The Schwarz - Kurz - Zeller Adult Education Institute Presents
Adult Education at Congregation Beth El
2019 - 2020
Learning has no age limit. Something for Everyone!
Jewish Learning for Grown-ups at Congregation Beth El! Looking for ways to expand your knowledge or make your connection to Judaism more meaningful? Whatever your interest area – from sacred texts to current films, from Jewish history to modern takes on spirituality and wellness – Beth El offers topics to pique your interest.
This year we will be experimenting with new ways to make learning available when and where you want to learn. Look for daytime courses; Off-site lunch-and-learn programs, evening short-courses, Shabbat and Holiday learning experiences, Sunday lectures, book events, and workshops. Even distance learning opportunities for those who prefer to learn at home.
What’s Going on in Adult Learning
Here’s a winter wonderland of Adult Learning classes for you at Beth El Yardley. Come and enjoy!
Teachings in Jewish Renewal with Seth Fishman
A year-round, Chavruta-style text study based on the writings of Reb Zalman. Thursdays, 8:30 am - 9:30 am.
Dive into Davening with Rabbi Weiss
First Monday of the month; 12:30 pm - 1:00 pm. Fast-paced, one-prayer-per-session dive into the meaning and significance of the prayers in our service. All levels warmly welcome! Available on Zoom Learning. Check your Friday email for the link.
Shulchan Ivri (Hebrew Table) with Rabbi Weiss
Improve your conversational Hebrew in this fun, low - key meet-up session. Monthly, last Monday of month; 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm. Meet at McCaffery’s, 2nd floor, 635 Heacock Road. All levels welcome!
It Doesn’t Look Jewish with Rabbi Weiss
Wednesday mornings, 11:00 am -noon. Rabbi Weiss will continue her discussion of Jewish culture by exploring different aspects of Jewish visual imagery.
Jewish Women: A Historical Perspective with Harriet Freidenreich
Wednesday mornings, 9:30 am - 10:45 am. Lecture series on how the historical role of Jewish women changed over time, and helped to shape today’s Judaism for both men and women.
New! Living with Purpose: An Interactive Experience with Ruth Schapira
3-week session on Thursday mornings (Jan. 30, Feb. 6, Feb 13) from 10:00 am - 11:30 am. Discover and share Jewish wisdom texts and teachings about how to live a life of meaning. Explore and enrich your learning as you engage in a series of contemplative and creative practices.
Special Guest! Book Nosh with Alex Geiger
Sunday, Feb. 23 at 10:30 am - noon. Discussion group on Jewish Culture. Come and tell us about your favorite Jewish-themed books, films, music, art, or apps – with a side of bagels, of course. We’ll also hear from local author and Beth El congregant Deanie Yasner who will tell us about her new book.
Bible BaBoker Torah Study
Join Rabbi Weiss for a traditional Torah study of the weekly Parsha; Saturday mornings at 8:45 am - 9:15 am. No prior Torah knowledge required to participate. All are encouraged to attend. Stay for Shabbat Morning Services, 9:30 am.
Future Programs
May 3 (Full day) Beth El Day of Wellness
Mark your calendars now for a full day of workshops, book talks, lectures, and
teach-ins on Wellness. Topics will cover Meditation and Mindfulness to techniques for promoting overall physical, mental, and spiritual health. Interested in shaping this program to meet your needs? Call the Beth El office to volunteer for the planning committee!
Sunday, June 7, 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm Book Event
Topic is Alice Hoffman’s “The World That We Knew," which was this year’s One Book One Jewish Community selection for Greater Philadelphia, and also was a 2019-20 National Jewish Book Award winner. Program will include a review from member of the One Book Selection Committee, and first-hand account from Ruth Hartz whose personal story helped to inspire Alice Hoffman’s book. Light refreshments included. $10/person (in advance); $15 (at the door). This event is co-sponsored by Book Nosh, Hazak, and The Schwarz-Kurz-Zeller Adult Education Institute.
