Adult Education at Bethesda Jewish Congregation - An Independent Liberal Synagogue

LIFE-LONG LEARNING — ADULT EDUCATION

This page last updated 03/11/2008

About Life-Long Learning/Adult Education at BJC

Our programming includes a variety of courses, including a basic Judaism course, an individualized Hebrew program, a how-to series on many aspects of Jewish living, a Jewish wisdom literature course, an interfaith discussion group, a Trope (Torah cantillation/chanting) class, and an open book discussion group. Past courses have included a text studies course, Biblical archaeology, the Jewish psyche, the Bible, the structure and meaning of the Jewish service, and Magic and Religion. We have had several adult Bat Mitzvah classes in the past.

All adult study programs are tuition-free for congregation members and are available to non-members on a fee basis. Courses take place on Wednesday evenings and also Saturday mornings when Religious School is in session.

Current Offerings

New Adult Ed Class: Creating Your Personal Spiritual Practice-Thu. March 20, 27, and April 3 at 7 p.m.
A daily spiritual practice promotes a sense of well being and peace that can carry us though the day with positive energy no matter what challenges we encounter. Students will learn techniques in Jewish meditation, prayer, chant, study, music, and spiritually rooted social action designed to keep ones feet on the ground while the heart soars on high. The class, with Hazzan Sunny Schnitzer, will be held Thursdays, March 20, 27, and April 3 at 7 p.m. in the Lounge. Texts to be used include Rami Shapiro’s Minyan, Aryeh Caplan’s Jewish Meditation, Shefa Gold’s Torah Journeys, and Bradley Shavit Artson’s The Bedside Torah. Registration with the BJC office is required. Free for BJC members / $36 non members.

Ongoing Programs

Kemach & Torah - Weekly Torah Study

Medieval Jewish Literature with Ed Stern

New - read "Why I Study Jewish Law" by Ed Stern

Open Book Discussion Series

Adult Hebrew Class

Every Week
KEMACH AND TORAH with Hazzan Schnitzer & Adrian Durlester

Wednesdays 6:30 P.M.

Bring a bag supper and enjoy ninety minutes of in depth Torah study and real camaraderie every week. No prior experience or knowledge required. Just bring yourself to the text and we’ll do the rest.

FREE to All

Open Book Discussion Series

Third Wednesday of the Month at 8:00pm

Click Here for more information

Modern Perspectives in Ancient and Medieval Jewish Literature with Ed Stern

Saturdays 9-10am, once a month (schedule varies)

Next Classes: Jan. 13, Feb. 10, Mar. 10, April 21, May 5.

Ed Stern continues his always fascinating series of explorations of old texts with a new slant for today. Come read aloud and discuss (translations of) classic philosophical and ethical writings. It is sometimes difficult, but always, fascinating material. You don't have to be afraid of reading Talmud, Maimonides and other Jewish greats. For more information please call Ed Stern at 301-530-6379 or email EdStern@erols.com

Read "Why I Study Jewish Law" by Ed Stern

FREE to BJC Members Non Members $18.00

ADULT HEBREW with Maran Gluckstein
Saturdays 8:45 A.M.
(Lounge)

Isn’t it about time you knew what all those letters on the page mean? Join our little red school house style adult Hebrew classes. Learn with a partner in true chevrutah style at your own pace and your own level. Call the BJC office to register. BJC Members Free Non Members $75.00

Link to Archive of Completed/Previous Activities

Opportunities in the Community:

Foundation for Jewish Studies Open Academy

Why I Study and Teach Jewish law—Edward Stern

I have been hosting classes on ancient and medieval Jewish law at BJC for 15 years. Jewish law is relevant to our lives today and to my work at OSHA. “You shall not put a stumbling block before the blind,” (Lev. 19:14) is the principle behind the Hazard Communication Standard. To let people work with hazards they cannot see, or do not understand, is to put a stumbling block before the blind. “When you build a new house, you shall make a parapet for your roof, so that you do not bring bloodguilt on your house if anyone should fall ... “ (Deut. 22:8). In the Middle East, like the American Southwest, dwellings had flat roofs for storage. The OSHA rules on railings to guard a roof correspond to the Talmudic rules for that risk. Literally, the parapet is for fall protection. Figuratively, it is a model for guarding against anticipatable hazards. It calls for eye protection, cut-resistant gloves, and hard hats. “When an ox gores a man or a woman to death, the ox shall be stoned and its flesh shall not be eaten, but the owner of the ox is not to be punished”…. (Ex. 21:28-29). However, IF that ox was known to gore, AND its owner failed to guard it, AND it kills a man or a woman, THEN the ox shall be stoned and its owner, too, put to death (Ex. 21:28-29). Oxen rarely gore a person. The second time an ox gores someone, it is negligence. The first time a trench caved in, it was a surprise. The second time, it was negligence. So, OSHA has rules for digging trenches. “You shall not stand idly by the blood of your neighbor” (Lev. 19:16) is a general obligation—like OSHA’s “general duty” clause. Obligations to protect workers and neighbors from harm are in old Jewish law. Today, we are still working on these same principles. Come to read Jewish law in English and discuss it with us.