Lifelong Learning Opportunities
It’s never too late to learn! Whether we’re new to Judaism or have been learning all of our lives, we all need to be inspired and to evolve in our beliefs and practices. Neveh Shalom offers opportunities to deepen our connections to each other, to our language, our texts, and our traditions.
All classes meet in person unless otherwise noted.
ELUL OFFERINGS: Expand Your Mind and Spirit
Elul Season Poetry Workshop
with Meg Bernstein
Tuesday, August 18, 7:00pm
Registration Required
A generative and discussion-based workshop for folks who enjoy writing poetry, exploring Elul and the High Holy Days through the poetry of apology, forgiveness, and intention.
Conservative Judaism Explained
with Mel Berwin, Director of Congregational Learning
Thursday, August 27, 7:00pm
Registration Required
Whether you’re a new member or simply seeking greater clarity, you’re invited to attend this engaging opportunity to learn about our movement’s name, values, and distinguishing features. Open to all.
Approaching Grief in the HHD Season
with Rabbi Eve Posen
Wednesday, September 16, 7:00pm
Registration Required
Sacred moments in time can bring intense emotions to the surface. In this session we’ll touch on the grief that may be present as we begin a new year and offer a few Jewish tools to process the season.
FALL 2026 CLASSES
Join us for learning throughout the week!
Sunday
Inside the Siddur
with Rabbi Emily Kapor-Mater
Sundays, 9:30-10:30am, Zidell Chapel
October 2026 – Jan 2027
14 weeks
Cost: $36 CNS members/$72 non-members
What’s actually going on when you say the Amidah? Why is the Shema surrounded by blessings arranged just so? And what even is the anatomy of a “blessing” anyway? In this class, we will crack open the daily prayers (Ashkenazi, Sefardi, and Mizrachi traditions) to uncover the shape of our liturgy and structure of our service. Whether you’re just learning to follow along or you’ve been davening for decades, there’s something here for you. All texts will be presented in Hebrew with English translation.
The Talmudic Sources of Liturgy
with Rabbi Emily Kapor-Mater
Sundays, 10:30-11:30am, Zidell Chapel
October 2026 – Jan 2027
14 weeks
Cost: $36 CNS members/$72 non-members if NOT enrolled for Siddur class. Free as add-on to Siddur class.
Where did our prayers actually come from? How did the rabbis come up with the anatomy of the siddur as we know it today? In the second hour of this class, we will explore passages in the Talmud and the medieval law codes where the rabbis of the past debated, defined, and began the process of codifying our liturgy. This will be a chance to see the raw legal and literary process behind the tefillot we recite every day. All texts will be presented in Hebrew with English translation.
Monday
Parshat HaShavuah: Weekly Haftorah Portion
with Rabbi Eve Posen
Mondays, 12:00pm-1:00pm on Zoom
Starting October 5
Cost: Free for CNS members/$120 for series for non-members
Each week we read a specific section of the Torah. We also read a special addition from the Prophets called “Haftorah.” In this class we’ll explore the connection between the Torah portion and Haftorah. No Hebrew knowledge necessary.
“Bird as Prophet”: The Poetry of Emma Lazarus
with Rabbi April Villarreal
Mondays, 6:30pm-7:30pm
Starting Oct 19
Meets weekly
Cost: Free for CNS members/$120 for series for non-members
Emma Lazarus’s poetry is of a breadth and depth that is a true marvel. In this class we will move beyond “The New Colossus” to delve into her poetic works on Nature, Emotion and Society. From it we will also glean insight into American Jewish identity and spirituality.
Aaahh!!! Jewish Monsters (for grown-ups)
Mondays, 7:30pm-8:30pm
Starting Oct 19
Meets every other Monday for 10 weeks
(Oct 19, Nov 2, 16, 30, Dec 7, Jan 11, 25, Feb 8, 22, March 8)
Cost: $36 materials fee for CNS Members/$72 Non-Members
In this class we’ll explore some of the most exciting monsters & magical creatures in the Jewish tradition. No prior knowledge or monster-hunting experience necessary! We’ll be searching through texts from Torah, Talmud, folklore, & more for these fantastic beasts. Please bring your curiosity.
Tuesday
Q&A for Beginning Hebrew & Machon Ivrit
Tuesday, October 6, 7:00pm-8:30pm
Cost: Free
Orientation to our Hebrew classes and levels.
Meet the teachers, explore the syllabus, get help with registration, and find the right level for you.
Note: in-person only, no zoom option.
For more information, click here.
Beginning Hebrew
Tuesdays, 7:00pm-9:00pm
Oct 13, 2026 – May 18, 2027
Ease into Hebrew beginning with Alef-Bet and move on to build a basic vocabulary.
This course (or its equivalent level of mastery) is a pre-requisite for all other Hebrew classes.
For more information, click here.
Machon Ivrit–Modern Hebrew
Tuesdays, 7:00pm-9:00pm
Oct 13, 2026 – May 18, 2027
Join us for a year-long course in Modern Hebrew.
This once-a-week program offers learners four levels to choose from.
For more information, click here.
Wednesday
Sacred Time: Personalizing Our Traditions Throughout the Year
with CNS Clergy and Educators
Second Wednesdays monthly, starting Oct 14
(Oct 14, Nov 11, Dec 9, Jan 13, Feb 10, Mar 10)
7:00pm-8:00pm
Cost: free for CNS Members, $18 per session for Non-Members (taken at the door)
Join our clergy and educators for a monthly conversation that will deepen your connection with our traditions while engaging in real talk about practical ways to bring these observances to life in your own home. We’ll start with texts that explain the roots of our rituals and then branch out with interesting and creative practices and innovations throughout time.
Sephardic Nusach—A series
with Rabbi Cantor Eyal Bitton
First Wednesdays monthly, starting Nov 4
(Nov 4, Dec 2, Jan 6, Feb 3)
7:00pm-8:00pm
Cost: free for CNS Members, $18 per session for Non-Members (taken at the door)
Join Rabbi Cantor Eyal Bitton for a musical journey through Moroccan and Sephardic synagogue traditions. Through live demonstration, audio and video examples, we will explore the distinctive sounds of nusach, tefillah, Torah reading, and Haftarah chanting, comparing Moroccan and Sephardic traditions with Ashkenazi ones. Come listen, learn, and discover the sacred logic behind the melody.
Thursday
Religion & the American Revolution
with Rabbi Isaak
Thursdays, 10:00am-11:00am on Zoom
Starting Oct 8
(6 sessions: Oct 8, 15, 22, 29, Nov 5, 12)
Cost: Free for CNS Members/$72 for non-members
In 1776 a mere 2000-2500 Jewish souls populated the 13 colonies. Yet religion is recognized as a significant factor in the push for independence. The equality of all human beings set the basis and tone for the country that was in the process of becoming. We will discuss the essays in Yuval Levin’s it contains as a means of understanding the unique freedoms and opportunities afforded to us as Jews in America.
Please acquire this volume (https://a.co/d/0gwl6DsB) and read the first essay prior to first session.
Saturday
Women’s Torah Study
with Mel Berwin
Generally 2nd & 4th Saturdays*
12:30pm-1:30pm, Room 102
Cost: Free
Join a welcoming group of diverse women to focus on a different topic each week. Torah, Talmud, Midrash, and contemporary commentary are all employed to learn about our sacred traditions and find meaning for our lives. Texts in Hebrew and English– all levels welcome.
*Contact Mel Berwin for specific dates.
Anytime
Adult Bnai Mitzvah
Whether you didn’t have the opportunity at age 13 or you would like to “update” that experience by celebrating as an adult, we hope you will explore the possibility of an adult bar/bat/brit mitzvah with us! Let us help you design your personal path to this meaningful milestone.
Contact Mel Berwin, mberwin@nevehshalom.org, to start the conversation!
