Past Adult Education Courses
Past Rabbi Samuel Stahl Lecture Speakers
Temple Beth-El proudly honors the legacy of our beloved Rabbi Emeritus, Rabbi Samuel Stahl, through the annual Rabbi Samuel Stahl Lecture. Each year, we invite a distinguished scholar or speaker to share their wisdom with our community, continuing Rabbi Stahl’s tradition of inspiring learning, thoughtful dialogue, and meaningful conversation.
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Rabbi David Wolpe in 2024
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Learned his impressions on the ever-changing landscape of Jewish identity and Jewish institutions in America.
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Dr. Rabbi Shmuly Yanklowitz in 2023
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Looked deeper and beyond the surface level of dealing with different perspectives. A mystical approach to ethics.
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Rev. Dr. Daniel Joslyn-Siemiatkoski in 2022
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Spoke on divergent Christian views of Zionism.
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Rabbi Dvora Weisberg in 2019
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Discussed constructive interfaith dialogue and relationships between parents and children.
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Rabbi Jeffrey Salkin in 2018
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Taught on the roots of American Reform Judaism are in classical Reform and the teachings of the Pittsburgh Platform.
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Dr. Samuel Gruber in 2017
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Spoke about synagogue architecture (I think).
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Rabbi Ed Feinstein in 2016
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United the ancient Jewish love of ideas with the warmth of Jewish humor.
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Past Visiting Scholars
At Temple Beth-El, adult education is at the heart of our community’s commitment to lifelong learning. Throughout the year, we welcome visiting scholars and speakers who bring fresh perspectives on Jewish thought, history, culture, and contemporary issues. These programs create opportunities for deep engagement, meaningful dialogue, and continued spiritual and intellectual growth.
Rachel Korazim - Israeli Songs that made an Impact
Rachel is a freelance Jewish education consultant in curriculum development for Israel and Holocaust education. She engages audiences worldwide through innovative presentations built around the stories, poems and songs of Israel’s best writers. Her thought-provoking talks open a window onto Israeli society, inviting listeners to engage with the country and its history in new ways. Our series of three sessions will offer a close reading and listening to three Israeli poems set to music. Each in its turn reflected the spirit of its time and left a lasting impact on Israeli life; way beyond the cultural sphere. This course has ended, but the recording sessions can be found in each of the topic descriptions below.
Session 1 Naomi Shemer - Jerusalem of Gold | Text & Sources | Recording
Session 2 Jacob Rotblit & Yair Rosenblum - Song for Peace | Recording
Session 3 Ehud Manor - I Have No Other Land | Recording​
Rabbi Minna Bromberg, PhD - Fat Torah: Judaism and Body Liberation
This powerful class, led by Rabbi Minna Bromberg, PhD—founder and president of Fat Torah—explores the intersection of Judaism and body liberation. Drawing on her decades of experience in fat activism, Jewish leadership, and teaching, Rabbi Bromberg invites participants to challenge weight stigma and build inclusive spiritual communities where every body belongs. Through the lens of Jewish tradition, participants engage in both tikkun halev (healing the heart) and tikkun olam (repairing the world), embracing a Judaism that uplifts and liberates all bodies.
Session 1 What’s Jewish about weight stigma?  | Recording
Session 2 The Abundant Divine Image | Recording
Session 3 Sacred Speech | Recording
Made possible by the Jean and Jesse Wulfe Religious Enhancement Fund
Rachel Korazim - Poetry in the Wake of October 7
In the aftermath of October 7 and the war that followed, many have found themselves at a loss for words—ein milim—to express the depth of shock, grief, and anguish. And yet, amid the pain, some voices have emerged through poetry, offering raw, honest, and sometimes hopeful reflections. This session explores powerful poems written in response to the ongoing crisis in Israel. These pieces draw on biblical imagery, prayer forms, and everyday language now reshaped by trauma. From haunting phrases like “released for publication” to reimagined Kaddishes, the poetry reflects a wide range of perspectives from across Israeli society. Together, we’ll read, discuss, and reflect on these voices that speak the unspeakable and help us find meaning in a moment of heartbreak.
Rev. Dr. Daniel Joslyn-Siemiatkoski - Christian Approaches to Zionism
The Rev. Dr. Daniel Joslyn-Siemiatkoski explores how mainline Protestant denominations—particularly the Episcopal Church—have approached Zionism over the past 75 years. Using the Episcopal Church as a case study, he examines the theological, historical, and political factors that have shaped a range of views on Zionism and considers what future trajectories might emerge. Rev. Dr. Joslyn-Siemiatkoski is the Kraft Family Professor and Director of the Center for Christian-Jewish Learning at Boston College. A noted scholar of Jewish-Christian relations and comparative theology, he is the author of The More Torah, The More Life: A Christian Commentary on Mishnah Avot and Christian Memories of the Maccabean Martyrs. He is also an ordained priest in the Episcopal Church.