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. Note that many of our courses are offered for free.
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 Fall Quarter 2024 Classes
The Moment Judaism Began with Rabbi Steven Bob
Thursdays, 11:15 am – 12:15 pm, October 31; November 7 & 21; and December 12, 2024
The Books of Ezra and Nehemiah describe a dynamic period in the narrative of our people. During the first decades following the return from Babylonian exile new rituals emerge which provide the foundation for our Jewish lives. We will look closely at key verses from Ezra and Nehemiah which reveal the birth of Judaism as we know it. Class will meet in person and on Zoom. FREE
Adult Torah Trope with Hazzan Jenna Greenberg
Tuesdays, 12:00–1:00 pm, November 5 – December 17, 2024
Unlock the secret of chanting Torah, decode the melody patterns, and learn the “how” as well as the “why” of Torah cantillation. A perfect opportunity for: anyone who would like to learn to chant Torah for their friends’ and family members’ B’nai Mitzvah or other s’machot; who has taken this class before but wants to refresh their skills; or who wants to become a Torah reader to earn a Team Torah cookie in 5785. Comfort with reading Hebrew text is required. Class will meet in person and/or on Zoom. FREE
Beyond Borders: Conversations with Carl Schrag and Rabbi Michael Schwab
Tuesdays, 8:00-9:00 pm, December 3, 10 & 17, 2024
Over three sessions, we will discuss a selection of primary sources from the Melton Beyond Borders textbook to enhance our understanding of the roots of the conflict between Jews and Arabs over the modern State of Israel. Students who took the Melton class last year now have an opportunity to discuss the issues more deeply with both Carl Schrag and Rabbi Schwab. New students are welcome too. Class will meet in person. FREE
Open Conversational Hebrew (ongoing)
Sundays, 9:30-11:00 am
Practice Hebrew conversation informally with other participants. For information, contact Judy Farby at judyfarby@yahoo.com or 847-372-1700. Class will meet on Zoom. FREE
Writer’s Beit Midrash
Wednesdays, 9:30 am, October 23; November 6 & 20; and December 4 & 18, 2024
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
Talmud: Tractate B’rachot with Rabbi Michael Schwab
Tuesdays, 8:30 – 9:30 am, November 5 – December 17, 2024
Rabbi Schwab takes students on a journey through the mainstay of the Jewish oral tradition, its rich history, structure, and famous personalities. Class will meet in person and on Zoom. Fall Quarter Fee
Breaking Jewish News & Views with Carl Schrag
Wednesdays, 9:45 – 11:00 am, October 30 – December 18, 2024
(no class November 27)
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. Fall Quarter Fee
Challah Baking & Braiding with Anya Viner
Fridays, 9:15 – 10:30 am, November 1 & 8, 2024
In this hands-on workshop we will learn how to make challah dough from scratch and practice basic and advanced braiding as well as creative shapes, fillings and decorations. All supplies will be included and you will take your challah home each week to bake. Class will meet in person. Special Fee not covered by Fall Quarter tuition: $18 per session. Click here to register.
Beginner’s Hebrew with Fran Pearlman
Mondays, 9:15–10:30 am, November 4 – December 16, 2024 (no class November 11)
Practice your Hebrew reading fluency, learn the most commonly recited Jewish prayers and blessings (and what they mean!) and develop your Hebrew vocabulary. Perfect for parents who want to learn alongside their children and anyone who wants to feel more comfortable with everyday Hebrew. A basic knowledge of the Hebrew alphabet is recommended.
Class will meet in person. Fall Quarter Fee
Introduction to Conversational Hebrew with Pnina Arsers
Wednesdays, 6:15-7:30 pm, November 13 – December 18 (no class November 27)
Using the Brandeis Modern Hebrew textbook, this course will introduce students to the Hebrew language through listening, reading, speaking, writing, and vocabulary. Knowledge of the Hebrew alphabet and basic reading proficiency is recommended. Class will meet in person. Fall Quarter Fee
Café Ivrit: Intermediate Conversational Hebrew with Pnina Arsers
Tuesdays, 6:15 – 7:30 pm, October 29 – December 17, 2024 (no class November 5 or 26)
Using the Brandeis Modern Hebrew textbook, we will improve our listening, reading, speaking, and writing skills and explore aspects of Israeli culture through language, literature and current events. Class will meet in person. Fall Quarter Fee
Sicha B’Ivrit: Advanced Conversational Hebrew with Shlomit Hoch
Thursdays, 6:00 – 7:30 pm, November 7 – December 19, 2024 (no class November 28)
Using the textbook, Kriat Beynaim from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, we will dive into 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. Fall Quarter Fee
Join Rachel Kamin, Director of Lifelong Learning, for lively book discussions and author events. New participants are always welcome!
The Amen Effect by Sharon Brous
Saturday, November 16, 2024, 12:30 pm
Based on one of her most impactful sermons, Rabbi Brous pairs anecdotes from building and pastoring a leading-edge faith community with ancient Jewish wisdom and contemporary science to offer a blueprint for a more meaningful life and a more connected, caring world. Rabbi Schwab and Ali Drumm will join us to discuss this national bestseller by one of our country’s most prominent rabbis.
Participants are encouraged to make a minimum donation of $54 to the Torah Fund Campaign. The Book Club will continue in 2025 – stay tuned for more details.
Sukkot Morning @ the Movies & HAZAK Luncheon
Tuesday, October 22, 2024, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
How did a mysterious Long Island couple’s half a billion-dollar gift inspire peace and climate action through water tech? Join us for a special screening of the new documentary film, Who are the Marcuses?, followed by blessings in the Sukkah and a complimentary lunch, sponsored by HAZAK. RSVP by October 15 to HAZAK@nssbethel.org.
Janet and Irving Robbin Scholar in Residence: A Weekend with Dr. Yehuda Kurtzer
Saturday, November 2 – Sunday, November 3, 2024
Dr. Yehuda Kurtzer, President of the Shalom Hartman Institute and a leading Jewish thinker, will deliver the D’var Torah during Shabbat Morning Services, as well as a Post Kiddush Lecture. A community event will be held on Sunday afternoon, November 3. Watch for more details.
Chesbon HaNefesh: Accounting of the Soul Workshop with Erin Doppelt
Monday, November 11, 2024, 7:00 pm
Erin Rachel Doppelt, a spiritual psychology and meditation teacher, will discuss her debut book Nothing Can Stop You, a hands-on guide for self-reflection, discovery, and unleashing your authentic self.
Reading the News Through Jewish Eyes with Joel Brown
Wednesday, November 13, 9:45-11:15 am
Since the Hamas attacks of October 7, many of us have found the news coverage of issues critical to Jewish communities often presents skewed perspectives lacking nuance and context. Joel Brown, a current board member of The Forward, will lead an interactive discussion on the current role of Jewish American media in our country, and how the foundational attributes of our own Jewish media can serve to expose the core drivers, strengths, weaknesses and limitations of U.S. mainstream media. Breakfast treats will be served! Class will meet in person and on Zoom. FREE
Destination: The Land of Canaan with Rabbi Dr. Vernon Kurtz
Sundays, 10:30 – 11:45 am; November 10, 2024 – January 19, 2025
From Mt. Sinai the Israelite people set out on a journey to the Land of Canaan and on their way the Bible describes many different episodes. We will study together the Biblical and Rabbinic texts concerning these stories and search for modern lessons to be applied today. Sponsored by the Schechter Institute of Jewish Studies, class will meet on Zoom. Tuition: $180; register online with the Schechter Institute.
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