Chai School 2025-2026

1st Term: Sundays, October 12  through November 9, 2025
 

1. Exploring the Holocaust: Starting With One Survivor’s Powerful Story
Instructor: Steve Goldberg
Discover the Holocaust through the eyes of Abe Piasek, a survivor from Poland. Through Abe’s story and guided discussions, students will explore key aspects of the Holocaust and identify topics they wish to study further.
About Steve: A Duke alum and lawyer, Steve taught history for over 20 years and has shared Abe Piasek’s story with nearly 10,000 people.

2. Choosing Judaism
Instructor: Amy Ripps
Learn from those who actively chose Judaism. Students will meet individuals who have embraced Judaism and reflect on their own relationship with their Jewish identity.
About Amy: With over 40 years in Jewish education, Amy served as Director of Education at Beth Meyer Synagogue and has consulted for several communities. She holds an MA in Jewish Education from JTS. 

Field Trip: Virginia Holocaust Museum, Richmond VA
 

Cost: $72 (includes bus transportation, museum admission, snacks and drinks)

Date: Sunday, November 16, 2025 

• Meet at Beth El Synagogue at 8:45AM 

• Pick up at Beth El Synagogue approximately 5:45PM

The group will tour the Virginia Holocaust Museum, and experience the special exhibition "Dimensions in Testimony." Participants are asked to bring a bagged lunch (dairy or pareve); snacks and drinks will be provided.

A separate travel permission slip will be required after registration is completed.

This trip is limited to 40 student participants.

2nd Term: Sundays, January 4  through February 1, 2026
 

1. Discovering Israel: Stories, Culture, and Connections
Instructor: Tom Rizman
Explore Israel’s rich cultures, traditions, and communities through stories, music, photos, and personal experiences. Perfect for anyone interested in life beyond the headlines.
About Tom: Born in Be’er Sheva, Israel, Tom is the Israeli emissary (shaliach) for the Durham Jewish community, with a lifelong passion for education and community building.

2. Torah Tracks: Exploring the Parsha
Instructor: Rabbi Dr. Rachel Posner
Dive into the weekly Torah portion to explore its stories, lessons, and relevance to our lives today. No prior Hebrew knowledge required.
About Rabbi Posner: Associate Rabbi of Beth El Synagogue, licensed therapist and psychotherapist. Rabbi Posner loves writing, music, and being outdoors. 

3rd Term: Sundays, February 22 through March 22, 2026
 

1. Talmud 101
Instructor: Adam Levine
Open the door to Talmud study, exploring its texts, commentaries, and wisdom. No prior experience necessary.
About Adam: An Associate Professor of Mathematics at Duke University and active Beth El member. Adam enjoys playing softball, designing crossword puzzles, and of course studying Talmud.   

2. Lilith’s Legacy: Jewish Feminist Literature
Instructor: Rachel Galanter
Examine poetry, fiction, and biblical narratives through the lens of gender in Jewish contexts. Includes discussion, debate, and creative exploration.
About Rachel: Beth El educator and community leader with deep experience in Talmud Torah, family services, and Jewish cultural life. Rachel reads voraciously, fosters kittens, walks her dogs at the Eno and around the neighborhood, and is a medal winner for shuffleboard in the Senior Games. 

Special Session: Meals with Friends
 

Cost: $118 (includes materials)
Dates:

• Thursday, October 9, 2025, 6pm-7:30pm

• Thursday, November 13, 2025, 6pm - 7:30pm

• Sunday, December 14, 2025, 4pm - 5:30pm

Explore Jewish cooking beyond Ashkenazi classics, including sopa de huevos y limón, mujadara, and halva. Cook, learn, and connect over food.

Instructor: Abigail is a recent transplant to the Triangle Area. She works as an engineer, and spends her free time reading, baking or catching up on her favorite shows.