Adult Education


“Is study greater or practice?” The rabbis asked.
Rabbi Tarfan said, “Practice is greater.”
Rabbi Akiva said, “Study is greater.”
Then they all answered and said, “Study is greater for it leads to deeds.”
                -B. Talmud, Kiddushin 40b


At Temple Beth El we have abundant opportunities for study.  No matter what level of learning you have, from knowing nothing about Judaism, to having never studied a line of Torah, to having read Torah year after year, we have classes for you.  We hope you will open one of our many doors to learning at Temple Beth El.

Never had a Bar or Bat Mitzvah? Be a part of the Anshei Mitzvah Class of 2011…Registration Deadline Extended

Anshei Mitzvah is an opportunity for those adults who have never had a Bar or Bat Mitzvah to participate in group study that will culminate in being called to the Torah and participating in Congregational Shabbat morning services. This program is designed for those Jewish members of Temple Beth El who want to broaden their Judaic knowledge and experience. Former participants have commented that the Anshei Mitzvah experience helped strengthen their Jewish identity and enhanced their connections to our Jewish community in ways they never imagined. It is a moving and emotional experience and one that you will always cherish. Classes will begin on September 29th and the Anshei Mitzvah service is scheduled for May 21, 2011. This year the Anshei Mitzvah class will have a slightly different structure due to the size of the class.

Barbara Feld, TBE master teacher, will be teaching many of the classes and the clergy will schedule times to teach throughout the year. Susan Jacobs, Director of Education, will be assigning the Torah and Haftorah portions and will help out with learning to chant them. We are committed to making this a very meaningful experience as you are called to Torah.You will have opportunities to write and deliver the D'vrei Torah to introduce the Torah and Haftorah portions to the congregation.

The fee structure has been reduced because we will be using the Mishkan T'filah prayer books instead of printing a service booklet. We will also have fewer expenses since the class is small.The cost will be $400 instead of $500 per person.That will cover all expenses and there will not be any additional charges.You are welcome to work out a payment plan if you do not want to pay the full amount now. All fees must be paid in full no later than March 30, 2011.

This is the tentative schedule: 9/29, 10/6,13,20,27, 11/3,10,17, 12/1,8,15, 1/5,12, 26, 2/2,9,16,23, 3/2,9,16,23,30, 4/6,13,20,27, 5/4,11,18  The Big Day-May 21, 2011.  The class will meet in the Bernstein Education building, room 218 on the third floor from 6:45-7:45 pm.

If you would like to register you may do so online at http://www.beth-el.com/rsvp.html or you have any questions, please call Susan Jacobs, Director of Education, at 704.749.3045.