LIFELONG LEARNING
Education is a continuing commitment for persons of all ages. We sponsor a variety of introductory, intermediate, and advanced courses in Hebrew Language and Jewish Studies ranging from a single session to a year-long commitment. We join with other Reform congregations in sponsoring an Introduction to Judaism course. We also host book discussions, guest lectures, scholar-in-residence, and family workshops, as well as special events throughout the year, open to the community. Finally, we offer links to the many other institutions of Jewish learning throughout New York City. Please contact AdultEd@bhsbrooklyn.org or call 718-522-2070 x138 if you have any questions.
Classes with Visiting Lecturers
Intro to Judaism
Led by Rabbi Sue Oren
This 20-session course begins on Sunday, November 10 and Thursday, November 14, 2024
Thursdays from 7:00pm-9:00pm in-person (w/hybrid option)
Sundays from 7:30pm-9:30pm on ZOOM only
In a warm and open environment, explore Jewish thought, prayer and practice, learn about Jewish history and holidays, wrestle with inherited texts and contemporary issues, discuss Jewish views of God, ethics, life and death.
For registration and questions, contact Rabbi Sue Oren at introclass@postpro.net or (917) 539-1334.
Introduction to Hebrew Calligraphy
Taught by Naomi Weinberger
This 9-session course begins on Monday, November 18, 2024
Discover the art of Hebrew calligraphy in this 9-week beginner's course, designed to introduce you to the forms and fashioning of these ancient letters.
Boost your confidence and familiarity by learning to draw the Hebrew letters. In this class you will learn how the Hebrew letters are constructed, as Naomi teaches you a basic foundational Hebrew script. The Hebrew letters combine proportion and space to achieve a timeless beauty for each of the letterforms. Delve into this fascinating script and preserve this ancient art form. No prior experience is required!
Naomi Weinberger has two design degrees, a BA in architecture from Yale University, and a MS in Industrial Design from Pratt Institute. She has been making custom ketubot over the last 35 years. You might recognize Naomi from the neighborhood where she has lived locally since 1991 and because she is the teaching director of Naomi’s Music.
Registration Fee: BHS Members: $25, Non-members: $50
Register no later than Friday, November 8
Classes with Rabbi Serge Lippe
Advanced Modern Hebrew Reading Course
Thursday mornings at 9:30am beginning September 19, 2024
We will finish our reading of the Gesher series version (in ‘simplified’ Hebrew) of Sh’losha Yamim v’Yeled (Three Days and A Child) by A.B. Yehoshua, and then choose another short-story/novella from the series. Course focuses on vocabulary, grammar and narrative.
An ongoing class, all are welcome to join.
Course held on Zoom only.
Adult B’Mitzvah Class
Tuesdays from 6:30pm-8:00pm beginning October 8, 2024
Ceremony held on Saturday morning June 7 or 14, 2025
A yearlong course that focuses on both knowledgeable participation and leadership in Jewish worship services. Learn the basic structure and meanings of the prayer service, how to lead the prayers; the origins, development and practices of public reading from Torah and other books of the TaNaKh (Scripture), and various approaches to constructing and delivering d’rashot – sermons, teachings, messages about the intersection of sacred texts and our lives as Jews today. Each participant will lead an element of a Shabbat morning service, chant/read verses from the Torah and/or Haftara, and offer their own drasha at a class lead Shabbat morning service in June (TBD).
Requirements: Basic Hebrew phonetic decoding ability (sign up for Beginner’s Hebrew)
The course is open to BHS members only
Reading Rabbi Irving Greenberg’s “Triumph of Life: A Narrative Theology of Judaism”
Intermittent Wednesdays at 6:30pm, starting November 6, 2024
Brooklyn born, Yeshiva Beis Yosef (ordained), Brooklyn College (BA scl) and Harvard University (MA & PhD), Rabbi ‘Yitz’ Greenberg was a founder of the Student Struggle for Soviet Jewry; Jewish chaplain of Brandeis University; rabbi of the Riverdale Jewish Center; associate professor of history at Yeshiva University; founder, chairman, and professor in the department of Jewish studies of the City College of New York, past-President of the National Jewish Center for Learning and Leadership.
The Triumph of Life is Rabbi Greenberg’s magnum opus—a narrative of the relationship between God and humanity as expressed in the Jewish journey through modernity, the Holocaust, the creation of Israel, and the birth of Judaism’s next era. Greenberg describes Judaism’s utopian vision of a world created by a God who loves life, who invites humans to live on the side of life, and who enables the forces of life to triumph over death. The Bible proclaims our mission of tikkun olam, repairing the world, such that every human image of God is sustained in the fullness of our dignity. To achieve this ideal, Judaism offers the method of covenant—a realistic, personal, incremental partnership between God and humanity across generations in which human beings grow ever more responsible for world repair.
Greenberg calls on us to redirect humanity’s unprecedented power in modernity to overcome poverty, oppression, inequality, sickness, and war. The work of covenant requires an ethic of power—one that advances life collaboratively and at a human pace—so that the Jewish people and all humanity can bring the world toward the triumph of life.
What Happens with Chanukah this Year?
Thursday, December 12, 2024 at 7:00pm
The first night of Chanukah falls on December 25th this year! We will spend our time reading and reviewing 8 brief passages, each on a different aspect/theme of the holiday and exploring how we can incorporate them into this year’s vacation-period scheduling of the Festival of Lights. Also, a chance to review the basics: items and blessings!
The Architecture of Scripture: Intro 101 to the Books of The Written and Oral Jewish Tradition
Two Sessions: January 16 & 30, 2025 from 6:30pm-7:45pm
This super introductory course is intended for those still trying to figure it all out. Torah, chumash, haftarah, haggada, aggada and halacha. We will explore miles wide but only inches deep in our attempt to build a basic understanding of texts and terms. Intended for those who have forgotten it all or are still struggling to figure it out! Come away with a better (but not perfect) understanding of the many texts of Jewish tradition!
How To Lead A Seder: A Guide for the Uninitiated
Thursday, March 27, 2025 from 6:30pm-8:00pm
This course will give you a practical guide to preparing and/or participating in a meaningful Passover Seder. Learn the basic structure of the seder and how to lead each section. We will look at various printed haggadot, as well as resources for building your own Haggadah. We will also give special attention to the tactile, visual and audial elements of the seder, and how to fulfil the precept of hiddur mitzvah (beautifying the performance of a mitzvah) connected to the seder.
Classes with Rabbi Bailey Romano
Beginner Prayerbook Hebrew
Thursdays at 6:00pm from November 7, 2024 - May 15, 2025
Join Rabbi Romano to learn the Hebrew Aleph Bet and vowels; giving you the ability to read and decode Hebrew words. This class will prepare students to be able to read and decode most Hebrew words with little difficulty.
*No prior Hebrew background is required for this class, just a willingness to learn!*
Intermediate Prayerbook Hebrew
Thursdays at 5:00pm from November 7, 2024 - May 15, 2024
Students in Intermediate Prayerbook Hebrew will continue honing their Hebrew reading and translation skills. All those interested in Intermediate Hebrew, should be able to decode Hebrew fluently and have basic vocabulary with nouns, adjectives, and simple verbs.
Moms & Margaritas
Location | Bar San Miguel on Smith Street in Carroll Gardens
Thursdays November 7, 2024, January 9 & March 6, 2025 at 7:00pm
Explore the Joys and Oy’s of Being a Jewish Mother or a Mother to Jewish Children with Rabbi Bailey Romano (Margaritas are Optional!)
*Parents who identify as non-binary are always welcome to attend!*
Zionism and the Reform Movement: A Historical Review of Our Evolving Relationship to the Land, People, and Nation of Israel
Thursday, November 14, 2024 at 7:00pm
Join Rabbi Bailey for a historical survey of the Reform Movement’s position on Zionism from the 19th century through today. This course will be taught using primary source material as well as quotes from leading Reform rabbis and lay leaders.
“How Do I Keep Going?” Death, Grief, and Mourning in Judaism
Thursday, November 21, 2024 at 7:00pm
Grief is inevitable, whether a loved one’s death is expected or not. Judaism offers us ways to navigate grief through ritual and community reminding us that we are never alone. Join Rabbi Bailey for “How Do I Keep Going?” to learn more about Jewish rituals and mourning practices that can provide us comfort as we walk the path of grief. Some rituals you may be familiar with while others are creative and allow for the mourner to find meaning and connection to Jewish tradition and memory in their own way.
Torah on Tap
Location | Custom House Bar on Montague St.
Wednesdays December 4, 2024, February 5 & April 2, 2025 at 7:00pm
Exploring the Joys and Oy’s of Being a Jewish Father or a Father to Jewish Children (Beer is optional!)
*Parents who identify as non-binary are always welcome to attend!*
“Digging The Bible: Archaeology and Sacred Texts in the Prophets and Writings
Thursdays December 5, 12, & 19, 2024 at 7:00pm
Have you ever wanted to learn more about how the ancient Israelites lived or if some of the kings and queens of Israel actually existed? Join Dr. Ellen Lerner and Rabbi Bailey Romano to explore the Historical Books and the prophets, from the kings to exile, through the lens of archaeology and textual analysis.
Angels, Demons, Golems Oh, My!
Thursdays February 6 & 20, 2025 at 7:00pm
Dive into the Fantastical World of Midrash and Jewish Lore with characters like the Demon Ashmodai, Elijah the Prophet, Serach Bat Asher, Agrat, and her Gang of Destroying Angels, as well as Lilith, Dybbuks, and Golems.
Parenting Jewish Children: For All Parents of Jewish Children! Whether You’re Not Jewish, Jewish by Birth, Jewish by Choice, or Jewish Adjacent
Sunday, November 3, 2024 at 10:30am
Does anyone have a map for Jewish parenting? Unfortunately, there isn’t exactly a map, but there is a lot of ancient Jewish wisdom to guide parents navigating the joys and oy’s of raising Jewish children. Join Rabbi Bailey to learn about Jewish values and rituals that can help bring Judaism to life for you, your child, and your whole family.
I Have Some Questions About God: Talking to Jewish Children about God, Spirituality, and Death
Sunday, February 9, 2025 at 10:00am
Our children have BIG questions, and often we feel totally unprepared to answer them. Some questions might be about God, prayer, and even death. Join other parents and Rabbi Bailey to learn how to get curious about our children’s questions and learn more about what Jewish tradition has to say about big questions we may have ourselves.
Dayeinu! Frogs, Songs, and Skits: How to Lead a Fun-Filled Family-Friendly Seder
Sunday, March 30, 2025 at 10:00am
Our children have BIG questions, and often we feel totally unprepared to answer them. Some questions might be about God, prayer, and even death. Join other parents and Rabbi Bailey to learn how to get curious about our children’s questions and learn more about what Jewish tradition has to say about big questions we may have ourselves.
Jewish Family Ethics: Parenting in the Age of Social Media
Sunday, May 4, 2025 at 10:00am
Parenting has never been easy, but social media has made it more difficult than ever. What pictures of them do we post? When should my child get a smart watch or phone? Is it ok for them to be on social media? What time limits do we place on tech time?
Mussar, a Jewish ethical tradition from the 19th century still practiced today, offers us ways to reflect on our own use of technology and social media so we can better communicate and support our children through conversation and boundaries.
Parenting from the Inside Out: Supporting Ourselves to Support Our Teens
Meetings to be held once a month, November – April, for two hours (includes about 30 minutes of social time)
A new 6 session program for parents of Jewish teens to build a supportive community of parents to talk, learn together, and strengthen their ability to parent proactively in a way that centers their values, is rooted in Jewish wisdom, builds on research-based understandings of adolescent development, and reflects a deep appreciation for the particular challenges of Jewish teens and parents today.
E-mail Rabbi Bailey Romano at rabbiromano@bhsbrooklyn.org if you’re interested in signing up for the course.
Antisemitism and Teen Well-being - TBA
The rise of antisemitism is a source of significant concern and fear for many Jewish parents of teens. In this session, we will give parents the opportunity to explore their own experiences of antisemitism, learn about some aspect of antisemitism including some of the key recurring tropes of antisemitism, and have the opportunity to role play some common conversations with teens.
Risky Business: How Parents Can Help Teens Make Good Choices - TBA
In this session, we will explore messages teens receive about risks and courage from media, society, and Judaism, and we will explore the developmental and evolutionary aspects of taking risk. Parents will consider where they want to draw the line between acceptable or unacceptable risk-taking behaviors and will reflect on how they might help their teens make thoughtful, healthy, and safe decisions.
Classes with Cantor Ayelet Porzecanski
Israel & The World: A Musical Conversation
with special guest Robert L. Cohen
Thursday, October 31, 2024 from 7:00-8:30pm
“Israel sings all the world’s melodies, and all the worlds are nourished by the songs of Israel.” So: Some of the world’s melodies that have become part of Jewish music, and some Jewish music that has become part of the world’s music — from “Hava Nagila” to Mozart; from American songs of sabras to Israeli bluegrass. Israeli songs on the American Top 40 — and American-Jewish riffs on Israeli radio.
This event is open to everyone.
Klezmer Music: From Old World to New World & Our World
with special guest Robert L. Cohen
Thursday, November 7, 2024 from 7:00-8:30pm
“Klezmer music” was the instrumental music that traditionally accompanied Jewish weddings in Eastern Europe — and that immigrated to this country, along with the musicians who performed it, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and has been further Americanized, enlarged with a Yiddish vocal repertoire since the 1970s. We’ll discuss classical and contemporary klezmer instruments and repertoire, listen to klezmer music — from rare European recordings to the stars of early-20th-century American klezmer and the new traditions being created in the klezmer revival today.
This event is open to everyone.
Jewish Music into the Mainstream: Jewish Themes in American Popular, Classical, & Folk Music
with special guest Robert L. Cohen
Thursday, November 14, 2024 from 7:00-8:30pm
American-Jewish composers, and some non-Jewish musicians as well, have infused mainstream musical forms and styles — from popular song and musical theater to folk music and bluegrass; from classical music and jazz to reggae and world music — with Jewish passion and yearning as well as Jewish musical themes and motifs: with the sounds of Jewish chant and the texts of Jewish prayer.
This event is open to everyone.
Visiting Lecturer Classes 2024-25
Schedule To Be Announced