“Do not say, 'I will learn when I have leisure'; you may never have it.” – Pirke Avot 2:5
Current Opportunities
Torah Study on Shabbat Morning
Start Saturday morning with Torah study and good friends. Each Shabbat morning before our Shabbat Morning Minyan (which starts at 10:30 am), we study Parashat HaShavua, the weekly Torah portion. The Rabbis lead a discussion of ancient commentaries and teachings and reveal the Torah’s modern and relevant lessons. No registration necessary. To be added to the mailing list and receive the weekly study materials for this class contact: Noemi, noemi@tbsmb.org
Every Saturday morning, 9:30 – 10:30 am
Information regarding current in-person access and the Zoom link: tbsmb.org
Taste of Talmud
Join Rabbi Loiben in exploring excerpts of Talmud. We will study a different topic each session with a focus on the lesser-known pieces of text and rabbinic lore. We will study the texts in English using Sefaria with Hebrew/Aramaic side-by-side for reference. All experience levels welcome, no prior Talmud study necessary! - Class concluded in November
Foundations for a Thoughtful Judaism
Rabbi Glickstein will be teaching four (4) separate units consisting of three (3) classes in each unit throughout the year. Each of the 12 classes is independent of the others. You may join as many or as few as you wish. The class will be using the exciting new curriculum created by the Shalom Hartman Institute entitled: Foundations for a Thoughtful Judaism.
• Peoplehood (Session 1): Does the Jewish People have one home or two? We will examine various sources and questions around the idea of Diaspora and the Modern State of Israel. - Class concluded
• Mitzvot-Commandments (Session 2): How do we understand our tradition of obligations, holidays, rituals, etc. in light of our passion for autonomy? We will look at which parts of the Jewish Traditions pull us more strongly than others and why. - Class concluded
• Moral Choices (Session 3): How does Judaism help us make moral choices when we are torn by competing values? In our decisions about how to be an ethical/moral human being, which elements of Judaism can guide us?
Upcoming
• Faith (Session 4): Where does faith come from and what does it entail? What if a Jew denies having faith?
Thursdays, time - 7:00 pm, May 12, 19, 26
Zoom only | Registration and the Zoom link: email Noemi
Tuesday Morning Buchers (Buchers, Definition, from French: to hit the books)
A small (limited to 12) group of congregants and Rabbi Davis meet weekly to study Jewish texts. Each member of the group takes a turn leading a session. The week’s leader will have researched the text for the day and makes a presentation. Then the other members who have also read and researched the portion make comments. Finally, the Rabbi discusses some aspect of the Hebrew or answers questions that have been raised. We are currently studying the Pirke Avot. No Hebrew is necessary. Important: The group is currently at capacity, please contact Rabbi Davis, rarad@tbsmb.org, to be put on the waiting list or if you are interested in participating in a similar group.
Tuesday Mornings, 8:00 - 9:00 am
Let Me Give a Sermon
This is an open workshop for those who wish to create and write a Devar Torah (sermonette). The Rabbis and Sages have methods for teaching the wisdom that flows from our rich texts. A Devar Torah is often given at meetings, study sessions, and services. Participants will meet with Rabbi Davis and will create a Devar Torah for our regular Shabbat morning minyan.
Information: email Rabbi Davis
ReformJudaism.org Information
The Reform Jewish website is a wonderful resource for expanding your knowledge base, seeking wisdom, and learning about the issues and opportunities that we face as modern Jews. Major sections include: Jewish Holidays, Jewish Life, Practice, Learning, Social Justice, and Israel.
Go to: reformjudaism.org
Torah Commentary, Podcasts, Calendar, Translations
Commentaries and study materials for the Torah portion of the week written by leading rabbis and educators of the Reform Movement are available online.
Go to: reformjudaism.org/learning/torah-study
An Inbox of Judaism
The Union for Reform Judaism has a selection of weekly e-mails that you can subscribe to and have delivered to your inbox for you to study at your convenience. Selections include: This Week in Jewish Life, Reform Voices of Torah, The Jewish Dish, Jewish Holiday Guide, and Jewish Life in Your Family Life.
Go to: reformjudaism.org/learning/torah-study
Parenting
“Who is wise? One who learns from everyone.” Pirke Avot 4:1
Making it MESSH:
Supporting our Children in their Growth
Join Barb Shimansky, MSW, MARE, RJE for six monthly sessions geared toward parents who are currently raising children in their home. We will use The Yes Brain by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson as our guide. Reading the book is not required. We will infuse Jewish teachings into our discussions so we can develop a well-rounded approach for how to cultivate positive growth in the areas of MESSH (mental, emotional, social, and spiritual health) for our children. Attend just one session, all six, or anything in-between.
Wednesdays, December 15; January 19; February 23; March 16, 11:30 am – 12:15 pm
Zoom only | Registration and the Zoom link: Email Kimberly.
Tikkun Olam
“If a Mitzvah comes your way, do not delay.” Mekhilta, Bo
Anti-Racism Book Club
Join our Social Justice Fellow Rachel Lilenbaum for our monthly book club in which we explore and critically analyze content on racism and anti-racism. Together we will discuss topics like police brutality, criminal justice, and Black feminism while simultaneously digging deeper into our personal relationship between Judaism and our racial identity. We will be reading various Jewish and Black authors, including Andrea Ritchie, Karen Brodkin, Malcolm X, Rebecca Walker, and bell hooks. The goal of this book club is to expand our anti-racist thinking and integrate it into our daily lives.
Third Thursday of every month, 6:00 pm, January 20; February 17; March 17; April 21; May 19
Access: to be determined | Registration and Access Information: email Rachel Lilenbaum
Basic Judaism
“In the Beginning . . .” Genesis 1:1
Because My Soul Longs for You: Integrating Theology into Our Lives
Join Rabbi Pomerantz in a theological exploration of the concept of Integrated Theology through this new book: Because My Soul Longs for You. The book and class will center around discussions about experiencing (rather than believing in) God through relationships, service and text. We will discuss the chapter written by Rabbi Pomerantz on Experiencing God in Service to Others in addition to several other chapters.
Tuesdays, 6:00 pm, January 11, 18, 25; February 1, 8, 15
Access: to be determined | Registration and Access Information: Noemi, noemi@tbsmb.org
Weekly Meditation Groups (sponsored by the Kavanah Council)
Do you want to be calmer, more centered, more joyful, and make better decisions? Join the Kavanah Council’s weekly Jewish meditation groups via zoom on Tuesdays at 7:00 pm and Fridays at 12 noon. All levels of experience are welcome for learning, sharing, and guided meditation. Please register in advance for the sessions. | Zoom only
• Tuesdays, 7:00 pm, register in advance for this meeting
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
• Fridays, 12 noon, register in advance for this meeting
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
ShalOMming: Learn to Meditate Jewishly (sponsored by the Kavanah Council)
Want to learn to meditate in a fun approachable manner? Marte Singerman leader of the Kavanah Council will teach an experiential, interactive 4-week class to help you get over any fears you may have about meditation and show you how it will improve your life.
Tuesdays, 7:00 pm, October 12, 19, 26; November 2 or Fridays, 12 noon, October 15, 22, 29; November 5
Zoom Only | Registration, Information, and the Zoom link: Marte Singerman, marte@shalommindfulness.com
Kavanah Retreat: Rabbi Lawrence Kushner (sponsored by the Kavanah Council)
Join the Kavanah Retreat for its fifth annual retreat on January 21 and 22, 2022. Rabbi Kushner, our Scholar in residence, has authored 18 books which have been translated into six languages, is a regular NPR commentator, and is one of the most widely read authors on Jewish spiritual life.
Access: to be determined | Register at tbsmb.org/kavanah2022
Mindful Listening (sponsored by the Kavanah Council)
The Kavanah Council presents a special one-hour class on Mindful Listening taught by attorneys Scott Rogers and Paul Steven Singerman. Scott Rogers is the Founder and Director of the Mindfulness in Law Program at the University of Miami and a leader in the area of mindfulness and the law. Paul Steven Singerman is co-chair of the law firm of Berger Singerman and specializes in resolving complex business matters. He is currently representing the State Court Receiver in the Champlain Towers tragedy. Scott and Paul have presented on mindfulness and the law to groups of lawyers and judges throughout the United States including The Florida Bar, The American Bar Association, and the National Conference of Bankruptcy Judges.
Tuesday, January 25, 2022, 7:00 pm
Access: to be determined | Registration and Information: Marte Singerman, marte@shalommindfulness.com
Counting Down the Omer with Elana Arian (sponsored by the Kavanah Council)
Reaching Revelation: Counting Down the Omer is a special Shabbat Morning Minyan Service featuring multi-instrumentalist, singer/songwriter Elana Arian (https://elanaarian.com). Elana is described as “one of the greatest Jewish voices of our time.” No registration needed.
Saturday Morning, April 23, 2022, 10:30 am
Zoom link and information regarding In-person access at tbsmb.org
The Adult Hebrew Prayer Project
Every Wednesday morning a group of Adult Members gather virtually to study, learn, and practice the prayers of our liturgy. The class is taught in English and the ability to read Hebrew at a beginning level is needed to participate. We discuss the content, themes, and role of the individual prayers and praying in general. You will learn whether you are a beginning or an advanced Hebrew reader; and whether you frequently attend services or rarely attend.
Wednesdays, 9:30 am
Zoom only | Registration and the Zoom link: Email Rabbi Davis
The Art of Cantillation
At High Holy Days, if you sit in your seat saying to yourself, “Hmm…I wish I was up there chanting”, then this learning opportunity is for YOU! Contact Cantor Segal to schedule your own private sessions for learning how to chant Torah and/or Haftarah. Hebrew reading is a prerequisite.
Questions? Email Cantor Segal
Israel and Hebrew
“One people, one land and one language.” Hemda Ben-Yehudah
Israel on the Net
There are many sites to learn about Israel on the Internet. We encourage you to surf and explore. Mark Baranek is available to you to help you discover the latest information and news about Israel. Please contact Mark for more information or additional resources, mark@tbsmb.org. Here are just a few:
• timesofisrael.com
• jnf.org/visit-israel/jnf-virtual-tours-to-israel
• myjewishlearning.com/article/contemporary-israel-101
Weekly Israeli Updates
Join Mark Baranek each week for a concise update on the current events in Israel. Politics, Culture, and Technology are just some of the areas that are covered.
Mondays, 4:00 pm
Zoom only | Information and the Zoom link: Email Mark Baranek
Biblical Hebrew
Rabbi Davis will support you in learning the basics of Biblical Hebrew using the book, The First Hebrew Primer. The focus will be on reading Hebrew. You must know all the Hebrew letters and vowels to participate in this class. Hebrew readers are encouraged to join and be part of the learning and teaching experience.
Mondays, 11:30 -12 noon, beginning October 11
Zoom only | Registration and the Zoom link: Email Noemi
Honoring our Ancestors
“The patriarchs met God in the heights, at mountains and at ladders, but they also dug wells. They found God in the depths of human experience.” Arthur Green
Honoring the Memory of Rabbi Leon Kronish
Rabbi Leon Kronish, the Founding Senior Rabbi of Temple Beth Sholom, was born on February 21, 1917. 2022 marks what would have been his 105th birthday. In honor of Rabbi Kronish, Rabbi Gary Glickstein will conduct an open discussion around the issues causing the purportedly increasing divide between American Jews and the Jewish State.
Monday, February 21, 2022, 7:00 pm
Zoom Only | Registration and the Zoom link: Email Noemi.
Honoring the Memory of Rabbi Harry Jolt
Rabbi Harry Jolt blessed us with his vast wisdom, delightful sense of humor, and keen insights for many years. On the day before what would have been Rabbi Jolt’s 118th birthday, Rabbi Davis will lead this study of Pirke Avot, one of Rabbi Jolt’s favorite texts.
Wednesday, February 2, 2022, 5:00 pm
Zoom Only | Noemi, noemi@tbsmb.org or tbsmb.org
Enjoyment and Learning
“There are sparks of holiness in everything.” Rabbi Dov Baer of Mezeritch
Book Discussions
Mark Baranek will lead discussions on a variety of Jewish-themed books. Both fiction and non-fiction will be featured.
• Ethel Rosenberg: An American Tragedy by Anne Seba, Monday, December 13, 7:00 pm
• The Netanyahus: An Account of a Minor and Ultimately Even Negligible Episode in the History of a Very Famous Family by Joshua Cohen, Wednesday, January 19, 7:00 pm
• Agent Sonya by Ben Macintyre, Monday, February 28, 7:00 pm
• The People on the Beach by Rosie Whitehouse, Thursday, March 17, 7:00 pm
• Jacob’s Ladder by Ludmila Ulitskaya, Monday, April 4, 7:00 pm
Zoom only | Registration and the Zoom link: Mark Baranek, mark@tbsmb.org
Shtiesel, Fauda, Unorthodox: The Immense Popularity of Israeli TV in the USA
Mark Baranak will analyze the global success of Israeli television. We will see video clips from some of Israel’s most successful series and look at some shows you might not have heard of (yet).
Wednesday, February 9, 7:00 pm.
Access: to be determined | Registration and Access Information: Mark Baranek, mark@tbsmb.org
Great Jewish Comedians of the Past: A Deeper Look
Join Mark Baranek for this 3-part series focusing on some of the great 20th Century Jewish Comedians who have recently passed away. We will watch film clips of their greatest moments and discuss their influence on modern culture.
• Carl Reiner - Monday, October 4, 7:00 pm
• Jerry Stiller - Monday, November 8, 7:00 pm
• Jackie Mason - Monday, December 6, 7:00 pm
Zoom only | Registration and the Zoom link: Mark Baranek, mark@tbsmb.org or tbsmb.org
Podcast: My Jewish World
Join Mark Baranek for a bi-weekly podcast where he will explore different aspects of the Jewish world including: Politics, Films, Music, Books and other subjects. There will be periodic guests joining the Podcast.
Information and Access Information: Mark Baranek, mark@tbsmb.org
