Lehrhaus Judaica Adult Education

Lehrhaus Judaica is CBST’s Adult Education program: classes of all levels and interests, taught by inspiring instructors. Registration is now closed for our Spring Term, but stay tuned for more classes coming soon! 

Spring Term Classes

Ongoing Classes

CBST is proud to offer affordable educational opportunities for our members. For this term, we prioritized this accessibility, dropping the usual tuition rates for members by at least 20% for most classes, as well as making sure to offer tuition-free opportunities. Payment plans for all and scholarship for members are also available by request.

With this in mind, we encourage those who are able to give above the required tuition as generously as possible to help support Lehrhaus Judaica Adult Education and keep learning at CBST accessible for all. For more info on class registration terms and details, view registration details

5784 Lehrhaus Judaica

Spring Term Classes

Introduction to Hebrew, Part 2 (Continued) – Register »

  • Taught by: CBST Educator Miya Rotstein
  • 8 Sessions, Thursdays, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m., via Zoom
  • Schedule: 2/29, 3/7, 3/14, 3/21, [skip 3/28], 4/4, 4/11, 4/18, 4/25
  • Tuition: $220 ($120 for members) Thank you for considering a contribution in addition to tuition to support Lehrhaus Judaica Adult Education.

This class is a continuation from this past fall term. Learn Hebrew and understand the basics of Hebrew grammar in this 8-week class. The class will begin at Chapter 6 of the textbook “Aleph isn’t Tough”. New students are welcome to join but must email mrotstein@cbst.org to gauge Hebrew level.

Themes of Peace in Hebrew Literature – Register »
Intermediate/Advanced Hebrew Level

  • Taught by: CBST Educator Miya Rotstein
  • 4 Sessions, Wednesdays 6:00-7:30 p.m., via Zoom
  • Schedule: 3/13, 3/20, 4/10, 4/17
  • Tuition: $220 ($120 for members) Thank you for considering a contribution in addition to tuition to support Lehrhaus Judaica Adult Education.

This class is for intermediate to advanced Hebrew learners. Please join this 4 week Hebrew course. We will focus each week on a selection of liturgical and modern poems around themes of peace. We will examine the biographies of the authors, literary themes, historic context and of course, new Hebrew vocabulary!

Israeli Pop Music – Register »

  • Taught by: Cantor Sam Rosen and Rabbi Yael Werber
  • 6 Sessions, Tuesdays, 7:15 – 8:15 p.m., via Zoom
  • Schedule: 2/27, 3/5, 3/12, 3/19, 3/26, 4/2
  • Tuition: $220 ($120 for members) Thank you for considering a contribution in addition to tuition to support Lehrhaus Judaica Adult Education.

Through popular Israeli music of the last 75 years Cantor Rosen and Rabbi Werber will explore Israeli culture, Hebrew language, and current events. We look forward to sharing some of our favorite artists and songs with you while using their music as a jumping off point into thinking about the larger cultural landscape of Israel.

POSTPONED – Be Your Own Moses: How to Lead a Pesach Seder

  • Taught by: Rabbi Marisa James
  • 4 Sessions, Tuesdays, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m., via Zoom
  • Schedule: 3/19, 3/26, 4/2, 4/9
  • Tuition: Free to anyone who commits to hosting two people through CBST’s Seder Match this year. By completing this registration form, you are committing to hosting two people through CBST’s Seder Match and will be contacted to coordinate. If you decline to host, please make a donation using the “Other” write-in field on this form in the amount of $220 ($120 for members) to cover the cost of your tuition. Whatever your choice, thank you for considering a contribution in addition to tuition to support Lehrhaus Judaica Adult Education.

If you’ve ever thought about hosting a Pesach seder but felt overwhelmed at the idea, this is your chance to learn the skills you need to lead a seder with confidence and joy. We’ll walk through the framework of the seder ritual, explore resources and supplements for making your seder more feminist, more justice-filled, more text-based, more kid-friendly, or whatever matters most to you, and we’ll practice leading together.

The Sound of Silence: Deep Dive into the Amidah – Register »

  • Taught by: Cooperberg-Rittmaster Rabbinical Intern Aliza Schwartz
  • 6 Sessions, Mondays, 7:30 – 8:30 p.m., via Zoom
  • Schedule: 2/26, 3/4, [skip 3/11], 3/18, 3/25, 4/1, [skip 4/8], 4/15
  • Tuition: $220 ($120 for members) Thank you for considering a contribution in addition to tuition to support Lehrhaus Judaica Adult Education.

The Amidah, also called literally “Hatefilah,” or “The prayer,” is the core of every Jewish prayer service but is not always well understood. What happens when everyone is praying silently? What traditional words are people saying? What is the general structure of the Amidah? (Hint: There are three sections, and the middle section changes dramatically on Shabbat and holidays.) How do the themes of praise, petition, and gratitude align with this structure? The goal of this course is to increase accessibility to the Amidah, so that when we are in services, our personal relationship with the liturgy and its spiritual essence and meaning is enhanced – my hope is that the Amidah will feel like a familiar friend. This class is open to everyone of all levels – we will begin from and cover a 101 level but will also explore themes for people of all levels of familiarity and expertise.

Ongoing Classes

All are welcome to register and participate in these ongoing educational offerings. These classes are open enrollment on a rolling basis, unless otherwise noted.

Intro to Mishnah – Register »

  • Taught by: Rabbi Mike Moskowitz
  • Mon – Thurs, 9:15–10:00 a.m., via Zoom, ongoing through April 4
  • No required tuition fee, contribution at your discretion encouraged. 

Intro to Mishnah is an opportunity to explore the transmission of the Oral Torah. We will be studying Maimonides’ laws of giving charity through the lens of social justice. This course is open to all and will be conducted online, via zoom. Thank you for considering a contribution to help support Adult Education at CBST. Class recordings available here

Advanced Level Talmud Study

  • Taught by: Rabbi Mike Moskowitz
  • Tuesdays, 4:00-5:00 p.m., via Zoom, ongoing through Dec 20
  • No required tuition fee, contribution at your discretion encouraged. 

This in-depth study group is for advanced students who have demonstrated a certain level of proficiency. New registration is not open at this time.

Weekly Torah Study – Register »

  • Taught by: Rabbi Yael Werber
  • *NEW TIME: Wednesdays, 12:00 – 12:45 p.m., via Zoom, 2/28 through 4/17
  • No required tuition fee, contribution at your discretion encouraged. 

In this weekly class, we will encounter the weekly Torah portion together with a particular lens on the Midrashic commentary and what question the midrash is trying to answer. Class recordings available here

Shabbat Liturgy 101 – Register »

  • Taught by: CBST Clergy
  • Second Friday of each month
  • 5:30 – 6:15 p.m., In-Person and Via Zoom
  • Schedule: 3/8, 4/12, 5/10, 6/14
  • No required tuition fee, contribution at your discretion encouraged.

Intended as part learners service and part liturgical deep dive, once a month, CBST clergy will lead an in-depth look at one of the prayers we pray at Kabbalat Shabbat, Ma’ariv or Shabbat morning shacharit. This class will take place in the Kuriel chapel immediately before the Friday night service. It is open to everyone of all levels, but REQUIRED for those who are in the gerut (conversion) program at CBST. Class recordings available here

Registration Details

  • Many of our classes are offered free of charge to ensure ease of access for all. Please consider a contribution in addition to help support Lehrhaus Adult Education at CBST. Classes that have required tuition fees will be noted as such on their registration pages. Please refer to individual class registration pages for class fees and suggested contribution amounts.
  • Classes are conducted online via zoom. Please refer to individual class registration pages for zoom info. Registrants of tuition-based classes will receive zoom info via email the week of the first class.
  • The registration deadline for classes with required tuition fees is the Friday of the week the class begins.
  • Refunds cannot be processed for class payments after the Friday preceding the class start date.
  • Payment plans for all and needs-based scholarships for members are available for tuition-based classes by request by the Friday preceding the class start date.
  • Please note our Zoom Instructions & Etiquette.
  • All classes require a minimum of 5 total registrants to run. If a class does not meet this requirement, registrants will be notified.
  • Class recordings are available for two weeks following the class date and can be found here.
  • Auto-captioning is available for some classes.
  • For questions or information about any of our CBST classes, please email Miya Rotstein, Coordinator of Adult and Teen Education at mrotstein@cbst.org

CBST Classes on Zoom

Zoom Instructions & Etiquette
New to zoom? Learn more about how to get started. You can also get more info on Zoom’s support page. To protect the sacred nature of our services, classes, & programs, please note:

  • All classes & programs will be locked at their start time. Please arrive 10 minutes early.
  • MUTE your computer microphone, phone or other device until you are invited to speak.
  • Make sure your “display name” is updated so we know who you are when you try to join.
  • As in our Sanctuary, no photography is allowed.
  • Refrain from eating while logged on, or turn your camera off and mute yourself.

We appreciate your understanding as we strive to provide the best possible experience for program participants & leaders.

Fall Term Classes

Lehrhaus Judaica is CBST’s Adult Education program: classes of all levels and interests, taught by inspiring instructors. Registration is now closed for our Fall Term. Click one of the class titles below to jump to a specific listing or scroll to browse the full list from this past term. Stay tuned for our late Winter / Spring Term coming up soon! 

CBST is proud to offer affordable educational opportunities for our members. For this term, we prioritized this accessibility, dropping the usual tuition rates for members by at least 20% for most classes, as well as making sure to offer tuition-free opportunities. Payment plans for all and scholarship for members are also available by request. With this in mind, we encourage those who are able to give above the required tuition as generously as possible to help support Lehrhaus Judaica Adult Education and keep learning at CBST accessible for all. For more info on class registration terms and details, view registration details

Current Issues in Israel – Register »

  • Taught by: Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum and Rabbi Marisa James
  • 4 Sessions, Mondays, 6:15 – 7:15 p.m. via Zoom
  • Schedule: 11/20, 11/27, 12/11, 12/18
  • Tuition: $220 ($36 for members) Thank you for considering a contribution in addition to tuition to support Lehrhaus Judaica Adult Education.

We know that many of you are seeing the ongoing, heartbreaking news from Israel and wishing you had more background in Israeli history, politics, social divisions, or activism to better understand what’s happening now and why. In four sessions, we’ll dive into some essential learning that will help you understand the current historical moment, with guest teachers. Absolutely no previous background necessary. Come with your questions!

Repro Rights – Register »

  • Taught by: Lynn Paltrow and Rabbi Yael Werber
  • 4 Sessions, Tuesdays, 6:00 – 7:15 pm., via Zoom
  • Schedule: 11/21, 11/28, 12/5, [skip 12/12], 12/19
  • Tuition: $220 ($120 for members) Thank you for considering a contribution in addition to tuition to support Lehrhaus Judaica Adult Education.

Almost 50 years after the landmark decision of Roe V. Wade, the current Supreme Court overrode Roe, declaring that legal abortion is no longer the law of the land. In this 4 part series, Rabbi Yael Werber and CBST member Lynn Paltrow will explore cultural, legal, historical, and Jewish thoughts on this issue from the times of the Talmud through today, and why abortion and reproductive justice is a Jewish issue.

Lynn M. Paltrow, J.D., is the Founder of National Advocates for Pregnant Women (NAPW) and was NAPW’s Executive Director from 2001-2023. NAPW, now called Pregnancy Justice, is a nonprofit organization that combines legal advocacy, public education, organizing, and research to secure the human and civil rights, health and welfare of all pregnant people, focusing particularly on pregnant and parenting women, and those who are most likely to be targeted for state control– low-income women, women of color, and drug-using women. Ms. Paltrow is a graduate of Cornell University and New York University School of Law. She has worked on numerous cases challenging restrictions on the right to choose abortion as well cases opposing forced medical interventions on and prosecution of pregnant women seeking to continue their pregnancies to term. She is a frequent guest lecturer and writer for popular press, law reviews, and peer-reviewed journals. Ms. Paltrow is a Gemini and mother of twins.

Weekly Torah Study – Register »

  • Taught by: Rabbi Yael Werber
  • Thursdays, 10:30 – 11:15 a.m., via Zoom, beginning 11/2
  • No required tuition fee, contribution at your discretion encouraged. 

In this weekly class, we will encounter the weekly Torah portion together with a particular lens on the Midrashic commentary and what question the midrash is trying to answer. Class recordings available here

Shabbat Liturgy 101 – Register »

  • Taught by: CBST Clergy
  • Second Friday of each month (fourth Friday in December)
  • 5:30 – 6:15 p.m., In-Person and Via Zoom
  • Schedule: 11/10, 12/22, 1/12, 2/9, 3/8, 4/12, 5/10, 6/14
  • No required tuition fee, contribution at your discretion encouraged.

Intended as part learners service and part liturgical deep dive, once a month, CBST clergy will lead an in-depth look at one of the prayers we pray at Kabbalat Shabbat, Ma’ariv or Shabbat morning shacharit. This class will take place in the Kuriel chapel immediately before the Friday night service. It is open to everyone of all levels, but REQUIRED for those who are in the gerut (conversion) program at CBST.

Intro to Hebrew (New Students!) – Register »

  • Taught by: CBST Educator Miya Rotstein
  • 8 Sessions, Thursdays, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m., via Zoom
  • Schedule: 11/2, [skip 11/9], 11/16, [skip 11/23], 11/30; 12/7, 12/14, 12/21, 12/28, 1/4
  • Tuition: $220 ($120 for members) Thank you for considering a contribution in addition to tuition to support Lehrhaus Judaica Adult Education.

Learn Hebrew and understand the basics of Hebrew grammar in this 8-week class. We will use “Aleph isn’t Tough” as our main textbook and supplement our learning with additional materials and resources. If you have always wanted to be able to read Hebrew, this class is for you – please join us!

Intro to Hebrew, Part 2 (Continued) – Register »

  • Taught by: Cooperberg-Rittmaster Rabbinical Intern Adam Graubart
  • 8 Sessions, Thursdays, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m., via Zoom
  • Schedule: 11/2, [skip 11/9], 11/16, [skip 11/23], 11/30; 12/7, 12/14, 12/21, 12/28, 1/4
  • Tuition: $220 ($120 for members) Thank you for considering a contribution in addition to tuition to support Lehrhaus Judaica Adult Education. 

This class is a continuation from this past spring term. Students should register only if they have taken the previous semester with Adam or have a firm grasp on the Hebrew letters and vowels and wish to practice the modern language. We will reinforce reading skills and develop a basic vocabulary and understanding of Hebrew grammar. This semester, we will focus on words related to food, directions, clothing, family, and weather as well as some essential verbs. Join CRRI Adam Graubart for this 8-week class, which will give you some fundamental tools to communicate in Hebrew and begin to learn the grammar of this beautiful, ancient language. Please contact Adam at agraubart@cbst.org if you need assistance reviewing the previous material.

Advanced Hebrew through Songs & Poetry – Register »

  • Taught by: CBST Educator Miya Rotstein
  • 8 Sessions, Thursdays, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m., via Zoom
  • Schedule: 11/2, 11/9, 11/16, [skip 11/23], 11/30; [skip 12/7], 12/14, 12/21, 12/28, 1/4
  • Tuition: $220 ($120 for members) Thank you for considering a contribution in addition to tuition to support Lehrhaus Judaica Adult Education.

This class is for intermediate to advanced Hebrew learners. The focus this semester will be on Hebrew through poetry and song with the goal of building vocabulary and deepening our understanding of Hebrew grammar. The class will build upon grammatical concepts taught in intermediate level Biblical and Prayerbook Hebrew classes and will require a level of proficiency. If you are interested and unsure of your Hebrew level, feel free to contact Miya at MRotstein@cbst.org

Intro to Mishnah – Register »

  • Taught by: Rabbi Mike Moskowitz
  • Mon – Thurs, 9:15–10:00 a.m., via Zoom, ongoing through Dec 20
  • No required tuition fee, contribution at your discretion encouraged. 

Intro to Mishnah is an opportunity to explore the transmission of the Oral Torah. We will be studying the 5th chapter of Bava Metziya, which deals with the parameters of borrowing and lending with interest. This course is open to all and will be conducted online, via zoom. Thank you for considering a contribution to help support Adult Education at CBST. Class recordings available here

Advanced Level Talmud Study

  • Taught by: Rabbi Mike Moskowitz
  • Tuesdays, 4:00-5:00 p.m., via Zoom, ongoing through Dec 20
  • No required tuition fee, contribution at your discretion encouraged. 

This in-depth study group is for advanced students who have demonstrated a certain level of proficiency. New registration is not open at this time.