Learning Curve

Learning Curve
BHBE’s Adult Education Programs

Learning Curve Brochure 2025-2026

Classes with Clergy

Rabbi Nate Crane

Talmud
Wednesdays, 10:00 am (begins October 22)
In-person and on Zoom

Psalms
First Thursday of the month, 7:30 am, following minyan (begins November 6)
In-person

Transitions (The Times They Are A-Changin’)—How we deal with change
In-person
Halacha (Jewish Law) of Transitions Thursday, 5 March, 7:30 pm
Spirituality of Transitions Thursday, 12 March, 7:30 pm
Emotions of Transitions Thursday, 19 March, 7:30 pm

Cantor Pavel Rotman

Cantor Pavel Roytman class (this spring)
Jewish Participants in the American Revolution (this summer)

Rabbi Allan Kensky

The Akedah: Midrash and Interpretations
Tuesdays, November 4, 11, 18, 7:30 pm, in-person
For centuries, Jews and other students of the Bible have wrestled with the Akedah, the story of the Binding of Isaac. We will examine the story from the lens of Midrash, ancient and modern, for answers and perhaps more questions, to this enigmatic story that haunts us each time we read it.

Classes with Guest Educators

Raymond Glassenberg: Shiur B’Shemona
Saturdays, 12:45 pm (beginning in December), in-person
Discuss the events occurring within the parsha of that week, including thoughts of Talmudic sages, Rashi’s commentary, and contemporary interpretations of modern scholars as well as the possible meaning of hapax legomenon.

Sandy Goldberg: The Making of Jewish Humor
Tuesdays, April 28 and May 5, 12, 19, 7:30 pm, in-person
The class will read and discuss Ruth Wisse’s book No Joke: Making Jewish Humor, paying special attention to her argument that humor is the most celebrated of Jewish responses to the modern world and discussing questions about why Jews value humor in the ways that we do.

Ahouva Hasbani: The Influence of Sufism on Jewish Mysticism
Tuesday, October 28, 7:30 pm, in-person
The class will discuss Muslim/Arab influence on Jewish mysticism, including how the renowned rabbis during the Moorish reign started the Kabbalah movement, how that movement was affected by Sufi philosophy, the cross-cultural and spiritual exchange between them, and how they lived side by side with great tolerance.

Special Events

BHBE Film Festival

JEWS: Beneath the Surface: Explore the “hidden” Jewish themes in Spielberg blockbusters
This all-ages movie series highlights the greatest adventure film craft of the 20th century—by the leading Jewish filmmaker of our time. We will not only enjoy amazing thrills, chills, laughs, and music, we will also dig deeply into the Jewish ethics and values that underpin Steven Spielberg’s work.
Jaws 1975 | PG | 2 hr 10 min Saturday, December 6, 7:30 pm
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial 1982 | PG | 2 hr Saturday, January 17, 7:30 pm
Jurassic Park 1994 | PG-13 | 2 hr 7 min Saturday, February 7, 7:30 pm
In-person. Discussion following the movie. Suggested ages 10 and up. Includes snacks and drinks. $15 suggested donation.