The BJE offers a variety of classes through the year! Specific dates are added as courses become available.
Classes all meet in person at the Ina Levine Jewish Community Campus unless noted otherwise.

Each class is taught by experienced educators and scholars, providing students with a rich and engaging learning experience. Whether you’re seeking to deepen your knowledge of Jewish traditions or explore new areas of interest, these courses offer valuable insights and community connections.​

2025 FALL OFFERINGS

Wise Aging: Living with Joy, Resilience, and Spirit
While age does bring with it hard-won truths, the fact that many Americans are living longer than ever means even the elderly are venturing into unknown territory. With that in mind, Wise Aging is a program that focuses on using wisdom and experience accumulated over the years to grow as we grow older. Our Center for Wise Aging features a variety of classes throughout the week. Join us for great conversation at one of our classes.
Mondays from 1:00 – 2:15 p.m. with Rabbi Mindie Snyder; 8 sessions beginning October 20
Fridays from 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. with Anita Rabenowitz; 7 sessions beginning September 12
Fridays from 11:30 – 1:00 p.m. with Cindy Block; 5 sessions beginning October 3
Fridays from 11:30 – 1:00 p.m. with Cindy Block; 6 sessions beginning November 7

Text Study with Rabbi Aviva
Focusing on the study of the Torah, this course invites students to engage with the text through traditional and modern interpretative lenses. Discussions will cover historical context, literary analysis, and the application of teachings to contemporary life.​
Mondays from 10:00 – 11:15 a.m.; 14 sessions beginning September 8
Facilitator: Rabbi Aviva Funke

 Welcome to Judaism [VIRTUAL]
This foundational course explores the significance of customs, and historical origins of Jewish holidays and rituals. SIn addition students will explore key texts, traditions, and historical events that have shaped the Jewish experience from ancient times to the modern era. Ideal for beginners seeking a comprehensive understanding of Judaism, prospective converts, or those wanting to brush-up on their Jewish knowledge.​
Monday evenings from 5:00 – 6:15 p.m.; 8 sessions beginning August 25
Facilitator: Rabbi Bonnie Sharfman

Conversational Hebrew
Four levels are offered from Beginner, Advance Beginner, Intermediate, to Advanced classes.
Through interactive lessons and practice exercises, students will gain confidence in using Hebrew in everyday contexts.​
Tuesdays from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. with Lilach Ben Ari – Conversational Hebrew for Beginners; 8 sessions beginning October 21 
Wednesdays from 3:00 – 4:25 p.m. with Sophie Plapp – Advanced Hebrew; 8 sessions beginning October 22
Wednesdays from 4:30 – 5:55 p.m. with Sophie Plapp – Intermediate Hebrew; 8 sessions beginning October 22
Wednesdays from 6:00 – 7:25 p.m. with Sophie Plapp – Advanced Intermediate Hebrew; 8 sessions beginning October 22

The Kabbalah of Meaning
Life is busy. What connects it all? Join this six-session course to discover Judaism’s timeless approach to meaning in life. You’ll hear answers to some of life’s most fundamental questions: What is meaning? Where does it come from? And if we have it all, why do we seek more? You’ll gain tools to see the meaning in the routines, relationships, and rhythms of time that shape your life. Discover the purpose in what you’ve achieved and in what lies ahead. This course will satisfy the continuing education requirements of doctors, psychologists, social workers, LMFTs, and LMHC/LPCs in most states.
Tuesdays from 12:30 – 2:00 p.m.; 6 sessions beginning November 4
Facilitator: Rabbi Mendel Vaisfiche

Art Appreciation Classes [VIRTUAL]
The expanse of Jewish Art both biblical and religious is vast and varied both through different mediums and through different eras. Each week Marcie Lee brings new works to the screen for discussion, and to explore and interpret the artists visions.
Wednesdays from 10:30 -11:30 a.m. – Creation of The Ephraim Moshe Lillien Art Nouveau Bible; 3 sessions beginning September 3
Wednesdays from 11:45 – 12:45 p.m. – The Contemporary Betzalel artists, and their Academy in Jerusalem; 3 sessions beginning September 3
Wednesdays from 10:30 -11:30 a.m. – Exploring Contemporary German Artistic Culture; 6 sessions beginning November 12
Wednesdays from 11:45 – 12:45 p.m. – Ephraim Moshe Lilien’s Life and Art Beyond His Bible; 6 sessions beginning November 12
Facilitator: Marcie Lee

Victors, Victims, Virgins, Voices – Rereading Women Stories in the Bible
In this class we will explore how womens’ stories in the Bible reflect the story of the people of Israel as a whole. In close text study we will examine the characters and destinies of lesser known women from the prophetic and historical books of the TaNaKh. We will use the methodologies of gender studies to ask deeper questions about the role and nature of women according to the Bible and will make some surprising discoveries!  Requirements: Please bring your own copy of the Hebrew Bible (Tanakah), an openness to ask challenging questions and a willingness to live with the tension between biblical text and modern interpretation..
Thursdays from 11:30 – 12:40 p.m.; 6 sessions beginning October 23
Facilitator: Rabbi Nitzan Stein Kokin

Israel and the Middle East
Meir Jolovitz brings his great passion and knowledge of Israel to engage with his students, to bring understanding to the complex issues Israel faces today in tumultuous Middle East. There is never a dull moment in this popular weekly course.
Thursdays from 12:30 – 2:00 p.m.; 11 sessions beginning September 11
Facilitator: Meir Jolovitz