Sign In Forgot Password
Home

Events & Programs

adult education

Please click through the three tabs below to view all of our Adult Education programming.
TuesdayTue, 26 JanJanuary, 2021

 
 
Talmud on Tuesdays Lunch & Learn (formerly Shabbat Afternoon Talmud Study) with Rabbi Mitchell Berkowitz

Tuesday, Jan 26th 12:30p to 1:30pA Shabbat afternoon favorite moves to the Tuesday lunch hour! We will continue our exploration of the talmudic tractate Beitzah, focusing upon the celebration of our festivals. Newcomers are more than welcome to join us. No prior knowledge is necessary.

MORE INFO

TuesdayTue, 26 JanJanuary, 2021

 
 
Drop-in Hebrew Prayer Reading

Tuesday, Jan 26th 2:30p to 3:30pPractice your Hebrew reading of prayer and text with our Shlicha Netta Asner-Minster. This is designed for those who want to strengthen their Hebrew reading and familiarity with prayers. Recommended to bring and use the Sim Shalom prayerbook for Shabbat and Festivals.

MORE INFO

WednesdayWed, 27 JanJanuary, 2021

 
 
The Book of Esther: Diaspora Novella, Political Zionist Tract or Theological Statement, with Steve Kerbel

Wednesday, Jan 27th 9:30a to 11:00aThe Book of Esther, at best, gets looked at by observing Jews for a few days before Purim, on the holiday itself, and then rarely if at all. The story itself is rich and complex and is related to other Biblical books in ways not usually discussed while celebrating Purim. During this deeper dive, we will look into some of the literary aspects of Esther, some of the politics simmering between the lines, and deal with the Jewish diety’s absence from the book.

MORE INFO

TuesdayTue, 2 FebFebruary, 2021

 
 
Talmud on Tuesdays Lunch & Learn (formerly Shabbat Afternoon Talmud Study) with Rabbi Mitchell Berkowitz

Tuesday, Feb 2nd 12:30p to 1:30pA Shabbat afternoon favorite moves to the Tuesday lunch hour! We will continue our exploration of the talmudic tractate Beitzah, focusing upon the celebration of our festivals. Newcomers are more than welcome to join us. No prior knowledge is necessary.

MORE INFO

TuesdayTue, 2 FebFebruary, 2021

 
 
Drop-in Hebrew Prayer Reading

Tuesday, Feb 2nd 2:30p to 3:30pPractice your Hebrew reading of prayer and text with our Shlicha Netta Asner-Minster. This is designed for those who want to strengthen their Hebrew reading and familiarity with prayers. Recommended to bring and use the Sim Shalom prayerbook for Shabbat and Festivals.

MORE INFO

TuesdayTue, 2 FebFebruary, 2021

 
 
Israel’s Milestones and Their Meanings with Rabbi Michael Safra and Netta Asner-Minster

Tuesday, Feb 2nd 7:30p to 9:00pThis innovative course explores the pivotal events of 1947 and 1967 - following the 1917 Balfour Declaration - as key moments when Zionism unleashed new thinking about the meaning of Jewishness for generations to come. The course engages Jews in an open and pluralistic discussion about issues of Jewish identity, peoplehood, ethics and theology as they relate to nationhood, land, sovereignty, Jerusalem, occupation, and moral red lines.

MORE INFO

WednesdayWed, 3 FebFebruary, 2021

 
 
The Book of Esther: Diaspora Novella, Political Zionist Tract or Theological Statement, with Steve Kerbel

Wednesday, Feb 3rd 9:30a to 11:00aThe Book of Esther, at best, gets looked at by observing Jews for a few days before Purim, on the holiday itself, and then rarely if at all. The story itself is rich and complex and is related to other Biblical books in ways not usually discussed while celebrating Purim. During this deeper dive, we will look into some of the literary aspects of Esther, some of the politics simmering between the lines, and deal with the Jewish diety’s absence from the book.

MORE INFO

ThursdayThu, 4 FebFebruary, 2021

Singing Circle with Cantor Bolts

Thursday, Feb 4th 7:15p to 8:00pCome and build a community of song by singing old and new melodies.

MORE INFO

TuesdayTue, 9 FebFebruary, 2021

 
 
Talmud on Tuesdays Lunch & Learn (formerly Shabbat Afternoon Talmud Study) with Rabbi Mitchell Berkowitz

Tuesday, Feb 9th 12:30p to 1:30pA Shabbat afternoon favorite moves to the Tuesday lunch hour! We will continue our exploration of the talmudic tractate Beitzah, focusing upon the celebration of our festivals. Newcomers are more than welcome to join us. No prior knowledge is necessary.

MORE INFO

TuesdayTue, 9 FebFebruary, 2021

 
 
Drop-in Hebrew Prayer Reading

Tuesday, Feb 9th 2:30p to 3:30pPractice your Hebrew reading of prayer and text with our Shlicha Netta Asner-Minster. This is designed for those who want to strengthen their Hebrew reading and familiarity with prayers. Recommended to bring and use the Sim Shalom prayerbook for Shabbat and Festivals.

MORE INFO

TuesdayTue, 9 FebFebruary, 2021

 
 
Israel’s Milestones and Their Meanings with Rabbi Michael Safra and Netta Asner-Minster

Tuesday, Feb 9th 7:30p to 9:00pThis innovative course explores the pivotal events of 1947 and 1967 - following the 1917 Balfour Declaration - as key moments when Zionism unleashed new thinking about the meaning of Jewishness for generations to come. The course engages Jews in an open and pluralistic discussion about issues of Jewish identity, peoplehood, ethics and theology as they relate to nationhood, land, sovereignty, Jerusalem, occupation, and moral red lines.

MORE INFO

WednesdayWed, 10 FebFebruary, 2021

 
 
The Book of Esther: Diaspora Novella, Political Zionist Tract or Theological Statement, with Steve Kerbel

Wednesday, Feb 10th 9:30a to 11:00aThe Book of Esther, at best, gets looked at by observing Jews for a few days before Purim, on the holiday itself, and then rarely if at all. The story itself is rich and complex and is related to other Biblical books in ways not usually discussed while celebrating Purim. During this deeper dive, we will look into some of the literary aspects of Esther, some of the politics simmering between the lines, and deal with the Jewish diety’s absence from the book.

MORE INFO

TuesdayTue, 16 FebFebruary, 2021

 
 
Talmud on Tuesdays Lunch & Learn (formerly Shabbat Afternoon Talmud Study) with Rabbi Mitchell Berkowitz

Tuesday, Feb 16th 12:30p to 1:30pA Shabbat afternoon favorite moves to the Tuesday lunch hour! We will continue our exploration of the talmudic tractate Beitzah, focusing upon the celebration of our festivals. Newcomers are more than welcome to join us. No prior knowledge is necessary.

MORE INFO

TuesdayTue, 16 FebFebruary, 2021

 
 
Drop-in Hebrew Prayer Reading

Tuesday, Feb 16th 2:30p to 3:30pPractice your Hebrew reading of prayer and text with our Shlicha Netta Asner-Minster. This is designed for those who want to strengthen their Hebrew reading and familiarity with prayers. Recommended to bring and use the Sim Shalom prayerbook for Shabbat and Festivals.

MORE INFO

TuesdayTue, 16 FebFebruary, 2021

 
 
Israel’s Milestones and Their Meanings with Rabbi Michael Safra and Netta Asner-Minster

Tuesday, Feb 16th 7:30p to 9:00pThis innovative course explores the pivotal events of 1947 and 1967 - following the 1917 Balfour Declaration - as key moments when Zionism unleashed new thinking about the meaning of Jewishness for generations to come. The course engages Jews in an open and pluralistic discussion about issues of Jewish identity, peoplehood, ethics and theology as they relate to nationhood, land, sovereignty, Jerusalem, occupation, and moral red lines.

MORE INFO

WednesdayWed, 10 FebFebruary, 2021

 
 
Book Discussion Group "Becoming Eve"

Wednesday, Feb 10th 11:30a to 12:30pBecoming Eve by Abby Stein Abby Stein was raised in a Hasidic Jewish community in Brooklyn, as the first son in a dynastic rabbinical family, poised to become a leader of the next generation of Hasidic Jews. But Abby felt certain at a young age that she was a girl. She suppressed her desire for a new body while looking for answers wherever she could find them. Finally, she orchestrated a personal exodus from ultra-Orthodox manhood to mainstream femininity—a radical choice that forced her to leave her home, her family, her way of life.

MORE INFO

MondayMon, 22 FebFebruary, 2021

 
 
Monday Night at the Movies and Discussion: "Jewtopia"

Monday, Feb 22nd 7:00p to 9:00pTwo childhood friends from very different families reunite as adults when one asks the other to help him pretend to be Jewish in order to woo a beautiful woman in this outrageous comedy Starring Jennifer Love Hewitt, Ivan Sergei, Joel David Moore and Jamie-Lynn Sigler. (1hr. 28 Min.; English)

MORE INFO

SundaySun, 28 FebFebruary, 2021

 
 
Rabbi Matthew Simon's Summer Book Review

Sunday, Feb 28th 10:00a to 11:00aYou are sure to learn a lot from Rabbi Simon's fascinating discussions, filled with historical references, side-notes, and interesting anecdotes.

MORE INFO

WednesdayWed, 10 MarMarch, 2021

 
 
Book Discussion Group: The Dutch Wife by Ellen Keith

Wednesday, Mar 10th 11:30a to 12:30pFrom the Netherlands to Germany to Argentina, The Dutch Wife braids together the stories of three individuals who share a dark secret and are entangled in two of the most oppressive reigns of terror in modern history. This is a novel about the blurred lines between love and lust, abuse and resistance, and right and wrong, as well as the capacity for ordinary people to persevere and do the unthinkable in extraordinary circumstances.

MORE INFO

MondayMon, 15 MarMarch, 2021

 
 
Monday Night at the Movies & Discussion - Welcome to the Kutsher's: The Last Catskill Resort

Monday, Mar 15th 7:00p to 9:00pKutsher's Country Club is the last surviving Jewish resort in the Catskills. Exploring the full Dirty Dancing-era Catskills experience, and how it changed American pop culture in the comedy, sports and vacation industries, this award-winning documentary captures a last glimpse of a lost world as it disappears before our eyes.

MORE INFO

SundaySun, 11 AprApril, 2021

 
 
Author Presentation with Manny Thorne

Sunday, Apr 11th 11:00a to 12:15pManny Thorne will present It Will Yet Be Told, by his late father, Leon Thorne, with a forward by Isaac Bashevis Singer.

MORE INFO

MondayMon, 19 AprApril, 2021

 
 
Monday Night at the Movies and Discussion: Abe

Monday, Apr 19th 7:00p to 9:00pTwelve-year-old Abe has a complicated family: part Israeli, part Palestinian, and constantly fighting. But when he meets Chef Chico and his fusion cuisine, he's inspired to unite his family through food. Abe wants to cook a meal that will bring everyone to the table, but he's about to learn that the kitchen can't heal some divides (1 hr. 25 min.; English).

MORE INFO

WednesdayWed, 12 MayMay, 2021

 
 
B’nai Israel Book Discussion Group: Apeirogon by Colum McCann

Wednesday, May 12th 11:30a to 12:30p Rami and Bassam had been raised to hate one another, and yet, when they learn of each other’s stories, they recognize the loss that connects them. Together they attempt to use their grief as a weapon for peace.

MORE INFO

WednesdayWed, 9 JunJune, 2021

 
 
B’nai Israel Book Discussion Group - My Wild Garden: Notes from a Writer’s Eden by Meir Shalev

Wednesday, Jun 9th 11:30a to 12:30p Meir Shalev has a beloved garden. He extolls the virtues of the lemon tree, rescues a precious variety of purple snapdragon from the Jerusalem–Tel Aviv highway, and does battle with a saboteur mole rat.

MORE INFO

MondayMon, 14 JunJune, 2021

 
 
Monday Night at the Movies and Discussion: Remember Me

Monday, Jun 14th 7:00p to 9:00pIn this coming-of-age-at-30 comedy, a riskaverse public radio war correspondent—who’s never actually been to war—unexpectedly ends up on a road trip with his cousin, an aspiring actor with whom he is feuding, and their seemingly frail grandmother (Academy Award winner Rita Moreno) to deliver her to an assisted care facility.

MORE INFO

SundaySun, 31 JanJanuary, 2021

 
 
L.I.F.E. Lecture - Judaism & Islam: Bridging the Great Divide with Ambassador Akbar Ahmed

Sunday, Jan 31st 7:30p to 9:00pNo two religions are closer than Judaism and Islam, yet ironically, no two religions are further apart. Using history, culture, and theology as his guide, Ambassador Ahmed reflects on the challenges and opportunities for building bridges between the Muslim and Jewish communities. He will also offer strategies for traversing the political divide in world affairs.

MORE INFO

SundaySun, 7 FebFebruary, 2021

Being Heumann with Judy Heumann

Sunday, Feb 7th 10:30a to 12:00pJudith (Judy) Heumann is a lifelong advocate for the rights of disabled people. She contracted polio in 1949 in Brooklyn, New York and began to use a wheelchair for her mobility. She was denied the right to attend school because she was considered a “fire hazard” at the age of five. Her parents played a strong role in fighting for her rights as a child, but Judy soon determined that she, working in collaboration with other disabled people, had to play an advocacy role due to continuous discrimination. Cosponsored by the LIFE Lecture Series.

MORE INFO

SundaySun, 21 FebFebruary, 2021

 
 
L.I.F.E. Lecture - How Judaism Became an American Religion with Steven Weisman

Sunday, Feb 21st 7:30p to 8:30pFrom their first arrival on American shores in 1654, Jews embarked on a journey that reinvented many of their basic practices, beliefs and doctrines. The result over time was a distinctly American Judaism, driven by practical necessities of assimilating, an embrace of Enlightenment beliefs not compatible with a literal view of the Bible and the Talmud, and finally a desire to establish themselves as full-fledged Americans equal to adherents of other religions. The story of this evolution is one of conflict, continuity, adaptation and disputes—and of a parade of brilliant, brave and charismatic personalities.

MORE INFO

SundaySun, 14 MarMarch, 2021

 
 
L.I.F.E. LECTURE - Biblical and Modern Perspectives on the Haggadah with Marc Brettler

Sunday, Mar 14th 10:30a to 11:30aThe Haggadah and the seder are rabbinic innovations, based on a biblical festival that remains most relevant in modern times. How did the Haggadah develop? What biblical elements does it contain, and how are the multiple different biblical views of Passover made to fit together by the rabbis? And what relevance do these ancient texts—the Bible and the Haggadah—have for us today as we approach Passover?

MORE INFO

TuesdayTue, 27 AprApril, 2021

 
 
L.I.F.E. LECTURE - The Jews, and the Secrets, Behind Superman and Batman with Marc Nobleman

Tuesday, Apr 27th 7:00p to 8:00pAuthor Marc Tyler Nobleman reveals secrets he uncovered and mysteries he solved while researching his books Boys of Steel: The Creators of Superman and Bill the Boy Wonder: The Secret Co-Creator of Batman, one of which made history...in more ways than one.

MORE INFO

SundaySun, 2 MayMay, 2021

 
 
L.I.F.E LECTURE - JTS Evening of Learning: Racial Justice and Jewish Values

Sunday, May 2nd 6:30p to 8:30pTopics will include racism and reparations, an exploration of Abraham Joshua Heschel’s teachings on racial justice, and race and reproductive justice.

MORE INFO

 

Please click here to learn more about Adult Education.

Sat, January 23 2021 10 Shevat 5781