Adult Education Classes at CBS

Save the Date:

• Edwin L. Bierman Scholar in Residence Shabbaton Experience with Rabbi Daniel Goldfarb, March 2-4, 2012
• Kabbalat Shabbat Programs
  - 1st Shabbat of the Month - Hospitality Shabbat
  - 2nd Shabbat of the Month - Song Lover's Shabbat
  -4th Shabbat of the Month - Study Shabbat

Lashon Hara, Instructor: Mark Solomon

Gossip or Lashon Hara, literally the "evil tongue," is prohibited under Jewish law. This class takes an in depth look at Jewish texts concerning Lashon Hara and its relevance to some of the themese of Scholar in Residence weekend.
Date: Wednesday, February 15, 7-9pm
Cost: $20/member, $30/non-member. To register for this class, click here.
Class is free for Scholar in Residence Weekend pillars.

Becoming More Familiar with Talmud, Instructor: Yiscah Smith

Would you like to deepen the experience of Scholar in Residence weekend? Our Edwlin L. Berman Scholar, Rabbi Daniel Goldfarb, will teach to all levels of Jewish knowledge. However there will be opportunities through the weekend to study biblical sources in greater depth.
Date: Wednesday, February 29, 7-8pm
Cost: $10/member, $15/non-member. To register for this class, click here.
Class is free for Scholar in Residence Weekend pillars.

Ashrei for Adults, Instructor: Talya McCurdy

Can't keep up with the kids? You are not alone! Come drop in on our confidence-building workshops to make peace with this liturgical tongue twister. All levels welcome.
Time: Saturdays, 11am-12pm
Dates: February 4, 18, 25
Cost: No charge.
RSVP appreciated.

Propheting from Isaiah

So important was this great Biblical prophet that there had to be at least two of them! Who were these men and what were their missions? We will examine their lives, the messages they conveyed, and how they still affect our lives this very day. No Hebrew knowledge is necessary.
Time: Wednesday nights, 8:15-9:15pm
Dates: Feb. 1, 8, 15, 29, Mar. 7, 21 (6 sessions)
Cost: $60/member, $90/non-member
To register, click here.

Living Judaism with Jason Kintzer

This year-long course serves as both an introduction to Judaism for Jews looking to deepen their knowledge, non-Jewish partners of Jews, and as the required course for conversion students. It lays the foundation for participants to build a strong personal Jewish identity.  The main teacher is Jason Kintzer with some classes also taught by Beth Huppin and Rabbi Borodin.  We will study the essential spiritual, religious, ethical, legal, historical, and cultural elements that inspire a commitment to Jewish life and involvement. Participants will be encouraged to explore various forms of Jewish identity through practice.  For more information, contact the rabbi's assistant.

Pirkei Avot with the commentary of Me’am Lo’ez, Instructor: Yiscah Smith

Avoth (Pirkei Avot – The Ethics of the Fathers) is the one Talmudic tract that explores the very roots of Judaism.  It has long been regarded as a rare treasure of our Torah tradition. Pirkei Avot, as contrasted with the Talmud’s discussions around Jewish law, centers our attention directly on the Jew’s efforts to improve one’s relationship with G-d and fellow human being.  Of all the many commentaries written on Avoth, perhaps the clearest is that published in 1747 by Rabbi Yitzchak Magriso of Constantinople , as part of the famed Me’am Lo’ez series.  His commentary was written in Ladino and was translated into English in 1978 by David N. Barocas, a Sephardic scholar from Rodesto, Turkey and then edited into a contemporary idiom by Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan.  Rabbi Magriso  ferrets out the root meaning of the text, and presents it in clear, unambiguous language.  Stories, parables and ethical discussions round out his commentary to produce a clear and highly inspirational teaching.
Time: All classes held on Tuesday nights, 8:15—9:15PM
If you didn't sign up for the full course, you can still join the class by signing up for any and all sections you want.
Section IV:
Dates: Feb. 7—Mar. 6 (4 weeks)
Cost: $40/Members; $60/Non-members
Section V:
Dates: Mar. 13– Apr. 17 (5 weeks)
Cost: $50/Members; $75/Non-members

Siddur Hebrew - the Amidah, Instructor: Yiscah Smith

For students with basic Hebrew grammar/vocabulary knowledge, this class will focus on understanding Siddur Hebrew. We will look at both literal and theological ways to understand and translate the t'fillot. Basic grammar rules and vocabulary will be reviewed and expanded throughout the year. The use of words in modern Hebrew as well as the echoes from Biblical Hebrew will be explored. Learn Hebrew, discuss theology and understand what you're saying when you're davening in Hebrew.
Time: Tuesday nights, 7-8:00pm
Dates: Class begins October 18 (23) sessions).  This class can be joined anytime during the year.  Please contact Carol to find out about pro-rated tuition.  

Learner's Minyan

Ron Schneeweiss is offering a year-round Learner's Minyan on the second Saturday of the month, 10:30-11:15am.  The first minyan will meet on November 12, 2011.Click here to RSVP and find out topics for the year.

Beth Shalom Beit Midrash moves to Shabbat afternoons

Please join teachers Joel Goldstein and Stuart Light for a weekly Talmud class covering the second chapter of Bava Metzia. This class meets every Shabbat after kiddush and will include in depth exploration of the laws of returning lost objects. We will look not only at the Talmud in Bava Metzia but at other connected pieces of Talmud and the opinions of commentaries ranging from Rashi, Tosefot, Rambam, Ramban, and Shulchan Aruch. No Talmud experience is necessary, nor is knowing all the terms in this class summary; all you need is an open mind and willingness to engage the text. Class meets after Kiddush lunch, about 1pm every Shabbat.
Cost: No charge.

Beginning Israeli Dancing with Rhona Feldman

Adult Beginning Israeli Folk Dancing will now begin at 6:45pm on Wednesdays.  The first half hour we'll learn and review the steps that are the basic building blocks for many dances.  This is a great time for beginners to join the class.  Please wear shoes that slide easily.  Tennis shoes are not recommended. Older teens and all experience levels are welcomed. Mark your calendars for every Wednesday.
Come on and GIVE IT A TRY!  
Time: Wednesdays 6:45 – 8:30PM
Cost:  5-Session Punch Card— $30/Members; $40/Non-members.
To register, click here.

Rosh Chodesh Chavurah

The new moon is an important Jewish symbol of the Divine feminine. To greet it at its time is like having an audience with the Shechinah, welcoming the in-dwelling presence back from the realm of death and exile into the realm of light (Sanhedrin 42a.) The new month – Rosh Chodesh – is a time for female spiritual renewal, for re-creating, re-newing, re-vitalizing our lives. At Beth Shalom we meet monthly, on or near the new moon, in the evening. Each month we plan a different program, organized and often led by members. We explore women’s roles in the holidays, Torah study, the place of singing in the service, book review, teshuvah, and we celebrate and create ceremonies to mark important occasions in our lives. Our meetings are open to all adult women of the congregation.  The next meeting is Sunday, February 26, 2012.  For more information on the next Rosh Chodesh gathering, click here.

Sunday Torah Study

The Northwest's feistiest Torah study group wrestles with the text of the upcoming parashah every week in a member-led medley of laughter, challenge, and insight. High-energy participation is strongly encouraged; no prior study is necessary.
Time: Weekly on Sunday, 10:15-11:15am
No charge.

Join other Knitters and Crocheters on the first Sunday of the month (usually) for a fun morning of conversation and relaxation. Any level of knitting, crocheting, or other handwork is invited. Kids are welcome. The next Stitch and Schmooze meets February 4, 11am-1pm at Shirah Bell's house house.Contact Carol Benedick for the address of this month’s Stitch and Schmooze. Please let her know if you would like to host the next one.

Hebrew Classes

Beth Shalom offers multiple levels of year-long Hebrew classes. Most classes begin in October.  If you're interested in finding out more, please contact Carol.

Adult Ed Class Dates for 2011-12. Click here to find out vacation dates, etc.

Not able to take Rachel Jacobson's class on festival davening? 

You can still learn the material.  Audio files are available here.  (Scroll down until you see Festival Davening.) Click on each topic to see handouts for: Shacharit; Hallel; Torah Service and Musaf.  Note that page numbers refer to the Siddur Sim Shalom for Shabbat and Festivals, C. 1998.