Traditional Classes
Continuing the Traditions of Our People, From Generation to Generation. New classes are entered throughout the year, so please check back.
Year Round Courses:
Beit Midrash Program
Led by Rabbi David Kornberg
Mondays 6:30 - 8:00 pm
No charge, compliments of Congregation Beth Am
Location: Zoom Classroom | Password Protected
Contact Bonnie Cohen for Zoom information.
Rabbi Kornberg’s Beit Midrash class has been a pillar of learning here at Beth Am for nearly 20 years. In it we open ourselves to the wisdom and depth of Rabbinic Texts, reflecting on topics relevant to today’s world. No previous experience is necessary, and all our texts are in English. Join us!
Lunch & Learn with Rabbi Earne
Led by Rabbi Matthew Earne
Wednesdays 12:00 - 1:00 pm
No charge, compliments of Congregation Beth Am
Location: Zoom Classroom | Password Protected
Contact Rabbi Earne for Zoom information.
Nourish both the body and mind as you explore the weekly Parasha with Rabbi Earne. Bring your own dairy lunch and see what this week’s Torah reading has to teach us. No previous experience is necessary, and all our texts are in English.
Trimester I Courses
Basic Judaism I - Practical Judaism
Led by Rabbi David Kornberg
Tuesdays | 6:30 - 7:30 pm
(Sept. 5, 12, Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, Nov. 7, 14, 28)
No Class: Sept. 19, 26, Nov. 21.
No charge, compliments of Congregation Beth Am
Location: Beit Midrash Room
Zoom Classroom | Password Protected
Contact Bonnie Cohen for Zoom information.
Following on the theme of Back to Basics, this series of classes offers all of us the opportunity to remember where we come from and to experience the fundamentals of our Tradition as adults. These courses are ideal for both those looking to convert to Judaism as well as those who want to reconnect with the wisdom our Tradition offers. This section examines how we live as Jews. We will look deeply into the life cycle events, holy days and calendar that shape the rhythms of our lives, as well as the mitzvot such as Shabbat and Kashrut that allow us to live our values.
Egalitarianism in Judaism
Led by Rabbi David Kornberg
Tuesdays | 7:30 - 8:30 pm
(Oct. 17, 24, Nov. 7, 14, 28)
No Class: Oct. 31, Nov. 21.
No charge, compliments of Congregation Beth Am
Location: Zoom Classroom | Password Protected
Contact Bonnie Cohen for Zoom information.
In most Conservative synagogues, Beth Am included, the idea of an equal role and opportunity for both men and women has become fundamental. Why do we allow it and the Orthodox movements do not? This class will help us understand the history of this development and the Jewish sources that are used by the different movements to support their positions. All sources will be taught in English.
Trimester II Courses
Basic Judaism II - What We Believe
Led by Rabbi David Kornberg
Tuesdays | 6:30 - 7:30 pm
(January 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, February 6, 13, 20, 27, March 5, 2024)
No charge, compliments of Congregation Beth Am
Location: Beit Midrash Room
Zoom Classroom | Password Protected
Following on the theme of Back to Basics, this series of classes offers all of us the opportunity to remember where we come from and to experience the fundamentals of our Tradition as adults. These courses are ideal for both those looking to convert to Judaism as well as those who want to reconnect with the wisdom our Tradition offers. In this section we will focus on Jewish tradition which provides us not only with a pattern for life but also purpose and meaning. These classes will examine our fundamental belief in God and how we differ from other religions as well as the other denominations of Judaism.
Book of Chronicles
Led by Rabbi David Kornberg
Tuesdays | 7:30 - 8:30 pm
(January 9, 16, 23, 30, February 6, 2024)
No charge, compliments of Congregation Beth Am
Location: Beit Midrash Room
Zoom Classroom | Password Protected
The next book in Rabbi Kornberg’s series of the “more obscure books of the Bible” is the Book of Chronicles. It is the final book of the Tanakh and contains the story of “everything” from Adam to the return of the people of Israel under Cyrus the Great. It provides a unique and different perspective to the stories and history we all know so well. All sources will be taught in English.
Trimester III Courses
Basic Judaism III - Jewish History
Led by Rabbi David Kornberg
Tuesdays | 6:30 - 7:30 pm
(March 19, 26, April 2, 9, 16, May 7, 14, 21, 28, June 4, 2024)
No class April 23, 30
No charge, compliments of Congregation Beth Am
Location: Zoom Classroom | Password Protected
Following on the theme of Back to Basics, this series of classes offers all of us the opportunity to remember where we come from and to experience the fundamentals of our Tradition as adults. These courses are ideal for both those looking to convert to Judaism as well as those who want to reconnect with the wisdom our Tradition offers. There is no doubt that who we are is, to some degree, a product of what has happened to us throughout the ages. By learning Jewish history, we learn what makes us Jews. These classes will start with our biblical history and look at what has occurred all the way to today’s news reports.
Led by Rabbi David Kornberg
Tuesdays | 7:30 - 8:30 pm
(March 19, 26, April 2, 9, 16, 2024)
No charge, compliments of Congregation Beth Am
Location: Zoom Classroom | Password Protected
Middot are spiritual traits, virtues, attributes and ideas that are highlighted in our Musar (a Jewish spiritual practice that gives concrete instructions on how to live a meaningful and ethical life, www.myjewishearning.com) literature. They provide guidance and grounding for us as we live in this turbulent and fast-paced world. They help us to grow and challenge us to be the best version of ourselves. Rabbi Kornberg will take us through some of the most powerful and meaningful of these Middot in this class. All sources will be taught in English.
