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 all of our classes and most programs being offered on Zoom or live streaming to meet the needs of our congregants during the Covid-19 pandemic. You can scroll below for a link to the summer and fall list of our 2022 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. 44.
(Unless otherwise indicated, all classes are free for members of CBS and $50/class per semester for non-member friends of CBS)
April 23 What Does It Mean To Be Pro-Israel?
American Jewish support for Israel used to be pretty uniform, but those days are gone as individuals and groups find new ways to connect with the Jewish state. Is the “pro-Israel” question even the right one to be asking in 2023?
| Instructor: | Carl Schrag |
| Date: | Sundays 4/23 |
| Time: | 10:00 – 11:15 am |
| Fee: | No charge for CBS members; $50 per semester for non-member friends of CBS |
Bible
The winter semester of bible is replete with opportunities to learn not only from the perspective of one teacher but many. Open your books and open your minds to the breadth of wonder as we learn from teachers around the country.
| Instructor: | Cantor Steven Stoehr |
| Date: | Tuesdays 1/3, 1/10, 1/17, 1/24, 1/31, 2/7, 2/14, 2/28 3/7, 3/21, 4/18, 4/25, 5/2, 5/9 |
| 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 1/3, 1/10, 1/17, 1/24, 1/31, 2/7, 2/14, 2/21, 2/28, 3/7, 3/14, 3/21, 4/18, 4/25, 5/2, 5/9, 5/16, 5/23 |
| Time: | 10:30 – 11:30 am |
| Fee: | No charge for CBS members; $50 per semester for non-member friends of CBS |
How does the weekly parasha relate to our lives as parents? Come for religious school pick-up a little early for a lightning quick study session with Rabbi Chapman.
| Instructor: | Rabbi David Chapman |
| Date: | Tuesdays beginning 1/31 and meeting when Hebrew School is in session. |
| Time: | 5:20 – 5:40 pm |
| Fee: | No charge for CBS members |
In this class we will do a deep dive into Tractate Avodah Zarah which discusses all laws relating to idolatry as well as many laws regulating the interaction between Jews and non-Jews.
Have you always wanted to study Talmud, but never tried? Don’t be afraid to try — this class is taught in English with source material in both English and Hebrew.
| Instructor: | Rabbi David Chapman |
| Date: | Tuesdays 1/31, 2/7, 2/14, 2/21, 2/28, 4/18, 4/25 |
| Time: | 6:30 – 7:40 pm |
| Fee: | No charge for CBS members; $50 per semester for non-member friends of CBS |
Making our Counting Count: Secrets of the Omer
We take a deep dive into the Omer, the auspicious 7-week period between Pesach and Shavout. How can we incorporate insights from Torah, midrash, and kabbalah as we spiritually prepare to receive Torah anew?
| Instructor: | Rabbi David Chapman |
| Date: | Tuesday 4/18 |
| Time: | 6:30 – 7:40 pm |
| Fee: | No charge for CBS members; $100 per semester for non-member friends of CBS |
From The Melting Pot (1908) to Indecent (2015), Jewish dramas have long graced the American stage. Join Rabbi Chapman (a former theater director) for a survey of the greatest Jewish American theatrical works. Since plays are meant to be heard out loud, expect to do “cold readings” (but no acting required to enjoy the class!).
| Instructor: | Rabbi David Chapman |
| Date: | Tuesdays 5/2, 5/9, 5/16, 5/23 |
| Time: | 6:30 – 7:40 pm |
| Fee: | No charge for CBS members; $50 per semester for non-member friends of CBS |
Contemporary Issues in Jewish Law
This class will explore Jewish history and legal precedent through examination of specific topics including The Origins of Jewish Law, Slavery, Intellectual Property, Guns, Telling the Truth, the interplay of Jewish Law and American Law.
MCLE approved for attorneys for 9 CLE credits (including 2 for Professional Responsibility – Ethics).
| Instructor: | Rabbi Aaron Melman |
| Date: | Tuesdays 4/18, (Thursday) 4/27, 5/2, 5/9, 5/16, 5/23 |
| Time: | 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm |
| Fee: | $50.00 for CBS members; $100 for non-member friends of CBS |
People say becoming a grandparent is the best thing since sliced pumpernickel. Maybe so, but with the pleasures come some tensions about grandparent boundaries and interfaith celebrations (if applicable), as well as balancing the Shabbat and Holiday traditions of your home and the parenting modeling which is happening in their home. Stay up late and have ice cream? Sure! Uh-oh!
Let’s share and study together.
| Instructor: | Cantor Steven Stoehr |
| Date: | Wednesdays |
| Time: | 10:30 – 11:40 am |
| Fee: | No charge for CBS members; $40 for non-member friends of CBS |
People say becoming a grandparent is the best thing since sliced pumpernickel. Maybe so, but with the pleasures come some tensions about grandparent boundaries and interfaith celebrations (if applicable), as well as balancing the Shabbat and Holiday traditions of your home and the parenting modeling which is happening in their home. Stay up late and have ice cream? Sure! Uh-oh!
Let’s share and study together.
| Instructor: | Cantor Steven Stoehr |
| Date: | Tuesdays |
| Time: | 6:15 – 7:45 pm |
| Fee: | No charge for CBS members; $40 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
| Instructor: | Eyshe Beirich |
| Date: | Wednesdays 1/4, 1/11, 1/18, 1/25, 2/1, 2/8, 2/15, 2/22, 3/1, 3/8, 3/15, 3/22, 4/19, 4/26, 5/3, 5/10, 5/17, 5/24 |
| Time: | 12:00 – 1:00 pm |
| Fee: | No charge for CBS members; $100 per semester for non-member friends of CBS |
Through slow movements, improve your health, concentration, digestion, balance, flexibility, and overall health. Can be done in a chair or standing.
Class will meet via Zoom
| Instructor: | Allison Deputy, MoonWillow Tai Chi |
| Date: | 1/5, 1/12, 1/19, 1/26, 2/2, 2/9, 2/16, 2/23, 3/2, 3/9, 3/16,3/23, 4/20, 4/27, 5/4, 5/11, 5/18, 5/25 |
| Time: | 9:30 – 10:15 am |
| Fee: | No fee; donation strongly encouraged |
Midrash – The Missing Pieces?
Have you wondered why you can’t find the story about Abraham and the idols in the Torah? Have you thought about why Moses had a speech impediment? What really happened at the Sea of Reeds and who waded in first? Join Rabbi Melman on Thursday mornings at 11:30am to explore these famous stories and so many more. The Midrash, the stories or legends of the rabbis give us a fascinating potential about what might have happened between the lines.
| Instructor: | Rabbi Aaron Melman |
| Date: | Thursdays 2/9, 3/2, 3/9, 3/16, 3/23, 3/30, 4/20, 4/27, 5/4, 5/11, 5/18 |
| Time: | 11:30 am – 12:30 pm |
| Fee: | No charge for CBS members; $50 for non-member friends of CBS |
3433 Walters Avenue, Northbrook, IL 60062
(847) 498-4100 | info@bethshalomnb.org
Monday – Thursday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Friday, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm