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Torah for the Hungry Mind:
Adult Studies at BEKI

The world depends on three things: Torah—God's teaching; Avoda—service; and Gemilut Hasadim—deeds of lovingkindness.

Pirqe Avot 1:3

Congregation Beth El–Keser Israel (BEKI) in New Haven offers a wide array of adult education opportunities for the committed, the curious and the concerned.

Adults seeking wholeness and holiness through Torah or who want to explore their relationship with Tradition find food for their hungry minds and souls at BEKI. Adult Studies at BEKI are a supportive setting for exploring and developing spiritual and communal identity through study and discussion of classical and contempoary texts and ideas.

Torah for the Hungry Mind provides the opportunity for single adults and couples to meet others who share their interests and commitments in a warm and wholesome setting. Most classes and programs are open without charge. See the BEKI Bulletin for times and dates and in some cases registration and payment instructions. Most programs are held in readily accessible spaces.

Classes, programs and services are open to all without respect to age, gender, personal status or synagogue affiliation. BEKI encourages all adult Jews to become part of the synagogue-based community of their choice.

Classes & Programs

Image of Steven FraadeShabbat Shalom Learners' Minyan meets every second Saturday morning year-round from 10:45a to noon in BEKI's Rosenkrantz Family Library. The Learners' Minyan combines study, prayer and discussion based on the weekly Scriptural readings and Sabbath prayers. Taught by Steven Fraade (pictured at left), Alan Lovins and others, the Learners' Minyan provides an open setting for religious enrichment for adults wishing to further their understanding of the texts and liturgy.

Shabbat Divrei Torah are presented every Saturday morning year-round at about 10:45a during services as a teaching discussion about the weekly Torah portion. Presented by members of the Congregation, distinguished visitors, and Rabbi Tilsen, the Divrei Torah help us confront the Torah texts and allow the Congregation to struggle together to bring the ancient teachings into our lives. Texts of selected Divrei Torah by are available at www.beki.org/hungry.html.

A Shabbat Schmooze is presented occasionally to explore contemporary, historical and textual issues of interest to the congregation. The Shabbat Schmooze follows qiddush (about 12:45p) and is held in the beit midrash (Rosenkrantz Family Library).

Shabbat Afternoon Study Session is held every Shabbat afternoon before the evening service from November through March. This half-hour of study gives a taste of the wisdom of our sages and an opportunity to discuss the application of the teachings to our lives.

Talmud with Moshe Meiri meets on selected Sunday mornings, from 9:45a to 11:30a, with Moshe Meiri. The class examines selected sugyot chosen for their length and interest. All are welcome for one or more sessions; material are supplied. Knowledge of English, Hebrew, Judeo-Aramaic, Yiddish and classical Greek are helpful but not required. The class is suitable for students at all levels.

Community Sunday Brunches are presented occasionally on Sunday mornings to provide a forum for exploring current topics. Political, civic and religious leaders are frequent guest speakers at the Breakfasts. Breakfasts are free and open to all; reservations are not required.

Rashi Study Group meets most Monday mornings from 7:45a to 8:30a to study Rashi's commentary on the Torah. Knowledge of English, Hebrew and Old French are helpful but not necessary. The Rashi Study Group has met weekly since January 1994.

LaMaazel: The Jewish-Spiritual Way in Childbirth and Parenthood is a series of workshops presented occasionally for expectant parents and others interested in spiritual approaches to pregnancy, birth and naming.

Image of Rabbi Murray LevineWednesdays with Murray is a weekly study group exclusively for rabbis, facilitated by Rabbi Murray Levine. The Wednesday study group affords local rabbis an opportunity to pursue their own talmud torah (Torah study) in a "safe" setting and with opportunities to learn from each other's experience and insight. For more information, call Rabbi Murray Levine at (203) 397-2513.

The Sanhedrin Talmud Study Group meets weekly on Thursdays during the lunch hour (12:30p to 1:30p) at a downtown New Haven professional office for Talmud study. The Group has met weekly since 1999. For many participants, this is their first direct experience with Talmud text. The Group focuses on the issues raised in the Talmud, with less attention to the technical aspects of the text. For information contact Rabbi Tilsen at jjtilsen@beki.org.

Hebrew Language classes are held periodically at beginner and intermediate levels.

Sacred Music Workshops sponsored by the Morris & Sara Oppenheim Endowment for Sacred Music are held several times each year to teach and enjoy traditional liturgical and popular music.

The Robert Goodwin Memorial Program presented annually provides a lively exploration of a current issue in an intimate setting.

Sweeter than Honey Tiqun Leil Shavuot night of adult study is held annually on the first night of the Shavuot Festival during the summer.

Special Lectures, Discussions and Workshops are held year-round for adults and children.

Writings on Nonviolence by Rabbi Tilsen are available as well as selected messages on contemporary and historical Judaism.

Ask about BEKI's extensive programs for children of all ages.

BEKI offers Kulanu Ke'Ehad for adults with special needs due to developmental disabilities.

BEKI also offers Saul's Circle for mental health services consumers.

Hillel taught,
Be like the disciples of Aaron:
Love peace and pursue peace,
Love all people by drawing them near to Torah.

Pirqe Avot 1:12

For more information call or write to:

Congregation Beth El–Keser Israel
85 Harrison Street
New Haven, CT USA 06515-1724
203.389.2108

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Email Rabbi Jon-Jay Tilsen: jjtilsen@beki.org
Email BEKI Office: office@beki.org