Classes & Speakers 2011-2012

Throughout the year we offer a wide variety of classes and speakers. The following is an overview of this year’s offerings. Additional classes and speakers will be added during the year so be sure to check the calendar and the weekly emails.

Adult Education Programs

High Holiday Teachings:  Sunday mornings, September 25 and October 2:

In preparation for the Days of Awe, Rabbi Thomas and Cantor Zar-Kessler will each present a class about the holidays and their relevance to each of us.

Torah Study:  Every Shabbat morning at 8:45: Four Torah study groups (hevras) simultaneously examine the portion of the week.  Meeting before Shabbat services, these drop-in sessions are led by the rabbi, the cantor, and a learned congregant.  The fourth group is free-wheeling, with no leader.

Engaging Israel- Foundations for a New Relationship

Wednesday evenings at 7:30PM starting, Novemer 9th

 A nine-session video lecture series from the Hartman Institute in Jerusalem, with local discussion led by Rabbi David Thomas.  The course offers a new understanding of the relationship of Israel and world Jewry, with the goal of re-imagining Israel in today’s world.

The Sacred Table:  Sunday mornings beginning October 16: Recently published by the rabbinical association of the Reform Movement, The Sacred Table: Creating a Jewish Food Ethic, presents an anthology of essays that highlight the Jewish values that inform our food choices.  Congregants will read about and discuss a wide range of topics– from agricultural workers’ rights to the spirituality of eating and fasting.

Interfaith Lecture Series:  Wednesday evenings May 9, 16 and 23: For the third consecutive year, Congregation Beth El will host a lecture series in which lecturers will discuss a particular topic from the Jewish, Muslim and Christian perspectives.

Shabbat Evening Talks:  Five Fridays beginning October 21: As an accompaniment to a festive catered dinner, guest speakers will offer presentations on areas of their expertise.  Sometimes it is a book talk, sometimes a film, sometimes a history lesson.