Lifelong Learning

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Lifelong learning is an essential part of who we are as a Beth El community. We offer many ongoing educational programs plus frequent special one-time programs and mini-series. The best place to find out about our many different learning opportunities is to check Temple Topics, the Beth El calendar or the leaflets on Shabbat.

Learn more about our educational program here!

Bible and Breakfast

Please join us for a light breakfast and an energetic exchange about the weekly parsha. Guided by our rabbis, participants share their viewpoints and insights. We all learn by listening, thinking and sharing. People with all backgrounds are welcome; an ability to read Hebrew or knowledge of Hebrew text is not needed. We meet in the Community Room immediately after minyan on Thursday mornings and we adjourn by 8:45 a.m. It's a great way to help begin your day.

Talmud Study

The conversations of the Rabbis come alive as we discuss the themes that were important 2000 years ago and continue to have impact on our Jewish journeys today. Texts are in English; Hebrew offered as well. All are encouraged to participate. This group meets Wednesdays at 10 a.m. during the Summer and at 10:30 a.m. during the rest of the year in the Library. Please check the calendar for exact times.

Lunch and Learn

Join Rabbi Rosen as he explores the Hebrew Bible. He has been going through the entire Bible, chapter by chapter, and newcomers are welcome at any time. Lunch and Learn meets weekly on Tuesdays at 12:00 pm and you are encouraged to bring a brown-bag dairy lunch.

Chai Mitzvah

Chai Mitzvah is more than a program and more than a typical adult education class. It’s an engagement experience. Participants are on a journey taken with others engaged in a similar journey. Each group meets once a month to learn, share and experience, as each participant builds her or his “Jewish Bucket List.” What is that? Our tradition tells us that a full Jewish life involves our head, heart, and hands. Chai participants do just that by incorporating study, ritual and social action. Contact Rabbi Garber to find out how you can get involved in a Chai Mitzvah group. For a complete description, click here.

Mentoring Program

Are you interested in learning how to light Shabbat candles? Recite the Torah blessings? Read from the Torah? Chant a Haftarah? Lead/participate in the weekday Mincha or Maariv services? In the age-old spirit of our tradition, let us match you with your own personal mentor. Do you have these skills that you would be willing to share with those interested in learning? Let us know by calling the Temple office at (860) 233-9696 and we will facilitate a match for you.

Sat, December 7 2019
9 Kislev 5780

Learning

Upcoming Events

All Events

Sunday
Dec 8

Charter Oak - Cooking
Sunday, Dec 8th 9:00a to 11:30a
Volunteering for the Charter Oak Cultural Center is a wonderful opportunity to make a "hands on" difference to families in need. Once a month, Beth El volunteers prepare and serve dinner to children (and their families) who attend a special after-school music program organized by the Cultural Center. Cooking is done in the Beth El kitchen on a Sunday morning. Then, on Tuesday at Alfred E. Burr Elementary School, we set up, serve and clean up. (Our December and June meals are served at Charter Oak Cultural Center.) Setup is at 4:45pm and serving begins at around 5:00pm. Burr Elementary School is located at 400 Wethersfield Avenue, Hartford, CT. To become part of this terrific program contact Adam Schuyler at adam.d.schuyler@gmail.com (cooking), and Myra Kleinman at mwkleinman@outlook.com (serving).
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Sunday
Dec 8

BEMA Presents: Pre-Holiday Concert
Sunday, Dec 8th 7:00p to 9:00p
A Beautiful and dynamic pre-holiday concert to warm up our musical souls in December! Featuring the impressive Kabalevsky Cello Concerto No. 2, performed by Peter Dzialo, selections from the beautiful Chants Auvergne by French composer Canteloube with soprano Nadia Aguilar, Reverie for viola and orchestra by Joseph Ness and Beethoven’s magnificent 5th Symphony!
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Monday
Dec 9

Charter Oak - Serving
Monday, Dec 9th 5:00p to 7:00p
Volunteering for the Charter Oak Cultural Center is a wonderful opportunity to make a "hands on" difference to families in need. Once a month, Beth El volunteers prepare and serve dinner to children (and their families) who attend a special after-school music program organized by the Cultural Center. Cooking is done in the Beth El kitchen on a Sunday morning. Then, on Tuesday at Alfred E. Burr Elementary School, we set up, serve and clean up. (Our December and June meals are served at Charter Oak Cultural Center.) Setup is at 4:45pm and serving begins at around 5:00pm. Burr Elementary School is located at 400 Wethersfield Avenue, Hartford, CT. To become part of this terrific program contact Adam Schuyler at adam.d.schuyler@gmail.com (cooking), and Myra Kleinman at mwkleinman@outlook.com (serving).
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Saturday
Dec 14

Family Service & Lunch
Shabbat, Dec 14th 11:00a to 1:00p
We come together as a "family" for a combined service, bringing the best from Mazel Tots, Shabbat Club, and Beth El’s Community You Can Believe In. Our family service concludes with a special lunch and games, aimed at building our Shabbat family community. RSVPs appreciated by Thursday, December 12th at noon.
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Sunday
Dec 15

Family Chanukah Party
Sunday, Dec 15th 11:30a to 1:00p
Join your Beth El family to celebrate the Festival of Lights! Enjoy games, mitzvah opportunities and a light lunch. This event is free! Please bring a box of cereal to create our giant mitzvah menorah! RSVP online by 12/6 at noon.
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