ADULT EDUCATION ACADEMY


COURSES AND LECTURES

At Congregation Beit Simcha we are a community of lifelong Jewish learners, in the continual pursuit of spiritual growth and exploration. As Jews, we are compelled to question and debate. These courses and conversations energize us as we gain new perspectives and challenge ourselves. Our shared desire for knowledge and community enriches us as individuals and bonds us as a Congregation.

Congregation Beit Simcha thrives when we learn together. We hope you will find time on your calendar and in your mind to join us in this lifelong journey. To register for a course, please click on a link below

  • ZOHAR, THE CROWN OF KABBALAH

    Taught by Rabbi Sam Cohon

    Now you can study the greatest Jewish mystical work of all, the crown of Kabbalah, with Rabbi Samuel M. Cohon, who founded the very first group in the world to learn this amazing work with Danny Matt’s significant English translation. The Zohar provides the opportunity for spiritual growth as well as incredible intellectual stimulation in a richly interactive exploration of the profound and complex themes central to all Jewish mysticism and belief. The Zohar is deep but also playful, and studying it in this unique way can bring healing and personal growth in often unexpected ways. Offered in a blended format of in-person and Zoom classes.

    Tuesdays, 11:45am-1pm

  • THE DEUTERONOMY PROJECT

    Taught by Rabbi Sam Cohon

    Join Rabbi Sam Cohon in an exciting, highly interactive exploration of the final book of the Torah, Deuteronomy. Through close reading and a complete exploration of this dramatic and powerful greatest text of Jewish tradition, meaning, relevance and insight emerge in highly energetic and interesting ways. See what is meant by “Hear, Israel, God is One” and “pursue justice” and “choose life”, among many incredibly influential quotations in this great text. Lunchtime in person and on Zoom, Thursdays, 11:45am-1pm.

    No knowledge of Hebrew or previous experience of Jewish text study is required, although it certainly is welcome!

    Thursdays, 11:45am-1pm

  • TORAH STUDY

    Taught by Rabbi Sam Cohon, Rabbi Baruch Cohon & Dr. Sophia Cohon

    A dynamic, interactive, wide-ranging exploration of the weekly Torah portion with Rabbi Sam Cohon & Rabbi Baruch Cohon & Dr. Sophia Cohon. What does God want from us? What is the origin of Judaism, and how did it evolve over the five books of Moses? How can we read this great book in ways that add meaning to our lives? With lox & bagels & coffee, in-person & on Zoom.

    Every Saturday Morning, 9:00am

    NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED

  • The Beginning of Zohar

    Taught by Rabbi Sam Cohon

    A close reading of the Zohar’s opening sections of this greatest text of Jewish mysticism, focusing on the way it explores creation. From the initial moment of Divine emanation into the void, to the ways Kabbalah explores the nature of God and our human role in creation. A participatory, open discussion of the opening sections of this incredible book. Using Danny Matt’s translation, Volume I of the Pritzker Edition of the Zohar. Rabbi Cohon created the first group to study Zohar using this seminal translation of the most important text of Kabbalah. Offered in a blended format of in-person and Zoom classes.

    Tuesday nights, 7-8:30pm @ Beit Simcha

  • BEGINNING HEBREW

    Learn to read Hebrew! 8 weeks with Dr. Sophia Cohon

    Learn letters, vowels, reading skills, and the meaning of Hebrew words. Enter the world of the central language of Judaism! Email your interest to youthed@beitsimchatucson.org

    Sundays, 1:00-2:00pm, in-person at Beit Simcha and on Zoom

  • Introductory Judaism

    Taught by Rabbi Sam Cohon

    Introductory Judaism with Rabbi Sam Cohon is an eight-month long weekly class, Sunday afternoons, 2-3:30pm, in-person and on Zoom, for anyone interested in learning the ins-and-outs of Judaism. It is the right class for someone coming back to Judaism after years away, or learning about Judaism for the first time, or getting connected to Jews through relationship or marriage, or even considering becoming Jewish.

    Who was Abraham? Who was Moses? Who is Deborah? What is the Torah? What is the Tanakh? What is the Talmud? How do Jews celebrate the Sabbath? What’s the purpose of matzah? Why do we start our days at night? How long have Jews been around? What do Jews believe about life after death? Where does the concept of brit, covenant come from? What are the major and minor Jewish holidays? What are the key life cycle events for a Jew? How has Jewish history cycled throughout the ages? Why is Israel so important? What is Jewish music? What are the best Jewish foods, and why are they so connected to holidays?

    If you have questions, email to rabbi@beitsimchatucson.org, or call (520)276-5675.

    Sunday afternoons, 2-3:30pm, October to May, at Congregation Beit Simcha with a Zoom option. Scholarships are available.

  • THIS IS JUDAISM

    This is Judaism offers everything you ever wanted to know about Judaism but didn’t get the chance to ask!

    Who was Abraham? What is the Torah? How long have Jews been around? What do Jews believe about life after death? Where does the concept of brit, covenant come from?

    In three upbeat, fun, free, informative sessions “This is Judaism” brings the joy of Jewish life and learning to you. You’ll study with Rabbi Sam Cohon and learn what Jewish values, spirituality and community are all about, and have a great sample of delicious Jewish foods. All classes are open to everyone, Jewish or not. Best of all, “This is Judaism” is completely free to attend. But the learning is invaluable!

    “This is Judaism” is open to everyone, Jewish or not. Want to know what Judaism is all about? Want to refresh the Jewish learning you had back before your bar mitzvah? Want to know what your new Jewish relatives are all about? Always been curious about Judaism? Want your kids to understand Jewish heritage, history and holidays? And of course, want to try some tasty Jewish food? This is Judaism is for you!

    While there is no charge, you must pre-register by using the link below, or calling 520-276-5675, or emailing rabbi@beitsimchatucson.org. Call 520-276-5675 or click the link below. This is Judaism is taught on three, consecutive Sunday afternoons OR Wednesday nights with a Zoom option, free but by registration only, all classes with Rabbi Sam Cohon.

    No obligation and completely free— just an energetic and great instructor, free food, fun and a wonderful introduction to Jewish life. Call 520-276-5675 to register for “This is Judaism,” the most popular and effective introduction to Jewish learning and life! Go to beitsimchatucson.org or Call 520-276-5675 for your very own entry, or return, to Judaism!

    THREE SUNDAYS FROM 2-4PM OR THREE WEDNESDAYS FROM 7-9PM

    WITH A ZOOM OPTION

  • THE HEBREW MARATHON

    Taught by Dr. Sophia Cohon & Rabbi Sam Cohon

    Learn all the Hebrew letters and vowels in a fun, fast 2-part class! Sunday, January 14, 1pm-5pm and Monday, Jan. 15 6pm-9pm at 5501 N. Oracle Rd., Suite 125. Snacks provided, a high-energy introduction to Hebrew!

  • PASSION AND PRUDENCE: THE SONG OF SONGS & ECCLESIASTES

    Explore the great texts of Song of Songs and Ecclesiastes with Rabbi Sam Cohon & the Reverend Dominic Moore

    Soup & Salad & Bread provided

    Join us for a reading and discussion class on two of the greatest texts of the Hebrew Bible, explained and explored from two different religious perspectives. The Song of Songs is the great (and sexy) love poem or collection of love poems of the Tanakh, while Ecclesiastes is a gorgeously-written excursion through questions of wisdom and meaning in life.

    Wednesdays 6-8 pm, Feb. 21-March 20 live at 12111 N. La Cholla & on Zoom