Congregation Beth Tikvah

Make a payment or contribution     Look for us on Facebook

• Study Groups
• Lecture Series
• Book Groups
• Resler Weekend

At Beth Tikvah, our Adult Education Committee is committed to teaching anyone who wants to explore Judaism and, in keeping with our synagogue’s mission, works to provide educational opportunities that enhance knowledge of the Jewish faith, Jewish traditions, customs and culture.

The committee accomplishes its goal by planning an innovative program of courses and lectures to enrich and inspire the Beth Tikvah membership and community. This active group participates in and provides diverse educational opportunities for adult members through events such as Torah study, book discussions, Hebrew and Yiddish classes, overnight retreats, and guest lectures and other educational events, such as film screenings. We invite you to explore the vast opportunities that our Adult Education Committee offers.

Be sure to check each month’s Tikvah Topics as well as the weekly announcements to find out what is happening. Please check the calendar for current dates and times. All Beth Tikvah Adult Education programs are open, free or for a nominal charge, to the general community, both Jewish and non-Jewish, as well as to our membership.

Study Groups

Torah Study with Rabbi Kellner

Join Rabbi Kellner each Shabbat morning from 9:00 - 10:00 AM to uncover secrets and insights from our sacred text, the Torah. We will meet each week to discuss its meanings, lessons, and the way in which it can guide our lives.

Sunday Evening Study Group

The Sunday Evening Study Group offers an opportunity to study Jewish history through books and films. The participant-led group discussion addresses questions and trends in Judaism. It is appropriate for all levels of adult learner, Jewish and non-Jewish, whether you are an experienced student, looking for a way in to learn more about Judaism for the first time, or somewhere in-between. Topics are listed by date, and you are welcome to attend the entire series or pick and choose.

The Sunday Evening Study Group generally meets twice a month. Please check the calendar for specific dates, times, and materials needed.

Below is a sample of some recent books and films the group has discussed.

• Six Days of War: June 1967 and the Making of the Middle East by Michael B. Oren
• Cultures of the Jews: A New History by David Biale
• The Seventh Million: The Israelis and the Holocaust by Tom Segev
• Judaism, Physics, and God by Rabbi David Nelson
• The Misunderstood Jew: The Church and the scandal of the Jewish Jesus by Amy-Jill Levine
• The Reluctant Parting: How the New Testament Jewish Writers Created a Christian Book by Julie Galambush
• What Went Wrong? By Bernard Lewis
• Modern Jews Engage the New Testament by Rabbi Michael J. Cook
• A Touch of the Sacred by Eugene Borowitz and Frances Schwartz
• Climbing Jacob’s Ladder: One Man’s Journey to Rediscover a Jewish Spiritual Tradition by Alan Morinis
• “The Outside Chance of Maximilian Glick”
• "Nasty Girl”

Lectures

Book Clubs

Sunday Morning Book Club

Multi-generational book lovers gather weekly to delve deeper into their shared literary passion and provide a unique opportunity for participants to learn about, explore, and discuss Judaism through literature. The Sunday Morning Book group reads and discusses works of fiction by Jewish writers or with Jewish-related themes. Newcomers are welcome to become a part of this dynamic community where books provide a backdrop for connection and friendship.

The Sunday Morning Book group generally meets every 3rd Sunday of the month in the morning. For upcoming book discussions, dates, times, and locations, please check the calendar.

Below is a sample of recent book titles that group has discussed.

• The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
• The Yiddish Policeman’s Union by Michael Chabon
• The History of Love by Nicole Krauss
• Rashi’s Daughters by Maggie Anton
• The Periodic Table by Primo Levi
• The World to Come The Good Psychologistby Noam Shpancer
• Daring Daughter of the Covenant by Emilie Barnett
• The Lemon Tree: An Arab, a Jew, and the Heart of the Middle East by Sandy Tolan
• Awayby Amy Bloom
• Septembers of Shiraz by Dalia Sofer
• If You Awaken Love by Emuna Elon
• The Ministry of Special Cases by Nathan Englander
• The Pale of Settlement by Margot Singer

Resler Weekend

The Resler Scholar-in-Residence Weekend is sponsored annually by Congregation Beth Tikvah in memory of Jack Resler and in honor of his family. In 1981, a generous gift from Jack and Eleanor Resler brought the dream of our building to reality. All events are free and open to the public. The Resler Weekend is hosted by the Adult Education Committee and generally takes place on a weekend in the late spring to early summer.

We invite you to join us for this special weekend. Please check the calendar for this year’s Resler Weekend information.

Some past Resler Scholar-in-Residence guests have included:

2012 - Rabbi Emeritus Gary Huber

Rabbi Emeritus, Congregation Beth Tikvah

2011 - Fred Lazin

Professor, Department of Politics and Government

Ben Gurion University of the Negev

2010 - Rabbi Marc Lee Raphael Ph.D.

Professor of Judaic Studies and Religion, The College of William and Mary

Author; Diary of a Los Angeles Jew, 1947-1972: Autobiography at Autofiction

Former Beth Tikvah rabbi

2009 - Julie Galambush

Associate Professor of Religious Studies, The College of William and Mary

Author; The Reluctant Parting: How the New Testament Jewish Writers Created a Christian Book

2008 - Dr. Mark E. Washofsky Ph.D.

Professor of Jewish Law and Practice, Hebrew Union College - Cincinnati

2007 – Dr. Michael J. Cook

Professor of Intertestamental and Early Christian Literatures, Hebrew Union College - Cincinnati

Author; Modern Jews Engage the New Testament: Enhancing Jewish Well-Being in a Christian Environment