Our adult education programs are interactive experiences between dynamic speakers and participants. Topics may focus on Jewish and world history, Biblical issues, and comparative religion among others, prompting discussions of social, cultural and political influences. Normally held as two hour sessions on Sunday, the programs are free and open to the entire community, not just members.  On those occasions when an optional brunch is offered, we charge a nominal fee to cover the cost of the food.

For additional information, please feel free to get in touch with Bob Rabinowitz or contact us.

Bet Aviv's annual Gene Klein Scholar in Residence Program is an immensely popular program funded in memory of one our founding members. Our congregants are provided with several opportunities for learning about topics of interest to Reform Jews. Our first Scholar in Residence program featured Rabbi Stephen Fuchs, a former rabbi of Temple Isaiah in Howard County. A previous speaker was Rabbi Aaron Panken, Dean of the Hebrew Union College -Jewish Institute of Religion's New York School. An accomplished and delightful speaker, Rabbi Panken delivered a sermon at our Friday evening Shabbat service on the future of Reform Judaism and enlightened us on Saturday by illustrating the origins of Jewish beliefs on abortion and stem cell research. In 2006, our Scholar in Residence was Rabbi Larry Raphael, brother of Rabbi Marc Raphael and the Senior Rabbi of Congregation Sherith Israel in San Francisco. Larry Raphael spoke of his visit to Israel sponsored by the New Israel Fund, of the decision about Intelligent Design and regaled us with an anthology of Jewish mystery writers. To make the day even more festive, congregants enjoyed a community Shabbat lunch between the morning and afternoon sessions. In 2007 Julie Galambush, Assoicate Professor of Religion at the College of William and Mary spoke to us about on "Lady Widsom and How she Grew and The New Testament "Letter to the Hebrews".  In 2009, Rabbi Stephen Fuchs reprises his role as our Scholar in Residence and will offere a biblical and midrashic perspective on why God chose Abraham as partner and present a sermon on "Violence in the Media".

Florence and Harry A. Dobkin Book Review

Funded in memory of Harry Dobkin, a man who thoroughly enjoyed Bet Aviv's Adult Education programs, the purpose of this program is to review a new book of Jewish importance each year. For our 2006 book review, Rabbi Marc Lee Raphael led participants in a discussion of Jonathan Rosen's novel, Joy Comes in the Morning. A lively discussion followed.