Social justice is a response to the suffering and indignity in our lives and in the larger world that is different from a service response. This new Melton course will draw from text and from history to explore just how social justice work goes beyond addressing short-term immediate needs and looks at structural causes of […]

Kol Isha is reaching higher, going deeper. Join us for a semester of exploration of meanings within the text of Genesis. Using the new English edition of Mikrot Gadolot, Great Readings, we will discover the insights of commentators across the centuries and add those of our own, helping us better understand the modern world. Instructors: […]

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 Bible, Talmud and other sacred texts. Congregation Beth Shalom, 772 W. 5th Avenue, […]

This course follows the development of the emerging Jewish nation from their awe-inspiring encounter at Mount Sinai through the building of the tabernacle in the wilderness. The high points of divine revelation in “Ten Commandments,” “Encountering God,” and “Face to Face with God” are sharply contrasted with the low points of the “Golden Calf: Revolt or Reversion.” […]

This 4-session Melton course explores the impact of collective memory. Participants will encounter in a number of different ways one of the most powerful keys to Jewish survival: the enduring determination to never forget.  Remember the attempted Jewish national genocide by Amalek  Reflections on the Spanish expulsion  Recollections of Poland just before and after 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. (12 sessions) **Etz Chaim members register directly with Rolly Cohen at 847.291.7788 x1304 or rolly@bjechicago.org** Sundays 12:30 – 2:45 p.m. 12 […]

This ongoing class is in its eleventh 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 […]

This course brings us the Egyptian narrative of our people from “Pharoah’s Paranoia” and “Moshe’s CV” to the dramatic story of our rescue, and survival in the wilderness during “Into the Sea” and “Manna from Heaven.” Leadership, bravery, faith, and doubt define some of the critical moments in these texts and offer us a rich […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 time 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 […]

Rhythms of Jewish Living: examines the Jewish calendar, holidays, and life-cycle events. Students explore ideas, beliefs and practices that define Jewish life. North Suburban Synagogue Beth El, 1175 Sheridan Road, Highland Park, IL Begins Sunday, October 6, 2019 Faculty - Ali Drumm **NSSBE members register directly with Rolly Cohen at 847.291.7788 x1304 or rolly@bjechicago.org**

Palaces in Time: A Year of Wonder Rhythms of Jewish Living: examines the Jewish calendar, holidays, and life-cycle events. Students explore ideas, beliefs and practices that define Jewish life. North Suburban Synagogue Beth El, 1175 Sheridan Road, Highland Park, IL Begins Sunday, October 6, 2019 (8 sessions) Faculty - Ali Drumm **NSSBE members register directly […]