The Gertrude Lederman Family Continuing Education courses at North Suburban Synagogue Beth El offer a wonderful chance to deepen your understanding of Jewish thought, culture, and identity. This program is made possible through the generous gift of the estate of Gertrude Lederman. The value she placed on Jewish education became the cornerstone of her legacy of lifelong learning in our congregation.
The fee for Continuing Education tuition courses is $60 per quarter for NSS Beth El members and $125 per quarter for guests. Payment for one course includes any additional classes during the same quarter at no additional charge unless otherwise noted. Note that many of our courses are offered for free. ANNUAL PASS: Beth El members can purchase an annual pass for $180 ($360 for guests) which includes all classes during the winter, spring and summer quarters.
Contact Rachel Kamin, Director of Lifelong Learning, for more information about adult education and Marcie Eskin, Education Coordinator, for registration and other class-related information. Note: Because the cost of tuition should never be a barrier to participation in our NSS Beth El classes, we do offer financial assistance. Please contact Marcie Eskin for scholarship information.
Register for Summer Quarter 2026 Classes
Adult Torah Trope with Hazzan Jenna Greenberg
Sundays, 9:45 – 10:45 am, July 12 – August 16, 2026
Unlock the secret of chanting Torah, decode the melody patterns, and learn the “how” as well as the “why” of Torah cantillation. Comfort with reading Hebrew text is required. In person and on Zoom after morning Minyan. FREE
Sapir Salon with Randy Iden
Wednesday, July 29, 2026, 8:00 – 9:00 pm
Just in time for the United States’ Semiquincentennial, Randy Iden will facilitate a discussion of selected articles from the newest issue of Sapir on (Fixing) America. Join a like-minded community of different-minded thinkers, in person at Beth El, for a thought-provoking and meaningful conversation. In person only. Free
High Holiday Boot Camp with Rabbi Alex Freedman
Thursdays, 11:15 am -12:15 pm, August 27 & September 3, 2026
In person and on Zoom. FREE
Israel Votes in 2026 with Mike Hollander
Saturday, August 29, 2026, 12:30 pm
Experienced Jewish educator and licensed tour guide Mike Hollander will join us in person from Israel for this post-Kiddush update on the upcoming Israeli elections.
Thursdays @ Beth El
Register for the following FREE Summer Thursdays @ Beth El Classes (after HAZAK Fitness), 11:15 am – 12:15 pm
Understanding Israel Today: Threats to Israel’s Present and Future with Rabbi Alex Freedman
July 16 & 30, 2026
A discussion-based class about Israel’s present and future. What challenges does Israel face today as a thriving Jewish and democratic state? How can Israel best manage these in this chaotic moment?
In person and on Zoom.
Tisha B’Av Film Screening featuring Sabotage
July 23, 2026
A powerful documentary uncovering a hidden story of Jewish resistance during the Holocaust, following a network of women in Auschwitz-Birkenau who risked their lives to sabotage the Nazi war machine. After the film, Doris Lazarus, a Holocaust educator, will share her personal connection to one of the film’s heroines.
The program will start at 1:45 pm with Minyan, followed by the film and discussion at 2:15 pm.
YHVH: The 4-Letter Name of God with Todd Rosenberg
August 6 & 13, 2026
YHVH, the abbreviation for God in most English Bibles, is more than just a name. In fact, much of Jewish theology is packed into these four letters. Learn how this name revolutionized much of Judaism with local scholar Todd Rosenberg.
In person and on Zoom.
Open Conversational Hebrew (ongoing)
Sundays, 9:30-11:00 am
Practice Hebrew conversation informally with other participants. Class will meet on Zoom. FREE
Writer’s Beit Midrash
Wednesdays, 9:30 am, July 22; August 5 & 19, 2026
All fiction, non-fiction, poetry, memoir, and essay writers (published or not yet published) are welcome for discussions, exercises, camaraderie, and critique every other Wednesday morning. Class will meet in person. FREE
Breaking Jewish News & Views with Carl Schrag
Wednesdays, 9:45 – 11:00 am, July 15 – September 2, 2026
This class zooms in on local, national, and global news through a distinctly Jewish lens. We’ll navigate the ever-evolving post-October 7 reality as we talk about politics, Israel, anti-Semitism, anti-Zionism, rifts in our Jewish community, and more. Carl Schrag, former editor of The Jerusalem Post, brings a journalist’s probing questions to every topic. Class will meet on Zoom. Summer Quarter Fee
Hebrew Classes
Café Ivrit: Intermediate Conversational Hebrew with Pnina Arsers
Tuesdays, 6:00 – 7:30 pm, July 21 – August 11, 2026
Using the Brandeis Modern Hebrew textbook, we will continue to improve our listening, reading, and speaking skills and explore aspects of Israeli culture through language, literature and current events. Class will meet in person. Summer Quarter Fee
Sicha B’Ivrit: Advanced Conversational Hebrew with Shlomit Hoch
Thursdays, 6:00 – 7:30 pm, June 4 – 25, 2026
Using the textbook, Kriat Beynaim from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, we will explore an array of enriching materials including news articles, songs, literature, and much more. We will also have fun with online games and engaging warm-up activities to enhance our learning experience. Class will meet on Zoom. Summer Quarter Fee
1175 Sheridan Road, Highland Park, IL 60035 | (847) 432-8900 | [email protected] |
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