Our SCHOLAR-IN-RESIDENCE (Oct 26-28) this year will be Dr. Shuly Rubin Schwartz,  the Irving Lehrman Research Associate Professor of American Jewish History and Dean of Albert A. List College of Jewish Studies at The Jewish Theological Seminary. Dr. Schwartz, who lectures widely on the Jewish family, American Jewish life, and Jewish women's studies, recently won the National Jewish Book Award for her book, The Rabbi's Wife: The Rebbetzin in American Jewish Life.  In addition to her presentations, Dr. Schwartz will lead a special session for teens and their parents on “Choosing a college Jewishly.”

Understanding Prayer - This is a five-session class on selected prayers we chant together during Shabbat morning services. Our goal is to understand the meaning of the Hebrew and to discuss the significance of the prayer.  Knowledge of Hebrew is not required. This class will meet on Mondays at 7:30 p.m. in the synagogue: October 8 and 22; November 5 and 19; December 3. For further details, contact Gershon Vincow at 446-0497.

Writing Your Ethical Will - During her presentation on the Jewish Family, Dr. Schwartz will discuss making an ethical will.  As a follow-up Rabbi Ain will lead a hands-on workshop on developing your own Ethical Will.  Sunday, November 4 at 10:15 a.m..
 
Torah Themes III - A continuing examination of various themes that appear throughout the Torah using the Etz Hayim Study Companion as text. Mondays at noon at SU Hillel: October 8, 22, November 5, 19, Dec. 3.

Converstional Hebrew - For those preparing for a trip to Israel, want to brush up on your skills, or simply want to begin learning a new language.  Tuesday evenings (October 2, 16, 23, 30; November 6, 13, 20, December 4, 11, 18) at 7:30 p.m. in the school wing.

Adult Bar/t Mitzvah - This year long class will give those who never had a bar or bat mitzvah an opportunity to explore their own spiritual and religious growth, engage in Jewish learning, and prepare to take part in a Shabbat service. It will meet on Monday evenings, with Rabbi Ain as the main facilitator. Participation in other, assigned, adult education classes will be expected as well.

Jewish Values in the Talmud - Join us for Friday evening services when, in keeping with this year’s theme of Jewish values and ethics in everyday life, we will draw on themes from Rabbi Dov Peretz Elkins’ book , The Wisdom of Judaism: An Introduction to the Values of the Talmud.  We will discuss what the Talmud tells us about “living a good life.”

Parenting Jewishly -  During this two session class will discuss what it means to be a Jewish parent. The first session will focus on how to bring Jewish life into your home. The second session will look at some of the values of Judaism and how they can be applied to your children. January 27 and February 3 at 10:15 a.m.

Jewish Ethics for Modern Times - What ethical teachings from our tradition  affect our daily lives?  Using chapters from Rabbi Joseph Telushkin’s new book, You Shall be Holy : A Code of Jewish Ethics, Vol. 1 we will discuss how the Torah, the Talmud, rabbinic commentaries and contemporary stories inform our understanding of such topics as: anger, fair speech and criticism, truth and lying, humiliation, and repentance and forgiveness.  Monday evenings at 7:30 on February 4, 18; March 17, 31; April 14.

Torah Themes I - For those who were unable to attend Torah Themes last year, we are repeating Torah Themes I. Using the essays that appear in Etz Hayim Study Companion as a springboard, we will discuss various themes that appear throughout the Torah: Mondays at 7:30 p.m. at the synagogue on February 11, 25; March 3, 24.

The Legacy of Abraham Joshua Heschel - 2007 marked the 100th anniversary of Heschel's birth. Over three meetings, we will discuss selections epitomizing the major themes of Heschel's call to Jews living in the modern world. These include God (How can we sense God's Presence, even in a "scientific" age?), Revelation (How can we hear the word of God in the Bible?), and Redemption (What is the value of the Mitzvot?). After services on January 19, 26; February 2.

Preparing for Purim - This one session class will explore the themes of the scroll of Esther and the mitzvot associated with the holiday of Purim. 7:30 p.m. Monday, March 10.

Conversational Hebrew II - A continuation of Conversational Hebrew I.  Time and Dates to be announced.

Introduction to Rabbinic Theology - Come study some fascinating Rabbinic texts to discover how the Rabbis of 1500 years ago (and more recent of course) explored some of the most pressing questions. Saturdays at 9:00 a.m. February 9,16, 23.

Perspectives on Israel at 60 - During the year we will have several programs and presentations to celebrate Israel’s 60th birthday. 

Beth Sholom Chevra Shas Reads - Our popular book review series will continue.

Synagogue Skills - Courses to assist in developing the skills necessary to lead various parts of the service, chant a Haftorah, or read Torah.