Chai School

CONGREGATION BETH AM'S CHAI SCHOOL

Chai School is the umbrella under which Beth Am offers a variety of special adult learning courses in conjunction with Lehrhaus Judaica. The courses listed below on this web page and all our adult Hebrew offerings are part of Chai School .

For more details or to register for any of the following classes please visit www.lehrhaus.org or call 510/845-6420.

Scholarships are available for all of these classes. Please contact Jessica Rosenberg jrosenberg@betham.org for more information.

Building Blocks of Judaism (I100) with Rabbis Micah Citrin and Adam Allenberg; and Cantor Lauren Bandman * (Register through Lehrhaus Judaica.)
15 sessions: Sundays, 9:00 - 11:00 a.m., September 30- March 9 (no class on 10/28, 11/25, 12/16, 12/23, 12/30, 1/20, 2/10, 2/17, 2/24)
Tuition: $200 (Beth Am members); $215 (non-members); $75 (full-time students and émigrés)

This course provides an introductory experience for people who would like to learn (or re-learn) about Judaism. Students will have an opportunity to learn by doing, as well as to explore fundamental Jewish concepts and practices. Topics include: What is a Jew?; the varieties of Jewish expression; Jewish ethics and values; basic Jewish vocabulary and concepts; mitzvot — theory and practice; B’rachot and T’fillot — an introduction to some basic blessings and prayers; Shabbat, with an emphasis on how to live the Sabbath; connection with the Jewish community; and Jewish views of current issues and concerns.

NOTE: All Beth Am members who attend this class will receive a bob and bob gift certificate.

Choosing Judaism (P100) taught by Rabbi Josh Zweiback * (Register through Lehrhaus Judaica at lehrhaus.org)
5 sessions: Sundays, 9:00 - 11:00 a.m., March 16 - May 18 (no class 3/23, 4/13, 4/20, 4/27, 5/4)
Tuition: $55 (Beth Am members); $70 (non-members); $30 (full-time students and émigrés)

Choosing Judaism is for those students who are on the path to conversion and enrolled in the Building

Blocks of Judaism (I100, listed above). These sessions allow conversion students to delve deeper into ideas introduced during the regular Building Blocks class. Students will have an opportunity to discuss issues of conversion within a supportive class environment. Students will also have an opportunity to meet with clergy members one-on-one in advance of the conversion.

Ivrit/Hebrew

(Please register for all Hebrew classes through  Lehrhaus Judaica)

Beginning Modern Hebrew A1 - (L100-BA)* with Orna Morad
13 sessions: Wednesdays, 6:15 - 7:30 PM, October 10 - January 23
(no class 11/21,12/19, 12/26)
Tuition: $215 $200/members of Peninsula co-sponsors

Basic sight-reading knowledge to pronounce Hebrew words and sentences while developing vocabulary, grammar and basic conversation skills.

Intermediate Modern Hebrew B1 - (L200-BA)* with Orna Morad
13 sessions: Tuesdays, 6:15 - 7:30 PM, October 9 - January 22 (no class 12/18, 12/25, 1/1)
Tuition: $215 $200/members of Peninsula co-sponsors

Students with a basic knowledge of modern Hebrew develop conversational and comprehension skills while expanding vocabulary and grammar knowledge and broadening language fluency.

Prerequisite: Completion of two semesters of Lehrhaus Judaica’s Beginning Modern Hebrew, the Modern Hebrew Ulpan (Level Alef) or equivalent.

Intermediate Modern Hebrew - Morning (L402-BA)* with Orna Morad OR Evening (L402-BA)* with Mel Mogulof
13 sessions: Thursdays, 10:30-11:45 AM, October 11 - January 24  (no class 11/22, 12/20, 12/27) OR Thursdays, 7:45-8:45 PM, October 11 - January 24 (no class 11/22, 12/20, 12/27)

Tuition: $215 $200/members of Peninsula co-sponsors

Expands fluency in Hebrew conversation and comprehension. Designed for students with a reasonably developed level of Modern Hebrew speaking and understanding. It continues building student vocabulary, grammar, and fluency skills. The level will be set by the instructor at the first class session.

Prerequisite: Completion of Lehrhaus Judaica’s Intermediate Modern Hebrew or equivalent

Prayerbook/Biblical Hebrew Level B - (L200A-BA)* with Orna Morad
18 sessions: Tuesdays, 7:45 - 8:45PM, October 9 - March 4
(no class 12/18, 12/25, 1/1)
Tuition: $295; $270/members of Peninsula co-sponsors

Continuation of introductory Prayerbook Hebrew. Designed for those who can sight-read Hebrew texts with vowels. We will cover the basic grammar and vocabulary of the Siddur (prayerbook) and begin translating passages from the Siddurs and the Hebrew Bible.

Conversational Hebrew - (L401-BA)* with Orna Morad
13 Sessions: Tuesdays, 11AM - 12:15PM, October 9 - January 22 (no class 12/18, 12/25, 1/1)
Tuition: $215; $200/members of Peninsula co-sponsors

Further develop your fluency in Hebrew conversation and comprehension. Designed for students with a reasonable developed level of modern Hebrew speaking and understanding. Builds vocabulary, grammar, and fluency skills through conversation.

Intermediate Conversational Hebrew - (L400-BA)* with Orna Morad
13 Sessions:Thursdays, 7:30-8:45PM October 11 - January 24 (no class 11/22, 12/20, 12/27)
Tuition: $215; $200/members of Peninsula co-sponsors

This class is a continuation of Conversational Hebrew but further expands fluency for students with prior experience in speaking and understanding modern Hebrew. Continues building vocabulary, grammar, and fluency skills through conversation.

Israel @ 60 - Celebrating Israeli Culture and Modern Hebrew - (L405-BA)* with Orna Morad
6 Sessions: Wednesday, October 17th 7:30-8:45PM,  (Additional dates TBD at the first class meeting)

Sessions will feature Israeli films, music, and conversations about current affairs. For those who possess a conversational level of Hebrew. This class is a great way to improve your conversational skills while learning about current Israeli culture.

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