Ongoing Learning Opportunities

Scholar Weekends:

Inclusion Shabbat:
Each winter, one weekend is devoted to issues of inclusiveness and understanding with a special guest lecturer.  Past topics have included issues of disabilities, gays and lesbians, family values and poverty in the Jewish community. This weekend is sponsored by the Chavurah Keshet committee.

Outreach Shabbat:
Each fall we dedicate one weekend to issues of outreach – honoring the non-Jewish spouse, welcoming the stranger, issues of conversion, spiritual journeys – have all been topics for this program.

Sadie Levin Scholar in Residence:
This weekend welcomes a special lecturer for an in-depth Shabbaton.  Previous scholars have included Dr. Susannah Heschel, who spoke about 19th Century Christian thought on Judaism and the essays of her father Dr. Abraham Joshua Heschel;  Dr. Rachel Dulin, discussing the politics of our sacred texts; Rabbi David Forman, who discussed Israel and human rights; Al Vorspan who talked about possible peace in the Middle East and Rabbi Alexander Schindler of blessed memory.

Educational Series:

Education Shabbat: This annual event is dedicated to Arthur Tirsun, a career educator who lived what he taught. Judaism was his life, and he had the rare gift of being able to impart his Judaic wisdom, passion, and dedication to our students. Our Temple Beth El Religious School teachers possess these same attributes. At this event, we honor all teachers, including those in the greater Charlotte community. 

S.P.I.C.E. (Special Programs of Interest and Concern to Everyone 50+):
This program offers educational, cultural and social programs for the 50+ membership of Temple Beth El.  SPICE programs meet on the first and third Mondays and lunch is available.  The program begins with a Jewish learning activity, then lunch, and concludes with a special program.  Past programs have included the changing role of Israel in Reform Jewish life; history of Sephardic Jews in America; life in the military; art, music and field trips around the area.

Senior Sage Program:
In this bi-weekly program for people 60+ will study a different topic each year. There will be monthly lecture and monthly chevruta. 

Comparative Religion Series:
Each Tuesday evening in January and February, we will hold Temple Beth El's Annual Comparative Religion Series. This Series was established in 1997 with the intent to educate the community, promote tolerance and reveal the commonalities in our differences. Recent past topics have included "Music of our Faiths" and "Women, Sex and Religion". Each week, various guest speakers from various houses of worship, academic institutions and community organizations provide interesting lectures along with a question and answer session. This Series is open to the entire community and is free of charge.

Weekly Torah Study:
There is no beginning and no end to Torah study. It entails a lifetime of learning.  Study is on Shabbat morning for one hour before the Shabbat worship service.

Hebrew Class Information

Learning to read Hebrew is a great way to become more connected to services and prayers.  Temple Beth El is offering a thorough beginning Hebrew class that will give you the opportunity to learn to decode and read Hebrew. Members and non-members are welcome.  The class fee includes all materials.  Classes will meet on Wednesday nights from 7:00 to 8:00 pm in the Bernstein Education building on the third floor.  A new class will begin soon.  Sessions are 12 classes.  Class Fee: $90 Members/$105 Non-members   Must be paid in full prior to first class.  Minimum number of students required.

Be a part of the new Anshei Mitzvah program…
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. 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 be taught by the clergy, Susan Jacobs, and master teacher, Barbara Feld.
The new Anshei Mitzvah program will be divided into three sections allowing participants who read Hebrew to enter the program at various starting points.  Participants with no Hebrew background should start with the beginning Hebrew class starting in November.  Information is available atwww.beth-el.com.  If you are interested in beginning this meaningful journey, please contact Susan Jacobs, Director of Education at sjacobs.beth-el.com. 


Torah Yoga:  REGISTER NOW!                        
Rabbi Judith Schindler and RYT certified yoga instructor Shelley Bear are offering this wonderful class. Prepare for Shabbat with your bodies, minds, and souls.  The price is $70 for members for a 10-week session, $75 for non-members for a 10-week session or weekly drop-in fee of $8/class.  Registration is available by clicking http://www.beth-el.com/rsvp.