February 8 @ 12:15 pm - 1:15 pm Introduction to Hebrew Introduction to Hebrew Introduction to Hebrew meets most Sundays, 12:15–1:15 pm when Beit Sefer meets. This beginner class is an opportunity for learners with no or limited Hebrew background to become familiar with the Hebrew alphabet, how to sound out Hebrew words, and begin to develop reading proficiency. You will also acquire some basic Hebrew vocabulary that connects us to Jewish life, ritual, tradition, and Israel. This class meets a requirement for Adult Kabbalat Mitzvah.
February 8 @ 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Tikkun Middot through the Senses Tikkun Middot through the Senses Tikkun Middot through the Senses will explore the power of creativity as a tool for our own personal renewal and spiritual connection. Using writing, image making, music, movement and prayer, we will explore how the obstacles and opportunities present in each moment of our lives impact our choices and actions. No prior experience is necessary – just a willing heart and an openness to new avenues of expression. If you’ve thought about embracing your inner muse with a stance of curiosity, then this va’ad (group) is for you.
February 9 @ 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Siddur (Prayerbook) Hebrew with Bluma Stoller Siddur (Prayerbook) Hebrew If you’d like to participate more meaningfully at services, this class can help you continue to develop your Hebrew skills. Participants will develop Hebrew reading proficiency while exploring the vocabulary, structure, and themes of Shabbat worship services and prayers.
February 10 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm The Ethiopian Jewish Experience Beza Abebe will share Ethiopian Jewish history, including lifestyle and Jewish practices in Ethiopia; the experience of aliyah to Israel; the Sigd holiday —its history and practice today — and her personal journey. A question and answer session will follow. Beza Abebe is a human rights advocate, research fellow, and speaker at Be’chol Lashon, where ...
February 11 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm Being Jewish After the Destruction of Gaza: Reckoning with Peter’s Beinart’s 2025 Book Being Jewish After the Destruction of Gaza: Reckoning with Peter Beinart’s 2025 Book (3 part series: February 11, 18, 25) Beinart’s book presents the October 7 attacks and the ensuing war as a profound turning point in modern Jewish history. In this three‑session course, Beth Emet members Hannah Graham and Danny London will use Beinart’s text as a springboard for exploring how traditional narratives have shaped Jewish identity and how contemporary Jewish perspectives—particularly views on Israel—are shifting in response to the events of the war. Together, we will examine the tensions, questions, and emerging frameworks that are redefining Jewish self‑understanding in this moment of upheaval.
February 16 @ 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Siddur (Prayerbook) Hebrew with Bluma Stoller Siddur (Prayerbook) Hebrew If you’d like to participate more meaningfully at services, this class can help you continue to develop your Hebrew skills. Participants will develop Hebrew reading proficiency while exploring the vocabulary, structure, and themes of Shabbat worship services and prayers.
February 18 @ 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm Inclusion Committee Meeting Inclusion Committee Meeting The Inclusion Committee is meeting Dec 10 4:30-5:30, at the Beit Midrash and through Zoom.
February 18 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm Being Jewish After the Destruction of Gaza: Reckoning with Peter’s Beinart’s 2025 Book Being Jewish After the Destruction of Gaza: Reckoning with Peter Beinart’s 2025 Book (3 part series: February 11, 18, 25) Beinart’s book presents the October 7 attacks and the ensuing war as a profound turning point in modern Jewish history. In this three‑session course, Beth Emet members Hannah Graham and Danny London will use Beinart’s text as a springboard for exploring how traditional narratives have shaped Jewish identity and how contemporary Jewish perspectives—particularly views on Israel—are shifting in response to the events of the war. Together, we will examine the tensions, questions, and emerging frameworks that are redefining Jewish self‑understanding in this moment of upheaval.
February 19 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Israeli Advances in Cancer Research and Treatment The Israel Committee presents a program to discuss outstanding research by Israeli oncologists and scientists that has led to groundbreaking advances for the prevention, diagnoses, and treatment of cancer, including enhanced understanding of our genes, new drugs, novel bone marrow transplants and more. The Israel Cancer Research Fund (ICRF) has provided more than $100,000,000 for these medical advances. Our speaker is Dr. David Hakimian, an oncologist, hematologist, President of Illinois Cancer Specialists, and a member of the Chicago ICRF Board.
February 20 @ 9:30 am - 10:30 am A Close Look at Prophets with Rabbi Andrea London A Close Look at Prophets with Rabbi Andrea London There are many ways to interpret our Tanach and its nuances of meaning that are often overlooked. Having completed our Close Look at Torah, we turn to N’viim / Prophets, beginning with Joshua. New learners are always welcome. If you are new, please register below and the meeting will take place in the Wiener room. ...
February 22 @ 10:30 am - 11:30 am Author visit in honor of Jewish disability & inclusion month K–3rd grade learners will participate in a special author visit and read-aloud of I Get Around in My Own Special Way, a story that gently introduces themes of disability, difference, and inclusion through a child-centered lens. The program invites learners to notice, ask questions, and celebrate the many ways people move through the world. Parents, grandparents, and caregivers are encouraged to stay after the read-aloud for casual conversation about how to talk with children about disabilities. This time will offer space to normalize differences, model respectful interactions, and support empathy, kindness, and inclusion—both at school and at home.
February 22 @ 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Introduction to Hebrew Conversational Hebrew This class uses an Ulpan-like immersive setting to teach modern conversational Hebrew. Participants will read news articles, discuss life and current events, and other basic conversations in Hebrew. The only prerequisite is basic Hebrew skills.
February 22 @ 12:15 pm - 1:15 pm Introduction to Hebrew Introduction to Hebrew Introduction to Hebrew meets most Sundays, 12:15–1:15 pm when Beit Sefer meets. This beginner class is an opportunity for learners with no or limited Hebrew background to become familiar with the Hebrew alphabet, how to sound out Hebrew words, and begin to develop reading proficiency. You will also acquire some basic Hebrew vocabulary that connects us to Jewish life, ritual, tradition, and Israel. This class meets a requirement for Adult Kabbalat Mitzvah.
February 23 @ 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Siddur (Prayerbook) Hebrew with Bluma Stoller Siddur (Prayerbook) Hebrew If you’d like to participate more meaningfully at services, this class can help you continue to develop your Hebrew skills. Participants will develop Hebrew reading proficiency while exploring the vocabulary, structure, and themes of Shabbat worship services and prayers.
