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Adult Learning

At Congregation Beth Jacob, we are a center of learning, and we invite everyone in our community to start anywhere and find their center. Studying our texts, traditions, rituals, and practices is a lifelong pursuit, so each year we offer many opportunities to sample paths of growth, experience, and curiosity.

Upcoming Events

All Events

Wednesday ,
SepSeptember 17 , 2025

Digesting Grief: Love, Loss, and the New Year
Wednesday, Sep 17th 7:00p to 8:00p
Hartman-ordained Jerusalemit Rabbi-Chef Nissimmi Naor – Wednesday night Sept 17 for a public talk "Digesting Grief: Love, Loss and the New Year" Rabbi Chef Nissimmi Naim Naor is a celebrated Israeli chef, ordained rabbi, educator, and speaker who blends culinary artistry with Jewish heritage and storytelling to create transformative, multi-sensory experiences. His work explores the central role food plays in shaping Jewish identity, using rich historic knowledge, Jewish texts, and, of course, carbs. Rooted in the flavorful traditions of his grandmother Miriam’s kitchen, Nissimmi refined his craft in some of Israel’s top restaurants, including under the mentorship of acclaimed chef Eyal Shani. He is the creator and TV host of A Pot of Longing, a poignant Israeli series where he cooks family recipes with those who have lost their loved ones, using food as a bridge between past and present. Beyond the kitchen, Nissimmi holds degrees in philosophy, economics, political science, and law. He received his rabbinical ordination from the Shalom Hartman Institute and serves as a Casualties Notification Officer in the IDF reserves, having dedicated over 200 days to this role since October 7th. He lives in Jerusalem with his wife, Shlomit, and their three daughters, and leads the Siah Yitzhak congregation in the Katamon neighborhood.
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Thursday ,
OctOctober 2 , 2025

Study Groups
Thursday, Oct 2nd 1:15p to 2:00p

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Thursday ,
OctOctober 2 , 2025

Study Groups
Thursday, Oct 2nd 2:15p to 3:00p

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Ongoing Classes

Shabbat Morning – 9:00 -10:00 – Rabbi Ezray – Join us in our verse-by-verse analysis of the Book of Deuteronomy. There are a variety of points of view and voices, and each interpretation deepens our connection to our heritage. You can join in even if you have not studied Torah before – speaking is encouraged, not required. You will never look at Torah quite the same way again! In person and on Zoom

Talmud – Wednesday following minyan (usually 8:15) – Bill Futornick – Jump into the sea of Talmud. This key text of our people explores every topic under the sun. It is full of thought-provoking and life-changing exchanges.

Torah and Art – Wednesday 10:30 – 11:30 – Bill Futornick – Torah & Art with Bill Futornick (In Person & Zoom) - Join our weekly adult class in exploring Torah and Tanakh stories through generations of art—Jewish and secular—forming visual interpretations, a kind of visual Midrash. These powerful images guide our understanding, allowing us to create our own connections to our sacred text. Join us in person at CBJ or via Zoom each Wednesday at 10:30 am. Please follow this link to join on zoom.

Prayer Tutorial – If you would like to learn how to chant prayers, Torah or Haftarah, we will work with you. Please contact Cantor Barbara – barbara@bethjacobrwc.org.

Our First Ever Community Read – The Amen Effect by Rabbi Sharon Brous

The Adult Learning committee has selected The Amen Effect by Rabbi Sharon Brous, one of our country’s most prominent rabbis. This new book brings extraordinarily relevant insights about- and practices to help cultivate - being present and connected in community. We encourage you to join us in reading the book on your own, following which we’ll come together for small book discussion groups and a larger, congregation-wide event. A dozen copies of The Amen Effect have been donated and are available for circulation. Please contact the office if you’d like to borrow one.

Mon, September 15 2025 22 Elul 5785