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Adult Learning at Congregation Beth Am Full Course Catalog
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TOLEDOT: Toledot is a special set of adult learning classes. It was started as a parallel learning program to our youth education classes. Parents could study the same subjects, in a little more depth, as the kids. It was a way to reinforce the classroom experience at home by offering a method to continue the discussions and learning that began in class. The program became so popular that we opened it to all adults. In addition to learning for its own sake, these courses allow congregants to enjoy a learning community and to serve as role models for the children of our congregation by actively participating in lifelong learning. And, if you haven’t seen, well heard, a hundred or so kids do the Birkat Hamazon; well you’ve got an experience to look forward to. Eight Amazing Classes On Profound Jewish Issues:
Anti-Semitism and the Jewish State
Jewish Mysticism Sparks of Torah The Prophets and the Writings Jewish Values Zionism Spirituality in the Life of a Jew . In addition to food and beverages, fees cover all materials and the expenses involved in hiring outside teachers. Contact Rabbi Josh Zweiback for scholarship information. 
Dates: Every Saturday Time: 9:15-10:15 a.m. Place: Beit Kehillah Cost: Free Join a diverse, warm and welcoming group of fellow congregants for an intellectually stimulating and spiritually meaningful discussion of the week's Torah portion with Rabbi Janet Marder. The text is studied in English. No prior study of the Torah or Hebrew knowledge is needed. Each week the group reads a new section of the text, taking up it left off the prior Shabbat. It is not necessary to read ahead or prepare. Although this is an ongoing class, drop-in attendance is welcomed.
TALMUD STUDY Study the Babylonian Talmud-the central text of rabbinic Judaism, with Rabbi Josh Zweiback. Examine its structure, meanings and application to our lives. Currently the group is working its way through Berekot. No prior Talmud experience is necessary. Come whenever you can and bring a lunch. The class is designed to allow participants to drop in and study whenever they can.
JEWISH SPIRITUALITY Cantor David Unterman leads this on-going series in Jewish Spirituality. A class devoted to texts dealing with various Jewish beliefs, which range from traditional to modern, on what the world is all about. We are attempting to translate mystical metaphors into rational language. A diverse group brings concepts that are fascinating in originality, complexity and personal meaningfulness. All are respectfully encouraged to express their beliefs. Note: Drop-in attendance is welcomed.
HAFTARAH STUDY Torah encompasses only one part of our sacred literature. This weekly meeting, under Rabbi Susan Lippe, provides an opportunity to examine the week's Haftarah portion that includes material from that the Prophets (Nevi'im) and the Writings (Ketuvim). Classes are participatory, with discussion often revolving around the themes of God and human nature. Although this is an ongoing class, drop in attendance is welcomed. And, there are always bagels and coffee.
PIRKEI AVOT This group of congregants is an outgrowth of the oldest, continuous study group at Beth Am. The group is examining the collection of the rules of wisdom that have been assembled from the Mishna, which is read yearly as part of regular religious practice.
CHAVRUTA-STUDY PARTNERSHIP Don't study alone - learn with a friend. In Pirkei Avot we are taught: "Appoint for yourself a teacher and acquire for yourself a study-partner." Learning in pairs has exemplified adult Jewish study for thousands of years. Learning in chavruta helps to form deep friendships and build community. Moreover, this study method enables you to control your own pace of learning. Rabbi Josh Zweiback will help you form a study-partnership and serve as a resource and helper. No prior knowledge or expertise is required. NOTE: This program is open to all Beth Am members from high school age and up.
BUILDING BLOCKS OF JUDAISM, Part 1 Taught by Patti Moskovitz this eight-session course is the first of a two-program examining the foundations of Judaism. The second course, Part 2, will be taught from January through March. Students will learn by doing, and will explore fundamental Jewish concepts and practices. Topics include: Who is a Jew? Ethics and values; basic Jewish vocabulary; mitzvot: theory and practice; berakhot and tefillot-basic blessings and prayers; Shabbat; connecting with the Jewish community. The class will celebrate Shabbat together.
BUILDING BLOCKS OF JUDAISM IN RUSSIAN An overview of the basics of the Jewish calendar, life cycle, and values for Russian-speaking students. MASHA FARBER is a native Russian speaker with years of teaching experience. 8 sessions: Mondays, 7:30-9:00 PM, Oct. 7-Dec. 16 (no class Nov. 11, Nov. 25, Dec. 2)
THE PROFESSORS' FORUM: JEWISH RESPONSES IN TIME OF CRISIS The last year has seen unprecedented challenges both to the Jewish spirit and to our sense of security worldwide. In this exceptional 6-art lecture series, we will explore Jewish responses to crisis in earlier times, drawing on the millenia of our collective experience to make sense of our own rapidly changing world. Based on materials ranging from classical Jewish texts to modern journalism, our speakers will guide us in the search for perspective and understanding. October 14: Triumph from Tragedy: Judaism's Success After the Destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE (Naomi Janowitz, Ph.D., Professor and Director, Religious Studies Program, University of California, Davis). October 21: Is It Good for the Jews? Liberalism and the Challenges of the 1960s (Marc Dollinger, Ph.D., Professor and Goldman Chair, Jewish Studies, SF State). October 28: The Challenges of Jewish and Muslim Fundamentalism (Fred Astren, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Jewish Studies, SF State). November 4: The American Presidents and Israel: From Truman to Today (Rabbi David Dalin, Ph.D., Professor of American Jewish History, University of Hartford). November 11: The Courage of Hezekiah: How Jerusalem Survived an Ancient Assault (Jehon Grist, Ph.D., Executive Director, Lehrhaus Judaica). November 18: Fighting Back: Jewish Partisans in the Forests of Eastern Europe, 1942-1944 (Fred Rosenbaum, M.A., Founding Director, Lehrhaus Judaica).
With seven Hebrew classes to choose from, learning Hebrew at Beth Am is no problem. Pick the one right for you and before you know it, Orna Morad will have you reading and speaking like a real vatik (veteran)! Cost: All classes except for chanting Torah are the same price, $170 for Beth Am members; $195 for non-members. BUT, don't let money stop you from learning Hebrew. Call Rabbi Josh Zweiback if you need help. To Register: Our Hebrew classes are cosponsored with the Lehrhaus Judaica and the Jewish Community Center. Register online at http://www.lehrhaus.org/ [opens in new window].
Learn to decode the sounds of the prayer book. Learn basic prayer book vocabulary. No prerequisite. Instructor: Orna Morad. NOTE: There will be two sections of this course offered. Adult B'nai Mitzvah Students should enroll in L101A-BA.
Prerequisite: completion of a first year Prayer book Hebrew course at Beth Am, Lehrhaus, or other institution, or ability to sight ready voweled Hebrew texts, possessing a prayer book Hebrew vocabulary of at least 100 words. Instructor: Orna Morad.
Learn the basic sight reading knowledge to pronounce Hebrew words and sentences while developing vocabulary, grammar and basic conversation skills. No prerequisite. Instructor: Orna Morad.
Continue developing essential speaking, reading, and comprehension skills in a friendly, relaxed learning environment. Prerequisite: Modern Hebrew 1A or the Modern Hebrew Ulpan. Instructor: Orna Morad.
This course further expands fluency in Hebrew conversation and comprehension, and is designed for students with a reasonably developed level of modern Hebrew speaking and understanding. Instructor: Orna Morad.
Learn to chant Torah! Prerequisite: Hebrew sight reading skills. Instructor: Debra Cohn.
Learn to chant Haftarah! Prerequisite: Hebrew sight reading skills. Instructor: Debra Cohn.
Holiday Study
SELICHOT- AN EVENING OF STUDY AND PRAYER Prepare for the Days of Awe with learning, reflection, and prayer. Selichot ("Forgiveness") is designed to help us get ready for the High Holy Days. We will read and study materials relating to the High Holy Days. After our study and have an engaging Selichot service.
Date: Sept. 16 Time: Immediately following Yom Kippur Morning Services Place: Flynt Center Cost: Free Join Beth Am congregant-teachers for learning and reflection between morning and afternoon Yom Kippur services.
TIKKUN LEIL SHAVUOT Join us as we celebrate Shavuot, the day on which, according to tradition, we received the Torah at Mt. Sinai. We sing; we dance; we have joy. We study way into the night with our rabbis, cantor and educators. Mark this as a for sure on your calendar. We'll even provide coffee and snacks.
HANUKAT HANEFESH It's called Hanukat HaNefesh, which means rededication of the spirit. What it is, is three days of intensive learning in conjunction with Congregations Kol Emeth and Emek HaBerachah. The days will begin with a participatory, traditional morning service. Morning study sessions will be followed by a kosher lunch and the afternoon sessions, minchah services, and then a break before an evening lecture. Watch for all of the details in November.
Last year hundreds of local Jews gathered at Beth Am for this evening of communal study. It was co-sponsored by neighboring synagogues from all movements of Judaism, the Bureau of Jewish Education and local day schools. The evening serves as a hopeful reminder that we can come together to celebrate that which binds us together--Torah learning. This year, following a Havdallah service, we will again have study sessions and programming for adults, teens, and children in English, Russian, and Hebrew. An Oneg and Israeli dancing will conclude the evening. It's a grand event. Good study, great teachers, and the price is right - it's free. Mark your calendar for this one
THE JOYS OF JEWISH COOKING Great matzo balls aren't just luck - they're the result of experience. Join master chef Barbara Shenson in a two-session course on Jewish cooking. Barbara is a well-known cooking instructor in the Palo Alto area. She will demonstrate how to infuse classic Jewish dishes with contemporary flavor. You may register for either or both of these classes. Space is limited so contact Linda King in the Beth Am office to reserve your burner (linda_king@betham.org)
SCHOLAR-IN-RESIDENCE - Dr. Arnold Eisen Professor Arnold Eisen of Stanford University is slated for a series of lectures on Israel, our educational theme for the year. NOTE: These lectures are made possible by the Susan Gaskill Adult Learning Fund.
SCHOLAR-IN-RESIDENCE - Rabbi Reuven Firestone Join Rabbi Reuven Firestone, a professor at HUC-JIR in Los Angeles, for an engaging weekend of study. Rabbi Firestone is an expert in Islam and will help us understand current issues in Islam as they impact us as Jews and as Americans.
ADULT B'NAI MITZVAH An opportunity to rediscover and explore your Judaism by studying the traditional liturgy, engaging with Jewish theology, and learning Hebrew. This is a two-year course and is also open to those who want to study, but do not want to become adult b'nei mitzvah. Taught by Cantor Kay Greenwald and Orna Morad. Childcare provided upon request. For questions and to register, call Cantor Greenwald at 650-493-4661. This class is followed each Tuesday at 7:45 p.m. by Beginning Hebrew. To register for the Hebrew class, contact Lehrhaus Judaica (510-845-6420). Hebrew class tuition: $170/members; $195/non-members.
ADULT CHOIR Directors Cantor Kay Greenwald and Paul Ellison invite you learn the melodies of the services while also learn the meaning of the liturgy. Most choir members express the feeling that their participation enhances their religious experience. The Adult Choir sings on special occasions in the life of Beth Am. All are invited to participate
ASILOMAR RETREAT Study under the pines. Wear shorts. Guys don't have to shave. The Asilomar retreat is one of the favorite Beth Am traditions. Enthusiasm for last year's event was so big that we had to have a waiting list. Learning and praying together on the beautiful Monterey Peninsula helps increase awareness of Jewish spiritual issues. With the professional staff, members study, sing and socialize together. If you haven't been - make sure you go.
SHABBATON Shabbaton is the family alternative to the Sunday education program. It's for families with children in grades pre-K through 6. Families meet three Saturday afternoons each month from 3:45-6 p.m. Parents attend these sessions with their children. This year's theme "Our Jewish Journeys: Questions for exploring our Jewish Identity... promises to be engaging, insightful, and lots of fun for the whole family. Shabbaton is led by Ann DeHovitz, Daryl Messinger and Rabbi Josh Zweiback. To register, contact the education office at 493-4665.
MORASHA This series of four workshops brings families together in the months preceding Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremonies. It opens the process and explores the significance of becoming a Jewish adult. The series enables families to exchange ideas and to participate in Jewish activities together. Contact Rabbi Charles Briskin for more information, rabbi_briskin@betham.org
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