Shalom and welcome to the Temple Beth El website!
We are affiliated with the Union of Reform Judaism (URJ), and our members come from a variety of Jewish backgrounds, e.g. Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, Renewal and Reconstructionist. Our services and events attempt to accomodate all of our members.
The Temple is located at the corner of Hodgson and T Streets in Eureka, California.
This website is intended to provide you with a brief overview of our congregation and the services we offer to members and guests. If you would like more detailed information, purchase our newsletter or would like to be added to our e-mail list, please call our office at 707-444-2846. We look forward to hearing from you!
RELIGIOUS SCHOOL: Classes are from 10 am through 12:30 pm on Sundays at the Temple. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the Religious School--classes, teachers, curriculum, etc.--for the upcoming school year, please contact Religious School Director
UPCOMING SHABBAT and HOLIDAY SERVICES ARE AS FOLLOWS:
December 5, 5:30 pm: Old World Shabbos led by Rabbi Naomi, with potluck supper to follow
December 12, 5:30 pm: Tot Shabbat led by Rabbi Naomi, with potluck supper to follow
December 19, 7:30 pm: Shabbat service led by Barbara Carnam
December 26, 7:30 pm: Shabbat service led by Random Schlosser
DATES TO REMEMBER:
OF GENERAL INTEREST:
The TBE Book Group meets on Sundays, at a member's home. Call the TBE Office for directions. Visitors or new members are welcome and can suggest books for us to read in 2007 as well as help schedule dates for future meetings.
TEMPLE BETH EL ADULT EDUCATION CLASSES (2008-09)
YIDDISH CLASSES
The next Yiddish class, led by Sam Oliner, will be December14 from 1-3 pm at TBE.
We learn to converse in Yiddish, watch Yiddish films, and listen to Yiddish music.
If you are a previous student , bring the materials we distributed. If you are a new student,
we can order additional materials, if necessary. There is a $5 charge for each student.
If you are interested in joining the class, please contact the office (bethel@reninet.com, 444-2846)
Weekly Torah Study
Studying Torah on Shabbat is a great tradition, and doing so with a group can provide far more
insight and knowledge than studying alone. All are welcome to join our participant-led study
group on Saturday mornings. Together, we explore the weekly Torah portion as we share a light
potluck breakfast.
Location: Temple Beth El
Every Saturday at 8 AM
Mussar Study Group
Join our on-going study group that meets monthly for discussion of Jewish texts, applying
them to our journeys through the spiritual practice of Mussar. Each month we will focus on
a different ‘middah’ (trait of character). As author Alan Morinis explains in his book
Climbing Jacob’s Ladder, the “features of the soul that connect us to this world – personality,
character, appetites, aversions, strengths, weaknesses – determine whether the holiness
that is there at our core shines out or not, or to what degree. The goal of Mussar is to help us
build up, reduce, or balance the features of our life, which cause the light within to brighten or dim.”
Prerequisite: Introduction to Mussar: Jewish Path of Soul Development
Dates: 2nd Tuesday of each month.
Location: Temple Beth El Time: 6 - 7:30 PM
Cost: Donations of $5 - $10 encouraged
Israeli Folk Dance
Like to dance? Not only is Israeli folk dance fun, it’s also a great way to celebrate our
Jewish tradition. Come – Learn – Have Fun! Already know how? Come share the
experience with others! This class is being scheduled just prior to Chanukah so we can
feel ready to dance and celebrate together at our annual Chanukah party.
Date and Time: TBA
Location: Temple Beth El
Cost: $10 Members, $15 Non-members
Chanting our Sacred Words: Torah and Haftarah
When we study Torah, and the selections from the Prophets known as Haftarah, we speak
the words. But in context of public, ritual reading, we sing them. This fulfills the instruction to
“beautify the mitzvot”, honors the Torah, sets the liturgical reading apart as sacred, and
enhances the emotional experience of the text. In addition, for the reader, it serves as a memory
aid and creates a vehicle for communication with the Divine. You do not have to be a vocal
virtuoso, either. A love of the words and music of chanting afford you what you need to learn this
holy art. In four sessions, we will learn and practice all the basic Torah trope groups, touching on
the meaning behind the melodies and applying them to actual text. A separate four sessions will be devoted to the haunting melodies of the Haftarah. These classes can be taken independently of
each other.
Prerequisite: Familiarity with the aleph bet, ability to at least sound out Hebrew words
Location: Temple Beth El
Dates: Spring (actual dates TBA)
Cost: $40 Members (per class), $60 Non-members (per class)
Practice and study materials will be provided
Special Topics in Judaism
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Adult Hebrew Classes
Don’t understand Hebrew? Feel lost during prayer services or class teachings? Join with
others who are just now beginning the journey into the Hebrew language or improve upon the
skills you already have.
Instructor: a native Hebrew speaker.
Beginning Hebrew Reading Class
Learn to read Hebrew! For beginners learning the Aleph Bet, or for those wishing a refresher
course. Say the prayers in Hebrew; read from the Torah! Learn correct pronunciation and some translation. No prior experience required.
Classes will begin after High Holy Days. Days and times will be determined by participants.
10 (1 ½ hour) sessions -- $100 Members, $150 Non-members
Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced Conversational Hebrew
These classes are ideal for those wanting to either learn spoken Modern Hebrew, or improve
their Hebrew speaking skills. Perfect for travelers to Israel or just for conversation. Prerequisite:
Some ability to read Hebrew or completion of Beginning Hebrew Reading class. Classes are
ongoing and new ones are begun as the need arises.
Beginning Class meets on Sundays, 4 - 5:30 PM
Intermediate Class meets on Sundays, 2:30 - 4 PM
Advanced Class meets on Wednesdays, 11:30 AM - 1 PM
8 (1 ½ hour) sessions -- $80 Members, $120 Non-members
Reading Biblical Hebrew
Learn to read (AND UNDERSTAND!) Biblical Hebrew. This class offers an introduction of
vocabulary and grammar found in Biblical writing, with an emphasis on recognition and translation,
rather than merely memorization. Meet with other students who are excited about gaining the skills t
o read and study Torah as it was written.
Class meets on Mondays, 9:30 - 11AM
New class started as needed
8 (1 ½ hour) sessions: -- $80 Members, $120 Non-members
Please register for classes in advance. Instructors must know if there will be an
ample number of participants for their class(es), and if they have enough materials to distribute. To register, please contact the Temple Beth El office at 444-2846 or email at bethel@reninet.com
Each class must have a minimum of four students
who have registered and paid to insure the class will be held.
