Bet Torah’s Lifelong Learning activities embody the Jewish tradition of Torah Lishmah, 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.
Regular Schedule Ongoing Programs Upcoming Programs
For more information about any of these programs, email VP of Lifelong Learning, Abby Siegel, or Rabbi Lisa Sacks.
10 Lifelong learning opportunities to Keep you warm this winter!
1. Timely Topics for Empty Nesters – Three evenings with Rabbis Brusso & Sacks – Thursday, January 19, Anti-Semitism on College Campuses and Beyond; Tuesday, March 14, Maintaining Your Family Jewish Traditions When Kids Leave Home; Thursday, May 11 Navigating Through the Sandwich Generation. All sessions 7:45 - 9:30 pm
2. Politicians, Pundits and Prophets: The Classical Hebrew Prophets through Modern Eyes – This class, taught by Rabbi Stephen Axinn, will examine what—really—is meant by prophecy and who were the giants of classical biblical prophecy? This course will study the quality of true prophecy and closely examine some of the most important of our prophets, including Amos, Hosea, Isaiah(s) and Ezekiel – Thursdays, March 2, 9, 16, 23. 7:45 – 9:00 pm
3. Mussar Yoga – Mussar yoga is an opportunity to self-reflect while engaging in yogic poses that enhance and mirror an enlightened path in a journey towards becoming your best self. Danae Farkas will lead this class – Fridays, January 13, 27, February 10, March 3, 10 and 24 from 9:30 – 10:45 am
4. The Path of Blessing – Led by Rabbi Lisa Sacks, participants will delve into the spiritual practice of blessings using Rabbi Marcia Prager's book as a guide. Participants are encouraged to attend all four sessions and to acquire the book. Please register – Thursdays, March 2, 9, 16, 23. 11:45 am – 1:00 pm.
5. Peoplehood: A Hartman Institute Text-Based Class – taught by Rabbi Aaron Brusso. Please register – Thursdays, February 2, 9, 16 from 10:30 am – noon
6. Paired Learning Program in Memory of Eli Abemayor – Registration on Project Zug, January 23 – March 3. To find congregant recommendations and register with Bet Torah click here. Learning begins March 12. Kickoff at Bet Torah: Monday, March 20, 6:30 – 7:30 pm. Light dinner will be served. Finale at our Tikkun Leil Shavuot: Thursday, May 25, 8:00 – 10:00 pm
7. Short Story Reading Group: “Five Tuesdays in Winter” – facilitated by Abby Siegel and Nicole Schwartzberg. The group will be discussing Lily King's stories from the book "5 Tuesdays in Winter". Two stories will be discussed each week. – Tuesdays, January 24, 31, February 7, 14; 11:00 - noon
8. Israeli Dancing with Leng – Classes will be taught by Leng Tan who is known to teach in the tri-state area. Reap the physical and mental benefits of dance and feel a connection with Israel! Registration preferred. Mondays, January 30, February 13, 27, March 13, 27, April 17. Beginner instruction - 6:45 pm - 7:30 pm; Open session - 7:45 pm - 9:15 pm
9. Learn to Chant Torah Trope – taught by Cantor Gil Ezring – Mondays, February 6, 13, 27, March 6, 13, 20, 11:00 – noon
10. For Parents Only: Raising Teens Today – In this learning series, parents will engage in discussion with Lead Teen Educator Robin Wald to create understanding around a range of important teen issues, Jewish wisdom and values around those issues, mindful parenting skills, and resources to help parents and teens be happy, healthy and successful – Monday, January 30; Wednesday, March 1; Tuesday, April 25 - 7:45-9pm
Regular Schedule
Mondays - Monday Morning Movement, 9:15 am, bettorah-org.zoom.us/j/93075611640.
Tuesdays - (starting again in the Fall )Hebrew Language Classes, 10:00 am - Advanced, 11:00 am - Beginner. In person.
Wednesdays - Film Club every other Wednesday at 5 pm, only on zoom https://zoom.us/j/97855377887.
Fridays - Women's Torah Study, 10 am, zoom.us/j/767261001
Fridays - Parashat HaShavua, 12:30 pm, in-person and on zoom
Saturdays - Going Rogue: The Bet Torah Apocrypha Study Group, around 1 pm
Ongoing Programs and Groups
Text Study
- Going Rogue: The Bet Torah Apocrypha Study Group: Bet Torah’s version of the international 929 project to read a chapter of the Bible each day. Now, onto the Apocrypha!
- Parashat HaShavua: Join fellow congregants in studying the weekly Torah portion. Fridays at 12:30 pm.
- Women’s Torah Study: Study and explore the weekly parasha, from the woman’s perspective! Fridays at 10:00 am.
- Mussar: A 1,000-year-old Jewish spiritual practice focusing on the development of one’s character traits. Three ongoing groups meet monthly facilitated by Rabbi Sacks. “Taste of Mussar” starts Tuesday, November 29 and continues for four weeks.
Arts & Culture
- Film Club: Watch the film on your own and come together to discuss. Curated by Liz Schonfeld. Every other Wednesday at 5:00 pm. Monthly in the summer. On Zoom.
- Great Jewish Books Club: Always a lively discussion. For details and book selection, email Ed Feinberg. Third Thursday of the month at 8:00 pm.
- Hebrew Language Classes: Learning Hebrew the fun and easy way. Taught by Nili Ionascu. Tuesdays starting again in the Fall; Advanced: 10 am, Beginners: 11 am. in-person
- Sephardic Civilization - The Story Continues: JTS Professor Benjamin Gampel returns to Bet Torah with a fascinating journey through Sephardic culture. Eight Sundays 10:00 am-12:30 pm beginning October 3. Email Jerry Fensterstock. Class fee: $400.
- Sing Together - Shir Joy:
Come join us at Bet Torah for a series of small group singing sessions. We will sing, harmonize and socialize together. RSVP to Corrie Jacobs.
Community Connections
- Mitzvah Needles: Weekly meetings of knitting and crocheting to help those in need!
- Monday Morning Movement: Join Robin Wald for a gentle Torah-infused movement practice. Mondays, starting agin in September from 9:15-10:15 am beginning September 13. On Zoom.
- Torah in the Trees: Join Rabbi Sacks for an easy hour-long walk and talk. Dogs welcome. First Thursday of the month, 10:00 am at Rockefeller State Park beginning October 7.
- Small Groups: Bet Torah’s ongoing initiative to build community and support learning in a small group environment. Our theme for 2022-23 is "Introduction to Talmud."
PLUS:
Matan: The Gift of Adult Jewish Learning: Our comprehensive 7-month Essentials of Judaism class is taught by Rabbis Brusso and Sacks. Begins again in October 2022 and culminates on Shavuot 2023.
For more community engagement, join us in our Sisterhood, Men's Club and Social Action activities.
Sat, January 28 2023
6 Shevat 5783
