This is the sixth class in the second series studying the Book of the prophet Amos. This session focuses on Amos Chapter 7 verses 10 to 17. Amos was active in the mid-eighth century BCE (ca. 750 BCE). He lived in the kingdom of Judah, in a town called Tekoa, some ten miles south of Jerusalem. Although he was from the Southern Kingdom, his prophecies focused on Israel, the Northern Kingdom. Unlike many of the other prophets, his primary charges against Israel dealt with injustice and immorality. Paganism, for Amos, was a secondary issue. Amos was a master of rhetorical argument, and his powerful use of metaphors is classical.

The class took place via Zoom on June 10, 2025

Special Guest: Rabbi Emeritus Joel Rembaum.

Links:

• Amos Chapter 7 Verses 10-17

In Rabbi Rembaum's continuing series, he explores the rise and evolution of antisemitism, defined simply as “hatred toward Jews” (IHRA — International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance). The learning is text based and emphasizes interactive discussion. There is some lecturing, primarily to provide historical background. The sessions are organized chronologically: 1. Greek and Roman sources through the lens of Josephus Flavius, 2. Christian and Muslim writings through the 16th century, and 3. the rise and evolution of secular antisemitism from the 19th through the 21st centuries.

Special Guest: Rabbi Emeritus Joel Rembaum.

Links:

• Antisemitism - The Islamic World - Source Sheet

Rabbi-Cantor Hillary Chorny's Shabbat Teaching at Temple Beth Am, Los Angeles, June 7, 2025.

(Youtube/Zoom)

Links:

• Study Text

Rabbi Adam Kligfeld's Shabbat Sermon at Temple Beth Am, Los Angeles, June 7, 2025.

(Youtube)

Rabbi Adam Kligfeld offers up short bursts of meditation infused with imagery, wisdom, and the rhythms of our Jewish calendar, including selected verses from the Torah. Many of these meditations are performed in sitting positions; some standing. Simply find yourself a comfortable space and let Rabbi Kligfeld's voice and direction guide you into a world of serenity and tranquility.

Rashi Class, a weekly exploration of Torah featuring a deep dive on the text and lively conversation focused on an 11th-century French commentary, conducted by Rabbi Adam Kligfeld at Temple Beth Am, Los Angeles, on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, this week beginning with Shemot/Exodus 12:19.

(Facebook/Zoom)

Links:

• Study Text

Rabbi Adam Kligfeld's Shavuot/Yizkor Sermon at Temple Beth Am, Los Angeles, June 3, 2025.

(Youtube)

Guest speaker Mathis Chazanov's Shavuot Sermon at Temple Beth Am, Los Angeles, June 2, 2025.

(Youtube)

Special Guest: Mathis Chazanov.

Shavuot Tikkun All-Night Study Session with Yehudah Webster, at Temple Beth Am, Los Angeles, June 1, 2025.

In this session, we engage in chevrutah to uncover and clarify our ratzon--our deep will and longing--for ourselves, our communities, and the world. Through Torah study, discussion, and selected Mussar practices, we will explore how learning and reflecting in partnership can help us cultivate what we truly want on a soul level, identify where our personal desires meet collective purpose, and align those longings in service of justice.

(Youtube)

Special Guest: Yehudah Webster.

Shavuot Tikkun All-Night Study Session with Rabbi Dr. Brad Artson, at Temple Beth Am, Los Angeles, June 1, 2025.

Western culture emphasizes individualism and personal identity as separate from those around us. Jewish culture, like biology, recognizes that we are shaped and sculpted by the others who share our lives and who live with us, in time and place. Let's dig into some Jewish wisdom to explore just how much we are forged in relationship, for good and for ill.

(Youtube)

Special Guest: Rabbi Dr. Brad Artson.