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Program Menu
About ALEINU
Winner of the URJ Congregation of Learners Award, CBI's Adult Learners Network programming is thriving. ALEINU courses, programs and special events include general and specific Jewish education, book discussions, Bible courses, notable speakers, and much more.
All are InvitedWe welcome people who are not Jewish to attend our classes and programs. In addition to the extensive selection of classes, we offer programs especially designed for interfaith couples and families. Most of our classes do not require CBI membership.
Enrollment and Cancellation Policies
Some classes and programs have limited enrollments. Register early to avoid disappointment. If enrollment is too low, an event or class may be canceled. To be notified of schedule changes or cancellations, you must be preregistered. Check Tidings, CBI's monthly newsletter, our weekly email newsletter, and here for updated information on ALEINU classes and programs.
Financial Assistance
We offer reduced fees or scholarships to assist in attending ALEINU classes.
For more information contact Program Director Bonnie Graff at 858-535-1111, ext. 3800.
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September 2011-April 2013
If you are a Beth Israel member who missed out on becoming Bar or Bat Mitzvah as a teen, or if you would like to deepen your knowledge and connection to Judaism, the Adult B’nai Mitzvah program is designed especially for you. The program is divided into two parts:
First Year
Participants will attend three Shabbat morning programs: Torah study, Minyan, and a Bar or Bat Mitzvah service, in addition to an evening Learners Shabbat. Students will also take Introduction to Judaism and/or Jewish Wisdom and the Aleph Bet. Introduction to Judaism covers fundamental concepts of Jewish belief and practice and is taught by our clergy on Thursday nights. Jewish Wisdom introduces basic Hebrew and Judaica, and is presented by popular teacher Dr. Al Ray on Sunday mornings. If you’ve already taken Introduction to Judaism in the past two years, you may take it again at no cost, or take just the classes you have not had (a class listing will be provided to you. Adult B’nai Mitzvah students are also encouraged to take JumpStart Hebrew.
Second Year
The second year of the program assumes some basic Hebrew skills. If you do not take Dr. Ray’s class the first year and need to learn Hebrew, you may enroll in the Hebrew class that will be taught by Helene Schlafman during the summer of 2012. In the fall of 2012 Helene will continue teaching Hebrew during part of each class session through much of the year. You will also study the chant of the Torah and Haftarah, liturgy, theology and Jewish thought with Rabbi Berk and Rabbi/Cantor Bernstein.
On Saturday morning, April 27, 2013, the congregation, friends and family will share in your joy as you take part in a beautiful and inspiring Shabbat service celebrating your Adult B’nai Mitzvah.
Instructors: Rabbi Michael Berk, Rabbi/Cantor Arlene Bernstein, Helene Schlafman
Fee: $225 (Beth Israel members only). Register and pay online. For more information contact Gail Malkus, 858 535-1111, ext. 3110.
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ALEINU Ongoing Events
Shabbat Morning Torah Study
Saturdays, 8:30 - 9:45 a.m.
Start your Shabbat morning with a lively Torah discussion led by one of our rabbis. Bagels and coffee served. No fee. No RSVP needed.
Beth Israel Book Club
3rd Thursday, every month, 7:00 p.m.
(October date changed to October 27, no meeting in December)
This stimulating evening book club welcomes new members.
September 15: The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
October 27: A Privilege to Die: Inside Hezbollah’s Legions and Their Endless War Against Israel by Thanassis Cambanis, presented by John Urey
November 17: The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, by Rebecca Skloot; presented by Arnie Gass
No meeting in December
January 12: Towers of Gold: How One Jewish Immigrant Named Isaias Hellman Created California, by Frances Dinkelspiel; presented by Leslie Mark
February 16: Start Up Nation: The Story of Israel’s Economic Miracle, by Dan Senor & Saul Singer; presented by Nancy Abelon
March 15: Blood Money: A Novel of Espionage, by David Ignatius; presented by Stan Bliss
April 19: City of Thieves, by David Benioff; presented by Toby Shafer
May 24: Mr. Monday and Other Tales of Jewish Amsterdam, by Meyer Sluyser; presented by Jeff Loeb
June 21: Sacred Treasure---The Cairo Genizah: The Amazing Discoveries of Forgotten Jewish History in an Egyptian Synagogue Attic, by Rabbi Mark Glickman; presented by Ina Rosenthal
No RSVP needed. For information, contact Louise Winheld or Nancy Abelon.
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Programs 
Clergy-Led Friday Evening Services
Adult Education
Clergy-Led Shabbat Morning and Afternoon Services