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Temple Beth-El has been an innovative and intellectual center for decades with many long standing groups, activities and classes continuing a tradition of learning and growth. 

Our adult education programs are both inspiring and uplifting. Learn more about current events, delve into Torah, enjoy our film series, join us at our Scholar-in-Residence programs, take part in our Temple Retreat, or be in touch with any of the Temple staff to learn about many more options planned for this year.  We would love to see you at our many programs!

Enhance your knowledge of the Jewish people, learn trope, find out about Kabbalah, take part in our grief support group or sign up for one of our many education opportunities.

Contact Shaina Farwell at 773-205-9982 x 208 or to learn more or click here to register for the 2020 Fall Semester Classes.

Adult Opportunities for 2020 – 21

All services and classes take place on Zoom until further notice.

Spiritual Connections

• Casual Morning Minyan and Torah Study – Saturdays 9:30 am
• Festival Services and Lite Lunch for Passover
  • Passover Festival Service – Sunday, March 28, 2021 10:00 am
  • Passover Festival Service and Yizkor – Saturday, April 3, 2021 9:30 am
• Kabbalat Shabbat: Anniversary & Birthday Blessings, Friday Night Speakers – Every Friday at 6:00 pm on Zoom or Facebook Live
• Wednesday Morning Minyan – Wednesdays 7:45 am Schmooze / 8:00 am Service

Soul Food for Jewish Living

• Intermediate Adult Hebrew on Zoom! Contact Ari Moffic if interested or sign up here
  Mondays, 6:00 – 7:00 pm (January 11 – May 10)
  For those who can read Hebrew but want to know what they’re reading: some modern Hebrew and prayer book meaning!
  Cost: $20 for Members / $165 for Non-Members 
  Led by: Ari Moffic

Community Corner

• Chicago Festival of Israeli Cinema
• Annual Community Interfaith Thanksgiving Celebration – Nov 25 at 7:00 pm
• JNF Brunch – TBA
• JUF Brunch – TBA
• The Florence Melton School of Adult Jewish Learning
• Intro to Judaism – From Reform Jewish Chicago, Several Locations and dates available
  • Introduction to Judaism is an engaging 18-session course for anyone who wants to gain a deeper understanding of Jewish life. Discover what could be meaningful to you in liberal Judaism. This course is designed for individuals and couples from various faith traditions and cultural backgrounds and those who have had no religious upbringing. It is perfect for interfaith couples, those raising Jewish children, spiritual seekers, individuals considering conversion, and Jews who want a meaningful adult Jewish learning experience. All people, perspectives, and questions are welcome!
  • Cost: $295 plus cost of textbooks
• Say It In Hebrew Program, JCC Chicago
  • Say it in Hebrew is a conversational program that emphasizes learning the everyday language spoken in Israel so that it is practical, relevant and effective for real life. While the focus is on conversation, reading and writing is also taught. Five levels of instruction are offered. Classes are taught by native speaking master teachers who enjoy helping adult learners reach their language goals.
• AIPAC Policy Conference
  • Travel to Washington D.C. with Rabbi Helbraun and other congregants from Temple Beth-El for the AIPAC Policy Conference, the pro-Israel community’s preeminent annual gathering. Over three jam-packed days, Policy Conference participants choose from hundreds of informative sessions and participate in the pro-Israel community’s largest and most important advocacy day.

New & Ongoing Opportunities – All on Zoom! 

Register online here

Book of Genesis – Mondays (Ongoing) – 7:30 – 8:30 pm

I can’t tell you how many times people have lamented that, now that they’re adults, they wish they had learned more about Judaism when they were kids. I have good news – it’s not too late! Join me on a journey through Genesis (the most interesting book of the Torah) and beyond – starting with the stories of Abraham and Sarah. There’s no homework, and no excuses are ever needed if you miss a class. If you don’t have a copy of the Torah at home, here’s a link to a terrific website www.sefaria.org where you can find one. (They also have an app.) Looking forward to sharing a new experience with you! No cost.
Led by: Rabbi Sidney Helbraun

Talmudic Treasures – Tuesdays (Ongoing) – 9:30  – 11:00 am

Join Rabbi Weissberg’s Tuesday morning class to explore the Talmud, a repository of Jewish wisdom and inspiration. Knowedlge of Hebrew or Aramaic is not a prerequisite. Texts will be provided.
Led by:  Rabbi Victor Weissberg

Please contact Shaina Farwell if you are planning on attending this course. $125 for TBE members, $150 for nonmembers.

The Rest of the Bible: The Books of the Samuel – Friday (Ongoing) – 9:30 – 10:30 am

Every child knows the song David Melekh Yisrael – but do you know his story? Together we will explore the Books of Samuel which introduce us to the prophet who gives David his crown, as well as King Saul (who preceded him) and Solomon who followed. In a world where archeologists are uncovering Biblical features every week in Israel, come and meet the people who lived in that world. If you don’t have a copy of the Bible at home, here’s a link to a terrific website www.sefaria.org where you can find one. (They also have an app.) Looking forward to sharing this experience with you! No cost.
Led by: Rabbi Sidney Helbraun