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.
(Unless otherwise indicated, all classes are free for members of CBS and $50/class per semester for non-member friends of CBS)
October 22, 2023 – Israel Update: What’s the story behind the government’s judicial reform plans?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.
Highlights of the Haftarot cycle.
Class will meet in person and via Zoom:
| Instructor: | Rabbi David Chapman |
| Date: | Tuesdays 10/17, 10/24, 10/31, 11/7, 11/14, 11/21, 11/28 |
| Time: | 9:15 – 10:15 am |
| Fee: | No charge for CBS members; $50 per semester for non-member friends of CBS |
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 8/8, 8/15,/22, 8/29, 9/5, 9/12, 10/3, 10/10, 10/17, 10/24, 10/31, 11/7, 11/14, 11/21, 11/28, 12/5, 12/12, 12/19 |
| Time: | 10:30 – 11:30 am |
| Fee: | No charge for CBS members; $50 per semester for non-member friends of CBS |
Each one of the holidays in the Hebrew Calendar is a SOURCE OF FORCE, according to the kabbalistic teachings. Join us as we explain the power of the month of Elul and Rosh Hashanah, and how to bring complete fulfillment into our lives.
Kabbalah explains that these holidays are not historical events nor dates in the calendar that are important to remember. On the other hand, kabbalah says that these dates are a great opportunity to bring a huge amount of Light into our lives of all our surroundings.
How do we do that? We do that by praying and studying and by understanding what it is that G-d wants for al of us. And what G-d wants for us is total happiness and freedom.
Class will meet via Zoom only:
| Instructor: | Cantor Victor Geigner |
| Date: | Wednesdays 8/23, 8/30, 9/6 |
| Time: | 9:00 – 10:15 am |
| Fee: | No charge for CBS members; $50 per semester for non-member friends of CBS |
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: | Eyshe Beirich |
| Date: | Wednesdays 8/2, 8/9, 8/16, 8/23, 8/30, 9/6, 9/13, 9/20, 9/27, 10/4, 10/11, 10/18, 10/25, 11/1, 11/8, 11/15, 11/29, 12/6, 12/13, 12/20 |
| Time: | 12:00 – 1:00 pm |
| Fee: | No charge for CBS members; $100 per semester for non-member friends of CBS |
GrandparentingClass will meet in person and via Zoom only:
| Instructor: | Cantor Steven Stoehr |
| Date: | Wednesdays 10/11, 10/25, 11/1 |
| Time: | 6:30 – 7:45 pm |
| Fee: | No charge for CBS members; $50 per semester for non-member friends of CBS |
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 8/10, 8/17, 8/24, 8/31, 9/7, 9/14, 9/21, 9/28, 10/5, 10/12, 10/19, 10/26, 11/2, 11/9, 11/16, 11/30, 12/7, 12/14, 12/21 |
| Time: | 9:30 – 10:15 am |
| Fee: | No fee; donation strongly encouraged |
Class will meet in person and via Zoom only:
| Instructor: | Rabbi Aaron Melman |
| Date: | Thursdays 10/12, 10/19, 11/9, 11/16, 12/7, 12/14, 12/21 |
| Time: | 11:00 – 12:00 pm Please note NEW TIME |
| Fee: | No charge for CBS members; $50 per semester for non-member friends of CBS |
Uncut Gems (2019) Howard Ratner (Adam Sandler) is a once successful New York gems dealer whose gambling addiction has left his family and career in shambles. With his debts mounting and angry collectors closing in, a fast-talking New York City jeweler risks everything in hopes of staying afloat and alive. We will discuss the Jewish elements of the film – are they real or typical stereotypes?
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: | Thursdays 12/14 – Uncut Gems – shown at CBS | 12/21 – 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 |
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3433 Walters Avenue, Northbrook, IL 60062
(847) 498-4100 |
Monday – Thursday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Friday, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm