Adult Education
Feed Your Mind, Body, and Soul! TBI provides a range of Jewish cultural and educational experiences.
Programs and classes are open to all, and we welcome students from within TBI and from the larger community.
Current Offerings
Monty Python’s Life of Brian Film & Fun w/Rabbi Ruhi Sophia
Saturday, January 23, 6:30pm
The Monty Python Boys actually knew quite a bit about Second Temple Judaism! Join Rabbi Ruhi Sophia on Zoom at 6:30pm for a brief introduction to the period in which the Life of Brian is set, then watch the movie on your own, then we’ll join back together on Zoom and see what we’ve discovered about the realistic references in the film! The film is 1 hour, 33 minutes and is rated 16+.
» Click here for Life of Brian intro AND post-movie discussion
Reconstructing Judaism Day of Learning— God?: A Reconstructionist Conversation
Sunday, January 24, 9:30am-2:00pm
The program will include interactive small group activities, workshops, and panel discussions, along with a virtual cocktail hour. A minimum donation of $18 is requested.
Tu B’Shevat w/Reconstructionist Rabbis
Wednesday, January 27, 6:30pm
Join an evening of learning and eating meditations as we celebrate the New Year of Trees through an in-depth exploration of the seven species of abundance in Torah: wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olive (oil) and dates. We invite you to bring your own samples of each of these items (or their respective derivatives), and journey through the mystical and the mundane as each rabbi explores the significance of one of these items in Jewish tradition, and leads us in a mindful tasting!
Laws of Teshuva w/Rabbi Ruhi Sophia
Wednesdays, February 3, 10, 17, 7:30pm
Pre-registration required. A minimum of five people needed to hold this class. Details forthcoming.
Though we often think of teshuva in conjunction with the High Holiday season, it is a process that individuals and communities can ideally engage year-round. Join Rabbi Ruhi Sophia on Zoom for an in-depth study of some key laws of teshuva, and guided journaling and discussion about how we can apply them in our individual lives. We will also explore the implications of teshuva for racial injustice as the theme that TBI’s board has chosen for this year. Please plan to attend all three sessions for a depth of engagement.
Masks Then & Now w/Rabbi Solomon
Thursdays, February 11 & 18, 6:30pm
Come with a mask of your choosing to the Zoom gathering. We will study sources on the traditional mitzvot of Purim and their meaning for us today. Two one-hour sessions. Attendance at both is suggested but not required.
Showbread w/Sandy Scheetz
February Date TBD
In Parashat Terumah, which will be read February 20th, the Israelites are told to construct a table with “show bread” as part of the mishkan/tabernacle. The twelve loaves represent the twelve tribes. Chef Sandy Scheetz, TBI member and owner of Sandy’s Kitchen, will do a bread baking demo in mid-February. Stay tuned for date and details.
A Close Up Look at the Seder Plate w/Rabbi Solomon
Thursdays, March 11 & 18, 6:30pm
Passover arrives on March 27th this year. Come explore the visceral nature of the ancient home-based rite and gather tools to go deeper into your Passover experience this year. Two one-hour sessions. Attendance at both is suggested but not required.
The Paschal Lamb w/Ibrahim Hamid & Rabbi Ruhi Sophia
March Date TBD
Lamb plays an important role in the Passover story. Each Israelite family hunkered down in their homes to eat the roasted lamb, praying the blood on the doorway would keep them safe as the Angel of Death passed through. Ibrahim Hamid, owner of Cafe Soriah and longtime ally of the Jewish community, will do a lamb-cooking demo at his restaurant. You’ll be able to join him virtually. Details are being finalized and will be publicized in early spring.
Siyum Pesachim w/Rabbi Ruhi Sophia & Friends
Sunday, March 21, 4:00pm
Gather for a virtual siyum celebration completing the fourth tractate of Talmud, Pesachim, which is all about Passover, sacrifices, matzah, maror, and so much more! You do not have to have studied the Talmud in order to attend.
Ongoing
Torah Study with Rabbi Ruhi Sophia
Thursdays, Noon — via Zoom
All are welcome to join Rabbi Ruhi Sophia for an engaging discussion of this week’s Torah portion and how it impacts our lives.
Shabbat Yoga w/Rabbi Solomon
Second Saturday of the month, 1:00-2:00pm
Join Rabbi Solomon via Zoom for chanting and gentle yoga. Ideal to have a mat, some water, and comfortable clothes. Elders, tots, and pets are all welcome!
Learners’ Services
Occasional Saturdays, 9:00am
Not just for b’nai mitzvah students, but for anyone who wants to better understand the flow of the Shabbat morning liturgy. Each session (A-F) focuses on a different section of the service, in rotation. You don’t have to attend them in order. Led by Rabbi Ruhi Sophia.
Next one: February 6 (B).
Exploring Judaism
3rd Sunday of the month, 3:00pm
Join the group for a monthly discussion with the Rabbi and non-Jews, new-Jews and any-Jews interested in exploration. All are welcome, but this is an especially good opportunity for people new to Judaism in general and TBI in particular to learn more and get to know fellow explorers in a welcoming, casual setting. Questions? Contact Mark Watson.
The Vinkl (Yiddish Corner)
Usually the 1st & 3rd Mondays of the month, 2:00pm — via Zoom
(Check the calendar or contact Ellen Rifkin)
Yiddish, or mama-loshn, is one of several languages with which we Jews are blessed. Known for its warmth and wit, it may evoke memories for you, or perhaps be the gate to new knowledge and pleasures. Join us for leyenen (reading), shmuesn (that’s right—shmoozing!), lively debate, and almost always, music with heart-stirring lyrics. New learners encouraged!
Shabbat Torah Study
Saturdays via Zoom, 9:00 am
(8:30 am when b’nai mitzvah celebrated at Shabbat Services)
All are welcome to join a lively exploration of the weekly Torah portion. Torah study is either rabbi-facilitated or lay-led. All levels of experience welcome. Text study is done in English, with occasional close examination of the Hebrew text in an inclusive manner.
Want to share your love of reading?
We have lots of opportunities!
Jewish Literature Series
Reading with the Rabbi
with Rabbi Ruhi Sophia Motzkin Rubenstein
FREE — Donations gratefully accepted
Join Rabbi Ruhi Sophia for a spirited discussion of a relevant contemporary issue, as informed by a work of non-fiction chosen by the rabbi.
This is on hold during the pandemic.
General Information
Yes, absolutely! View brochures from the current and previous terms by clicking the images below.
Each program may have different registration details. View the individual program listing for details and contact information.
Fees or donations for programs scheduled on Shabbat must be paid in advance (or after Shabbat). We will not collect money on Shabbat.
No refunds will be given to registrants who drop classes after the registration deadline.
If classes or events are cancelled due to lack of enrollment (or other unforeseen circumstances), full refunds will be given to prepaid registrants.
All programs meet at Temple Beth Israel unless otherwise noted.
If you are interested in joining the Community Ed Committee or have ideas for teaching or for a class offering, please contact Nina.