Jewish Learning

Pictured: Elliott Abrams & Robert Malley discussing the Arab Spring with Rabbi Dan Bronstein, 1/8/2012. Photo: Debbie Nelson.

We are called to foster three things on which the world depends, Torah, Worship, and Acts of Loving kindness; Learning leads to them all.

Winner of the 2007 Union of Reform Judaism Congregation of Learners Award, Congregation Beth Elohim offers a wide array of courses, lectures and study groups conducted at all levels, taught by our rabbis, members and rabbinic students. Together we learn everything from theology to Midrash to Jewish popular culture, alongside modern Jewish literature and Torah.

We have dozens of wonderful learning opportunities in 5772/2011-12, from the many lectures and visiting scholars listed on our Featured Events page to the many classes listed on this page—from Rabbi Bachman’s weekly “Sages” class to Rabbi Bronstein’s quarterly Israeli History Reading Group, semester-long Basic Judaism classes to member Gary Shaffer’s biweekly Mussar class.

Classes for 2011-12 are listed below, or you can click here to view or download the PDF of our entire Adult Learning Classes brochure.

The brochure also includes a registration form for classes. Please note that advance registration, whenever possible, is strongly encouraged.

Please also note that no one will be turned away because of lack of ability to pay. If you need scholarship assistance in order to take a class, let us know.

Rabbi Bachman: The Sages: Their World and Ideas through Text and Discussion
Join Rabbi Bachman for a weekly lesson. Currently under discussion: the Book of Samuel, from now until June 30. New students are always welcome!

Meets: Almost every Saturday, 8:15 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Location: Rabbi’s Study

Weekly Lay-led Torah Study
Meets: Almost every Saturday, 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Location: Library

Revson Rabbinic Intern Marc Katz: Chevre Torah
An engaging weekly discussion and exploration of the stories, themes and lessons from weekly Torah portion for adults.

Meets: Almost every Saturday, 11:00 a.m. – 12:20 p.m.
Location: TBD

Please note: No Shabbat classes meet on 12/24/11.

Choosing to be Jewish: An Ongoing Conversation
Many people have questions about how someone not born into a Jewish family becomes Jewish–while others may wonder why they would want to. Bring your questions and your stories to this open two-part discussion which will also include a panel of some who have converted or are considering converting to Judaism.

Meets: Two Saturdays, 11/12 and 11/19, 11:15 a.m. -12:30 p.m.
Location: TBD

Rosh Hodesh Women’s Group
Rosh Hodesh, the holiday that celebrates the new moon, has traditionally been a special time for women to take a break from the hectic pace of their daily lives. Come study and celebrate as we deepen our Jewish learning and spiritual growth.

Meets: Four Saturdays, 10/29, 12/10, 1/28, and 3/17, 11:15 a.m. -12:30 p.m.
Location: TBD

Lunch and Learn
Join us in the Rabbi’s study for thought-provoking study and discussions on a variety of themes with one of our rabbis—from poetry and politics to Jewish history and Zionism as well as the weekly Torah portion. A great break in your day each month.

Suggested fee: $10 per session
Meets: Eight Mondays, 10/3/11, 11/7, 12/5, 1/9/12, 2/6, 3/5, 4/2, 5/7, from 12:00 noon – 1:00 p.m.
Location: Library/Boardroom

Please note: This month’s lunch and learn has been rescheduled for Monday 5/14. We apologize for any inconvenience.

With Rabbi Emeritus Gerald I. Weider

In this class we will learn about the so called “minor” prophets in the Bible. We will read selected texts from: Amos, Micha, Hosea, Zecharia, Joel and the other “minor” prophets so as to understand their message for their time and for ours. We will also examine relevant midrashic texts that relate to the lives of the “minor” prophets. The texts we will read will all be in English and no previous Bible study background is necessary. All class participants will be encouraged to share their ideas and opinions about the “minor” prophets as their lives unfold before us.

Meets: Thursday 5/17, Wednesday 5/23, Wednesday 5/30, 7:30-9 p.m.

Rabbi Bronstein: The Mechiltah of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yohai
Ancient Midrash for Today’s World Among the oldest Midrashim or commentaries on the book of Exodus, the Mechiltah offers insights into the world of the ancient sages and serves as a resource for engaging contemporary Jewish life. New Students always welcome!

Cost: $300 for members
Meets: On the following Thursdays: 11/3 and 17; 12/8, 15, 22; 1/5/5, 12, 19, 26; 2/2, 9, 16; 3/8, 15, 22; 4/26; 5/3, 10, 17, 24, 31; 6/7, 14, 21, 28
Time: 7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Location: TBD

Please note: as of 5/8, the Mechiltah class is canceled for 5/10, 5/17 and 5/24. We will reconvene on 5/31.

Revson Rabbinic Intern Marc Katz: Introduction to Prayer Book Hebrew
This course is aimed at those eager to learn the basic tools for accessing the themes and structure of the prayer book, siddur, through study of basic Hebrew vocabulary and grammar (participants should be familiar with the sounds of Hebrew letters and vowels).

Cost: $250 members, $550 non-members
Meets: Wednesdays 9/17, 9/14, 10/5, 10/19, 10/26, 11/2, 11/9, 11/16, 11/30, 12/7, 12/14, 12/21, 7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Location: TBD

Student Rabbi Ben Resnick: Basic Judaism: An Intro to Jewish Life, Text, and Ideas
Through ancient texts and modern media, participants learn to navigate Jewish tradition, holidays, history and life-cycle events while gaining tools for conducting Jewish ritual at home.

Update: We’ve listened to your feedback! We’ve lowered the price and moved the class till after Yom Kippur. Starting October 11 (and every Tuesday following) come learn about Jewish traditions, holidays, history, and life-cycle events in an interactive and engaging way. The course will run for approximately 20 sessions.

Cost: $200 members, $250 non-members, $360 couples
Meets: Tuesdays starting 10/11 (for approx. 20 sessions)
Time: 7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Location: TBD

Revson Rabbinic Intern Marc Katz: Basic Judaism: An Intro to Jewish Life, Text, and Ideas
Through ancient texts and modern media, participants learn to navigate Jewish tradition, holidays, and history and life-cycle events while gaining tools for conducting Jewish ritual at home.

Cost: $200 members, $250 non-members, $360 couples
Meets: 18 sessions, starting Wednesday 1/11, running into June
Time: 7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Location: Congregation Beth Elohim

Mussar: A Guide to Spiritual and Practical Self-Improvement
With Gary Shaffer. Mussar is a traditional, Jewish approach to spiritual and practical self-Improvement, aiming to bridge the gap between thought and action and establishing ethical life-standards.

Cost: Free
Meets: Sept 22; Oct 6 ,13, and 27; Nov 3 and 17; Dec 1 and 15;
Jan 12 and 26, Feb 16; Mar 15 and 29; April 12 and 26; May 24
Time: 7:30 – 9 p.m.
Location: Congregation Beth Elohim

Please note that the Mussar class of May 10 is canceled. The class will next meet on Thursday, May 24, says Gary Shaffer, “when we’ll be discussing humor as a middah.”

Please contact class facilitator Gary Shaffer for additional information at gshaffer429@aol.com.

Rabbi Bronstein: Israeli History Reading Group: Israeli Politics and History, Past and Present
Join us for a seminar-style discussion on contemporary Israeli politics and explorations of the history of Israel.

Cost: $100 for members, $200 for non-members
Meets: On the following Sundays: 11/20, 2/12, 4/1, 6/3
Time: 7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Location: TBD

The Israel History Reading Group will next convene on April 1, 7:30 – 9 p.m.

The gathering will take place off-site and the book will be The Arab Awakening by George Antonius.

Explore Positive Ways to Navigate Differences, and Create Harmony and Connection

First class: Wed., February 8, 2012, 7:30 – 9:00 p.m.

This is an educational program for couples who want to improve a healthy relationship.

Learn concrete tools to safely open up communication and understand your partner’s point of view.

Explore how to resolve conflict peacefully and appreciate the differences between you.

Examine the three stages of a committed partnership and the five skills needed to create a loving, alive relationship.

Space is strictly limited. You must RSVP to Charlotte Wolovsky, LCSW. Include your name and phone number: charwol@gmail.com.

Charlotte Wolovsky, LCSW, is a psychoanalyst and certified Imago therapist, Advanced Imago Clinician, and Imago workshop presenter. Since 1989 she has been working with Dr. Harville Hendrix, author of the best seller Getting the Love You Want (20th Anniversary Edition, Henry Holt & Co, 2007).

Co-sponsored by Israelis in Brooklyn.

Visit and Study in Israel with CBE
Join Rabbi Andy Bachman for a study trip in Israel February 2-16, 2012. This intensive, up-close look at the social and cultural dynamics of Israel will be a chance to engage in the past and present of the land and its people. Between ancient sites, sacred spaces, creative venues, and good food and drink, we’ll do our best to figure things out! For more information, please contact Rabbi Bachman at abachman@cbebk.org.

Staying Connected: A Class for Israelis in Brooklyn
Staying connected with Noa Ronen. Faced with constant life changes, this class will explore ways to deal with change and transform it to new opportunities. Through art, group dialogue and more, we will explore different circles surrounding and influencing us and barriers that stop us from moving forward and to build an action plan for reaching our goals. (Please note: This course is in Hebrew.)

Cost: Members: $120 Non-members: $150
Meets: 11/9, 11/23, 12/7, 12/21, 1/4/12, 1/18, 7:30 p.m. – 9:15 p.m.
Location: TBD

Co-sponsored by Israelis in Brooklyn.

Ecclesiastes (Kohelet) with Rabbi Orna Pilz
Among the most curious books in the Bible, Kohelet deals honestly and directly with the big questions of life and death. In this seminar, we’ll examine the text also using other Jewish writings and Hebrew literature and will explore them through our own personal prism. (Please note: This course is in Hebrew.)

Cost: Members: $120 Non-members: $150
Meets: Wednesdays, 11/2, 11/16, 11/30, 12/14, 12/28, 1/11/12, 7:30 p.m. – 9:15 p.m.
Location: TBD