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For program details, curricula, staff biographies, registration forms, upcoming events, and answers to frequently asked questions, please visit our dedicated Beit Sefer Shalom website.
Read, write, and speak the language of the Bible.
Understand the rich heritage and traditions of our people.
Deepen learning through seasonal observances.
Live out faith through social action and community service projects.
Foster friendships and bonds that last a lifetime.
Our B’nai Mitzvah program is a transformative journey that prepares students to lead services, read from the Torah, and step into Jewish adulthood with confidence and joy.
One-on-one sessions with our Hebrew tutor, focusing on Torah and Haftarah reading, prayer fluency, and trope (cantillation).
Duration: 12 months
Frequency: Weekly 30-45 minute sessions
Personal meetings with the Rabbi to study the Torah portion, develop D’var Torah (sermon), and explore the deeper meanings.
Duration: 2 months
Frequency: Monthly sessions increasing to bi-weekly
Learn to lead prayers, understand service structure, and practice with the Rabbi.
Duration: 6 months
Frequency: As needed, intensifying closer to the date
Design and complete a personal project that demonstrates Jewish values and contributes to tikkun olam (repairing the world).
Duration: 3-6 months
Frequency: Self-paced with guidance
Your Jewish education doesn’t end at 12 or 13. We offer many sophisticated, engaging classes for adults seeking deeper understanding of Judaism, Hebrew, Torah, and Jewish life.
Master the basics! Perfect for anyone curious about Jewish life and practice.
Have you ever wanted to read Hebrew more comfortably or better understand the language of our prayers and sacred texts? Join us for Beginners’ Hebrew, a class designed for learners of all backgrounds. Together we’ll build reading skills, expand vocabulary, and deepen our connection to Jewish tradition through language, focusing on the Hebrew found most often in our Jewish lives. This class is $25 for synagogue members and $50 for non-members, which includes the required textbook.
For over 25 years, our Adult Education Program has included a weekly Sunday morning discussion from including:
Jewish Text Study (The Hebrew Bible and other Jewish texts); Jewish Biographies; Jewish Literature including Nonfiction and Fiction including Rabbis Jonathan Sacks, Dr. Shmuly Yanklowitz, Sharon Brous, Angela Buchdahl, and Steve Leder and others; and Digital presentations often relating to the Simma and Michael Stein Des Moines Jewish Film Series.
All people are welcome even if you have not read the suggested material.
If you have any questions, please contact MikeKuperman01@gmail.com.