Beth Emet
Member's Adult Education Registration - 2020-2021 - 5780-5781

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Adult Education Registration
Please choose class(es) below.  You can hover over any class name to see a full description.

  • Jewish Perspective on Climate Change ($25M, $35NM)
  •  Acquiring Your Share in the World to Come in One Moment ($25M; $35NM)
  • The Book of Joshua: Controversy for Modern Israel ($25M; $45NM)
  • The Poetry of Prayer ($25M, $35NM)
  • Religion and Literature ($25M, $35NM)
  • What is Idolatry? ($25M, $35NM)
Jewish Perspectives on Climate Change with David Shyovitz, Director of Crown Family Center for Jewish and Israel Studies, Northwestern University Fridays, November 6 and 13 | 10:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
with Rabbi Michael Balinsky Fridays, December 11 and 18 | 10:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. We will explore Talmudic stories of extraordinary behavior in moments of crisis and consider why we honor some not terribly heroic people for a momentary deed. Member fee $25, or included in Friday morning package; non-member fee $35
with Rachel Havrelock, Professor of Jewish Studies, University of Illinois-Chicago Fridays, October 16, 23 and 30 | 10:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. The book of Joshua opens complicated issues such as homeland, invasion, and the co-habitation of different groups of people. We will study how it has been interpreted in modern Israel while comparing its distinct, even contradictory, halves. Member fee $30, or included in Friday morning package; non-member fee $40
Fridays, November 20 and December 4 | 10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Many of our prayers are beautiful poetic responses to our experience of God in nature and the ongoing history of the Jewish people. We will examine two prayers recited at the beginning of the evening service, and study Yedid Nefesh, a kabalistic poem of longing for God. Member fee $25, or included in Friday morning package; non-member fee $35 Rabbi Kenneth Berger earned his doctorate in Jewish liturgy from the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York, where he also served as Visiting Assistant Professor of Liturgy. He was rabbi of Congregation Beth Sholom in Teaneck, New Jersey, until his retirement. Since relocating to the Chicago area, he has taught at the Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership and at Limmud Chicago.
with Claire Sufrin, Assistant Director of Crown Family Center for Jewish and Israel Studies, Northwestern University Fridays, January 29 and February 5 | 10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. We will explore different aspects of the relationship between religion and literature in contemporary novels and poetry, including rewritings of biblical stories, portrayals of religious life, and characters wrestling with religious ideas and values. Member fee $25, or included in Friday morning package; non-member fee $35
Fridays, January 15 and 22 | 10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Why is idolatry such a sin in Judaism? Are polytheistic religions idolatrous, their followers condemned by God? Are we in danger of committing idolatry today? Answers depend on what we think idolatry is. We'll draw on texts from the Tanakh, Maimonides, and Yeshayahu Leibowitz. Member fee $25, or included in Friday morning package; non-member fee $35 Samuel Fleishacker is LAS Distinguished Professor of Philosophy at the University of Illinois-Chicago. His writings include A Short History of Distributive Justice (Harvard, 2004), Divine Teaching and the Way of the World (Oxford, 2011), and The Good and the Good Book: Revelation as a Guide to Life (Oxford, 2015). Sam received his PhD from the Philosophy Department at Yale University, and taught at Williams College for eight years before coming to UIC.
with *Marci Dickman Thursday, October 29, Wednesday, November 11, and Thursdays, December 17, January 21, February 18, March 18, April 22, and May 20 | 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. Participants study as a small group to become b’nei mitzvah together at Beth Emet. If interested in joining this ongoing class, please contact Marci Dickman, Director of Lifelong Education.
with *Lindy Rubin Thursday, December 3 and 10 | 7:30-8:30 p.m. Enjoy the wonderful stories of our people as expressed through the eyes of the old masters, great Jewish artists from various ages, and modern Israeli painters. No fee (please register to receive Zoom link)
with Seth Rogovoy, Dylan scholar, author, contributing editor of the English-language Forward Thursday, November 12 | 7:00-8:15 p.m. An exploration of the deep and profound influence of Dylan’s Jewish background and scriptural roots on this Nobel Prize-winning rock poet's life and work. $10 fee
with *Rabbi Andrea London Fridays, October 16 – May 21 | 9:30 – 10:35 a.m. There are many ways to interpret Torah and its nuances of meaning that are often overlooked. We will continue our learning from last year, reading and interpreting the text of the Book of Numbers line by line. New learners are always welcome. No fee for members (please register to receive Zoom link); non-member fee $100
with Paula Weiman-Kelman, documentary filmmaker Sunday, November 8 | 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. Rabbi Rachel Cowan, a beloved and influential mindfulness teacher is diagnosed with aggressive cancer. She uses her spiritual practice to navigate her death while looking back on her full life. No fee (please register to receive Zoom link)
with members of Beth Emet’s Environmental Climate and Action Committee: *Jessie MacDonald, *Louise Motel, *Chris Wynn Thursday, January 14 | 7:00 p.m. A group of DC teens pack into a bus and head into the mountains of West Virginia for eight days. They embark on a journey with nature to break cycles of violence, abuse and neglect, and rewrite their future. The film will be followed by discussion and actionable steps. No fee (please register to receive Zoom link)
Sundays, October 18 – May 23 | suggested time: 10:15 - 11:45 a.m., or as determined with participant group. For learners with no or limited Hebrew language background. Master the Hebrew alphabet to read and understand Hebrew words and phrases in the prayer book and modern usage; connect Hebrew language with Jewish life, ritual, tradition, and Israel. Member fee $200; non-member fee $250 (five-student minimum for this class)
with *Nancy Fink Tuesdays, October 13 – May 16 | 7:15 – 8:30 p.m. For learners seeking more meaningful participation at services. Improve Hebrew reading fluency while exploring the Shabbat morning worship service and its individual prayers. Learn key Hebrew prayer vocabulary and basic elements of Hebrew grammar. Member fee $200; non-member fee $250 (five-student minimum for this class)
with Dorit Flatt Sundays, October 18 – May 23 | 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. For learners able to sound out and print Hebrew words. Explore the grammar and vocabulary of modern Hebrew through a variety of reading, writing, and speaking activities. Member fee $200; non-member fee $250 (five-student minimum for this class)
with Josh Shron, host of the weekly Israeli music radio program, “Israel Hour Radio” Tuesdays, October 20 and 27 | 7:30 p.m. Here is different view of Israel — its thriving and diverse music scene. Hear why you should be listening to Israeli music, even if you're not fluent in Hebrew. No fee (please register to receive Zoom link)
with *Rabbi Amy L. Memis-Foler Wednesday, October 21 | 7:00-8:30 p.m. This August marked the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment, granting women the right to vote. What role did Jews play in making this happen? We will look back at some of the primary Jewish personalities, and other interesting stories that paved the path for women's suffrage. No fee (please register to receive Zoom link)
with Seth Rogovoy, author and contributing editor of the English-language Forward Thursday, November 19 | 7:00-8:15 p.m. An exploration of the legendary rock poet’s familiarity with Torah, Talmud, and Kabbalah, and how these influences worked their way into his songs and public utterances. $10 fee
Microplastic Madness - a documentary film presented by members of Beth Emet’s Environmental Climate and Action Committee: *Jessie MacDonald, *Louise Motel, *Chris Wynn Tuesday, October 22 | 7:00 p.m. This award-winning film is a dive deep into the root causes of plastic pollution, as explored from a youth point of view. It will be followed by a question and answer session. The take away will be actionable steps both big and small. No fee (please register to receive Zoom link)
An Illinois Holocaust Museum virtual tour, moderated by docent, *Jack Levie Wednesday, October 14 | 6:00-7:30 p.m. Based on the New York Times bestselling book and Tumblr page of the same name, this is the first-ever museum exhibition focused solely on this judicial icon. Register for this event at https://ilholocaustmuseum.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYldOiopz4jH9c7E7eSBXyaMXuljcJgHTzo $10 fee
with *David Zarefsky Thursday, October 8 | 7:30-9:00 p.m. Topics include: Is there a right to vote? Efforts to expand eligibility and to suppress the vote. Does turnout affect the legitimacy of results? Is encouraging the vote a partisan act? Does one person’s vote make a difference? What changes, if any, should be made in our system of voting? No fee for members (please register to receive Zoom link); non-member fee $10
with *Hyma Levin Mondays, November 9 and 16 | 10:30 – 11:45 a.m. Samson loved women and violence; his mother understood God’s divine plan. Deborah was a charismatic military leader, poet, and prophet. We will examine their stories to learn how they can resonate for us. No fee for members (please register to receive Zoom link); non-member fee $15
with *Cantor Kyle Cotler Wednesday, November 18 | 7:30 – 9:00 p.m. Many of our comic book superheroes were created by Jewish writers and artists to reflect the spiritual and psychological struggles caused by the historical circumstances of the time. We will explore how they evolved as a means of identity expression and exploration for many of their creators. No fee (please register to receive Zoom link)
with *Rabbi Amy Memis-Foler Wednesday, January 27 | 7:00-8:30 p.m. Celebrate the Birthday of the Trees at a unique, participatory seder, in which we connect this Kabbalist tradition with our Jewish values about the environment and ways we can care for the earth today. Participants are invited to provide their own white wine or grape juice, red wine or grape juice, and three types of fruit: 1) containing an outer peel or shell; 2) containing an inner pit; and 3) entirely edible fruit. No fee (please register to receive Zoom link))
with *Clark Ellithorpe, *Sue Nadel, and *Jane Weintraub Sundays, November 18, December 16, January 6, February 10, and March 10 | 1:00-2:30 p.m. A Jewish, spiritual approach to aging that reframes what it means to grow older in our society and to more fully appreciate our lives as a gift of time. Each session includes text study, mindfulness meditation, gentle movement, traditional religious practices, and cultivation of spiritual qualities for those 60 and older. No fee (please register to receive Zoom link)
Wednesday, October 29 | 7:30 - 9:00 p.m. A continuing lecture-discussion class on contemporary public issues of interest to Jews as citizens. We will focus primarily on United States national and international policy related to economic, diplomatic, and military issues, including relations with Israel and other nations. Special attention will be given to the 2020 United States Presidential election. The content of each session will be responsive to latest developments. Beth Emet member David Zarefsky is the Owen L. Coon Professor Emeritus of Communication Studies at Northwestern University, specializing in argumentation and the analysis and criticism of American political discourse. David is a former president of the National Communication Association, the Rhetoric Society of America, and the Central States Communication Association. In 2012 he received the Lifetime Teaching Excellence Award from the National Communication Association. David is a Beth Emet past president.
Wednesday, December 9 | 7:30-9:00 p.m. The most consequential presidential election that you (probably) don’t know much about. Beth Emet member David Zarefsky is the Owen L. Coon Professor Emeritus of Communication Studies at Northwestern University, specializing in argumentation and the analysis and criticism of American political discourse. David is a former president of the National Communication Association, the Rhetoric Society of America, and the Central States Communication Association. In 2012 he received the Lifetime Teaching Excellence Award from the National Communication Association. David is a Beth Emet past president.

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approximately 3% per transaction and thus providing Beth Emet only 97% of the amount paid. In order to help offset
this expense, a surcharge of 3% will be added to your Adult Education fees.
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