Congregation Beth Tikvah

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• Study Groups
• Lecture Series
• Book Groups
• Adult Hebrew
• 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

Saturday Torah Study Group

Jewish tradition teaches that the study of Torah is a mitzvah of unparalleled importance. Dedicated to providing opportunities for continuing education, the Saturday Torah Study Group, led by long-time Beth Tikvah member, David Binkovitz, meets each week to read and discuss the Torah portion of the week, as well as other portions of the Hebrew Bible.

In this informal, drop-in discussion group, participants may come as often as they like. Participants are encouraged to read the Portion of the week beforehand. All readings will be in English translation, and no Hebrew or Jewish background is required.

The Saturday Torah Study Group typically meets at the same time each week at Beth Tikvah. Please check the calendar to verify dates and times.

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

Adult Hebrew

Hebrew is the language of Torah and the Jewish people. The ability to read Hebrew opens up an amazing connection to our stories, prayers and traditions. We welcome you to explore this ancient language and uncover the deeper meanings behind the text.

Beginning Hebrew

Designed for adults who have never learned to read Hebrew characters, but yearn to make sense of the language, this course offers beginners a basic introduction. If you don’t know an aleph from a bet, or if you want to review the alphabet and practice your reading, the Beginning Adult Hebrew class is the place for you. You will learn the Hebrew alphabet, and acquire some basic vocabulary as we read words and verses from the Torah and the siddur (prayerbook) using the book ALEPH ISN’T TOUGH: an Introduction to Hebrew for Adults.

We hope this will be the year you take the first step into Hebrew! For information on Adult Hebrew classes and offerings, please click the forms library and search under “schedules” for the Adult Hebrew class schedule and registration.

Intermediate - Advanced Hebrew

This class is designed to take the fluent reader to the next level with basic principles of grammar and expanded vocabulary. Through readings in modern and prayer book Hebrew. We will work toward developing a primary relationship with our texts and a deeper understanding of prayers. We will also take time to enjoy the fascinating workings of this miraculous language. We use ALEPH ISN’T ENOUGH and the URJ Mitkadem prayer curriculum.

• For more information, contact Karen Elson

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:

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