Congregation Beth El–Keser Israel

85 Harrison Street, New Haven, CT 06515-1724 | P: 203.389.2108 | office@beki.org

Our banner is based on BEKI’s stained glass, designed in 2008 by Cynthia Beth Rubin. For information on this and other of Cynthia’s work, go to: <a href="http://www.cbrubin.net" target="_blank">www.cbrubin.net</a>. Artisan Fabrication by JC Glass of Branford, CT

Adult Education

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 contemporary texts and ideas.

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. 

Classes & Programs

Discussion of the Week’s Parashah with Rabbi Eric Woodward is each Thursday 9-9:45a in the library, following 8:15a Shacharit.

Talmud class with Rabbi Eric Woodward meets on select Sundays at 10a, following 9a Shacharit.

Prayer and Liturgy with Rabbi Carl Astor meets one Wednesday evening each month on Zoom. Hebrew proficiency is not required. This is not a class, but rather an open forum to learn together and share ideas.

Schmoozes and BEKI Talks are held throughout the year usually in person on Shabbat afternoon or on-line Wednesday evenings.  See Recorded Schmoozes and Talks.

Shabbat Divrei Torah are presented every Saturday morning year-round at about 11a during services as a teaching discussion about the weekly Torah portion. 

Tikun Leyl Shavuot night of adult study is held annually on the first night of the Shavuot Festival during the summer.  

Elm City Kallah, a collaboration of the three congregations to bring exceptional Jewish programming to New Haven, features a guest speaker each year. Visiting scholars have included  Rabbi Elie Kaunfer (2015), Avivah Zornberg (2015), Noam Zion (2017), Tamar Elad Appelbaum (2019), Rabbi Ethan Tucker (2021), Rachel Korazim (2022), and Maharat Rori Picker Neiss (2023).

Upcoming Events