Adult Education

B'nai Israel's Adult Education programs offer variety as well as depth. Whether you are interested in ancient texts or modern dilemmas, whether you prefer intimate classes or larger lectures, there is something for you:

• Life-long learning throughout the year, including opportunities for beginning and conversational Hebrew, and special programs to learn about Judaism, its history, customs, and music.
• Discussion and learning sessions with Women of B'nai Israel and our Brotherhood
• Programs sponsored by a strong Social Action Committee that includes committees on Racial Justice, Pride, Refugees, and Sustainable Living
• An Israel Committee whose mission is to provide a forum to promote our congregation's enduring connection to Israel and a continuing understanding of issues facing contemporary Israel, including factors shaping Israel's position in the world and Israel’s relationship with American and world Jewry.

Our regular events:
Weekly Torah Study is held in the Sosnick Library from 9:00-10:30 on Saturday Mornings

Rabbi Alfi's Book Group - next meeting is January 30 - see right column for info. 

Religious Ethics in the 21st Century - Rabbi Alfi tackles some of the toughest issues of Jewish ethics as applied to modern life. We discuss politics, economics, Israel, Jewish communal relations, and many other issues. To request or suggest a topic, please email Rabbi Alfi with ideas. Regular attendance is not required; drop-ins and newcomers are welcome! Bring a brown bag lunch. There is no fee.

Rosh Chodesh with the Women of B'nai Israel

Achim: A Study Group for Men

We look forward to continuing to develop programs that are pertinent to our temple community members and welcome new committee members at any time. If you have suggested topics for programs, please email adulteducation@bnais.com.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Rabbi Alfi’s Book Group: Becoming Eve by Abby Chava Stein on Thursday, January 30, 10:00 am – noon, in the Library. The group meets four times a year and is open to everyone. Attendees are welcome (but not required) to bring a nosh to share
For planning purposes, we ask that attendees RSVP HERE.

“You Shall Not Suffer a Sorceress to Live”: Magical Practices in Judaism with Dr. Susan Aguilar and Jason Lindo on Saturdays, February 8 and March 7, 7:00 – 8:30 pm, in the Chapel. 
Dr. Susan Aguilar and Jason Lindo will offer a two-part presentation on magic and magical practices in Jewish culture from antiquity until the modern era. Over the two sessions, they will explore the rabbinic/Talmudic teachings around magic as well as the folk magic beliefs and customs pertaining to many significant life cycle events.

Beginning Hebrew with Rabbi Matt Rosenberg on Tuesdays, February 11, 18, and 25; March 3, 17, 24, and 31; April 7, 14, and 21 (10 sessions), 6:45 – 8:00 pm, in Room 16. 
Tracing the development of Hebrew as a language, the class will begin translating some Torah and learning Hebrew grammar and vocabulary, move into the rabbinic Hebrew of our siddur, and conclude with modern Hebrew phrases and vocabulary that can be helpful for travel to Israel. Prerequisite: the Aleph Bet Class (for those already enrolled) or basic knowledge of the Hebrew alphabet.

Fee: $75 for members, $100 for nonmembers. Advance registration required HERE by February 7 . Attendance capped at 12, and we will establish a waiting list once the cap is reached.