adult-ed-ongoing-classes

New trimesters are starting for all Hebrew classes listed below. Additional students welcome. All classes are on Zoom. 

Hebrew for Total Beginners
Begins Wednesday, January 14, Wednesdays 5:00 – 6:15 pm
The Total Beginners' Hebrew class will teach you to decode (read and pronounce the Hebrew letters, and blend them into intelligible Hebrew words and phrases). It will include some basic blessings and vocabulary, prayer snippets and songs. The class is very participatory, and may be recorded and distributed to you to assist with any absences and review. It will assume no prior knowledge of Hebrew (although those with some background are welcome). Students are requested to register by January 7.
Register

Modern Hebrew for Conversation 
Starts Tuesday, January 13, Tuesdays 5:00 – 6:15pm
Students should be able to decode Hebrew print. Class includes practical grammar and vocabulary building. Students share informal conversation about home and family, daily activities, travel, short stories and easy news articles.
Register

Beginning Prayerbook for Hebrew Readers
Starts January 5, Mondays 6:30 – 7:45pm     
Not for total beginners, students should be able to decode, although with or without understanding. This class will focus on the first segment of the Shabbat service: the Shema and its Blessings. If you want to understand the prayers, read them with fluidity, learn where they fit into our worship, come join us.
Register

PLEASE NOTE: Classes meet by Zoom for 11 sessions of 1.25 hours. 

Cost for all: $195 including materials. 

Jewish History in Four Sessions!

Monthly starting Tuesday, January 13, 2026

Join us for an overview of Jewish History from ancient times to today. We will be looking for themes and trends, seeking to better understand our foundation, our experiences, and our story. All four sessions will be led by Rabbi Mates-Muchin.

On Tuesdays 6:30 – 8:00pm in person and Zoom (except for the final meeting, Zoom only)

January 13th: The Birth of a People: Our Beginnings to the Babylonian Exile

February 10th: Building Identity: Life in the Diaspora, Rabbinic Judaism, Migration, Expulsion, and Settlement

March 10th: Growth and Decay: The Opportunities and Devastation of the Modern Era

April 7th (Zoom only): The Ongoing Jewish People Project: 1948 to today

Register

Intro to Judaism

Starts Wednesday, October 22, 7:00pm, Fischer Library
Temple Sinai in Oakland and Congregation Beth El in Berkeley are joining together again to offer Introduction to Judaism beginning in October 2025. Learn with Beth El and Sinai clergy about the rituals, holidays, beliefs, big questions, and complexities of Judaism in a welcoming and communal environment. This class is open to all — the Jewish adult who wishes to discover or deepen Jewish knowledge, non-Jews with a Jewish partner or just curious to learn more about Judaism, or those considering choosing Judaism. Participants register for each semester separately, and semesters may be taken in any order. Please email Rabbi Bressler for questions or to learn more.  

Cost of $150/semester. If cost is a barrier, please reach out to Rabbi Bressler. 

Second semester dates will be shared soon and will take place at Congregation Beth El beginning in mid-February.  

Register