Adult Learning

B'nai Jacob offers a rich array
of classes and guest lectures
every season. 

Join us! 

Sunday Morning Speaker Series Spring 2018

March 11 at 10:00am

Barry Zaret, MD
R.W. Berliner Prof. Emeritus at Yale

“When You Can’t Do Any More”
Congregant Dr. Zaret will read from his recently published volume of poetry, drawing upon themes initially explored in his first book “Journeys,” as well as newer themes about personal journeys, medicine, healing, Judaism, and art.  Books will be available for purchase and signing.

March 18 at 10:00am

Rev. Canon Nicholas T. Porter

Jerusalem Peacebuilders 
Last summer a group of Jewish, Christian and Muslim teens from around the world visited our synagogue as part of their program with the Jerusalem Peacebuilders. Rev. Canon Nicholas T. Porter, Executive Director of the program, will return to discuss the transformational, interfaith peace and leadership work of Jerusalem Peacebuilders in Israel, Jerusalem and the West Bank. 

April 22 at 10:00am

Dr. Barry Holtz
Theodore and Florence Baumritter Professor of Jewish Education, JTS

Who was Rabbi Akiva and Why Should He Matter to Jews Today?
Dr. Holtz will speak about his acclaimed new biography of Rabbi Akiva. Rabbi Akiva, allegedly illiterate until the age of 40, became the leading scholar and hero of rabbinic literature. Dr. Holtz will discuss what writing a biography of a figure from the distant past entails and how the stories of Akiva’s life can speak to us today.

May 6 at 10:00am

Rabbi Lila Kagedan

The Art of Dying: Jewish Medical Ethics and End of Life Decisions
Rabbi Lila Kagedan was ordained by Yeshivat Maharat in 2015 and is the first female clergy member to preside in an Orthodox synagogue while using the title “rabbi.” Rabbi Kagedan is also an instructor of bioethics at New York Medical College and a clinical ethicist and chaplain at several hospitals and hospices.

Rabbi Shapiro's Class

Mondays evenings 7:30-9:00pm  • Nov 13, 27; Dec 11; Jan 8, 22; Feb 12, 26; Mar 12, 26; Apr 9, 23

Jewish Values and the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
Join us as we explore one of the most divisive issues affecting the Jewish people today. The iengage curriculum is produced by the Shalom Hartman Institute to facilitate difficult conversations about Israel. Participants will develop an understanding of the ideals which shape their political views and those of others. No experience necessary. Free to BJ members. $100 non-members.  CLASS IS FULL!

Rabbi Shapiro explores the weekly Torah portion and how its story relates to our own. Lively discussion over bagels and coffee. No experience necessary