Adult Education
Learning is a lifelong journey, and at Temple Beth-El, we offer engaging opportunities for adults to deepen their Jewish knowledge, explore spirituality, and build community.
From text study and Jewish history to current events, Hebrew, and guest lectures, our adult education programs are designed to inspire curiosity and connection at every stage of life.
*Pictured on the left, Rabbi David Wolpe served as the 2024 speaker for our annual Rabbi Samuel Stahl Lecture.
Limudim
לימודים
“To learn always”—reminding us that Jewish learning is a lifelong journey of curiosity, discovery, and connection.
Visiting Scholars
Temple Beth-El’s Adult Education program proudly hosts visiting scholars who bring fresh perspectives, deep expertise, and engaging teachings to our community. These special events offer unique opportunities to learn from renowned voices in Jewish thought, culture, and contemporary issues—enriching our understanding and inspiring meaningful conversation.
Paper Midrash with Isaac and Rabbi Shawna Brynjegard-Bialik
March 20-22, 2026
Join us for Paper Midrash, a weekend experience blending Jewish text study with bold visual art. Led by artist and rabbi duo: Isaac and Rabbi Shawna Brynjegard-Bialik, this hands-on program explores Torah through contemporary stories—from comics to pop culture—using teaching, live art, and conversation to uncover fresh perspectives on sacred text.
Paper Midrash Events:
Visual Sermon at Erev Shabbat Services | Friday 3/20 | 6:30-7:30pm
Join us for a “pop culture Torah” visual sermon, bringing together traditional Jewish texts and comic books as Isaac & Rabbi Shawna explore the portion of Vayikra.
Street Art Prophecy | Saturday 3/21 | 4-6pm | Youth Event 8-12th Grade
The prophets teach us to use our voices to speak truth to power, and to find light in darkness. Explore the messages of the prophets and then roll up your sleeves to create your own spray-painted stencil art and collaborate on a communal wall.
Make Your Own Golem | Saturday 3/21 | 7-9pm | Adult Event (18+)
Step into the mystical legend of the golem, an enduring story about power, protection, and creation. This workshop for adults explores the golem in Jewish texts and modern culture, from the Psalms to Frankenstein to Superman. After exploring the Jewish history of the golem, you will design and cut your own golem out of paper—a figure animated by the values, strength, and comfort you wish to bring into the world. Together, we’ll reflect on what it means to create and be creators.
Fingerprint Mosaic | Sunday 3/22 | 9:30-12pm | Religious School Only
Temple Beth-El Beit Midrash will be working with Paper Midrash to create two beautiful “Fingerprint Mosaic” tapestries, making authentic Jewish art in a fun and contemporary adaptation of mosaic art made entirely out of fingerprints.
Scrolls & Superpowers: From Sinai to Superheros | Sunday 3/22 | 12:30-2pm | Youth Event 3-5th Grade
This hands-on program has students creating their own “Fold-and-Cut Torahs” out of cut-up comic books. The workshop starts with visual teaching about the connection between Torah and midrash, and about the artistic process as a parallel to the midrashic process.
Torah Study
Saturdays | 9:00–10:00am
Join us around the Torah table for a meaningful and thought-provoking study of the weekly Torah portion, led by a member of our clergy. Each session centers on a key question drawn from the parashah, inviting rich discussion and personal reflection. Together, we’ll explore the insights of classical and modern commentators—spanning centuries of Jewish thought—and bring them into conversation with our own contemporary experiences. Whether you’re a seasoned learner or new to Torah study, this welcoming and interactive space offers a chance to connect more deeply with our sacred texts, our tradition, and one another. Come with curiosity and leave with new perspectives.
Conversion Program
Temple Beth-El warmly welcomes individuals who are exploring Judaism and considering conversion. If you’re interested in beginning this meaningful journey, please fill out this form to learn more about our conversion process and discuss your path forward.
Conversion at Temple Beth-El includes:
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Completion of the Union for Reform Judaism’s Introduction to Judaism course
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Passing a basic Hebrew proficiency exam (recognition of Hebrew letters and vowels)
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Participation in Temple Beth-El’s Choosing Judaism conversion course (class schedules depend on interest and demand)
We are here to support you every step of the way as you explore and embrace Jewish life. Learn more about Conversion.
Adult Hebrew with Rachel Walsh
If you want to deepen your Hebrew skills, join Rachel Walsh for one of her engaging, interactive courses—each customized to the interests and goals of the group. Rachel teaches seven different adult Hebrew courses, with 10 classes in each series. If the scheduled class times don’t fit your availability, additional options can be arranged—just reach out to Rachel to discuss. Email Rachel.
The link with information to register for Rachel’s class can be found here.
Past Adult Education Courses
Our past adult education offerings at Temple Beth-El have featured a rich variety of learning experiences, including thought-provoking classes led by our clergy, inspiring lectures from visiting scholars, and engaging presentations by renowned guest speakers. These programs have explored topics ranging from Jewish texts and history to contemporary issues, spirituality, and culture—providing meaningful opportunities for growth, connection, and discovery.