Adult Education 2009/2010 אנשי מצוה –  Anshei Mitzvah – Mondays 6 PM A one and a half year course of study for those adults who never became a Bar or Bat Mitzvah (or would like to do it again!).  A wonderful opportunity to learn Hebrew, study our liturgy, and form a community of life-long learners.  The program culminates in the Anshei Mitzvah service in May 2011 where participants will have the opportunity to lead services and read from the Torah.  Anshei Mitzvah is an educational program designed for those Jewish members of Temple Beth El who want to broaden their Judaic knowledge and experience. Adult Confirmation – Mondays 7 PM One and a half year course of intermediate level Judaica including lessons on Torah, Tanach, Talmud, Midrash, Kaballah, and Jewish history.  Class participants will devise and execute a social action project.  Included in course will be 1 out of town weekend retreat.  Class will culminate with a special Friday night service led by class participants.  Great opportunity for parents of religious school students to model Jewish study for their kids!! Lunch and Learn – Second Wednesday of the Month Sunshine Seafood Café at 12:30 PM The best deal in town!  Great, affordable food and a different topic of discussion every month with Rabbi Barras.  מדרש – Midrash on Mondays – Noon every Monday Bring your own lunch and study the mysteries of the Midrash every Monday with Rabbi Barras. תנך – Tanach Study – Shabbat mornings at 9:15 AM Special Electives Famous Jewish Trials Come learn about the five Trials that deeply affected the Jewish world and its history.  We will explore the Dreyfus Affair, the Trial of Adolph Eichman, the Rosenberg Trial, the case of Leo Frank, and the Beilis Trial.  Classes will be offered January 12, 19, 26 and February 2 and 9. Instructor: Gerald Zeidenberg

This Anshei Mitzvah was the largest so far in Temple Beth El and they studied for two yearswith Rabbi Barras to achieve their goal. On May 8, Rabbi Barras led the fourteen participants as they celebrated their special event. They were Chris Bielski, Susie Ferkel, Ileane Flores,Carolyn Gora, Barbara Gribin, Joel Hersch,Robin Jacobs, Chris Lapidus, Karen Liberles, Claire Shapiro, SheilaSklar, Doreen VanderWoude, Ellen Wall and Richard Wall. Each had an inspiring story to tell for the reasonwhich led to this achievement as an adult. Temple Beth El Anshei Mitzvah Class of 2009 Anshei Mitzvah at the Temple by Yvonne Schneff   I went with three friends to Temple the very first time for me; To celebrate a Bat Mitzvah for a friend who was proud as could be.   We feasted, laughed and drank wine Excitement filled the air. My friend was led to the service which for two years she had to prepare.   Someone handed out prayer books. I really was confused. We read from the back to front With this I was certainly amused. My hand moved over the pages As the words I lovingly read. I was familiar with all the scripture. I knew exactly what they said. (continued) But what was this feeling that welled up As my eyes raced round the room? My heart pounded in beat to the music. But a very strange feeling did loom.   There was a sense of pride and contentment and a feeling of being “at rest”, I took pleasure in everything done there; There was a lot I had to digest.   The young and the old men intrigued me, I’m afraid that I have to confess So handsome they were in their yarmulkas My feelings I struggled to assess.   As a Christian this really confused me That my heart could be so at rest. I reached my deepest roots. I had been on a spiritual quest.