Exploring Jewish Living - taught by Gus Feliu
The Exploring Jewish Living class at Congregation Beth Shalom provides an opportunity to experience and learn about the Jewish calendar and holidays, examine Jewish life cycle rituals and meanings, and learn about numerous other aspects of Jewish life. The class provides space for the exploration of the meaning and wisdom behind this ancient tradition. You will explore Jewish living in a program designed with opportunities for you to connect with others on a journey of discovery.
In addition to an hour of class about Jewish traditions, you will have the opportunity to take a Hebrew class (more info on the Hebrew classes coming soon) geared toward your level of proficiency because basic Hebrew knowledge provides a powerful window into Jewish living and meaning.
The class is for current members of the Beth Shalom community, those who aspire to be part of the Jewish community and anyone who is curious about Judaism and wants to learn more.
for more information or to apply to participate in the 2024-25 Exploring Jewish Living class, please click here.
Language Classes 2024-25
Hebrew I with Ellis Engbar
Learn the Aleph Bet, Hebrew decoding and following/reading of liturgy with some vocabulary and context thrown in. Designed to help students feel more comfortable with Hebrew and able to increase participation in services.
Recommended learning aides: Aleph Isn’t Tough by Linda Motzkin – available through Amazon or a number of other locations; Carddia Biblical Hebrew Alphabet Flash Cards (Including consonant, vowel, dagesh and final form) – sets of other consonant only packs can be found for much less expense (available on Amazon or through the Carddia Store)
Format: In-person
Time: Wednesdays, 7:00-7:55pm
Dates: Information on class dates coming soon.
Registration coming soon.
Beyond the Aleph Bet with Gus Feliu
This class focuses on developing proficiency in reading and understanding Biblical Hebrew. Over the 12 weeks of class you’ll have the opportunity to practice sight reading, grow your vocabulary, become familiar with Hebrew grammar and develop your skills as a translator. We will also spend some time learning to write in and read the cursive Hebrew alphabet. We'll be using The First Hebrew Primer (Simon, Resnikoff, Motzkin) as our primary text. Prerequisite: Knowledge of the alef-bet is required.
Format: In-person
Time: Wednesdays, 7:00-7:55pm
Dates: Information on class dates coming soon.
Registration coming soon.
Intermediate Yiddish with Marianne Tatom
This class will help you develop intermediate Yiddish skills, including reading comprehension, conversation, and translation. We will use a variety of textbooks and supplementary materials. Prerequisite: open to students who have completed Intermediate Yiddish at Beth Shalom OR to others with prior instructor approval. The lowered tuition for this class for non-members is possible due to the projected class size.
Format: Virtual (on Zoom)
Time: Tuesday nights, 7:00-8:30pm
Dates: Information on class dates coming soon.
Registration coming soon.
Tune In
Honi's Circle
Ḥoni's Circle is a climate chevruta (partner text study), in which Rabbi Paula Rose and Tamar Libicki explore Jewish texts from the Torah, the Talmud, and Commentaries to grapple with climate change. Every two weeks, we will release a new 15-minute episode with its own source sheet, allowing listeners to study along with the discussion. This Podcast is a project of Congregation Beth Shalom and Ahavat V'Avodat HaAdama, our community's environmental group.
Follow along with the source sheet here.
Our Podcast is Live! Catch the latest episode
Additional Learning Opportunities
ENDLESS OPPORTUNITIES
EO is a Jewish community-wide social & education program sponsored by the Stroum Jewish Community Center, Temple De Hirsch Sinai, Congregation Beth Shalom, Congregation Kol Ami, Jewish Family Service, Kline Galland, Temple Beth Am and Temple B’nai Torah.
Please see our Adult Social Groups page for more information.