Jewish learning is at the heart of our communal and spiritual life at Beth El. We strive to provide enriching and inspiring educational opportunities, no matter your background or experience. Our vision for adult education is to foster a culture of learning that enables every member of our community to become a seeker of Jewish wisdom.
Our learning programs are funded by The Yvette and Herman Gordon Century Fund for Adult Teaching and Learning. Please consider making a contribution to this fund to enhance our adult education programs here.
Open Beit Midrash Monthly Scholar Series
Our Monthly Scholar Series are taught by distinguished scholars in the field, we seek to provide rich learning opportunities for all members and guests, a light dinner is served. These events are in person and recorded only (not livestreamed).
To sponsor this or a future scholar series event in memory of a loved one or in honor of someone, click here.
After decades of studying and teaching modern Jewish religious thought, Dr. Eisen—one of the leading scholars of American Judaism—offers a deeply honest and accessible theological essay Seeking the Hiding God. Resigned to the limits of human understanding of God, Eisen instead explores the search for the “hiding God,” the meaning of fleeting encounters with the Creator, and the acts of justice and compassion that define human partnership with the divine. Written to engage readers of diverse Jewish backgrounds (and interested non-Jews), the book invites reflection on profound questions of faith that have gained urgency in the wake of the COVID pandemic and the attack by Hamas last October.
Daytime learning occurs between the hours of 12pm to 1pm in the designated month of learning. Check back here for upcoming learning opportunities. Stay tuned for details.
All of our Open Beit Midrash Intensive classes are taught by our clergy team.
Parashat Hashavua (Thursdays at 1:30pm on Zoom)
Dive into the world of contemporary American TV to explore how Jewish identity is portrayed in popular shows like Transparent, Curb Your Enthusiasm, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Broad City, Sex and the City, Nobody Wants This, and more! Together, we’ll watch and analyze key scenes that tackle Jewish rituals, holidays, lifecycle events, interdating and intermarriage, antisemitism, and the ever-complicated relationship with Israel.
This discussion-based class will be both thought-provoking and entertaining, offering a chance to reflect on how TV captures (or distorts!) the modern Jewish experience. Heads up: some shows include explicit language and themes—just like real life! Bring your curiosity and your opinions for what’s sure to be a lively conversation.
In Person and available on Livestream. If you would like to receive a copy of the texts taught in the class, please email Rabbi Bedo at vbedo@bethelnr.org
To learn more about upcoming adult education opportunities at Beth El or for resources and suggestions for your own course of study, please contact Rabbi Viki bedo vbedo@bethelnr.org or 914-235-2700, ext. 338.
Our learning programs are funded by The Yvette and Herman Gordon Century Fund for Adult Teaching and Learning. Please consider making a contribution to this fund to enhance our adult education programs.