Adult Learning
“It is a Tree of Life (Eitz Chayim) to those who hold it fast, and all who cling to it find happiness. Its ways are ways of pleasantness, and all its paths are peace.”– Proverbs 3:17-18
Lifelong Jewish learning is the best way to apply Jewish values in our lives. Learning is about the knowledge we gain and how it guides our actions. Studying enables us to think and act in larger and deeper ways.
On Repentance and Repair
Thursdays, Sept 5-26, 7:30-9 pm On Zoom
Based on Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg's book, this 4-week series explores Jewish teachings on repentance through the ages and how we might apply this wisdom today as we consider questions of what authentic apology, repairing the harm, and the opportunity for second chances look like. Free for CBS members/$36 for non-members. Please purchase the course book in advance.
More information and registration are here! These sessions will be recorded so that everyone who registers can access them at their own convenience.
A Learner's Guide to the High Holy Days
Sunday, Sept 15 & 22, 7-9 pm On Zoom
The High Holy Day season can be overwhelming. Navigating the dense prayer services and understanding the deeper message of the liturgical themes is difficult while trying to be present in the experience as it is happening. Rabbi Gurevitz offers these two introductory sessions to help you navigate Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. These sessions suit all, whether you have attended High Holy Days for many years or if this is your first time. We'll explore the overall structure of the season, key moments of liturgy, and ways of making the underlying purpose of these holy days personally meaningful.
Free to all - advance registration required. These sessions will be recorded for everyone who registers to access them in your own time.
Selichot - Saturday, Sept. 28, 7-9 pm
Movie presentation and discussion in person only.
Selichot service will be streamed from approx. 8.15-9 pm.
Our evening begins with viewing the 2024 Oscar-winning Short, 'The Last Repair Shop,' followed by a discussion connecting the documentary to seasonal themes of Teshuvah. After our program, Rabbi Gurevitz will lead a short ritual to introduce the musical themes of the season, and together, we will change over the Torah scroll mantles to their High Holy Day whites.
AND THERE'S MORE ... ONGOING OPPORTUNITIES AND UPCOMING PROGRAMS THIS FALL
Torah and Tefilah
Every Saturday on Zoom, 8-9:30 am (times vary at certain seasons - see calendar on the temple website)
Learn about the foundational texts of our tradition through the eyes of history and scholarship, myth and narrative, psychology, and social commentary. Join a vibrant group of long-time members, those who are new to Judaism, and everyone in between! All study in in English.
Contact Steve Winer to be added to the list, and you will receive the Zoom link.
Spiritual Journey Group - God is a Verb
Monthly in-person meetings on Tuesdays, 7:30 pm beginning October 29 IN PERSON ONLY.
Spiritual Journey Group is our monthly gathering to explore the deeper spiritual teachings of Judaism found in Jewish mysticism and other personal spiritual practices from our tradition. This year, we will be guided by the contemporary classic 'God is a Verb: Kabbalah and the Practice of Mystical Judaism' by Rabbi David Cooper. Please purchase the book in advance. A full schedule of dates can be found here. Please email Rabbi Gurevitz to be added to the Spiritual Journey Group email list for ongoing reminders of upcoming sessions if not previously registered.
Kinahora: Protection against the evil eye, and other Jewish Superstitions
Thursdays, November 7, 14 and 21, 7-8:30pm
In person. Hybrid option via zoom available on request
Join Rabbi Gurevitz for this mini-course on Jewish superstitions and their origins. Advance registration here.
Previous adult learning programs
The playlists on the Congregation B'nai Shalom YouTube channel contain previously hosted adult learning seminars, High Holy Day sermons, and other resources. Subscribe to the channel to receive alerts when new uploads are available.
Interested in something that you don't see? Be in touch!
Interested in celebrating an Adult Bet Mitzvah? Want to learn how to read Hebrew or brush up on your skills? Do you have any ideas for Jewish cultural learning events or short series? Drop Rabbi Gurevitz a line and help to shape the winter and spring season of adult learning. Back to top.