Beth Am believes in and supports lifelong learning.
Free, independent inquiry is a hallmark of Beth Am – from our founding in 1974 to today. We offer a robust range of learning opportunities for adults. Discover new ways to grow with us, whether through studying Hebrew, attending a panel discussion or a lecture, or in an ongoing study group tackling the ethics of Jewish personhood – there is something for everyone!
Evening Lectures and Scholar-in-Residence programs
These popular programs focus on an in-depth analysis of issues of Jewish interest. Evening programs are offered throughout the year with guest lecturers.
To learn more about Scholar In Residence 5787 and RSVP, go to this page.
Thursdays 7 – 8:15 PM
Dates: 10/29, 11/5, 11/12, 11/19, 12/3
In this five-session class, we will explore one of Judaism’s most important and most difficult to translate, ideas. Chesed can mean lovingkindness, care, loyalty, generosity, even covenantal love. What does it mean to build a relationship on ‘covenantal care’? How do the Rabbis think about incorporating the concept of Chesed into their communal norms, and what can we learn from their wisdom as we work to build a world from love today.
This class will be offered in person and on Zoom. Those who are able to attend in person are strongly encouraged to do so.
An IYUN Circle
Sundays 10 – 11:30 AM
Dates: 11/1, 11/8, 11/15, 11/22, 12/6, 12/13*
*the 12/13 class will start after the Annual Meeting
What does it mean to practice radical hospitality as a Jewish value, and how can Shabbat help us build deeper relationships and a stronger community?
The Shabbat Hospitality Studio is a hands-on learning experience exploring Shabbat ritual, meaningful hospitality, and the art of creating gatherings that foster connection and belonging. Together, we’ll explore the meaning behind Shabbat practices, build confidence as hosts, and learn practical ways to create welcoming experiences that reflect our own homes, traditions, personalities, and resources.
Through Jewish learning, conversation, hands-on practice, and small “mini-missions” between sessions, participants will explore topics including:
This Studio will also help train members of Beth Am’s Welcome Team, a group of congregants who will serve as connectors for new member households during their first year at Beth Am.
By participating, we ask that you be willing to connect with at least two new member households who share interests, life stages, neighborhoods, or other points of connection with you. This might include inviting someone for Shabbat dinner, meeting for coffee, attending a Beth Am program together, extending an invitation to your sukkah, or finding another way to help them build relationships and feel at home in our community.
Beth Am will provide subsidies to help cover the costs of these engagement opportunities, so that welcoming others can be accessible and achievable for our Welcome Team members.
The Studio will culminate with a Shabbat dinner at the Kolstad’s home in Bel Air, where we will experience and practice the kind of thoughtful, relationship-centered hospitality we have explored together.
Susannah Kolstad is the Director of Engagement and Programming and an IYUN circle facilitator.
Funded in part by the USCJ Synagogue Engagement Grant Initiative.
Would you like to read from the Torah or prepare Haftarah during a special celebration or milestone? Haftarah and Torah trope classes introduce the melodies used in chanting Haftarah and Torah readings. Classes are scheduled based upon demand. Contact Rabbi Tyler Dratch for more information.
We’d love to have you on Beth Am’s adult education committee! Contact Sharon Achinstein for more information.
The Beth Am Religious Services Committee is excited to launch a new Torah Reading Mentorship Program, designed to help congregants learn how to chant Torah with trope (leining) in a supportive and welcoming environment.
Whether you’re brand new to Hebrew, curious but unsure where to start, or an experienced reader looking to gain confidence or mentor others, this program offers flexible virtual lessons, personalized guidance, and accessible learning resources to fit busy schedules.
Complete our interest survey and join us in making Torah reading more accessible at Beth Am!
Shabbat mornings | 8:45 AM
We offer hybrid torah study on Saturdays, in Rav Tyler’s study and on Zoom. On the first Saturday of the month, Torah Study with be in-person only.
Zoom link for hybrid study.
