Come Out and Learn
From its earliest days, CBST members have expanded their Jewish knowledge in a context that felt safe for questioning and exploring.
A House of Learning / Studying with the Rabbi
The first educational offerings were the Friday night oneg programs, following the Shabbat evening service. Topics were eclectic: politics, culture, religion, homosexuality; and diverse: intellectual, theatrical, entertaining; with guest speakers and congregants sharing their skills as gifted professional educators. A Talmud class established in 1974 would continue for over forty years.
In her first year at CBST Rabbi Kleinbaum initiated a weekly parshat hashavua (weekly portion) class. Under her guidance, the Education Committee created a Tuesday night beit midrash (house of study) offering a number of learning opportunities all on one night.
Neighborhood Partnerships
While CBST was an oasis for LGBT Jews in a hostile world, it always sought to be part of the larger Jewish community.
Educating the Next Generation / Overcoming Obstacles
In 1990 education programming began to address the concerns of families with children. The Education Committee organized a Jewish parenting seminar. Childcare was offered during High Holy Days services. In 1991, CBST’s first event designed specifically for children was a Chanukah Party. A Purim party followed. And programming for children grew over time.
From Shopping Bag to Sanctuary