For a full schedule, details, and class cancellations, check our calendar.
Ongoing Classes
NEW! Kavod Ha’met and Nichum Aveilim — Honoring Our Dead and Comforting the Mourners: Demystifying Jewish Customs and Practices Around Mourning with Rabbi Lisa Grant
Tuesday, December 12 in the CBE Chapel and Tuesday, December 19 in the CBE Boardroom
This mini-course taught by Rabbi Lisa Grant will explore the ancient practices and contemporary approaches of caring for our loved ones after death, and comforting the mourners in our community from the early days and through the traditional year of mourning. The first session will focus on what happens from death through the funeral, and the second will continue with shiva and the period of mourning beyond. Attendance at both sessions is encouraged but not necessary. All are welcome. Register here.
NEW! How Meaning Renews: Sermons and Poems that Animate Each Other with Jessica Greenbaum
Thursdays, November 30, December 1, December 8, and December 15 in the CBE Boardroom
At this time of “extreme reality,” join award-winning poet Jessica Greenbaum as we bring rabbinic and scholarly teachings closer to our lived experience through the consideration of poems related to the teachings. We will be reading passages from some sermons that address our moment—including by Rabbi Timoner—along with other provocative sermons which focus elsewhere—including by Rabbi Matt Green. Alongside these excerpts and varied others from around the country, we will read a diverse span of accessible, engaging poems that reflect or refract their lessons. Through this pairing we aspire to enliven each text— and realize their messages anew. Everyone welcome; no previous experience is needed!
NEW! Cultures of the Jews: A New History with Rabbi Rachel Timoner
December 9, 16, and 23; January 13, 20, and 27; and February 3
Join Rabbi Timoner in an exploration of the history of diverse Jewish cultures around the world. Participants will read select chapters of Cultures of the Jews: A New History, edited by David Biale. This class meets on select Saturdays. Write to rtimoner@cbebk.org to get on the email list for details and updates.
Chevrah Torah Study with Rabbi David Kline
Weekly on Saturdays at 11:15 AM (year round) over Zoom
Following the cycle of the weekly parashah, we select passages from Torah/Pentateuch and Haftarah/Prophets. We do close reading and open discussion. Our object is to get acquainted with our earliest ancestors through their writings about the world, God, our people, and moral values.
Hebrew 101: Decoding with Roz Koch
Tuesdays at 7:00 in the CBE Boardroom and Chapel, beginning October 10
$120 for members/$180 for non-members
This course is designed for true beginners and anyone who needs a brush up from Hebrew School. In twelve sessions, you will learn how to “decode” Hebrew, which means you’ll be able to read from any Hebrew text with vowels. Click here to register.
Mussar
Weekly on Tuesdays at 7:30 PM over Zoom
Check our calendar for specific dates
Zoom links are updated weekly. For up to date information and links, please email Gary Shaffer at mussar@cbebk.org
Mussar seeks to improve our relations with others and ourselves. The class is discussion based and focuses on character traits, or middot, such as patience, generosity, gratitude, anger, and humility. The method is to study these traits and put into practice what we study. The goal is to make us not just more insightful, but to effect a change in behavior by making the heart feel what the mind knows. We draw upon both classic and modern Mussar writings, though no prior knowledge of Mussar or Hebrew is required.
NEW! Hebrew 102: Trope and Prayer Literacy with Roz Koch
Wednesdays at 7:00 in the CBE Boardroom, beginning October 11
$120 for members/$180 for non-members.
This course is perfect for anyone looking to chant Torah and enhance their knowledge of Hebrew prayers. We will focus on learning “trope,” the traditional chanting of Torah, as well as some of the basics of liturgical (prayer) Hebrew and Biblical Hebrew. Students must be able to decode Hebrew already to participate fully in this class. Click here to register.
Lunch and Learn with Rabbi Matt Green
Thursdays at 12:30 PM in the CBE Boardroom and over Zoom
Rabbi Green’s beloved class will focus on prophetic texts from the Bible and rabbinic commentaries.
This is a hybrid class. You are welcome to join in person or on Zoom.
Basic Judaism: An Intro to Jewish Life, Text, and Ideas with Rabbi Andy Kahn
Thursdays, 7:30-9:00 PM in the CBE Board Room and Chapel
October 12, 2023 through April 18, 2024
$567 per Participant/$387 for CBE Members (includes cost of required book)
Enrollment for Basic Judaism 2023-24 has closed due to reaching full capacity.
Meditation Group
Weekly on Thursdays at 7:30 PM over Zoom
CBE hosts a meditation class every week on Zoom. The group is open to people with all levels of experience and our participants span the range. Beginners will be completely comfortable. Those with experience will also enjoy our wonderful teachers. Email cbemeditationgroup@gmail.com to get on the mailing list for a once a week Zoom link notice. Open to members and non-members.