Adult and Family Education

Expand Your Jewish Education

At Beth El we provide a wide range of opportunities to expand your Jewish education.

Family education programs at Beth El bring family members together for various Jewish experiences. Programs include holiday celebrations, ethical discussions, and life cycle preparatory events.

These activities focus on transmitting rituals, traditions, ethics, and values, while increasing interaction among the generations and promoting a greater sense of community within Beth El.

Ways to Get Involved

Here’s a sample of our yearly Family Education activities:

  • Build the Joy Sukkot program
  • Mitzvah Day
  • Kindergarten consecration
  • Shabbat Across America
  • Tikkun Leil Shavuot
  • End-of-year picnic

For more information, you can contact Elisha Rothschild Frumkin, Education Director.

Rabbi Samuel Scolnic Adult Institute

Formerly the Saul Bendit Adult Institute, this award-winning program has two six-week semesters each year. Jewish history, classic and contemporary Jewish literature, Israeli TV shows, ethics, and Torah are just a few of the many subjects you might find covered.

Find out more

Study Rambam with Rabbi Harris

Join Rabbi Harris Wednesday mornings for an in-depth study of Rambam throughout the. This class is open to all congregants and only requires your curiosity and enthusiasm. For more information, please contact Rabbi Harris at gharris@bethelmc.org.

Please contact Rabbi Harris at 301-652-2606, ext. 105 for more information.

Ancient Rabbinic Law with Rabbi Megdal

Join Rabbi Megdal in studying the first major collection of written rabbinic law, the Mishnah. Codified around 200 CE, the Mishnah is the foundation for the thousands of years of law that followed. Open to those of any background or experience level. Texts are accessible on Sefaria.org with side-by-side translation and links to commentary.

Click here to sign up (you only need to register once). Please contact Sara Greenbaum at 301-652-2606, ext. 102 for more information.

Parashat Class with Marilyn Fine

Taught by scholar and Beth El Religious School teacher Marilyn Fine, this class meets most Thursday mornings from 9:45 am to 11:05 am. The text of the weekly parasha is studied in Hebrew and English through examination of classical and contemporary commentary, as well as midrash. Discussion and personal reflection are encouraged. A small fee is charged. For more information contact Marilyn Fine at jmrt@juno.com.

Rosh Chodesh: It’s a Woman Thing

Join Sisterhood/Zhava for this monthly program open to all women for learning, socializing, and discussion, led by adjunct clergyperson Rabbi Mindy Portnoy.  Sponsored by Sisterhood/Zhava. Check the Beth El calendar for dates and times.

Jews and Brews with Rabbi Harris

These monthly casual shiurim (lessons) are designed to let adults meet and engage in a little bit of Jewish learning while also doing a bit of schmoozing. Discussion topics change each month and include challenges from the Torah and the Talmud, understanding the Jewish life cycle, current events, parenting issues, and more.