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.​

2026 WINTER OFFERINGS

Rediscovering our Roots – Unlocking Biblical Wisdom for Today’s Challenges
Dedicated to the Memory of Aaron Scholar z”l
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.​
Tuesdays from 11:00 – 12:10 p.m.; 6 sessions beginning January 20
Facilitator: Rabbi Laibel Blotner

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; 7 sessions beginning January 26
Fridays from 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. with Anita Rabenowitz; 8 sessions beginning January 16
Fridays from 11:30 – 1:00 p.m. with Linda Levin; 4 sessions beginning January 16
MEN – Wednesdays from 10:30 – 12:00 p.m. with Ken Levin; 4 sessions beginning January 14, please purchase the book “What will they say about you when you are gone? Creating a life legacy by Rabbi Daniel Cohen

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.; 12 sessions beginning January 12
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.; 7 sessions beginning January 5
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 3:00 – 4:25 p.m. with Sophie Plapp – Advanced Conversational Hebrew; 8 sessions beginning January 6
Tuesdays from 4:30 – 5:55 p.m. with Sophie Plapp – Intermediate Conversational Hebrew; 8 sessions beginning January 6
Tuesdays from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. with Lilach Ben Ari – Conversational Hebrew for Beginners; 7 sessions beginning January 13

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. – Jewish Architecture through the Ages; 8 sessions beginning January 7
Wednesdays from 11:45 – 12:45 p.m. – Jewish Ritual Objects in Sephardic and Ashkenazi Cultures; 8 sessions beginning January 7
Facilitator: Marcie Lee

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..
Mondays from 11:30 – 12:40 p.m.; 7 sessions beginning January 19
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.; 12 sessions beginning January 8
Facilitator: Meir Jolovitz