“Do not say, 'I will learn when I have leisure'; you may never have it.” – Pirke Avot 2:5
Current Opportunities
Temple Beth Sholom encourages everyone in our community to engage in lifelong Jewish learning. Our goal is to cultivate Jewish consciousness through increased knowledge and awareness that will lead to action. Join us as together we create a welcoming and challenging place for learning and doing. We encourage our members to be both learners and teachers. For the current opportunities, please check the weekly Temple Talk e-mail, the HaKol Bulletin, and the Program Calendar section of the website.
Where Do I Begin?
An 18-week class for adults seeking to renew their childhood education and/or studying for conversion. Topics include Hebrew, holidays, rituals, prayer, philosophy, and theology. Taste the basics of Jewish life: spirituality, ethics, and community. This is a wonderful course for those new to the congregation, new to Jewish life, or interested in exploring the richness of our tradition. Contact any of the rabbis for more information.
Let Me Give A Sermon
This is an open workshop for those who wish to create and write a d'var Torah (sermonette). The rabbis and sages have methods for teaching the wisdom that flows from our rich texts. A d'var Torah is often given at meetings, study sessions, and services. Participants will meet with Rabbi Davis and will create a d'vvar Torah for our regular Shabbat morning minyan. Contact Rabbi Davis.
Coffee with Rabbi Davis
12:00 -1:00 pm | The second Tuesday of every month
No reservation needed – just stop by. Rabbi Davis will be in the Ulam HaShalom (The Welcome Center) to share a cup of coffee with you. This in an informal opportunity to meet and share life’s journey together.
Spiritual Yoga Classes
9:25 – 10:30 am | Wednesdays
Fee: $10 per class
This experience will be an opportunity to practice yoga within the guidelines of the principles of alignment for safety while creatively following your heart to express Jewish teachings and values. Beginners welcome! The class is led by Lois Tepper.
Torah Study
9:30-10:30 am | Saturdays
Start your Saturday morning with Torah study and a bagel with a schmear of cream cheese. Prior to our morning minyan, you will study Parashat HaShavua, the weekly Torah portion. The rabbis will lead a discussion of ancient commentaries and teachings and reveal the Torah’s modern and relevant lessons.
PACT (People Acting for Community Together)
Temple Beth Sholom is part of the social Justice Network and PACT (People Acting for Community Together). PACT unites, organizes, and trains leaders from diverse congregations, schools, and community groups to build a powerful community voice. We empower ourselves, hold officials accountable, and achieve systemic change. Join with others who want to make a difference and are interested in participating in community grassroots change. For more information, contact chair people Denis Russ or Rabbi Davis.
Melton Adult Mini-School
Temple Beth Sholom partners with the Florence Melton Adult Mini-School. Melton seeks to inspire, enlighten, and challenge adult learners from all segments of the Jewish community to study Judaism seriously. This two-year intensive program of Jewish learning includes Rhythms of Jewish Living, Purposes of Jewish Living, Dramas of Jewish Living Throughout the Ages, and Ethics of Jewish Living. Contact Rabbi Davis or caje-miami.org/melton or 305.576.4030.
Individual Study
Rabbi Pomerantz, Rabbi Davis, Rabbi Bair, Cantor Segal, Barb Shimansky, and Mark Baranek are available to help you design your own study of Jewish text, philosophy, or theology.
Learning in Partnership
Chevruta (partnership) is an age-old method of Jewish text study. In chevruta, two students struggle together with the problems of a text. Partnerships will be created and carefully prepared texts will be provided to enhance this independent study method. Contact Rabbi Davis.
Torah Commentary
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: www.reformjudaism.org/learning.
Prayers and Blessings
The deepest feelings and emotions of the soul have been given voice through our prayers and blessings. The Reform Jewish website, www.reformjudaism.org/practice/prayers-blessings is a wonderful resource for finding prayers for Holidays, Lifecycle Events, Israel, Shabbat, Death, and Mourning, Rituals for Children, Special Moments, Current Events, and Daily Life.
ReformJudaism.org
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: www.ReformJudaism.org
Introduction to Judaism – Where Do I Begin?
An 18-week class for adults seeking to renew their childhood education and/or studying for conversion. Topics include Hebrew, holidays, rituals, prayer, philosophy, and theology. Taste the basics of Jewish life: spirituality, ethics, and community. This is a wonderful course for those new to the congregation, new to Jewish life, or interested in exploring the richness of our tradition. Contact any of the rabbis for more information.
Members of our congregation and community becoming Jews by choice participate in the Union of Reform Judaism (URJ) Introduction to Judaism program. Temple Beth Sholom clergy serve as faculty. The goal of URJ’s Introduction to Judaism program is to empower seekers, individuals, and couples to explore Judaism. Weekly classes are augmented by Shabbat programs and additional experiential components.
