Omaha jewish community Beit Midrash
October - May
Wednesdays, 7:00-8:00 pm
Omaha is blessed with a Jewish community whose members have deep affection for each other and for their spiritual leaders, regardless of which congregation they happen to belong to. Embracing our desire to be together and learn together, this exciting Beit Midrash (house of study) gives all of Jewish Omaha the opportunity to engage in spirited and challenging cross-denominational study with local rabbis and cantors.
Classes are held in-person at the JCC AND virtually, via Zoom.
Drop in for one session, or become a regular attendee – everyone is welcome.

Miss any of the previous sessions? Find them on YouTube here.
Make sure to like, comment and subscribe!
Contact Mark Kirchhoff for more details - (402) 334-6463 or mkirchhoff@jewishomaha.org.

OCTOBER 6 & 13 - PANEL DISCUSSION
Jewish Americans in 2020 - unpacking the Pew Study data
Discover more about what it means to be Jewish in America in 2020 and the results of the Pew Study HERE and learn about the 10 Key findings from the report HERE.
Want to know how you compare to other Jewish Americans on specific topics? Take the quiz.
OCTOBER 6 | Rabbi Deana Berezin, Rabbi Ari Dembitzer, Hazzan Michael Krausman, Rabbi Brian Stoller, moderated by Jennie Gates Beckman
Watch the Zoom recording HERE.
OCTOBER 13 | Rabbi Steven Abraham, Cantor Joanna Alexander, Rabbi Aryeh Azriel, Rabbi Eli Tenenbaum
Due to technical difficulties, there is not a recording of this session.
OCTOBER 27 | "Antisemitism: Historically & Today" (1 of 3)
The clergy will facilitate the first of several classes exploring
antisemitism experienced throughout Jewish History and consider our
current situation in the context of that narrative.
Watch the Zoom recording HERE.
NOVEMBER 3 | Holiday Observances Across Denominations (1 of 3)
All Jews celebrate the same holidays, but do we all celebrate
holidays the same?!? For this series the clergy will explore various
expressions of holidays through liturgy, customs, and practice.
Watch the Zoom recording HERE.
NOVEMBER 10 | Revelation (1 of 2)
Rabbi Steven Abraham of Beth El Synagogue and Rabbi Emeritus Aryeh
Azriel of Temple Israel discuss the topic of revelation.
They will take a look at a few rabbinic texts in addition to discussing
their own personal views on revelation in their daily lives. Watch the Zoom recording of this session
HERE.
Nov. 17 - PANEL DISCUSSION
NOVEMBER 17 | PANEL DISCUSSION: American Loyalty to Israel vs Progressive Values (1 of 2)
Facilitated by: Rabbi Deana Berezin, Rabbi Yoni Dreyer & Rabbi Mendel Katzman
Moderated by: Jennie Gates Beckman
Community clergy members will explore the tension
between American loyalty to Israel and the progressive values held
strongly by many American Jews. Jennie Gates Beckman will moderate the
discussion. Watch the Zoom recording of this session
HERE.
DECEMBER 1 | Be Fruitful & Multiply (Pru u'rvu); But What if We Can't? (1 of 2)
Facilitated by: Hazzan Michael Krausman
The commandment of Pru u'rvu,
or to be fruitful and multiply, has challenged families over the
centuries. Hazzan Michael Krausman will share
stories both from the text and from modern life in this first of two
sessions on the topic. Watch the Zoom recording of this session
HERE.
DECEMBER 8 | Anti-Semitism: Historically & Today (2 of 3)
Facilitated by: Rabbi Brian Stoller & Rabbi Eli Tenenbaum
Rabbi
Brian Stoller and Rabbi Eli Tenenbaum will continue the exploration of
antisemitism experienced throughout Jewish History and consider our
current situation in the context of that narrative. Watch the Zoom recording of this session HERE. Watch Session 1 of this series with Rabbi Deana Berezin and Rabbi Ari Dembitzer HERE.
DECEMBER 15 | Greatest Hits of Pirkei Avot (1 of 2)
Facilitated by: Rabbi Yoni Dreyer & Rabbi Mendel Katzman
Watch the Zoom recording of this session
HERE.
JANUARY 5, 2022 | Anti-Semitism: Historically & Today (3 of 3)
Facilitated by: Rabbi Yoni Dreyer & Rabbi Mendel Katzman
The clergy will explore
antisemitism experienced throughout Jewish History and consider our
current situation in the context of that narrative. Watch the Zoom recording of this session
HERE.
JANUARY 12, 2022 | Halakhah: Religious Observances & Daily Life (1 of 2)
Facilitated by: Rabbi Steven Abraham & Rabbi Deana Berezin
A deep dive into how the Conservative and Reform movements understand
Jewish law through the lens of different response literature (papers
related to certain topics). This session was held via Zoom only.
Watch the Zoom recording of this session
HERE.
JANUARY 19 | Be Fruitful & Multiply (Pru u'rvu); But What if We Can't? (2 of 2)
Facilitated by: Rabbi Steven Abraham & Cantor Joanna Alexander
The commandment of Pru u'rvu,
or to be fruitful and multiply, has challenged families over the
centuries. Rabbi Steven Abraham & Cantor Joanna Alexander will share
stories both from the text and from modern life in this second of two
sessions on the topic. This session was held via Zoom only. Watch the Zoom recording of this session
HERE.