At Congregation Beit Simcha we are a community of lifelong Jewish learners, in the continual pursuit of spiritual growth and exploration. As Jews, we are compelled to question and debate. These courses and conversations energize us as we gain new perspectives and challenge ourselves. Our shared desire for knowledge and community enriches us as individuals and bonds us as a Congregation.
Congregation Beit Simcha thrives when we learn together. We hope you will find time on your calendar and in your mind to join us in this lifelong journey. To register for courses please click on the link below.
The Genesis Project: This is a weekly, interactive investigation of the seminal text of Judaism, Christianity, Islam and all Western Civilization with Rabbi Samuel M. Cohon. We will use commentaries ancient, medieval, modern and post-modern as we study in depth and breadth the most fascinating of all Biblical books in free and open discussion of the many meanings and broad implications of the very first, and in many ways, most compelling, Jewish book. No knowledge of Hebrew or previous experience of Jewish text study is required, although it certainly is welcome!
Starts Thursday, January 17th at 11:45 a.m.
Zohar, the Crown of Kabbalah: Now you can study the greatest Jewish mystical work of all, the crown of Kabbalah, with Rabbi Samuel M. Cohon, who founded the very first group in the world to learn this amazing work with Danny Matt's significant English translation. The Zohar provides the opportunity for spiritual growth as well as incredible intellectual stimulation in a richly interactive exploration of the profound and complex themes central to all Jewish mysticism and belief. The Zohar is deep but also playful, and studying it in this unique way can bring healing and personal growth in often unexpected ways.
Starts Tuesday, January 15th at 11:45 a.m.
Introductory Judaism: Learn the basic concepts, experiences, texts and traditions of Judaism in this comprehensive course that covers Jewish beliefs, rituals, life-cycle experiences, annual calendar and history in an accessible, open way. What are the important holidays and how do we celebrate them? What do Jews believe about God, or life after death? How important is Israel to American Jews, and why? A perfect class for anyone interested in learning about Judaism for the first time, trying to fill in the gaps in her or his understanding of Jewish religion, or for renewing one's knowledge of Jewish life, history and culture with an outstanding teacher.
High-Speed Hebrew, with Lori Riegel: Learn Hebrew in this 2-day class! Always wanted to learn to read Hebrew, but don't want to spend years studying? This class is for you! In a two-day intensive you'll learn to read Hebrew, including letters, vowels and some basic vocabulary! 2nd class is Monday, January 21st. Guaranteed success, or you can repeat for free!
This is a two-part class begins January 20 @ 2:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. and ends January 21 at 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm.
Hebrew Reading Refresher Course, with Lori Riegel: A one-session class to brush up your Ivrit.
This is a single class that will be held on January 23 @ 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Basic Hebrew, with Lori Riegel: Know some Hebrew, and want to take it to the next level? Build on your knowledge of reading with liturgical and conversational vocabulary. An intro to grammar, prepositions, pronouns, present and past tense, verbs and counting. Ability to read some Hebrew or completion of High-Speed Hebrew a prerequisite.
This is a weekly class beginning January 30 @ 6:30 p.m.