Activities and learning

There are a number of opportunities at Beit Emanuel to study Judaism and to learn more about other topics too. The study of Torah ought, ideally, to be a daily mitzvah. It is essential to all serious and sustained Jewish living. Everyone can, and should, be engaged in Jewish learning. Beit Emanuel encourages all its members to engage in Jewish learning at whatever level they are able and in whatever field they are interested so as to develop a community of people who are knowledgeable and engaged. We offer informal as well as formal education.

Torah Breakfasts

Each Shabbat morning at 8.30 a.m., except during the peak summer holidays in December and January or when Shabbat coincides with a solemn festival, we hold a Torah Breakfast.

This consists of a meeting of members for a breakfast of fruit juice, tea and coffee, bagels, rolls and fillings and spreads. At each breakfast is a guest speaker/presenter.

The range of topics varies widely, though most of the themes relate to some aspect of Jewish life or tradition, even if only indirectly. The talks last about one hour, finishing by 10.00 a.m. to allow participants to attend the Shabbat morning service, if they wish to do so.

Public Lectures

Beit Emanuel offers a series of lectures open to the public as part of its outreach to the wider community. The lectures are as follows:

February                               Beit Emanuel lecture (any topic on Judaism)

May/June                              Shavuot Lecture (law, politics and society)

July/August                          SAUPJ lecture (a topic in Progressive Judaism)

October/November               Auerbach Memorial Lecture (Interfaith)

University of the Third Age (U3A)

On Tuesdays at 11.00 a.m., in weeks roughly corresponding to Gauteng government school terms, Rabbi Ash offers a talk and discussion on a topic agreed with those who attend. Each session lasts about 1 hour. There is a small charge of R 5.00 (R 2.00 goes to U3A, R 3.00 is used to cover costs of refreshments).

Previous sessions have included explorations of the Dead Sea Scrolls and the sect which produced them and the story of the Cairo Geniza.

Introduction to Judaism Course

For people wishing to become Jewish and for Jews who want to revise their Jewish knowledge, we run a course called Introduction to Judaism. Currently, the course runs on Monday nights from 6.30 p.m. to about 8.30 p.m.

A list of the contents of Beit Emanuel’s Introduction to Judaism Course may be seen by clicking here.

Learning Hebrew

Hebrew is the historic national cultural and religious language of the Jewish people. It is the language of the modern State of Israel. It is used in worship and study in synagogues across the world. It represents a key to understanding Jewish life.

The Introduction to Judaism Course (see above) includes a course on reading Hebrew to allow students to participate in services. Rabbi Ash also offers occasional Learn to Read Hebrew in a Day courses. One of these is planned for August 2010.

One-to-one individual tuition is available from Rabbi Ash when time permits. Other learning support is available through the Principal of our religion school.

See also: Recommended reading – basic texts on Judaism.