Programs
Adult Education
Exploring Judaism
Shul School
Sisterhood and Mens’ Club
Jewish Teens of Chico
Senior Sages
Gemilut Hasadim/Senior Assistance Program
Book Club
Congregation Beth Israel offers a variety of Adult Education opportunities. At each Shabbat service there is a Devar Torah (Word of Torah). On Friday nights we have programs such as “Shabbat Scholars” (local University professors speaking on topics of Jewish interest) and “Hot Topics” (explorations of current issues from a Jewish perspective). Saturday morning services include a Torah reading, Torah study and discussion.
Rabbi Danan leads a Shabbat Shiur (Adult Study Group) on Saturday mornings at 9:00 a.m. during the school year. Topics have included Jewish Mysticism (Kabbalah), Introduction to the Talmud, and “The David Saga,” about the origins of the Israelite monarchy in the bible.
Rabbi Danan teaches a class on “Basic Judaism” for adults on Thursday afternoons during the fall semsester at CBI. This free class is suitable for those seeking to learn more about their Jewish heritage, as well as those exploring conversion to Judaism.
Rabbi Danan also teaches Judaism and Hebrew classes at Chico State. Students may take these classes for credit, as continuing education, or in some cases may audit (sit in on) classes with the Rabbi’s permission.
Prayerbook Hebrew is offered at the beginner level once a year for a fee. It is taught by Keren Carter, who also teaches intermediate prayerbook Hebrew and adult B’nai Torah.
In addition, Congregation Beth Israel frequently offers lectures, programs and classes on topics of interest to the community. Recent topics have included Current Events in Israel, the “New” Anti-Semitism, and Jewish Meditation. We also have an active Book Club that reads and discusses books of Jewish interest. We are always interested in new ideas for lifelong Jewish learning.
Exploring Judaism
Exploring Judaism is a program for anyone interested in learning more about Judaism, including Jews who want to learn more about their heritage, non-Jews curious about Judaism, and those seeking conversion to Judaism. Rabbi Danan teaches a weekly class during the fall semester that is free and open to all. Beginner Hebrew is also offered.
Those interested in Embracing Judaism (Conversion to Judaism) should contact the synagogue office, 342-6146, to set up an initial appointment with Rabbi Danan. In addition to taking the Exploring Judaism class, they will have other requirements, such as holiday observances, attending services and reading books on Judaism, over the course of most of the Jewish year from fall until spring.
Shul School-Where Judaism Comes to Life!
Jewish youth education at CBI offers programs from birth to Bar and Bat Mitzvah and beyond! Shul School’s passionate, dedicated teachers bring innovative curriculum to the classroom. Our students participate in hands-on, engaging activities while making Jewish friends and creating life long memories.
We learn about…
- Jewish Identity, History and Culture
- Jewish Values and Ethics
- Shabbat, Jewish Holidays and Traditions
- Hebrew and the Alef-Bet
- Our Jewish Community
- Torah
Programs for every age…
- The Menchkins Program (Birth to 5 years) A family program for parents and children to learn and explore their Jewish world together. We offer playgroups, outings and activities full of hands-on, sensory experiences. Jewish learning begins at birth!
- Formal Shul School (5 years through B’nai Mitzvah) Students continue exploring their heritage while also embarking on the Bar and Bat Mitzvah journey.
- Confirmation (post B’nai Mitzvah education for teens) A bi-weekly class taught by Rabbi Danan focusing on Jewish history and heroes, hot topics, and comparative religion. A great place for teens to learn important values and mature their identity with their Jewish peers.
For more information about these exciting programs contact Lisa Rappaport, Shul School Education Director at lisarappaport4@yahoo.com.
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Sisterhood and Mens’ Club
The objective of Haverot, the sisterhood of Congregation Beth Israel, is to foster and further the highest ideals of Judaism, to promote close fellowship among our members, to cooperate with the congregation in activities that are religious, social and educational, and to serve Jewish and humanitarian causes. Our current president is Donna Greenberg.
We are also starting a Mens’ Club which will have both social and service activities. Richard Gitelson is getting it organized, so contact him if you are interested.
Jewish Teens of Chico (JTC)
JTC is our congregation’s teen youth group, with members from ages thirteen to nineteen. With occasional exceptions, the group meets once a month to discuss various projects such as volunteer service, celebrating Jewish holidays, and fun miscellaneous activities. This last summer (2010), ten members and two chaperones went on a service learning trip to Belize, Central America! JTC is a very friendly club and any Jewish teenager can feel free to join, or simply drop in on a club meeting. Officers for 2010-2011 are Emily Carter (president), Arielle Danan (vice-president), Casey Rubinoff (treasurer), and Alex Thompson (Secretary). If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our president, Emily Carter at emilytirtzah@yahoo.com.
Senior Sages
CBI Senior Sages (age 50 and better) are invited to a monthly brunch with the Rabbi, including socializing and discussion or a speaker. Seniors are also found participating actively in a variety of general CBI programs, including services, sisterhood, committees, book club and more. They are invited to programs at the Religious School as well.
Gemilut Hasadim/Senior Assistance Program
Help out Senior Sages who are in need by simply making a sunshine call, visiting their home and/or driving them to a CBI event. Let’s think outside our own schedules and think about the extra space inside our cars. Contact our “Sunshine and Mitzvot” Chairperson Sue Mintzes if you can make friendly visits or give someone a ride.
