Ethics of Jewish Living (Revised 2018): examines the relationship between Jewish Life and ethical behavior and sheds light on how Jewish scholars and thinkers with multiple approaches consider contemporary issues that affect us individually and as a community. Crossroads of Jewish History: spotlights defining periods in Jewish history and emphasizes the richness of Jewish memory, […]
The stories take us from the universal tales of the creation of the world, the flood, and the Tower of Babel to the foundational tales of Abraham and Sarah, and the beginnings of the Jewish people. The themes of family and faith, honor and dishonor, passion and power provide a rich exploration of our people […]
This 10-session course will examine the longstanding relationship between Judaism and Islam, broadening our understanding and challenging our assumptions. Jews and Muslims have co-existed, at times peacefully and at other times contentiously, for more than a millennium. Although there were moments of strife, during the first thousand years after the founding of Islam it was […]
(10 sessions) Chosen by the Rabbinic sages as the first book to initiate children to Bible learning, contemporary readers often perceived Vayikra as inaccessible. In our study of Vayikra, we will examine themes including the role of rituals, responding to tragedy, confronting birth and parenthood, seeking forgiveness, balancing the place of the individual and the community, bringing […]
This ongoing class is in its tenth year at the BJE. Master educator, Dr. Jane Shapiro, inspires students to dig deeply into the meaning of the Tanakh by way of ancient and modern commentaries. This group of students love learning together and see this class as an intrinsic part of their lives. The learning community reads […]
At the BJE Campus (Cosponsored by Congregation Beth Shalom and North Shore Congregation Israel) Rhythms of Jewish Living: examines the Jewish calendar, holidays, and life-cycle events. Students explore ideas, beliefs and practices that define Jewish life. Purposes of Jewish Living: explores Jewish thought and beliefs. Essential Jewish theological concepts are presented through in-depth examination of the […]
Ethics of Jewish Living (Revised 2018): examines the relationship between Jewish Life and ethical behavior and sheds light on how Jewish scholars and thinkers with multiple approaches consider contemporary issues that affect us individually and as a community. Crossroads of Jewish History: spotlights defining periods in Jewish history and emphasizes the richness of Jewish memory, exploring significant […]
Carl Schrag, former Editor of the Jerusalem Post, has turned this class into one of our most sought after learning opportunities. After successfully teaching the Rachel Wasserman Scholar Course, Beyond Borders: Insiders & Outsiders for two years to a large group of enthusiastic learners who were mostly Melton graduates, master educator Carl’s in depth course on current […]
Melton Jewish Professional Cohort - CROSSROADS of Jewish History JUF / Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago The Jewish Professional Cohort includes Crossroads of Jewish History and offers an exceptional study experience that will enhance your work and enrich your life as a Jew. Experience the award-winning, text-based Melton curricula with a community of Jewish professionals. […]
This course follows the development of the first Jewish family, from "The Birth of Two Nations" and "Stolen Blessings" to "Reunion in Egypt" and "Blessing the Grandchildren." These stories of sibling rivalry, wrestling with an angel, palace seduction, rape, and reconciliation provide some of the most dramatic and iconic images that reverberate across the millennia. […]