Adult Education

O Adonai, our God, let the words of Torah be sweet in our mouths, and the mouths of Your people Israel, so that we, our descendants and the descendants of all Your people Israel may know You by studying your Torah for its own sake.

Blessed are You, Adonai, who teaches Torah to Your people Israel.

-Mishkan T’filah

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At BJBE, life-long learning is a priority because it empowers us to make informed decisions about our Jewish lives, increases our Jewish literacy, adds substance and spiritual meaning to our lives, fosters Jewish autonomy and continuity, and builds our community.

WEEKLY PROGRAMS AND CLASSES

SYMPOSIUM - THE STORIES WE TELL

Tuesdays | 10-11:30am | with Featured and Visiting Educators

“To know who we are is, in large part, to understand the story or stories of which we are a part. The great questions – “Who are we?” “Why are we here?” “What is our task?” – are best answered by telling a story.” – Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks

This year’s Symposium will be an exploration of Jewish stories: the narratives, storytellers, media, and tales that have shaped our people. And, through that study, we can gain a deeper understanding of who we ourselves are as well. As always, Symposium will be taught by some of Chicagoland’s leading rabbis and teachers, along with our own BJBE clergy and educators.

 

 

TALMUD STUDY

Wednesdays | 9-10 a.m | with Rabbi Goldstein

As one of the earliest rabbinic interpretations of the Bible, the Talmud is indispensable to understanding the laws and customs still practiced today. It is also a highly complicated body of literature that is best understood through conversation with each other. Our group meets on an ongoing basis throughout the year. 

No registration needed – drop-ins are always welcome!

 

SUNRISE STUDY

Fridays | 7:30-8:30am | with Rabbi Sherman

Looking for a great way to start the day? Each Friday morning, we gather for a casual learning session. With Rabbi Sherman & Susie Wexler's guidance, we unpack and explore words of Talmud, as we sip coffee in a very informal, easy-going learning environment. Although the timing may be early for some, study is wrapped up in time to meet professional and personal commitments. 

No registration needed – drop-ins are always welcome!

 

SHABBAT TORAH STUDY

Saturdays | 11:15am-12:00pm | with BJBE Clergy

Following Kol Shabbat services, join a member of our clergy team for study of parashat ha-shavua, the weekly Torah portion. Our discussion-based text learning incorporates both classical and modern commentaries, as well as the wisdom of our own community members.

No registration needed – drop-ins are always welcome!

 

BEGINNING CONVERSATIONAL HEBREW

Sundays | 10:00-11:00am | with Ezra Kedar

This class is geared for adults who want to learn the basics of conversational Hebrew. For more information on the class, please contact Ezra Kedar at ezkedar@gmail.com. To register and pay for the course, please reach out to Larisa Rozman at lrozman@bjbe.org.

 

 

MONTHLY PROGRAMS AND CLASSES

 

MEANINGFUL MOMS NIGHT OUT

Tuesday, 3/11, 4/15, 5/8, 6/18  | 7:30-9:00pm 

Spend an evening caring for yourself the way you care for everyone else. Join Cantor Frost, Susie Wexler, and BJBE friends, old and new, for an inspiring evening of learning and engaging in community. Watch for timely topics and register early. Registration for February 2nd is open below.

REGISTER

 

Torah on Tap

3/19, & 5/14 | 7:00-8:30 pm | In-Person

Join us for a lighter and more social approach to Jewish learning – have a drink, a nosh, and a little bit of text study with a member of our clergy team. We will celebrate the spring Jewish holidays together, and just enjoy each other's company in the Village Center.

 

SHORT SERIES

Introduction to Spirituality and Spiritual Practice

Tuesdays 1/16, 1/23, 2/13, 2/20, & 3/5 | 7:00-8:30 pm | In-Person

Join Rabbi Sherman and Margot Andersen for an exploration into the what – and how – of Jewish spirituality. What are the Jewish values, beliefs, and teachings that ground our spirituality? And, what practices can we experiment with to bring our lives greater mindfulness and intentionality?

REGISTER

COMING THIS SPRING:

 

ADULT B'NEI MITZVAH

This year-long course will meet weekly and is open to all adults, whether or not you celebrated becoming a Bar/Bat Mitzvah. Learn to read Hebrew and chant the basic Shabbat prayers, study the Jewish calendar and holidays, and read and discuss Tanakh together. The class culminates with a group B’nai Mitzvah ceremony. We have not yet established when this new cohort will start – it’ll be based on participant interest, so please email Rabbi Goldstein at lgoldstein@bjbe.org for more information. 

 

JOY AND FREEDOM: THE HEART-OPENING WISDOM OF ADAR AND NISAN

OROT, Center for New Jewish Learning

Tuesdays (4/2, 4/9, 4/16) | 7:30-9:00pm

In this 3-session class with Rebecca Minkus Lieberman, we will study teachings from the Hasidic masters on the spiritual invitations of the Hebrew months of Adar and Nisan and the holidays of Purim and Passover. We will explore how we can bring these teachings on joy and liberation into our daily lives and relationships.

Register

 


 

Hebrew Classes

Hebrew classes for adults are taught by Ezra Kedar at BJBE. For more information on classes, please contact Ezra Kedar. For information regarding registration and fees, please contact the BJBE office: 847-940-7575. 

Beginning Conversational Hebrew 
This class is for adults who want to learn the basics of conversational Hebrew. 

Advanced Beginning Conversational Hebrew
This class is for adults who have mastered Hebrew reading and are ready to learn how to comfortably carry on a simple Hebrew conversation.     

Intermediate Conversational Hebrew
Amaze yourself with how much fun you’ll have speaking Hebrew! Prerequisites: Prior knowledge of basic conversational Hebrew and ability to write Hebrew script. 

Advanced Conversational Hebrew 
This class is for people who can begin to hold a full conversation in Hebrew and who write Hebrew script competently. Prerequisite: Intermediate Conversational Hebrew.