Links for online classes are available on our Barnert Online Community page (member login required).
If you are not a member and interested in joining us, please contact the office at (201) 848-1800 or info@barnerttemple.org.
Have a specific question about or a suggestion for an adult education program? Contact Rabbi Scheffler, our Assistant Rabbi.
As always, please check our online calendar for the most up-to-date information and offerings.
Torah Study
with Rabbi Steiner or Rabbi Scheffler
Saturday Mornings
9 AM (Zoom)
Format: Zoom
Sessions take place weekly on Zoom at 9 a.m. Topics vary based on the Torah portion and current events. No advance registration required.
*Note: there is no Torah Study when a Saturday Atrium Minyan is scheduled - typically the third Saturday of the month.
As always, visit our online calendar for the most current schedule of classes and in-person dates. Advance registration requested for in-person dates.
Reform Zionist Reading Group
A Lay-Led Reading & Discussion Group
Dates: Check calendar or click registration button below
Format: Zoom
This a lay-led reading group for people who want to become more informed supporters of Israel. The group will select reading material from books about Israel's history and relationship with its Arab and Palestinian neighbors. Discussions will enable members to process the material and develop more informed perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the State of Israel as our modern Jewish homeland.
This group is starting from the premise that Israel has a right to exist and defend itself. It will not be a place to debate these basic tenets, though you are welcome to bring uncertainties and concerns along with your love and support for Israel. It IS a group that will delve deeper into the complexities of Israeli history and society in order to develop more informed perspectives.
The initial books we are looking at pulling from are listed below. If you have others that you would like to explore in the future, let us know. We will never be reading a full book all at once. Individual reading assignments will be shared prior to scheduled discussions. Also, you do not need to purchase every book. You can use your local library, Z-Library, Libby, or other digital/online resource for accessing books.
- Israel: A History (by Anita Shapira)
- Israel: A Concise History of a Nation Reborn (Daniel Gordis)
- Israel: A Simple Guide to the Most Misunderstood Country on Earth (Noa Tishby)
- Letters to my Palistinian Neighbor (Yosi Klein Halevi)
Our first meeting will be on Monday, February 12th at 7:30, at 9 p.m. Link will be provided after you register.
Click below to be part of this group.
Foolish or Fantastic: Getting to Know the Stories of Chelm
with Rabbi Steiner
Dates: April 1, 8, and 15 at 12 p.m.
Format: Zoom
In Jewish folklore, Chelm is an imaginary city (although it is actually a real city from which Rabbi Steiner can trace a part of her family) inhabited by fools who believe they are wise. Chelm stories typically feature people who are presented with some problem to solve or deep question to answer and wind up settling on foolishness...which they believe is wisdom. Like so many stories in this kind of genre, there is often deep truth to unearth. We will read some of these Jewish folktales, finding laughter, learning, and enduring truths.
OFFERED THROUGH THE URJ
LEARN TO READ HEBREW
Learn the shapes and sounds of the Hebrew alphabet with a warm and supportive educator to guide you and a group of classmates through practicing together. Recognize and understand common Hebrew words and phrases that are often heard in Reform congregations and in Jewish prayer. Perfect for Introduction to Judaism alumni and other adults, this course assumes no prior Hebrew experience.
This course has been developed specifically for online learning, and is taught by experienced educators. Live sessions meet weekly over video conferencing. Participants are given access to online course materials and a link to purchase a workbook.
Each session is 10-weeks in duration, and sessions run throughout the year.
Click image for details and to register.
READING HEBREW PRAYERS
Gain comfort and fluency reading Shabbat prayers in Hebrew in this new six-session course from the Union for Reform Judaism. Explore the meaning of the prayers, learn key Hebrew prayer vocabulary, and hear common prayer melodies.
Participants should already be familiar with the sounds and shapes of the Hebrew aleph bet and be able to slowly sound out Hebrew words. Each session focuses on a different selection of prayers from the siddur (prayer book) and includes reading practice with an experienced instructor and a classroom community. Registration includes online access to all class materials, including audio recordings of each prayer selection.
Click image for details and to register.
