- Main Line: 305-538-7231
- School: 305-532-4756
Temple Beth Sholom offers a wide array of engaging and exciting adult education. There’s always something to learn about at TBS!
Tuesday Buchers
(Buchers, Definition, from French: to hit the books)
A small group of congregants and Rabbi Davis meet weekly to study Jewish texts. Each member of the group takes a turn leading a session. Then the other members, who have also read and researched the portion, make comments. Finally, the Rabbi discusses some aspect of the Hebrew or answers questions that have been raised. No Hebrew is necessary. Please contact Rabbi Davis at rdavis@tbsmb.org to discuss participation.
Zoom only | Tuesdays 12:00–1:00 pm
Rosh Chodesh
Celebrate the new moon and welcome the energy of the month ahead in a warm, spiritually grounded space. Join Rabbi Jacobs and new friends for meaningful learning, reflection, and connection. Open to all women & nonbinary folks.
7:00-8:30 pm, Wednesday, January 21; Tuesday, May 19
In Person | Registration: Noemi, noemi@tbsmb.org
The Madwoman in the Rabbi’s Attic: Rereading the Women of the Talmud
Join Rabbi Glickstein as we explore The Women of the Talmud, a provocative and eye-opening work by Gila Fine, lecturer at the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies. In this class, we will delve into six remarkable women from the Talmud as reinterpreted by Fine, uncovering profound insights not only about these female figures, but also about the rabbis who shaped their stories—and about ourselves. Along the way, we will encounter classic folk tales, stereotypes, and myths about women, including the Prima Donna, the Femme Fatale, and the Madonna/Whore. Shabbat following lunch ~ 12:15 pm, December 6; January 17; February 28; March 7; April 18.
In-Person and Zoom | Registration: Noemi,
noemi@tbsmb.org
The Pursuit of Hebrew Happiness: Sameach, Asher, Gil & Rinah
Join Rabbi Loiben to explore what Judaism teaches us about happiness. In this four-session course, we’ll explore ancient Hebrew words for happiness and the rich spiritual ideas behind them. From the joy of celebration (sameach), to the deep contentment of being me’ushar, to the uplift of gil and the quiet gratitude of rinah, we’ll uncover timeless Jewish wisdom and ask what it means for our lives today.
Mondays, 7:00–8:00 pm, December 8, 15.
In Person | Registration: Noemi, noemi@tbsmb.org
Your Third Place
We all need a “third place”—a welcoming space outside of home, school, or work—where we can connect, belong, and recharge. Rabbi Loiben will lead this two-session exploration of why these places matter for our well-being and how the Jewish value “Al tifrosh min ha-tzibur” (“Don’t separate yourself from the community”) reminds us to stay connected. Through Jewish texts, excerpts from books, podcasts, and lively discussion, discover how finding your third place can enrich your life with deeper meaning and connection.
Shabbat afternoon, immediately following lunch ~ 12:15 pm, April 4, 11.
In Person | Registration: Noemi, noemi@tbsmb.org
Honoring the Memory of Rabbi Harry Jolt
Rabbi Harry Jolt blessed us with his vast wisdom, delightful sense of humor, and keen insights for many years. On the day which would have been Rabbi Jolt’s 122nd birthday (according to the Hebrew Calendar), we will join together with Rabbi Davis in our annual remembrance of Rabbi Jolt.
Wednesday, February 4, 12:00 pm
Zoom Only | Registration and the Zoom link: Noemi, noemi@tbsmb.org or tbsmb.org
Bioethics: What Do I Do?
Join our former Rabbinic Intern, Rabbi Dr. Claudio J. Kogan, MD, MBE, MEd, who is now the Director of the Bioethics Program at Baptist Health South Florida. Rabbi Kogan will lead a study and discussion of Bioethics from a medical, religious, and ethical perspective. He will be focusing primarily on the Bioethics of Transplant and Genetic Engineering.
Saturday, December 13, following services (lunch will be available), ~12:15 pm
In-person only | Registration: Noemi,
noemi@tbsmb.org
Spice Up Your Seder
Whether you are a first time seder host or a diehard Maxwell House haggadah user, you can always find a new way to bring modern topics, games, or deep discussion to the seder experience. During this session we will review some of the major components of the haggadah and put our brains together to create new modes for our guests to engage more deeply in the seder. Rabbi Jacobs will also share some of her favorite haggadot and timely one-pager haggadah supplements that can be added to any seder.
6:00-7:30 pm, Wednesday, March 11
In Person | Registration: Noemi, noemi@tbsmb.org
What Do I Say When My Kids Ask? (continuing the conversation)
Questions like “Why do bad things happen?” or “What if I’m not sure I believe in God?” or “Am I my brother/sister’s keeper?” Join Rabbi Gayle Pomerantz in discussing the podcast Answers WithHeld with Rabbi Shai Held (available on Apple podcasts). We will sift through parenting’s stickiest questions with the understanding that there may be no answer better than listening and love. Grandparents and other seekers are also welcome.
Wednesday mornings, 9:00 am, February 25, April 15
In-Person only | Registration: Noemi, noemi@tbsmb.org
Practical Judaism Workshop Series – Three Sessions (see below)
Jewish Lifecycle Moments: Understanding Brit Milah, B’nai Mitzvah, and Weddings
Explore the rich traditions and significance behind key Jewish lifecycle events with Barb Shimansky, RJE. This discussion-based workshop will provide insights into Brit Milah/Simchat Bat, B’nai Mitzvah, and Jewish weddings, offering a deeper understanding of these important communal and personal milestones.
Saturday, February 7, 2026, 10:00-11:30 am
In-Person at Temple Beth Sholom | Registration: gabby@tbsmb.org
Decoding the Seder: A Practical Guide to Passover Rituals
Join Barb Shimansky, RJE for a hands-on workshop designed to demystify the Passover Seder. Learn the rituals, traditions, and practical tips for leading a meaningful and engaging Seder in your home.
Saturday, March 14, 2026, 10:00-11:30 am
In-Person at Temple Beth Sholom | Registration: gabby@tbsmb.org
Community Adult Education and The Melton
School of Adult Jewish Learning
Temple Beth Sholom partners with CAJE (The Center for the Advancement of Jewish Education) and The Florence Melton School of Adult Jewish Learning. Melton seeks to inspire, enlighten, and challenge adult learners from all segments of the Jewish community to study Judaism seriously. There is an extraordinary list of community classes being offered this year. A complete listing of opportunities is available at
caje-miami.org/adults or 305.576.4030.
Conversion: Choosing Judaism
A 16-week class for adults seeking to convert to Judaism or to renew their childhood education. Topics include Hebrew, holidays, rituals, prayer, philosophy, and theology. Taste the basics of Jewish life: spirituality, ethics, and community. This is a wonderful course for those new to the congregation, new to Jewish life, or interested in exploring the richness of our tradition.
Contact any of the Clergy for more information, noemi@tbsmb.org
Parent Education at the Innovative School
At the Innovative School of Temple Beth Sholom, we are committed to supporting families through ongoing parent education. This year, we will be offering engaging opportunities for parents to connect, learn, and grow in community together. These offerings may include workshops on parenting, education, and early childhood development, as well as book discussions and events designed to support families on their journey of raising the next generation of change makers. Please stay tuned for updates in our weekly digital newsletter, The Golden Suns. For more information, feel free to contact the main school office at 305.532.4756.
Torah Commentary, Podcasts, Calendar, Translations
The Union for Reform Judaism has a selection of weekly podcasts and e-mails that you can subscribe to and study at your convenience. Selections include: This Week in Jewish Life, Reform Voices of Torah, The Jewish Dish, Jewish Holiday Guide, and Jewish Life in Your Family Life.
Go to: reformjudaism.org/learning/torah-study
ReformJudaism.org
The Reform Jewish website is a wonderful resource for expanding your knowledge base, seeking wisdom, and learning about the issues and opportunities that we face as modern Jews. Major sections include Jewish Holidays, Jewish Life, Practice, Learning, Social Justice, and Israel.
Go to: reformjudaism.org
We Are Not Alone:
Reform Jewish Courses Online
The Union for Reform Judaism offers a variety of virtual classes. Topics include: Introduction to Judaism; Reading Hebrew Prayers; Learn to Read Hebrew for Adults; Pursuing Justice; Introduction to the Mikveh Ritual.
Information and Registration:
reformjudaism.org/learning/judaism-classes
Individual Study
Rabbi Davis is available to help you design your own study of Jewish text, philosophy, or theology.
Contact: Rabbi Davis, rdavis@tbsmb.org
Panim el Panim: Face to Face
Looking to have thoughtful conversations and make meaningful connections? Join a Panim group. Groups offer intimate settings where members can engage in meaningful conversations and make deeper connections. Members are organized by shared demographics or a special interest. The monthly meetings take place in person, are hosted by a member, and are facilitated by a trained member. Existing groups include opportunities for men, women, singles, and parents. We have study groups, discussion groups, and special interest groups. New groups being developed for the Fall include groups for New Families, an Activities group, and a Book Club. Reach out and help us find you your Panim home today.
Contact: Panim Coordinator, Jaleh Samway Bast,
Jaleh@tbsmb.org, 786.522.4510
Let Me Give a Sermon
This is an open workshop for those who wish to create and write a Devar Torah (sermonette). The Rabbis and Sages have methods for teaching the wisdom that flows from our rich texts. A Devar Torah is often given at meetings, study sessions, and services. Participants will meet with Rabbi Davis and will create a Devar Torah for our regular Shabbat morning service.
Information: Rabbi Davis, rdavis@tbsmb.org
Miami Jewish Film Festival
The festival will celebrate its 29th season from January 15 to 29, 2026. Please join TBS and the community-at-large for this world-class offering of Jewish-themed films. Screenings will be held at various venues around Miami, INCLUDING Temple Beth Sholom.
Contact: Mark Baranek at mark@tbsmb.org for more information
BOOK DISCUSSIONS
Mark Baranek and guests will lead discussions on a variety of Jewish-themed books. Both fiction and non-fiction will be featured.
• One Good Thing by Georgia Hunter, Tuesday, December 9, 7:00 pm
• The Last Days of Budapest by Adam Lebor, Tuesday, January 27, 7:00 pm
• Autocorrect by Etgar Keret, Tuesday, March 24, 7:00 pm
• A Place to Hide by Ronald H. Basson, Monday, May 11, 7:00 pm
Zoom only | Registration and the Zoom link: Mark Baranek, mark@tbsmb.org
Shabbat Evening Services
Our Shabbat evening service will embrace you and touch your soul. Fresh and familiar music will enable you to give voice to your own spirit. Special occasions in the lives of our congregants, Jewish teachings, sermons from our rabbis, and extraordinary music will enhance “Shabbat, our sanctuary in time.”
Every Friday Evening, 6:00 pm
In-Person at TBS and tbsmb.org/watch
Shabbat Morning Services
Join us weekly to renew your spirit in our beautiful sanctuary or chapel. Our clergy and congregation members help to lead the prayers and read the Torah. Services are usually followed by a tasty communal Shabbat Kiddush Lunch.
Every Saturday Morning, 10:30 am
In-Person at TBS and tbsmb.org/watch
Torah Study on Shabbat Morning
Start Saturday morning with Torah study. Each Shabbat morning before our Shabbat Morning Service (which starts at 10:30 am), we study Parashat HaShavua, the weekly Torah portion. The Rabbis lead a discussion of ancient commentaries and teachings and reveal the Torah’s modern and relevant lessons. No registration necessary. To be added to the mailing list and receive the weekly study materials for this class contact: Noemi, noemi@tbsmb.org
Every Saturday morning, 9:30–10:30 am
In-Person and Zoom | tbsmb.org/calendar for the Zoom Link
Shabbat Shira
Join us for a Shabbat Shira experience with Cantor Josh Breitzer, President of the American Conference of Cantors. Cantor Breitzer will co-lead our congregation in prayer and song, speaking about the evolving roles of Cantors and highlighting the beauty of Jewish music that binds us to our tradition and community.
Friday evening, January 30, 6:00 pm | No registration needed
Weekly Israeli Update
Join Mark Baranek each week for a concise update on the current events in Israel. Politics, Culture, and Technology are just a few of the areas covered.
Mondays, 4:00 pm
Zoom only | Information and the Zoom link: Mark Baranek, mark@tbsmb.org
Israeli TV: The Phenomenon, Part 4
The immense popularity of Israeli TV continues globally. Mark Baranek will analyze the success of Israeli television around the world. We will see video clips from three of Israel’s most successful series: Bad Boy, Seven Figures, and A Body that Works, and look at some shows you still might not have heard of (yet).
Tuesday, February 10, 7:00 pm
Zoom only | Information and the Zoom link: Mark Baranek, mark@tbsmb.org
1976: 50 Years Since Entebbe
Join us as we discuss the historical events of 50 years ago, surrounding the Hijack and rescue of Air France Flight 139, enroute from Israel to France with a stop in Athens.
Monday, March 16, 7:00 pm
Zoom only | Information and the Zoom link: Mark Baranek, mark@tbsmb.org
Miami Jewish Film Festival
The festival will celebrate its 29th season from January 15–29, 2026. Please join TBS and the community-at-large for this world-class offering of Jewish-themed films. Screenings will be held at various venues around Miami INCLUDING Temple Beth Sholom.
Contact: Mark Baranek at mark@tbsmb.org for more information
Social Justice Network Justice Jams
We’d like to invite you to host Justice Jams this year! Justice Jams are small, intimate educational gatherings meant to foster dialogue and build community around specific issues of concern. Justice Jams are led by SJN co-chairs Rachel Unger and Andrea Wagner, along with special guests, in your home. This year our Jams will be focused on topics of reproductive justice in the fall and climate justice in the spring. Invite other congregants or friends and family to your home to learn about these issues and how we can take action. You provide the place, and we provide the content.
For more information or to host a Justice Jam: Rachel Unger, ungerita@yahoo.com or Andrea Wagner, wags3671@gmail.com.
Mitzvah Day and Soup Contest
Join us for Mitzvah Day, our largest day of social action, with over 30 projects both at Temple Beth Sholom and around our community. We have projects for all ages and interests. You can engage in a beach clean-up, prepare care packets for mothers of premature babies, make gifts for Holocaust survivors, distribute food to people experiencing food insecurity, help raise money for Israel, create thank you gifts for our first responders, distribute books to adults and children in need, and much, much more. If you have an idea for a project that you would like to captain, please let us know. After completing the Mitzvah Day projects, we return for our annual Soup Contest, where we raise money for worthy causes in our community. To get involved, contact co-chairs Ashley Weissman, albeckwith@gmail.com and Caryn Pardo,
carynpardo@gmail.com, or Social Justice Program Director, Jeff Agron, jagron@tbsmb.org.
Sunday, February 23
Registration opens in late December.
PACT (People Acting for Community Together)
Temple Beth Sholom is part of PACT (People Acting for Community Together). PACT unites, organizes, and trains leaders from diverse congregations, schools, and community groups to build a powerful community voice. Individually and collectively, we empower ourselves, hold officials accountable, achieve systemic change, and promote fairness, justice, and democracy in Miami-Dade County. This past year we helped persuade our elected officials to take action to reduce rental rates and institute a civil citation program for unpaid fines and fees. These are issues that are important to our community and make a difference in the lives of residents.
For information: TBS PACT Chairperson, Jonathan Sepsenwol, jonathan.sepsenwol@gmail.com; Rabbi Jacobs, rabbijacobs@tbsmb.org; or Jeff Agron,
jagron@tbsmb.org.
A Multi-Access Cup of Coffee with Rabbi Davis
Rabbi Davis will meet you in the Ulam HaShalom (The Welcome Center) or on Zoom to share a cup of coffee with you. This is an informal opportunity to meet and share life’s journey together or for those wishing to seek pastoral guidance.
In-Person or Zoom: Rabbi Davis, rdavis@tbsmb.org
Coffee Around Town
Join with your Clergy and other Temple Beth Sholom Staff for coffee and conversation at various locations: South Beach, Sunset Harbor, and Bal Harbor. Check your e-mail, the website, and HaKOL for complete details. In-person at a coffee shop near you.
More information, Mark Baranek, mark@tbsmb.org