HERE.
Recurring Classes – Monthly
Journeyers’ Minyan
Sunday Mornings from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Zoom
Monthly Dates, beginning November 28, 2021
Len Hausman will continue his special series on Chanukah music at 10:00am on Sunday, November 28, with “Beyond ‘Ocho Kandelikas:’ A Sephardic Chanukah in Song.”
The Shabbat Journeyers’ Minyan is an alternative Shabbat morning experience … an opportunity for congregants to get together to discuss and explore topics of interest, such as
- Characters in the Bible
- Weekly Torah Portion
- Holiday Traditions (Passover, Shavuot, Chanukah, etc.)
- The Meanings of Prayers and Psalms
- Liturgical Songs and Music
- Contemporary Issues
- Israel
Participants are encouraged to suggest topics and prepare a brief presentation for discussion. This is the platform to explore anything that interests you. The presenter’s purpose is to then facilitate meaningful discussion amongst the group. You do not have to be a regular attendee to lead a session.
Chanting Circle with Len Hausman
Sunday Afternoons from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Zoom
2021-2022 Dates:
September 12, October 17, November 21, December 12, January 9, February 6, March 6, April 10, May 15
The CBI Chanting Circle, led by Lean Hausman, is now in its 11th 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.
To register, please email Rabbi Julie HERE.
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!