LIFELONG LEARNING
At BHS, we believe learning is a lifelong journey, and we're committed to creating opportunities for adults to continue exploring and growing in their Jewish knowledge. Each season brings a diverse catalogue of Hebrew and Jewish studies courses, spanning music, text study, history, theology, and more. Whether you're revisiting familiar subjects or exploring something entirely new, there's always more to discover!
Most classes are free and open to the public, though some may require the purchase of textbooks or materials, and Rabbi Sue Oren’s Introduction to Judaism course has a separate fee.
Beyond our regular Lifelong Learning (Adult Education) courses, BHS also offers occasional guest lectures, workshops, book discussions, and other opportunities to engage with Jewish learning throughout the year.
For questions about the courses or registration, please contact clergyassistant@bhsbrooklyn.org or (718) 522-2070 ext. 138.
Below are upcoming learning opportunities for the 5787 year, with 2027 classes to be announced soon.
Classes with Rabbi Serge A. Lippe
What in Heaven is the Olam HaBa: Jewish Views on the Afterlife
With Rabbi Serge Lippe
Wednesdays at 12:00-1:00pm | October 28; November 4, 11, 18; December 2, 9, 16 | In-person at BHS with Zoom option
Do Jews believe in an afterlife? What the Hell is Sheol? What happens if and when the Messiah shows up? Why is Paradise an orchard, and what sort of fruit grow there? Did you know you have a personal interest bearing account in the next life? Why do we affirm that even if we don’t have rhythm we have soul? If human history has a beginning, does it have an end?
While we live ba-olam ha-zeh, in this world, the Sages imagined that neither death nor the future was a barrier to resolving personal or historical matters. These and a plethora of other peculiar questions and affirmations will be part of our journey through the concept of Olam HaBa – The World to Come.
Advanced Modern Hebrew Reading Course
With Rabbi Serge Lippe
Thursdays at 10:00-11:00am | Starts October 29th | In-person at BHS with Zoom option
We will begin this year’s course with reading from the Gesher series version (in ‘simplified’ Hebrew) of HaB’chor l’Bait Eliezer ben Yehudah [Three Days and A Child] by Devorah Omer. Course focuses on vocabulary, grammar and narrative.
Classes with Cantor Ayelet Porzecanski
Torah and Scripture Chanting
With Cantor Ayelet Porzecanski
Mondays at 6:30pm | November 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 | TBA whether virtual/in-person
Have you always wanted to be able to read Torah without relying on a recording? Join Cantor Porzecanski every Monday evening this November to learn the ancient symbols of musical notation that indicate the music and grammar of our scripture.
This fall's classes will cover the names and symbols of cantillation, beginning with Torah reading for Shabbat and continuing through Haftarah and Megillat Esther. A spring series will focus on High Holy Day Torah reading and the remaining Megillot: Ruth, Song of Songs, Ecclesiastes, and Lamentations. Dates TBA.
Knowledge of the Hebrew letters is required, although the speed with which you read Hebrew is not important. Previous chanting experience is optional. Opportunities for students to chant for BHS will be available, though not required. The ability to read music is not necessary.
Classes with Rabbi Bailey Romano
Adult B’Mitzvah
With Rabbi Bailey Romano
Sundays 11:00am-12:00pm | November 15 - June 6 | In-person at BHS
The Adult B’nei Mitzvah Program at BHS offers a community and course of study for adults who did not experience B’Mitzvah as teenagers. Together we will study liturgy, and learn trope (Torah chanting). Each participant will have the opportunity to chant from the Torah and learn to write and give a d’var Torah, or teaching, with our Clergy. Participants forge close bonds with one another and our Clergy as they prepare to be called to the Torah as B’Mitzvah. All members who have not yet gone through the ritual of bat/bar/b’nei mitzvah are eligible for this program.
To register for this class please e-mail Rabbi Bailey Romano directly at rabbiromano@bhsbrooklyn.org.
Raising Jewish Children as an Interfaith Family
With Rabbi Bailey Romano | Part 1 of 2 of an Interfaith Family Series
Sunday, November 15, 10:00-11:00am at BHS
Join Rabbi Bailey Romano and other interfaith couples to share the joys and challenges of raising Jewish children today.
Christmas, Chanukkah, or a Bit of Both: Navigating the Holidays as an Interfaith Family
With Rabbi Bailey Romano | Part 2 of 2 of an Interfaith Family Series
Sunday, November 22, 10:00-11:00am at BHS
Join Rabbi Bailey Romano and other interfaith couples to discuss the joys and challenges of navigating the holiday season while raising Jewish children.
Classes with Rabbinic Intern Morgan Folger
Abraham: The First Jew
Co-led by Rabbinic Intern Morgan Folger and BHS Member, Karen Brody
Tuesdays, 7:00-8:15pm | October 20, 27; November 3, 17, 24 | In-person at BHS
Jewish tradition calls Abraham many things: the first Jew, rebel, faithful servant, relentless questioner, devoted father, and bold philosopher. But who is he, really?
For centuries, our greatest storytellers and rabbis have wrestled with that very question. In this class, we will step into that conversation. Together, we’ll explore the Torah narrative, delve into rich Midrash, and engage classic and contemporary commentaries to uncover the complexity, courage, and contradictions of this foundational figure.
Along the way, we may find that Abraham is far more surprising and profound than we imagined!
We will be using Anthony Julius’s biography of Abraham, “Abraham, the First Jew” as guide for the class. It is not expected that participants purchase it, but we recommend it, it’s a great read!
Hebrew Classes with Leslie Schwartz
BHS member Leslie Schwartz is offering two Hebrew courses for adults, whether you're just beginning your Hebrew journey or looking to build on your existing skills. Leslie is passionate about helping adults begin and continue their Hebrew learning journey. A BHS member for three years, she also co-teaches our Israeli dance classes.
Explore both levels of course offerings below.
Beginning Hebrew for Adults
Mondays, 6:30–7:20 pm | November 2, 2026 – May 24, 2027* | Zoom (November); Subsequent classes will be announced as virtual or in person.
This course is for adults who want to learn Hebrew from scratch, as well as those who want a refresher. You'll pick up some vocabulary and grammar along the way, but our main goal is that by the end of the course, you'll be able to pronounce ("decode") any Hebrew word you encounter.
Participants are asked to purchase Derech Binah: The Hebrew Primer (Behrman House). Yes, on the surface it's a text for children in grades 3–4, but that only means it has charming illustrations!
Continuing Hebrew for Adults
Mondays, 7:30–8:30 pm | November 2, 2026 – May 24, 2027* | Zoom (November); Subsequent classes will be announced as virtual or in person.
This course is for adults who can already pronounce ("decode") Hebrew words and who want regular reading practice to build speed and accuracy, and who want to start learning what the words mean. Our text will be Mishkan T'filah, the Reform Movement's prayer book. Students may borrow a copy from BHS or purchase their own.
*There are no Hebrew classes on November 23 (Thanksgiving week), December 28, January 18 (MLK Day), February 15 (Presidents' Day), or March 22 (Purim). The December 7 session (during Chanukah) is to be confirmed.
Poetry of Grief and Resilience Workshop
Poetry of Grief and Resilience:
An Evening with Dina Elenbogen and Rabbi Pamela Wax
Monday, October 26 at 7:00pm | at BHS
Poets Dina Elenbogen and Rabbi Pamela Wax will read from their latest collections and discuss grief, resilience, and healing. Elenbogen's Shore finds solace in family, faith, and nature, while Wax's Every Single Beast of My Heart meditates on aging, mortality, and impermanence.
Introduction to Judaism
Intro to Judaism
Led by Rabbi Sue Oren
Through a 20-session course, in a warm and open environment, explore Jewish thought, prayer and practice, learn about Jewish history and holidays, wrestle with inherited texts and contemporary issues, discuss Jewish views of God, ethics, life and death. Class is held with Zoom and in-person options (off-site from BHS, in Brooklyn).
This course cycle offers three class options:
1) Thursdays, 7-9 pm (in-person) — starting December 3, 2026
2) Thursdays, 7-9 pm (hybrid) — starting December 3, 2026
3) Sundays, 7:30-9:30pm (Zoom only) — starting December 26, 2026
Registration for the next cycle is now open. Contact Rabbi Sue Oren (introclass@postpro.net) to register. Early-bird course tuition is $500 through 11/19; regular $550.