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.
Class Categories
JUDAISM IN OUR LIVES
Women’s Torah Study
with Mel Berwin
2nd & 4th Saturdays, 12:30pm-1:30pm, Room 102
Sept 26, 2026 -May 22, 2027
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.
Inside the Siddur
with Rabbi Emily Kapor-Mater
Sundays, 9:30-10:30am, Zidell Chapel
14 weeks, October 2026 – Jan 2027
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
14 weeks, October 2026 – Jan 2027
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.
Haftorah
with Rabbi Eve Posen
Mondays, 12:00-1:00pm on ZOOM
Start date: October 5, 2026
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, 6:30-7:30pm
starting Oct 19
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.
HEBREW
Q&A for Beginning Hebrew & Machon Ivrit
with Hebrew Teachers
Tuesday, October 6, 7:00pm
Cost: Free
Orientation to our Hebrew classes and levels. Meet the teachers,
explore the syllabus, and get help with registration.
Note: in-person only, no zoom option.
For more information, click here.
Fall Class
Beginning Hebrew
Tuesdays, 7-9pm
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.
Fall Classes
Modern Hebrew
Tuesdays, 7-9pm
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.
Adult Bnai Mitzvah
Celebrate a new achievement and milestone! For anyone who did not have the opportunity to celebrate a bar/bat mitzvah at age 13, or would like to “update” that experience by celebrating as an adult, on your own or with a cohort! Contact Mel Berwin to register your interest.
