Adult Education
BJBE prioritizes lifelong learning, offering diverse programs and classes for adults that are designed to increase Jewish literacy, add substance and spiritual meaning to our lives, and foster Jewish community. Some of our weekly sessions include Symposium, Talmud Study, Sunrise Study, and Shabbat Torah Study. Our Adult B’nai Mitzvah classes provide a cohort experience of learning and community, and quarterly courses (see below for examples of current and past quarterly programming) provide deeper exploration into Jewish teachings and tradition
Weekly Learning Opportunities
These courses take place during our academic year (roughly August through May) and are on hiatus each summer.
Symposium
SYMPOSIUM - MEDIEVAL JEWISH HISTORY
Tuesdays in January | 10:00 - 11:30 AM
Taught by Rabbi Jonathan Hecht
Join Rabbi Hecht for a fascinating tour through medieval Jewish history, exploring the origins of Jewish life in Europe and Spain, and Judaism's evolving relationship to Christianity and Islam. We will examine the origins of the Spanish Inquisition and discuss where Jews moved after they were no longer welcome in Europe. Join us as we learn about the great cultural achievements of Ashkenazic and Sephardic Judaism.
Two sessions left:
Tuesday, January 20 - Session 3: Christian Europe
Tuesday, January 27 - Session 4: The Demise of Spanish Jewish Community
Learn about upcoming Symposium sessions.
Talmud Study
Wednesdays | 9:00 - 10:00 AM
Morning Talmud Study is led by one of our clergy members.
*This summer, we are holding a lay-led Talmud Study at our normal time.
Sunrise Study
Fridays | 7:30 - 8:30 AM
Led by Susie Wexler, Director of Jewish Living and Learning.
Shabbat Torah Study
Saturdays | 11:15 AM - 12:00 PM
Following Kol Shabbat services, join a member of our clergy for a study of parashat ha-shavua—the weekly torah portion.
Adult B'nai Mitzvah
Sundays | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Becoming b'nai mitzvah literally means becoming a "child of commandment," but it can happen at any age! Join Rabbi Goldstein for a 16 month process of Jewish learning, Hebrew instruction, and immersion in prayer, all culminating in a group b'nai mitzvah service.
*Our current cohort will become b'nai mitzvah on December 20, 2025. If you are interested in joining our next group, contact Rabbi Goldstein.
Beginning Conversational Hebrew
Sundays | 11:00 AM
Taught by Ezra Kedar (husband of Rabbi Emerita Karyn D. Kedar), this class is geared toward adults who want to learn the basics of conversational Hebrew. For more information on the class, please contact Ezra.
Monthly Learning Opportunities
Torah on Tap
Meet our clergy in BJBE's Village Center or at a local bar for an adults-only social evening with friends, building community with l'chayim and a little bit of learning.
Mom's Meaningful Night Out
Put the kids to bed then join your friends, Cantor Frost, and Susie Wexler, Director of Jewish Living and Learning for a fun, inspiring evening together where you can care for yourself the way you care for others all the time.