Join us for various weekly programs including discussion groups, workshops and presentations, led by experts in their field or university professors, about arts and culture, history, current events, religion, travel, and more.
For more details, please contact Sharon Chodirker at 416-225-2112, ext. 124 or sharonc@betelcentre.org.
Registration for classes is on a first-come-first-serve basis. To register for Lifelong Learning Courses (online and in person), call Reception at 416-225-2112 ext. 0 to register over the phone, or visit Reception during our hours of operation.
LIFELONG LEARNING PRESENTATIONS
Join us every Tuesday at 10:30 am for a weekly presentation on various topics including arts, culture, history, religion, current events and more. Cost: $5 members and $10 non-members. Drop in. No registration required.
We Used to Dream of Freedom: A Memoir of Family, the Holocaust, and the Stories We Don’t Tell
Tuesday, March 24
In his moving and fearless new memoir, Sam Chaiton, a child of Holocaust survivors, grapples with his parents’ untold stories and their profound effect on the course of his extraordinary life. Sam will discuss the impact of survivor silence on the family and how he discovered his parents’ history long after their untimely death. Signed books will be available for purchase. Sam Chaiton, Author
Impressionist Gossip Stories
Tuesday, March 31
This presentation takes a closer look at some members of the Impressionists’ movement, including their relationships, connections, sudden twists of fate and the various characters. Seven gossip stories on seven impressionist artists which might make your jaw drop. These stories are truly like a plot taken from a soap opera. Rachel Levin, Art Educator
Everything About Communication
Tuesday, April 7
Learn about the beginnings of communication. How language affected Ashkenazi vs. Sephardic, Hebrew vs. Yiddish, and how communication was changed by Pony Express, smoke signals, carrier pigeon, and the inventions of the telegraph, telephone and printing press. Jerry Willer, Betel Member and Lecturer
The Survival of Unknown Children: The Story of a Child Survivor
Tuesday, April 14
Yom Hashoah is Holocaust Remembrance Day. We will hear the personal story of Gershon Willinger, a hidden child during the Holocaust. Despite being betrayed and going through several concentration camps, Gershon survived and tells his story through the point of view of a very young child survivor speaking of the validation of his identity and who he is. Gershon Willinger, Child Holocaust Survivor
The Boy in the Back: A True Story of Survival in Auschwitz and Mauthausen
Tuesday, April 21
Local author Fern Lebo’s latest book is an unforgettable memoir about Jan Blumenstein, a beloved Toronto family doctor who was torn from his home at 16. This unforgettable story of survival and inspiration recounts his harrowing experiences in Auschwitz and Mauthausen, and the miracle of survival he achieved by mastering the art of making himself invisible. Signed books will be available for purchase. Fern Lebo, Author
JNF Canada: Its History and Today
Tuesday, April 28
Learn about the origins of Jewish National Fund (JNF) Canada since its inception, the Current court case with its Revocation by Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) in August 2024 and what JNF Canada is doing today. Nathan Diesenhouse, President, JNF Canada
Frida Kahlo: Part 1
Painted Biography
Tuesday, May 5
An artistic voyage of Frida Kahlo’s life highlighted by her most important works. Kahlo’s life story includes depictions of her shattered body as a result of a horrific accident, her stormy relationship with husband, artist Diego Rivera, and her quest for motherhood. Rachel Levin, Art Educator
Frida Kahlo: Part 2
Painted Biography
Tuesday, May 12
An artistic voyage of Frida Kahlo’s life highlighted by her most important works. Kahlo’s life story includes depictions of her shattered body as a result of a horrific accident, her stormy relationship with husband, artist Diego Rivera, and her quest for motherhood. Rachel Levin, Art Educator
The Covenants We Keep
Tuesday, May 19
In keeping with the spirit of the upcoming holiday of Shavuot, come explore the idea of covenant as a central pillar of Jewish life: not only as a moment at Sinai, but as an ongoing relationship shaped by commitment, responsibility, and choice. Together we’ll reflect on what it means to live a covenantal life today and why covenant continues to matter so deeply in Judaism. Rabbi Jarrod R. Grover, Senior Rabbi, Beth Tikvah Synagogue
Behind the Scenes of Artificial Intelligence
Tuesday, May 26
In this interactive session, we will explore what artificial intelligence really is, without technical jargon. Where AI already shows up in our everyday lives (phones, the internet, healthcare). Images and videos created by AI and how to tell what’s real and what’s not. Open discussion, questions, and audience participation with fun and interactive activities. Julia Kindler, Student, Master of Social Work, University of Toronto
The Posthumous Landscape: Remnants of Jewish Life in Eastern Europe
Tuesday, June 2
David Kaufman discusses The Posthumous Landscape: Remnants of Jewish Life in Eastern Europe. Learn about the stories of former Jewish neighbourhoods, synagogues and cemeteries. Following the presentation there will be book sales and signings. David Kaufman, Author
Free Will
Tuesday, June 9
Are we free agents or is free will an illusion? As I write these words, am I exercising my faculties or am I subject to earlier causes because everything about us has been predetermined? This is a tricky, infuriating and fascinating topic which will fascinate you. Nick Maes, Former High School Teacher and Instructor of Classics
How I Learned to Pee in the Forest and Other Light-Hearted Stories with Life-Changing Lessons
Tuesday, June 16
This book turns everyday chaos into clarity with a few laughs along the way. It invites readers to laugh, reflect, and grow on the quirks of everyday life. Equal parts memoir, mentorship, and mindfulness guide, this book meets readers where they are: in the middle of their messy, beautiful, ordinary life. Book will be available for purchase. Sharon Neiss Arbess, Author
Frida Kahlo: Part 3
Painted Biography: Portraits
Tuesday, June 23
An artistic voyage of Frida Kahlo’s life highlighted by her most important works. Kahlo’s life story includes depictions of her shattered body as a result of a horrific accident, her stormy relationship with husband, artist Diego Rivera, and her quest for motherhood. Rachel Levin, Art Educator
Preparing for Memory Changes: With Strength, Creativity, and Heart
Tuesday, June 30
In this engaging and uplifting talk, we explore a refreshing way to think about memory changes and aging. How we can plan to live well, for longer. Through real-life stories and practical ideas, you’ll discover how creative hobbies, gentle movement, and kindness of character can support dignity, independence, and joy at every stage of life. Julia Kindler, Student, Master of Social Work, University of Toronto
LIFELONG LEARNING COURSES & OTHER PROGRAMS
Drop-ins for Lifelong Learning Courses are welcome! For more information, contact Sharon at sharonc@betelcentre.org or 416-225-2112, ext. 124.
I’m Right, You’re an Idiot! Social Life in Digital Age
This new course will discuss hyperpolarization research. People are becoming more aligned with causes and often ignore facts. This is going on everywhere with millions of voices talking over each other rather than to each other, leading to a breakdown of civil society and advancement of anger, isolation, sadness, and loss of faith and meaning. But wait! There are ways to combat this wave of internet rage, yelling, and propaganda. In this course we use scientific research to take emotion out and put logic back to work. Instructor: David Chandross, PhD
Monday, April 13 – June 8 (8 weeks)
No class May 18
1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
$80 members ($12 drop-in per class)
$160 non-members ($24 drop-in per class)
Parsha Ha Shavuah: Weekly Torah Portion – New!
Discuss messages in the parshiyot and stories in the Tanach. Facilitator: Lillian Benlolo, Bible Study Teacher
Wednesday, April 15 – June 10 (9 weeks)
11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Free – members only
Socrate’s Café (Democracy Café) – New!
This safe forum allows participants to share their opinions respectfully on a variety of topics. Facilitator: Barry Abramsky
Wednesday, April 15, May 13, and June 10 (3 weeks)
11:00 am – 1:00 pm 3
Free – members only
Antisemitism: The World’s Oldest Hatred
Antisemitism has recently surged to levels not seen since the rise of Nazi Germany. Since October 7th, there has been an increase in public demonstrations, polarized discourse, and spikes in antisemitism, harassment, vandalism, and assaults worldwide. Reports show substantial percentage increases in antisemitism since 2022. This course highlights the global state of antisemitism and aims to engage and educate about the sources of modern-day antisemitism. Instructor: Amnon Zohar, Middle East and Global Affairs Specialist
Monday, May 4- June 29 (8 weeks)
No class May 18
11:30 am – 1:30 pm
$88 members ($14 drop-in per class)
$176 non-members ($28 drop-in per class)