Adult Education / CBS University

Adult Education / CBS University

All Are Welcome to Learn at CBS University!

Jewish learning lasts a lifetime…

Congregation Beth Shalom offers an extensive adult education program called CBS University that includes special programming and classes for all members. Throughout the year we offer courses that might include Hebrew, Bible, current events, theology, philosophy, Talmud, film, history and so much more. To meet the needs of our constituents we offer classes at a variety of days and times. We continue to explore the world of online learning that began with our Mitzvah Initiative and Two Minute Torah series and continues now with many of our classes and programs being offered on Zoom or live streaming to meet the needs of our congregants. While we love being able to “come to you” if you can’t come to us, please remember that there is no substitution for learning in person. Technology is wonderful until the one day that it doesn’t work as well as it should! 

You can scroll below for our upcoming/current classes.

Over the past several years we have collaborated with other institutions offering adult education. Together we have shared resources and developed programming that is of the highest caliber.

To learn more about CBS University at Congregation Beth Shalom, or about the Adult Education Committee, please contact Leann Blue either via e-mail or by calling Congregation Beth Shalom at 847-498-4100 ext. 144.

CBS U at a Glance…Winter / Spring:

Distinguished Speaker & Scholar – In – Residence Rabbi Shmuly Yanklowitz — Joined us for an INSPIRING WEEKEND

To view pictures of the weekend events Click Here

Israel in Depth – 2024 – Session Topics – All topics for Israel in Depth are subject to change depending on what is happening in Israel at the time.

Instructor Carl Schrag

 

March 10, 2024 – Israel’s Constitutional Moment:  Why the country has no constitution and how that might change

Register Here

May 19, 2024 (no breakfast) – Friends in High Places:  Mapping support for Israel among Americans – Jews and non-Jews

Join us for Minyan at 8:45 am, stay for breakfast (unless noted otherwise), and then join us, immediately following breakfast as we discuss these topics so important to Israel’s future and past. There will be a separate registration form for each session.

 

NEW CLASS – Two Musicals

Join Rabbi Chapman as he discusses two classic Jewish Musicals.  The first musicals to be discussed is Funny Girl and Parade.
The second musical is TBD.

Instructor:   Rabbi David Chapman
Dates Monday  3/4
Time: 6:30 pm
Fee: No charge for CBS members, $20 per semester for non-member friends of CBS

Bible

Class will meet in person and via Zoom:

Instructor:   Cantor Steven Stoehr
Date:  Tuesdays 1/9/2024, 1/16, 1/23, 1/30, 2/6, 2/13, 2/20, 4/2. 4/9
Time: 9:15 – 10:15 am
Fee: No charge for CBS members; $50 per semester for non-member friends of CBS

 

New Pop-Up Class – The Book of Esther – 4 Classes Only!

The Book of Esther is one of the best known but least understood stories in our tradition.  Join Rabbi Melman and Rabbi Chapman for this 4-session mini course and take a new look at this familiar tale.  Just in time for Purim!

Class will meet in person and via Zoom:

Instructor: Rabbi Aaron Melman & Rabbi David Chapman
Date: Tuesdays 2/27, 3/5, 3/12, 3/19
Time: 9:15 – 10:15 am
Fee: No charge for CBS members; $40 per semester for non-member friends of CBS

Register here for this Pop-up Class

 

Jewish News of the World

This weekly discussion-based class zooms in on local, national, and global news through a distinctly Jewish lens. We’ll talk about politics, Israel, anti-Semitism, anti-Zionism, rifts in our Jewish community, local and global Jewish affairs, campus life, and the intersection between these topics and more. Carl Schrag, who was the Editor of the Jerusalem Post, brings a journalist’s probing questions to every topic.

Class will meet in person and via Zoom:

Instructor:   Carl Schrag
Date: Tuesdays  1/9/2024, 1/16, 1/23, 1/30, 2/6, 2/13, 2/20, 2/27, 3/5, 3/12, 3/19, 4/2, 4/9, 4/16, 5/7, 5/14, 5/21
Time: 10:30 – 11:30 am
Fee: No charge for CBS members; $50 per semester for non-member friends of CBS

Talmud in Translation:  A Close Read of Avodah Zarah

 

On the surface, Avodah Zarah is an elaboration of the Biblical injunction against idol worship. But on a deeper level, the rabbis are struggling to figure out how Jews can live alongside non-Jews without compromising our values and beliefs.  Many scholars consider Avodah Zarah to be the most dangerous and controversial tractate of the Talmud. Throughout our deep dive into this material, we will try to discover why. 

Instructor: Rabbi David Chapman
Date: Tuesday 1/30, 2/13, 2/20, 2/27, 3/5, 3/12, 3/19, 4/2, 
Time: 6:30 – 7:40 pm
Fee: No charge for CBS members; $50 per semester for non-member friends of CBS

 

NEW CLASS – The Art of Cantillation

Learn to chant Trope melodies.  Recognize trope symbols.  Apply that teaching to chanting Torah.  This class is for those who would like to be active participants in this ancient ritual and join our “Yad Squad” of Torah readers.

Class will meet via Zoom only:

Instructor:   Randi Simon
Date:  Tuesday  1/16, 1/23, 1/30, 2/6, 2/13, 2/20
Time: 7:00 – 7:45 pm 
Fee: No charge for CBS members


Yiddish — by permission only 

Beginning Yiddish will equip you with the skills to begin reading, writing, and expressing yourself in the Yiddish language. While you learn, you will also be exposed to classics of Yiddish culture, song, and literature, all the while gaining personalized instruction towards your goals with Yiddish.

Class will meet via Zoom only:

Instructor:   Annie Kaufman
Date: Wednesdays 1/10/2024, 1/17, 1/24, 1/31, 2/7, 2/14, 2/21, 2/28, 3/6, 3/13, 3/20, 4/3, 4/10, 4/17, 5/1, 5/8, 5/15, 5/22, 5/29
Time: 12:00 – 1:00 pm 
Fee: No charge for CBS members; $100 per semester for non-member friends of CBS

 

Tai Chi Sponsored by HAZAK 

If you haven’t tried this class yet, and have been looking at it for awhile, NOW is the time . . .  REGISTER!  Through slow movements, improve your health, concentration, digestion, balance, flexibility, and overall health.  Can be done in a chair or standing.  If you are not free at this time, no problems REGISTER and watch the video you will receive following class and do it when you have time.

Class will meet via Zoom only:

Instructor:   Allison Deputy, MoonWillow Tai Chi
Date:  Thursdays 1/11/2024, 1/18, 1/25, 2/1, 2/8, 2/15, 2/22, 2/29, 3/7, 3/14, 3/21, 4/4, 4/11, 4/18, 4/25, 5/2, 5/9, 5/16, 5/23 
Time: 9:30 – 10:15 am
Fee: No fee; donation strongly encouraged

Midrash

Class will meet in person and via Zoom 

Instructor:   Rabbi Aaron Melman
Date:  Thursdays  1/18, 1/25, 2/1, 2/8/2024, 2/15, 2/22, 2/29, 3/7. 3/14, 4/4, 4/11, 4/18, 5/2, 5/9, 5/16, 5/23 
Time: 11:00 – 12:00 pm  Please note TIME
Fee: No charge for CBS members; $50 per semester for non-member friends of CBS

Returning – Contemporary Issues in Jewish Law — Part V

Class will meet in person and via Zoom 
Register before March 22nd to ensure receipt of your course materials in a timely manner.

The Changing Face of Jewish Law
A Jewish Response to  Dying

Burial/Cremation
Surrogacy
Jewish Divorce:  A Deeper Dive (incl. Prenuptial Agreements)

MCLE approved for attorneys for 9 CLE credits

 

Instructor:   Rabbi Aaron Melman and Rabbi David Chapman
Dates: Thursdays 4/18, 4/25, 5/2, 5/8 (Wednesday), 5/16 & 5/23     
Time: 7:00 – 8:30 pm
Fee: $50 for CBS Members; $100 for Non-members

                            Register Here

Movies with Melman – Please note NEW MOVIE    

Golda (2023) Focuses on the intensely dramatic and high-stakes responsibilities and decisions that Golda Meir, also known as the ‘Iron Lady of Israel,’ faced during the Yom Kippur War. Stars Helen Mirren, Zed Josef, and Claudette Williams.  Directed by Guy Nattiv.

We would prefer you attend this class in-person, you need to notify us if you will be joining us for the movie showing.

Instructor:   Rabbi Aaron Melman
Date: 4/9/2024 movie TBD shown at CBS| 4/11 – movie discussion 
Time: 6:30 – 8:30 pm  (movie viewing)   |    6:30 – 7:40 pm (movie discussion)
Fee: No charge for CBS members; $50 per semester for non-member friends of CBS

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

 

CBS U Class Offerings Winter / Spring – Printable Version 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Looking for something fun to watch on TV?

CLICK HERE FOR JONATHAN MUSSMAN’S NETFLIX SUGGESTIONS