Adult Learning
Temple Beth Sholom offers several adult learning opportunities. Twice a year Rabbi Rosenstein offers the 18-week Miller Introduction to Judaism course. This course is designed for those interested in learning the basics of Jewish customs, ceremonies, rituals and history. It is also one of the required programs necessary for conversion to Judaism in the Conservative, Reform and Reconstruction Movements. Following the successful completion of the course, and a good amount of paperwork, candidates for conversion will then meet with a Bet Din (Jewish religious court) and immerse in the Mikvah – (ritual bath). The course is fee based.
Temple Beth Sholom also offers a basic Hebrew reading class through the NJOP organization. Once completed, individuals will be able to follow along in the prayer book, making the synagogue experience much more enjoyable. The course is fee based.
We also hold a once-a-year evening study session in April or May, called “Tikkun Lyel Shavuot” where people offer 15-20 minute lectures on any Jewish topic they wish. It is one of our most attended adult learning events.
We also offer occasional adult education lectures related to Yom HaShoah, the High Holidays, Chanukah, as well as occasion Torah Study sessions, and Jewish history lectures. We expect to broaden our learning opportunities once we move to our new and larger site in August 2025.
Current Study Classes
Synagogues are often times referred to as a “Shul” as you might have seen once or twice throughout our website. “Shul” is Yiddish for school; a synagogue is not just a place for worship, but a place to learn too.
Rabbi Rosenstein is about to begin a new cohort. It will begin on Thursday December 4th from 4:00PM to 6:00PM, Pacific Time. The cohort will be between 18 and 20 weeks long, depending on where the Jewish and secular holidays fall. This course will be offered only via Zoom. The cost is $365.00 for the entire cohort. Each session is two hours long. There is a 50% discount for the second family member from the same household, wishing to take the class.
This is an excellent course for individuals who are considering converting to Judaism (this class will prepare you for conversion)
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‣ in an interfaith relationship and want to learn more about Judaism
‣ looking for a way to live a fuller and richer Jewish life
‣ seeking to understand what your children already know about Judaism and Jewish culture
‣ interested in a Jewish education “refresher”
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We will cover the Jewish calendar; overview of the Torah and it’s interesting characters; the Jewish holidays; Kashrut; Tikkun Olam (healing of the World); how to raise a Jewish mensch; live a Jewish life, and our the relationship of the Jewish people and the Land of Israel.
Beginners' Hebrew Reading Class
New Class starting in 2026
Learn how to read the wiggles and squiggles of the Hebrew language. Perfect for those wanting to read from the Siddur.
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ALL ARE WELCOME!
Participants in the Hebrew Reading Crash Course will learn to read Hebrew in 6-8 weekly sessions.
Designed for Jews with little or no background in Hebrew, it concentrates on teaching the Hebrew alphabet and reading skills.