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.
For more information and for Zoom links, please sign up for This Week @ TBI, our weekly e-newsletter.
Our congregational theme for 5782 is Rodef Shalom, pursuing peace. Our Community Education offerings this year aim to provide pathways for us to become pursuers of peace, each in our own way. Together we will explore themes of sacred time, productive dispute, personal resilience, our relationship to Israel and Palestine, and the relevance of Judaism in our lives. We invite you to become a rodef shalom, pursuer of peace.
How to be a rodef shalom? A person should be a pursuer of peace among people, between each and every one. Go out from one’s own place, search in the world and pursue peace among people. – Avot d’Rabbi Natan
In honor of TBI’s theme for 5782, “pursuing peace,” this series explored the efforts and experiences of Israelis and Palestinians who invest their energy and resources in building the shared society they envision. It is our hope that their presentations broke down the false binary of “supporting Israel” versus “supporting Palestinians” and instead allowed our members to engage with the many possible visions of a just society in Israel–and to get to know and support the Israelis and Palestinians already working towards those visions.
March 13: Parents Circle – Families Forum in Israel & Palestine
November 21: Friends of Roots
» Learn more about Friends of Roots here
October 31: Standing Together
» Watch recording on our YouTube channel
Sundays, 10:00am, via Zoom (See the e-news for the Zoom link.)
with Deborah Green, Professor of Ancient Religion, Bible, and Rabbinic Interpretation
Learn about נ”ך (naḥ) – the Prophets and Writings parts of the Hebrew Bible. Deborah Green, professor of ancient religion, Bible, and rabbinic interpretation leads a weekly discussion on these two often overlooked sections of the Bible. Our ḥevruta (study group) reads together in English and explore one or two chapters each week. You need access only to a Jewish Bible in English, preferably the Jewish Publication Society translation, and an inquisitive mind.
Thursdays, Noon — via Zoom
All are welcome for an engaging discussion of this week’s Torah portion and how it impacts our lives. See the weekly e-news for the Zoom link.
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.
There are two remaining, from 11:00am – Noon, on Zoom
(See weekly e-news for Zoom link)
E: Choreography of Prayer & Our Ancestral Roots: Kaddish – Apr 9
F: Climbing the Mountain: Torah Service – May 14
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.
Usually the 1st & 3rd Mondays of the month, 2:00pm — via Zoom
(Contact Ellen Rifkin for the Zoom link.)
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!
Saturdays via Zoom, 8:45 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. All levels of experience welcome. Text study is done in English, with occasional close examination of the Hebrew text in an inclusive manner.
April 28:
The Muralist
by B.A. Shapiro
May 23:
The Unanswered Letter
by Faris Cassell
She will be with us in person.
June 23:
Our Country Friends
by Gary Shteyngart
July 28:
The Fixer
by Bernard Malamud
Contact Martha Ravits for details and Zoom link
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.
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.