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.
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:
- February 22, March 1, March 8, March 15: The History of the State of Israel Through Its Music with Len Hausman
- March 22: Remix Judaism with Roberta Rosenthal Kwall
- April 5, April 12, April 19: Songs of the Season with Cantor Lorna Wallach
- April 26, May 3, May 10: The Female Halachic Voice in Israel: Contemporary Jewish Responsa Authored by the Masorti Movement’s Female Rabbinic Leaders in Israel with Rabbi Ari Isenberg
To register for any of these mini-sessions, please email Rabbi Julie HERE.
Timely Topics with the Rabbi on Thursdays
The Ethical Life: Jewish Values in an Age of Choice
Thursday Mornings from 9:30-10:30 a.m. on Zoom
Join Rabbi Ari Isenberg for a course in Jewish ethics. Now more than ever, we require a solid understanding of how Jewish ethics can inform our discussions and decisions about the critical questions of the day. This course showcases contemporary scholars while studying our texts through time.
To register, please email Rabbi Julie HERE.
Talmud Class
Monday Evenings from 7:30-9:00 p.m. 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.
Recurring Classes – Monthly
Journeyers’ Minyan
Sunday Mornings from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Zoom
March 14, April 18
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
October 18, November 15, December 20, January 24, February 21, March 21, April 11, May 3
The CBI Chanting Circle, led by Lean Hausman, is now in its tenth 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. For this month’s flyer, click here.
To register, please email Rabbi Julie HERE.
Special Programs
Remix Judaism – Two Parts on Zoom
March 16 from 8:15-9:15 p.m. — for adults with minor children
Professor Roberta Rosenthal Kwall will discuss the thesis of her widely acclaimed new book, Remix Judaism: Preserving Tradition in a Diverse World, as it applies generally and particularly to young families seeking to balance exposure to Jewish tradition with so many other life demands. Her book demonstrates how developing a richer set of culturally religious norms in the home can provide a foundation for transmissible Jewish tradition, even if some of the normative requirements of Jewish law are “remixed.”
March 22, 9:30-10:30 a.m. — for grandparents
Professor Roberta Rosenthal Kwall will discuss the thesis of her widely acclaimed new book, Remix Judaism: Preserving Tradition in a Diverse World, as it applies generally and particularly to grandparents who are seeking to influence the Jewish journeys of their children and grandchildren without crossing family boundaries. Her book demonstrates how developing a richer set of culturally religious norms can provide a foundation for transmissible Jewish tradition, even if some of the normative requirements of Jewish law are “remixed.”
Haggadah Hits: Musical Preparations for Pesach
Tuesdays at Noon from 12:00-1:00 p.m. on Zoom
March 16 & 23
Join Cantor Wallach for this two-part series of melodies old and new in preparation for Pesach 2021!
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!