One of the most important traditions of Judaism is a dedication to lifelong learning. At TBS, we support this tradition through a variety of learning opportunities for Jews of all ages. We strive to encourage interesting educational programs that are not only thought provoking, but fun and engaging.
Join us in our quest for knowledge, understanding, and a connection to our community, our people, and our commitment to Judaism and the land of Israel. Our goal is to expand our knowledge and understanding of Judaism and what it means to us as an individual and as a community. We challenge all members to think, question, and contribute creatively to our common journey. Our Jewish education and exploration is an ongoing journey. We hope to offer something of interest to everyone, and to encourage our members and friends to search for a deeper meaning and understanding through study and reflection.
2025-26 Community Education Committee events
CEC events are scheduled from fall through spring with the summers off. More events will be added as they are confirmed.
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Upcoming Events
Sunday, December 14, 2025
1:00 – 2:30 pm
Jew Oughta Know… Part 2
More details about Jessica’s talk coming soon!
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Past Events
Sunday, July 13, 2025
1:00 – 2:30 pm
Jew Oughta Know…
Did you know some of your FAVORITE pop culture phenomena were created by Jewish-American artists and authors? Artist and educator, Jessica Rehfield covers surprising cultural contributions in a one-hour talk featuring Leonard Nimoy and Spock’s famous Vulcan salute; The Princess Bride (William Goldman); The Last Unicorn (Peter S. Beagle); The Snowy Day (Ezra Jack Keats), The Mandalorian and the bonus history of how a Jewish-American song defeated the Nazis, in Bai Mir Bistu Sheyn. Learn about these and other beloved cultural icons in celebration of Jewish-American Heritage Month.
Sunday, June 22, 2025
1:00 – 2:00 pm
Advance Directive
The Education Committee is hosting Eden Rose Brown (Law Office of Eden Rose Brown) and Rebecca Kueny (Kueny Law LLC) to provide an advance directive clinic where both attorneys will discuss the advance directive and allow time for participants to complete an advance directive at TBS with the ability to ask questions. An advance directive is the form used to appoint a health care representative and provide direction/instruction on how the health care representative should handle medical and treatment decisions if we are unable to make decisions on our own. There are no costs associated with an advance directive.
Sunday, April 6, 2025
1:00 pm
In 1997 Oregon enacted the Death With Dignity Act, allowing terminally ill individuals to end their lives through the voluntary self-administration of a lethal dose of medication, expressly prescribed by a physician for that purpose. This is called Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID). A statewide volunteer organization, End of Life Choices of Oregon (EOLCOR) helps people to understand the law, navigate it, and sometimes use it.
TBS member, Steve Rosen has been co-team leader of the Salem EOLCOR team for7 years. He has worked with dozens of Salem area people to help them with Medical Assistance In Dying. What’s it like to meet with someone who has been told that they probably have less than 6 months to live? What’s it like to get to know that person and then help them to die? This is a complex and powerful topic that Steve will share with us. Rabbi Eli will respond to questions about Judaism’s relationship to making such decisions.
Sunday, September 8, 2024
1:00 – 2:30 pm
In Person ONLY
Generational Trauma
What is trauma and do Jews carry trauma in their genes?
Come join the presentation and discussion as to how we work toward creating a trauma-informed Jewish community at TBS. Willamette University Professor and TBS Member Dr. Meredy Goldberg Edelson will present a basic foundation and engage participants in making plans for TBS creating a trauma-informed community.