| Additional Learning Opportunities |
Summer Learning 2025
- Hagbah Training - On Saturday, June 21 around 1pm (after kiddush lunch), Alan Rodan and Alison Sands will teach techniques for lifting the Sefer Torah after the Torah is read at services. We'll use a fake scroll with weights to practice lifting.
Check back with us in late summer for information on 2025-26 Language classes.
Exploring Jewish Living with Colin Coltrera
The Exploring Jewish Living class at Congregation Beth Shalom provides an opportunity to experience and learn about the Jewish calendar and holidays, examine Jewish life cycle rituals and meanings, and learn about numerous other aspects of Jewish life. The class provides space for the exploration of the meaning and wisdom behind this ancient tradition. You will explore Jewish living in a program designed with opportunities for you to connect with others on a journey of discovery. The class is for current members of the Beth Shalom community, those who aspire to be part of the Jewish community and anyone who is curious about Judaism and wants to learn more.
If you're interested in taking the Exploring Jewish Living class starting in Fall 2025, please complete this form.
Hebrew 1 (Aleph Bet) with Ellis Engbar - year-long course
Eliminate angst and build confidence while learning the Hebrew alphabet and gaining Hebrew reading competence. Come prepared for energized, spirited practice guaranteed to lay the foundation for your love of Hebrew. This is a beginning level course; no prior knowledge needed.
More information and registration.
Intermediate Yiddish Fall Semester with Marianne Tatom
This class will help you develop intermediate Yiddish skills, including reading comprehension, conversation, and translation. We will be starting in chapter 6 of Motl Peyse dem Khazns Yiddish Edition (Motl the Cantor's Son by Sholem Aleichem, annotated with exercises by Sheva Zucker). Prerequisite: open to students who have previously taken Intermediate Yiddish at Beth Shalom OR to others with prior instructor approval.
More information and registration.
Additional Learning Opportunities:
CBS regularly offers new learning opportunities, often led by one of our committees or social groups. To connect with us about Adult Education, please reach out to our program coordinator.
Honi's Circle: a climate chevruta with Rabbi Paula Rose and Tamar Libicki
Our Podcast is Live! Catch the latest episode
Ḥoni's Circle is a climate chevruta (partner text study), in which Rabbi Paula Rose and Tamar Libicki explore Jewish texts from the Torah, the Talmud, and Commentaries to grapple with climate change. Every two weeks, we will release a new 15-minute episode with its own source sheet, allowing listeners to study along with the discussion. This Podcast is a project of Congregation Beth Shalom and Ahavat V'Avodat HaAdama, our community's environmental group. Follow along with the source sheet here.
Teach Yourself Birkat Hamazon
Follow along in the B'Kol Echad bencher while listening to a slow version of Birkat Hamazon.
Food & Friends 5786
An annual CBS program with over 100 participants, Food and Friends consists of five monthly potluck meetings. Most groups meet for dinner, some meet for brunch, or some choose to meet for a mix of brunch and dinner times. Meetings are hosted in a rotating fashion at participants’ homes. Participants study using provided texts, as a foundation for conversation while sharing a meal. Groups are formed with a goal of individuals and families getting to know other congregants better and building bonds across neighborhoods within our CBS community. Since getting to know other Beth Shalom members is an important part of the program, participation is limited to Beth Shalom members (with the exception of the young adult group). Registration for 2025-26 is not yet open. Check back with us in Fall 2025 for the next session of Food and Friends.
Endless Opportunities
Endless Opportunities is a Jewish community-wide social & education program sponsored by the Stroum Jewish Community Center, Temple De Hirsch Sinai, Congregation Beth Shalom, Congregation Kol Ami, Jewish Family Service, Kline Galland, Temple Beth Am and Temple B’nai Torah.
Upcoming EO events:
Falls Prevention Workshop
Thursday, May 29, 10:30am-12pm at Stroum Jewish Community Center
In-person and on Zoom
Falls are a leading cause of injury among seniors, and reducing fall risk is crucial to prevent injury, maintain independence, and preserve quality of life. Learn practical strategies, tools and knowledge needed to help you stay safe, active, and independent. Join PT Solutions Physical Therapy for a session on balance exercises and simple tips to help prevent falls at home. Register now.
Understanding Vaccines for Older Adults
Tuesday, June 10, 10:30am-12pm at Temple Beth Am
In person and on Zoom
Join UW Pharmacist Abby Winter for a discussion on vaccines for older adults, and their importance in maintaining health and preventing serious illness as we age. We’ll dive into vaccine history and development, discuss how common vaccines work, and touch on what it means for a vaccine to be effective. We’ll also discuss what vaccines are generally recommended for older adults and why. Register now.
Bellevue Botanical Garden Tour
Tuesday, June 17, 10:30am-12pm at Bellevue Botanical Garden
Discover the beauty of Bellevue Botanical Garden, a 53-acre oasis of cultivated gardens, restored woodlands, and natural wetlands. During this guided tour explore the colorful Perennial Border, the fragrant Native Discovery Garden, and the serene Waterwise Garden and more. Learn about the garden’s history and conservation efforts. Register now.
Protect Yourself: Fraud + Identity Theft
Tuesday, June 24, 10:30am-12pm at Temple B'nai Torah,
In person and on Zoom
Con artists steal billions from Americans every year. We’re fighting back with the AARP Fraud Watch Network. We’ll take an inside look at how scammers think, how to protect yourself from identity theft and fraud, hear from victims, and learn what to do if you or someone you know becomes a target. Register now.
Visit the SJCC's Endless Opportunities page for additional information.