BEIT 5786 | 2025 - 2026
Topical Torah
Exploring Contemporary Issues in Light of Jewish Teachings
Beth El Is Thursday Classes with Rabbi Ron Shulman
Selected Thursday evenings, 7 p.m. in person or online
Join Rabbi Ron Shulman for an engaging series of classes that bring Jewish wisdom to bear on some pressing issues of our time. Through open conversation and exploration of traditional texts, we’ll reflect on how Torah and Jewish thought help us navigate today’s moral, social, and spiritual questions. All are welcome—no prior experience necessary. Come to learn, discuss, and discover how our ancient tradition speaks powerfully to modern life.
November 6 & 13, 2025
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Immigration and Integration
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As our nation debates and monitors the fate of immigrants in our society, we explore insights about immigration from Jewish texts and history.
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December 4 & 11, 2025
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Religious Doubt - Does Religion Still Matter?
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A candid examination of the relevance of religion and religious belief in contemporary life, especially in an age of skepticism, pluralism, and personal autonomy.
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January 29 & February 5, 2026
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The Authority and Origins of Torah and Jewish Tradition
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Investigate beliefs of divine origin, the historical development, and interpretive traditions that shape the Torah’s authority and its role in Jewish life.
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February 19 & 26, 2026
- Democracy, Decency, and Diversity
- A thoughtful reflection on Jewish sources that address the intersection of democratic values and social responsibility in a pluralistic society.
March 19 & 26, 2026
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Passover: Seder and Celebration
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Delve into the spiritual, historical, and personal dimensions of Passover as we ask: “What should we and our guests take away from our seder observances? And once the sedarim are over, how do we continue to celebrate Passover’s meaning throughout the holiday week?”
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April 30 & May 7, 2026
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Candid Conversation About Israel and Zionism
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A chance to read, learn, and reflect on the complicated issues, heartfelt connections, and differing perspectives that shape our relationship with Israel and Diaspora Zionism.
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"BIG BEIT"
Our quarterly Beth El Is Thursday community gathering featuring Guest Speakers or Special Events.
October 30, 2025
5:45 p.m. Communal Dinner at BEIT Café
(6:15 p.m. Honor Roll Dinner with Sarah Hurwitz)
6:30 p.m. Study with Craig & Rabbi Avi
7:30 p.m. Feature
We welcome Sarah Hurwitz back to Beth El to discuss her new book:
As a Jew: Reclaiming Our StoRy from Those Who Blame, Shame, and Try to Erase Us
Sarah Hurwitz, a former White House speechwriter, reconnected with Judaism and discovered millennia of wisdom which she detailed in her first book, Here All Along.
Now, she wrestles with what it means to be Jewish amidst rising anti¬semitism. Seeking answers, she discov-ered how hateful myths about Jewish power, depravity, and conspiracy have worn a neural groove into the world’s psyche and how her Jewish identity has been shaped by millennia of anti¬semitism and centuries of Jewish self-erasure.
Sarah Hurwitz documents her quest to take back her Jewishness: how she stripped away layers of antisemitic lies, unearthed Judaism’s treasures, and learned to live proudly, gratefully, and joyfully – as a Jew.
January 22, 2026
5:45 p.m. Communal Dinner at BEIT Café
(6:15 p.m. Honor Roll Dinner with David Sacks)
6:30 p.m. Study with other visiting teachers
7:30 p.m. Feature
We welcome to Beth El David Sacks:
Emmy & Golden Globe Award Winning Writer and Producer of TV’s “The Simpsons.”
Raised in New York City, David Sacks speaks to enthusiastic crowds, opening the hearts of people across the US, Europe, Israel, South Africa, and colleges across America.
David reflects on life’s meaning as he discusses Hollywood’s impact on the world with stories that are laugh out loud funny. He brings us an insider's look into what it was like being an observant Jew in one of Hollywood's most legendary writing rooms.
BEIT: Adult Beth El Summer Learning
Crossroads of Jewish History Course
Sunday Mornings | July 20-August 24
10:00 - 11:30 AM
$50 per person (includes 6-week course and materials)
Please register above. Upon registration, you will receive instructions on securing your spot and paying the $50 course fee through Melton's Website.
Summer Adult Learning with Rabbi Shulman
We are so excited to announce a new partnership for Adult Jewish learning at Congregation Beth El. Join us this summer as we embark on a compelling six-part journey through the foundational eras of Jewish history as the only site in San Diego offering courses from The Florence Melton School of Adult Jewish Learning.
Trace our story from ancient Israel, the biblical period, and the age of kings. Delve into the pivotal transitions of destruction and rebirth, the evolution from Judeans to Jews, and the making of the Diaspora after the Second Temple's fall. Uncover the internal tensions and external forces that shaped our people in the land of Israel and in Babylon. Join us to connect with the dramatic events and profound ideas that forged Jewish identity. Register today and discover the roots of our enduring heritage!
On Sunday mornings, July 20 - August 24, Rabbi Shulman will guide us as we journey:
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From Tribal Society to Kingship
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From Destruction to the Rebirth of the Temple to Ezra
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From Judeans to Jews
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Internal Tensions: Controversies of the Sadducees and the Pharisees
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From the Destruction of the 2nd Temple to Bar Kokhba: The Making of a Diaspora
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Internal and External Disparity between Eretz Yisrael and Bavel
During the coming year, we will offer three additional six-week courses continuing our exploration of Jewish history from medieval times up to this current moment.