Torah Study
Torah Study
Every Shabbat morning from 9:00 to 10:00 AM (in the Beit Kehillah, on Zoom and live stream; check the calendar for class dates and links to class registration pages) a large and enthusiastic group comes together for Torah Study. Members of the Beth Am clergy teach this class, which focuses on a thoughtful reading of the parashah of the week, exploring the historical, ethical and spiritual questions raised by the text.
We explore Torah on three levels:
- What meaning did it hold in its original ancient Near East setting?
- How have our sages and commentators understood the text over the centuries?
- What personal and communal meaning does it hold for us today?
Every session offers learning, lively interchange and ample opportunity for questions and discussion. People of all levels and backgrounds are welcome, and Hebrew knowledge is not required. No prior study of the Torah or Hebrew knowledge is needed. It is not necessary to read ahead or prepare. Although this is an ongoing class, drop-in attendance is welcomed. Be sure to stay after to continue the conversation through the Good Book Cafe breakout room discussions.
- World Union for Progressive Judiasm - Weekly Torah Commentary
- JTS Online includes many different links to Torah Commentary, Holiday information, Programs and Podcasts - go explore and learn.
- Tablet Magazine Online includes news and information from all types of Jewish perspectives.
Interesting Podcasts - Unorthodox: Many good interviews in Unorthodox - most recent an interview with Isaac Mizrahi and there was an excellent different perspective on Purim by Rabbi Ari Lamm.
- JudaismUnbound
Want to listen to a recent Torah Study session recording? Browse through our Torah Study audio file library. To download any of the audio files, right click on the player and select "Save (or download) audio as..."
(For older audio files, please visit our Torah Study audio archive dating back to 2008.)
September 30, 2023 |Yom Rishon shel Sukkot, Leviticus 22.26-23.44
Led by Rabbi Sarah Weissman
2023-09-23 | Haazinu, Deuteronomy 32-1–52
Led by Rabbi Heath Watenmaker
September 9, 2023 | Nitzavim - Vayeilech, Deuteronomy 29:9–30:20, 31:1–30
Led by Rabbi Jonathan Prosnit
September 2, 2023| Ki Tavo, Deuteronomy 26-1–29-8
Led by Rabbi Sarah Weissman
August 26, 2023| Ki Teitzei Deuteronomy 21:10–25:19
Led by Rabbi Jonathan Prosnit
August 19, 2023 | Shof’tim, Deuteronomy 16-18–21-9
Led by Rabbi Heath Watenmmaker
Mon, October 2 2023
17 Tishrei 5784
Schedule

Introduction to Judaism Class
Tuesday, Oct 3rd 7:30p to 9:00pExplore our wonderful tradition for the first time -- or all over again.

Talmud Study
Thursday, Oct 5th 12:00p to 1:00pLed by Beth Am clergy, in this weekly class we study selections from the Talmud and other rabbinic sources.

Congregant-Facilitated Learning: Beth Am Reading Group
Friday, Oct 6th 1:00p to 2:00pJoin us for explorations of various contemporary Jewish writings.

Torah Study
Shabbat, Oct 7th 9:00a to 10:00aOn Shabbat morning, join a member of the Beth Am clergy for a session of Torah study. Stay for the Good Book Cafe!

Good Book Cafe
Shabbat, Oct 7th 10:00a to 10:20aJoin other Torah Study participants for some discussion and schmoozing.

Slow Torah: Lay-Led Torah Study Class
Sunday, Oct 8th 9:00a to 10:00aSlow Torah is a lay-led class that continues the Beth Am tradition of studying the Torah verse by verse.

Beginning Prayerbook Hebrew
Tuesday, Oct 10th 7:00p to 8:15pCome learn the meanings of prayers, improve your reading skills and enrich your Judaic knowledge with others in a fun and inclusive class.

Introduction to Judaism Class
Tuesday, Oct 10th 7:30p to 9:00pExplore our wonderful tradition for the first time -- or all over again.

Beth Am Gesharim (Bridges) Presents a Wise Aging Forum
Wednesday, Oct 11th 2:00p to 3:00pPlease join these monthly conversations, where we look for wisdom in our Jewish tradition, as well as relevant modern sources. Each time, a specific topic will be briefly addressed by one of our clergy or a trained Wise Aging facilitator.

From Animosity to Solidarity: Jews and Chinese in San Francisco from the Gold Rush to the Present
Wednesday, Oct 11th 7:00p to 8:30pThe relationship between the Chinese and Jews, ancient civilizations with many shared values, evolved in San Francisco’s second century to one of mutual support.