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 Audrey Taxer either via e-mail or by calling Congregation Beth Shalom at 847-498-4100 ext. 145.
January 19, 2025 – Exploring Israel’s Supreme Court
Join us for Minyan at 8:45 am, then enjoy breakfast sponsored by Men’s Club (unless noted otherwise), and stay for Israel in Depth, as we discuss these topics so important to Israel’s future and past. There will be a separate registration form for each session.
With the popularity of the Book of Esther and by your request we are continuing this very popular class. We will also discuss Ruth, Lamentations, Ecclesiastes and Song of Songs.
| Instructor: | Rabbi David Chapman |
| Dates | Mondays 1/6, 1/13, 1/27, 2/3, 2/10, 2/24, 3/3, 3/10, 3/17, 3/31, 4/7, 4/21, 4/28, 5/5, 5/12, 5/19 |
| Time: | 11:30 am – 12:30 pm |
| Fee: | No charge for CBS members, $50 per person 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 1/14, 1/21, 1/28, 2/4, 2/11, 2/18, 2/25, 3/4, 3/11, 3/18, 4/1, 4/8, 4/22, 4/29, 5/6, 5/13, 5/20 |
| Time: | 10:30 – 11:30 am |
| Fee: | No charge for CBS members; $50 per person person semester for non-member friends of CBS |
What is Jewish Music? How did the music we know and love evolve to where it is? Why is music such a core part of the Jewish experience? Join Cantor Ben Tisser
for Sippurei Musica (Stories of Music) – a course designed by the Milken Archives of American Jewish Music and the UCLA School of Music – to explore these questions and more?
We will be exposed to familiar and new music, and meet the personalities associated, giving us a deeper appreciation for the beautiful musical traditions that are ours.
Class will meet in person and via Zoom. Zoom participants will only be able to view the class there will be no discussion or Q & A via Zoom.
| Instructor: | Cantor Ben Tisser |
| Date: | Tuesdays 1/7, 1/14, 1/21, 1/28, 2/4, 2/18, 2/25, 3/4, 3/11, 4/1, 4/8, 4/29, 5/6 |
| Time: | 11:45 – 12:45 pm |
| Fee: | No charge for CBS members; $50 per person per semester for non-member friends of CBS |
” Why study Talmud? The Talmud is a central pillar for understanding Judaism…a compendium of law, philosophy, legend and even some jokes. It is a way of life and a way to understand life.
In Talmud in Translation, we will delve into the language, the personalities, and the power of this ancient but totally relevant text.”
This class will have a new format, one four-week session and one three-week session. Material in each session will be different.
Class will meet in person and via Zoom:
| Instructor: | Rabbi David Chapman and Cantor Steven Stoehr |
| Date: | Tuesday – 1/7, 1/14, 1/21, 1/28, 3/4, 3/11, 3/18 |
| Time: | 6:30 pm – 7:40 pm |
| Fee: | No charge for CBS members; $50 per person per semester for non-member friends of CBS |
This class will explore Jewish history and legal precedent through examination of specific topics including: Honesty, Swearing to God, Chevre Kaddishse, Kashrut and lab-grown meat, Jurisdiction (civil law vs halacha), Jewish Law in Space (the moon).
MCLE approved for attorney for 9 CLE credits.
This class will meet in person and Via Zoom (Multi-Access)
| Instructor: | Rabbi David Chapman and Cantor Steven Stoehr |
| Dates: | Tuesdays – 4/1, 4/8, 4/15, 4/22, 4/29, 5/6 |
| Time: | 7:00 – 8:30 pm |
| Fee: | $50 for CBS members; $100 for non-CBS members |
The Catskills come to Northbrook (at CBS and Tamarisk, Tamarisk residents do not need to pre-register).
This reach-back into Jewish culture memories is intended to introduce class attendees to the magical hamlet called the Catskills. (Yes the place on which the movie Dirty Dancing was based).
We will talk about the personalities and talents of those who brought this mountain range ‘Brigadoon’ to life every summer. Enjoy Jewish Humor and music as we take a trip down memory lane.
This class will meet in person and via Zoom.
| Instructor: | Cantor Steven Stoehr |
| Date: | Wednesdays 1/15, 1/29, 2/26, 3/12, 4/9, 4/23, 5/7 |
| Time: | 9:15 – 10:15 am |
| Fee: | No charge for CBS members; $50 per person per semester for non-member friends of CBS |
What does Judaism have to do with astrology? As it says in Siddur Lev Shalem, “The circuit of the months of the year is marked by the dominance of different constellations of the stars. Synagogues were often adorned with images of these constellations, as if in entering the synagogue one had ascended to heaven.” Join Cantor Victor Geigner one day each month to see how the kabbalists related traits associated with each constellation to each of the Hebrew months.
Class will meet via Zoom only.
| Instructor: | Cantor Victor Geigner |
| Date: | Wednesdays – 1/8, 1/29, 2/26, 3/19, 4/23, 5/28 some classes may require a second class which Cantor Geigner will add as needed. |
| Time: | 10:30 – 11:45 am |
| Fee: | No charge for CBS members; $50 per semester for non-member friends of CBS |
This relaxed atmosphere of Jewish Cantorial Music is going to expose those who join us to some of the true classics of Liturgical music and the Golden Era of Hazzanut.
Don’t be surprised, if now and again, a little L’Chiam takes place as we toast the founding voices of our treasured synagogue musical heritage.
This class meets in person only.
| Instructor: | Cantor Steven Stoehr |
| Dates: | Wednesdays |
| Time: | |
| 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. Our class can be done in a chair or standing. If you are not free at this time, no problem! 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 1/9, 1/16, 1/23, 1/30, 2/6, 2/13, 2/20, 2/27, 3/6, 3/13, 3/20, 4/3, 4/10, 4/17, 4/24, 5/1, 5/8, 5/15, 5/22, 5/29 |
| Time: | 9:30 – 10:15 am |
| Fee: | No fee; donation strongly encouraged |
Whether you are a beginning Hebrew reader or would just like a refresher. Join Susan as she uses our new prayer book Siddur Lev Shalem to teach you hebrew and get you familiar with the prayers. This class will meet in person only.
| Instructor: | Susan Stoehr |
| Date: | Thursdays 1/9, 1/23, 1/30, 2/6, 2/13, 2/20, 2/27, 3/6, 3/13, 3/20, 4/3, 4/10, 4/24, 5/1, 5/8, 5/15, 5/22, 5/29 |
| Time: | 11:00 am – 12:00 pm |
| Fee: | No charge for CBS members; $100 per person per semester for non-member friends of CBS |
This class will meet monthly via Zoom Only!
| Instructor: | Rabbi David Chapman |
| Dates: | Thursdays 1/23, 2/20, 3/20, 4/17, 5/22 |
| Time: | 9:00 – 10:00 pm |
| Fee: | Free for CBS Members; $30 per person per semester for non-member Friends of CBS |
Join us on April 28 as we discuss the play and other works by Joshua Harmon. We will then meet at North Light Theatre on May 4th
at 2:30 pm to view the matinee performance. If you have Northlight tickets, and would like to learn more about the play, join us for the
pop-up class. Or join us at the theatre, as we follow five generations of a French-Jewish Family.
| Instructor: | Rabbi David Chapman |
| Date: | Monday 4/28 – Pop-Up Class Sunday 5/4 – Theatre Outing |
| Time: | 4:00 pm – Pop-Up Class 2:30 pm – Theatre Outing |
| Fee: | Pop-Up Class Free for CBS Members Non-Members $10 Theatre Tickets $48 per person |
CBS U Class Offerings Fall – Printable Version
Register Here for Winter Spring Classes
3433 Walters Avenue, Northbrook, IL 60062
(847) 498-4100 |
Monday – Thursday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Friday, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
