Adult Education ~ UPDATED!
About Adult Education at Bet Haverim
Congregation Bet Haverim offers programs, events and outings of interest to adults in our Congregation. The focus of the Adult Education Program is on educational and cultural experiences with Jewish content. We hope these experiences will be enjoyable and informative, as well as opportunities to get to know one another.
For more information, contact Rich Halen at halen@dcn.org or 530.756.5697.
Winter/Spring 2012 Happenings
Scholar to present at local congregations–
Kisses Sweeter than Wine: Passion and Pleasure from Purim to Passover
March 9th & March 20th - Rabbi Sue Levi Elwell, URJ Union Rabbi for the East District and poetry editor of the award winning The Torah: A Women’s Commentary, will be joining us to explore texts that delve into sensuality as we make our way from Purim to Passover.
Friday, March 9, 2012
8:00 PM
Temple Isaiah
3800 Mt. Diablo Blvd,.
Lafayette, CA 94549
Saturday, March 20, 2012
9:00 PM
Congregation Beth Am
26790 Arastradero Rd.
Los Altos Hills, CA 9402
For details, click on the link: Rabbi Elwell Visit
Annual Kol HaNefesh Shabbaton
June 1st – 3rd, 2012
with visiting scholar Rabbi Shawn Zevit
~ Kehillah Kedoshah: Growing Sacred Community ~ From Self to Family to Congregation to World
Kol HaNefesh is pleased to announce the visit of Rabbi Shawn Zevit to Congregation Bet Haverim with a Shabbaton on the weekend of June 1–3 2012. This inspiring program, titled “Growing Sacred Community,” will highlight the how we access the sacred in all elements of our personal, familial, congregational and communal lives. For more information, follow the link to the Kol HaNefesh Page.
Fall 2011 Classes
Introduction to Judaism
Rabbi Greg Wolfe and Steve Cohen
This class will provide a broad perspective on the rich teachings and traditions of the Jewish heritage. The spiritual essence of Judaism, its history, texts and celebrations will be the focus of our studies, as well as those ideas and customs that make Judaism unique. This class is required for those studying for conversion, but it is perfect for anyone, Jewish or not, who is interested in deepening his or her appreciation of Judaism.
Dates: Approximately twice a month. Once a month on Sunday Mornings, once a month on Wednesday evenings.
First Class: Sunday, October 9th, 10:30 am to 12 Noon,
First Evening Class: Wednesday, October 26, 7:30 pm to 9 pm
Location: Library at CBH
Cost: Members–$100 Non-members $136 (2nd member of a couple, half price)
Book Fees: TBA
New Adult B’nai Mitzvah Class to Begin
Rabbi Wolfe
This is a two-year course for Jewish men and women of our congregation who never had the opportunity to celebrate becoming a bar/bat mitzvah. In a warm and inviting atmosphere we probe the depths of Jewish prayer and liturgy during the first year. In the second year, we continue with our liturgical studies but our attention also turns to the preparation for the actual celebration–the study of Torah and Haftarah and learning to chant a specific reading. Please note: this course does not teach Hebrew, which can be taken separately if you don‘t already read Hebrew.
There will be an organizational meeting on Tuesday, October 11th at 4:30 in the Library at Congregation Bet Haverim. Classes will begin in November. The exact dates and times of the class will depend on who is interested and what their schedules permit. If you cannot make this orientation, but are interested in this course please call and let the rabbi know.
Class Times: TBD
Cost: Free
Summer 2012: A Family Congregational Trip To Israel
Plans are underway for our exciting family trip to Israel coming up next summer. We have already had a wonderful response and still have plenty of room for you and your family. We will be hosting another meeting about the trip after the Holy Days. If you are interested in learning more and haven’t spoken with the Rabbi yet please contact him to let him know. Our trip will be coordinated by a wonderful organization called Israel Experts, offering outstanding educational experiences in Israel. We are planning to leave towards the end of June and the trip will last about two weeks. Call Rabbi Greg to learn more. You won’t want to miss out on this amazing experience to travel with your friends and family from Bet Haverim.
Ongoing Activities
Jewish Book Group
Two Jewish Book Groups are currently active at CBH. For more information, contact Linda Bresnick, bresnick@omsoft.net.
Mah Jongg Group
The mah jongg group meets Wednesday afternoons, 12 noon, in the CBH South Classroom. For more information, contact Linda Bresnick, bresnick@omsoft.net.
Kol HaNefesh – Voice of the Soul
Kol HaNefesh is a gathering of Jews of all backgrounds, interests and levels of observance. We meet quarterly on Sunday afternoons for half-day retreats which include a range of activities for “going inward” and revisiting the voice of our soul. Group discussions provide opportunities to share insights, life experiences and pressing questions, as well as the opportunities to take learnings from wisdom traditions outside of Judaism and explore how and where they are found within our faith. For more information, contact Mark Simon at 758-1062.
