Beit Midrash Enrollment

Fall Session Course Descriptions

FALL SESSION CLASSES

MONDAYS, OCTOBER 20TH, 27TH, NOVEMBER 10TH, 17TH, 24TH, DECEMBER 1ST

— First Period (6:30–7:30pm) —

VOLUNTEER choir (no cost)

INSTRUCTORS: music director and cantor

Join Cantor Beck-Berman and Music Director Natan Berenshteyn in rehearsals for the Beth Ahabah Choir, which sings once a month at services from October through April. No previous experience required, just a love of singing!
Ongoing Monday night rehearsals review and prepare for monthly Shabbat services featuring the Beth Ahabah Choir. If this session will be your first time joining the choir, please reach out to the Cantor, and she will be happy to schedule a private introductory session to review the basics of choral singing.
For more information about the choir please contact the Cantor at cantorbeckberman@bethahabah.org.

Local Scholar Lecture Series with the museum & Archives

INSTRUCTOR: Dana Isaacoff, Executive Director of the Beth Ahabah Museum & Archives

In 6 weeks we will explore local Jewish history, learn about Jewish communities beyond ours, and explore the ideas of Jewish thinkers through weekly scholar visits from faculty at nearby institutions.

Lectures

OCT 20TH The History of Beth Ahabah and Hebrew Cemetery
OCT 27TH The Life of Lise Seger – Early Resistance to the Nazi Regime
NOV 10TH Jews of the Caribbean
NOV 17TH Jewish Writers of the 20^th and 21^st Century and their Controversies
NOV 24TH Jewish Social Action in Richmond, Post Vietnam
DEC 1ST The Architecture of Beth Ahabah – Building and Sanctuary

COOKING: PREPARING FOODS TO CELEBRATE CHANUKAH

INSTRUCTOR: CHEF DAN SCHEROTTER

The fall cooking course will focus on preparing foods to celebrate Chanukah that are based on seasonal produce.

Dishes

OCT 20TH TBA
OCT 27TH TBA
NOV 10TH TBA
NOV 17TH TBA
NOV 24TH TBA
DEC 1ST TBA

— Second Period (7:40pm–8:40PM) —

INTRODUCTION TO JUDAISM (virtual Option Available)

INSTRUCTOR: RABBI SCOTT NAGEL

This course, taught by Rabbi Nagel, is a fascinating journey through Judaism for anyone who wants to understand Jewish practices, beliefs, history, theology, contemporary Judaism, branches of Judaism, holidays, and life-cycle events. Perfect for interfaith couples and those considering conversion or anyone who wants a review or refresher on the foundations of Judasim.

INTRODUCTION TO JEWISH MYSTICISM

INSTRUCTOR: CANTOR SARAH BECK-BERMAN

Today, “Kabbalah” has become a catch-all term for Jewish mysticism, but there have been multiple schools and approaches to Jewish mysticism across time. Did you know that for centuries, mysticism was part of mainstream Judaism? This class will explore the historical and philosophical backgrounds of different Jewish mystical traditions, as well as some of the most prominent images and spiritual tools which come from Jewish mysticism, such as the Tree of Life and Sephirot.

Beit Midrash (Adult Education) 2025-2026

Fall Session Course Descriptions

2025-2026 Adult Beit Midrash Registration Form