Lifelong Learning Committee

The Lifelong Learning Committee is responsible for working with our clergy and the Education Office to plan and implement adult education classes at Congregation Beth Israel. The classes include adult Hebrew, adult B'nei Mitzvah, a series of Jewish films, and the annual Alan Lawrence Schechter Scholar in Residence Weekend. One of the more popular programs has been the recent addition of a series of classes about Jewish holidays taught from an adult perspective. The committee is also responsible for working with the rest of the Jewish community to plan Austin's annual Tapestry of Jewish Learning program.

In 2006-2007 the LLC was involved in the following

The Adult B’nei Mitzvah / Beit Midrash program continued this year with the following courses
- The Historical Perspective
- Comparative Religions
- Philosophy and Theology
- Ethics and Values
- Liturgy and Prayer
- Adult Trope
The Jewish Film Series featured three films with Jewish or Israeli themes
A new, very popular series on Jewish holidays was added this year. Each session was very well attended, especially those advertised as being for adults only.
Our Alan Lawrence Schechter Scholar in Residence was Rabbi Sid Schwarz. Activities included:
- Spoke at Friday night services on the topic of “Re-imagining the American Synagogue”
- Lead a very popular and well attended “Davenning out of the box” Shabbat morning service
- Taught about the contrast between the fixed liturgy and spiritually spontaneous prayer at a pot-luck dessert and Havdallah
- Held a workshop for the Board, committee chairs, and members of the new leadership class that has already lead to some additions and variations to our schedule of worship service