Bet Torah’s Lifelong Learning activities embody the Jewish tradition of Torah Lishma, study for its own sake.
Wherever you are on your Jewish journey, our learning opportunities will stretch you spiritually, help you grow intellectually, and build community both on-line and in-person. We have favorite returning classes, perennial programs and Jewish experiences, as well as new classes and faculty, follow-up workshops, and special speakers and events.
We hope there is something you feel excited and curious to learn, and just by saying “yes,” you feel more connected to Judaism, our clergy and faculty, and the Bet Torah community.
Please reach out to Sharon Pollack VP of Lifelong Learning, or Rabbi Lisa Sacks with any questions you have, or to share where you are in your Jewish learning and what support you may need!
Classes
Matan: The Gift of Adult Jewish Learning
Weekly starting Sunday, October 19, 2025
Whether you had a Bar/Bat Mitzvah or not, a foundation of Jewish tradition is lifelong engagement in study. Join Rabbis Brusso and Sacks in a 7-month course of learning, exploration and synagogue skill building culminating at May 2026 Shavuot Services, when we celebrate with the Bet Torah community. Register here!
Mussar
Starts Monday, Nov 17 | 9:45am | Bet Torah
Our Mussar course for this year is structured around The Mussar Institute's Middah a Month program with seven character traits to study. Each month we will receive a packet on a particular trait, including texts that reflect modern and traditional Mussar sources, kabbalot for daily Mussar practice, morning phrases, chants, and more. Register here!
Talmud Tuesdays
Starts Nov 4, 9am | Bet Torah
Join Rabbi Brusso after minyan for a class on the Talmud. Meets first Tuesday of each month. Register here!
Lishma - Learning For It's Own Sake
Our popular series continues with Daytime and Evening options and New Faculty:
DAYTIME
Lishma Classes with Rabbi Sacks, Mondays at Bet Torah at 11:15am
Intro to Talmud: Oct 20, 27 & Nov 17, 24
What is the Talmud and why should we study it? This 4-session course will expose participants to Judaism's second-holiest text through the study of four different sections and explore the role that rabbinic literature plays in contemporary life. Register here!
The Path of Blessing: Dec 1, 8, 15, & 22
Delve into the spiritual practice of blessings using Rabbi Marcia Prager's book as our guide. Participants are encouraged to attend all four sessions and to acquire the book. Register here!
Intro to Mysticism: April 13, 20, 27 & May 4
In this four-session class, we will survey the many different expressions of Mysticism thoughout Jewish History, including the Zohar and Lurianic Kabbalah. No prior experience with kabbalah or Jewish text necessary. Registration opening soon.
Lishma Classes with Rabbi Lisa Izes, Wednesdays at 11:30am-12:45pm at Bet Torah
Hope and Resilience Reflected in Jewish Culture: March 4, 11, 18 & 25
We will discuss themes of how Jews have historically managed to survive and thrive over time and space through hope and resilience. Each session will present examples of things Jews have created and shared with a chance to respond and share experiences. Registration opening soon.
EVENING
Lishma Classes with Rotating Faculty 6:15pm at Bet Torah (light dinner included)
Psalms with Rabbi Jeffrey Segelman: Tuesdays, Nov 18, 25, & Dec 2, 9
More than any other text, the Psalms capture the emotional/spiritual depth of the relationship between the individual and God. In this class, we will explore a number of psalms, some famous, others not so much, that capture expressions of joy and despair, anger and gratitude. Register here!
Israeli Popular Song with Hazzan Rabbi Luis Cattan: Thursdays, Jan 15, 22, & 29
Israeli popular music can be seen as interpretive prayer, poetry that arises directly and/or creatively as a unique and extraordinary form of liturgy. We will study contemporary and timely expressions of prayer that will surely inspire us. Register here!
Hartman Liberal Zionism with Rabbi Aaron Brusso: Wednesdays, Feb 25, Mar 4, 18 & 25
We will explore the core tensions and values of liberal Zionism, responding to the dominant critiques of Israel and Zionism in a post-October 7 reality. Registration opening soon.
Hasidic Masters with Rabbi Lisa Sacks: Tuesdays, Apr 14, 21 & 28
This class will explore the history and teachings of Hasidism, with a focus on teachers such as the Ba'al Shem Tov, the Maggid of Mezeritch, Simcha Bunim of Peshischa, and others. Registration opening soon.
continuing Programs
Text Study
Groups meet once per week. Newcomers Always Welcome!
- Apocrypha Study Group: Saturdays, after Kiddush, at Bet Torah - Bet Torah’s version of the international 929 project to read a chapter of the Bible each day.
- Parsahat Hashavua Fridays, 12:45pm, on Zoom - Join fellow congregants in studying the weekly Torah portion.
- Women's Torah Study Fridays, 10am, at Bet Torah and on Zoom - Study and explore the weekly parasha, from the woman’s perspective!
Hobbys & Interests
- Cafe Ivrit: One morning each month, at Bet Torah.
- Film Club: One Wednesday each month, 5pm, on Zoom.
- Great Jewish Books Club: Always a lively discussion. For details and book selection, email Ed Feinberg.
- Hebrew Language Classes: Learning Hebrew the fun and easy way. Contact Nili Ionascu if interested.
- Mitzvah Needles: Wednesdays, 10am, at Bet Torah. Weekly meetings of knitting and crocheting to help those in need!
Body & Soul
- Jewish Mindful Movement: One Monday each month, 9:15am, at Bet Torah.
- Meditation: Facilitated by Rabbi Sacks Thursdays, 12:15pm, at Bet Torah and on Zoom.
- Pre-Shabbat Meditation Service: One Saturday each month, 9am, Bet Torah Chapel
- Small Groups: Bet Torah’s ongoing initiative to build community and support learning in a small group environment. New groups always forming. If you're interested, contact Rabbi Sacks.
For more community engagement, join us in our Sisterhood, Men's Club and Social Action activities.
Mon, November 3 2025
12 Cheshvan 5786
contact us
Featured Upcoming Programs