Upcoming classes

Rooting Anti-Racism in Torah (May 12, May 19, June 2 - virtual): Come learn with Kohenet Shoshana Brown and Yehudah Webster as we unlearn and deconstruct how racism has affected our relationship with HaShem. Move with us closer to HaShem and liberation. This three-week course will offer theory and practical tools to begin undoing the ways in which racism has harmed us all, heal together, and take collective action.

ongoing classes

Yiddish Torah Study (in English):  Harvey Niebulski, Marianne Tatom and others will facilitate over Zoom a discussion of the weekly (triennial) Parsha based upon the once famous comprehensive masterpiece but now nearly forgotten Yiddish translation of the Tanakh by Yehoash (the pen name of Solomon Blumgarten, 1872-1927). All are welcome, regardless of language skills! For a review of this magnum opus translation by Yehoash versus Robert Alter’s recent acclaimed English translation, visit here. Check out this video of virtual group saying the blessing for studying Torah, in Hebrew and Yiddish. With questions or to join, contact Marianne Tatom. View the latest Torah portion readings in Yiddish.

Fall 2021 Classes

Living Judaism

Living Judaism: (with Ron DeChene and Robert Hovden) A basic introduction to Judaism, including holidays, texts, and home traditions and a Hebrew class (below).  Living Judaism is our required course for conversion students. Format: virtual or in-person.

Hebrew Classes

Hebrew 1: (with Robert Hovden) This course is a first introduction to the Hebrew language that lays the foundation for future Hebrew learning by combining the skills of sight-reading with the building blocks to recognize how Hebrew works as a language and as part of our lives. Come prepared to sing, play, pray, and ask questions. Format: virtual or in-person.

Beyond the Aleph Bet: (with Mihal Bat-Or) Do you know the Hebrew aleph bet and want to deepen your understanding of Hebrew as you engage with prayers or Jewish texts? In this 12-week class you’ll have the opportunity to practice reading, grow your vocabulary, and gain familiarity with Hebrew grammar. Format: in-person.

Prayerbook Hebrew & You: (with Sharon Greenberg) This class will increase your familiarity with the Siddur (prayerbook), building vocabulary, grammar, and understanding of the structure and meaning of prayers based on learning Hebrew roots. We will use the Siddur itself as our main textbook, with student interest informing the prayers we study. Format: in-person.

Yiddish Classes

Intermediate Yiddish: (with Marianne Tatom) This class will develop intermediate Yiddish skills, including reading comprehension, conversation, and translation. We will use a variety of textbooks and supplementary materials. Prerequisite: open to students who have completed Intermediate Yiddish at Beth Shalom OR to others with prior instructor approval. Format: virtual.

Text Study

Text Study: Jacob Cycle (with Rabbi Rob Toren) Join Rabbi Rob Toren for a 6-week text study of the “Jacob Cycle”. Jacob is the last of the 3 “Avot”, often translated “patriarchs.”  It is Jacob’s name change to Israel, from which Tanakh derives the name of G-d’s chosen nation: b’nai Yisrael/children of Israel. Sessions will focus on close readings of episodes in Jacob’s complex and difficult life. Format: virtual.

Text Study: Bringing the Voice of Jewish Values to Conversations about Abortion (with Rabbi Rose) Many in our country are talking about abortion and the future of Roe v. Wade these days, and when religion is part of that conversation, it’s usually from the perspective of the Christian right.  Join Rabbi Rose for a  3-week text-based class exploring Jewish perspectives on abortion, when abortion is permitted (or even required) by Jewish law, and how we might think about this issue through the lens of Jewish tradition as opposed to other religious traditions. Format: virtual.

Text Study: Discussing Timely Teshuvot (with Rabbi Borodin) Join Rabbi Borodin in studying a few recent teshuvot (religious responses) to contemporary issues written by the Committee on Jewish Law and Standards, the religious decision making body of the Conservative movement. Topics include Contemporary Modesty in Thought and Dress, Donations of Ill Gotten Gains, and Alternative Ecologically Sustainable and Economical Burial Options.