Temple Beth Israel Education Center courses open for sign-ups

The Education Center at Temple Beth Israel wants to teach Longboat Key everything under the sun, which is the theme for the year. 

The newly designed course brochures were released to members, and classes opened for registration on Sept. 11. Non-members will be able to get brochures and start registration by mid-September.

“We have about 75% new things every year because we have a lot of returning students,” said Program Director Susan Goldfarb. “I don't want them to see the same old stuff. Even if we have the same teachers. we have them teaching different things because they're very diverse.”

The programs are divided into three terms: fall, winter and spring. The fall term starts on Nov. 6 with many new courses and events to attend. Goldfarb said the perennial favorites are back such as yoga, qigong, bridge, canasta, mahjong, painting, movie discussions, film festivals and nature walks. 

Photo by Petra Rivera

The winter term, which starts Jan. 4, will have 12 programs per day. These include courses in piano, about the Supreme Court, American history, art, music and literature appreciation. 

Standouts from Goldfarb are the feng shui for perfect harmony workshop, previews of upcoming operas at the Sarasota Opera House and musical biographies. The Education Center will be hosting multiple happy hours, highlighting popular jazz groups. Goldfarb also mentioned the new programs Wisdom for Widows and theatrical poem readings by five women from the Sarasota Jewish Theatre.

Goldfarb said she is looking forward to this year’s Education Center fundraiser. Kickin’ Karaoke and Dancing through the Decades will be on Feb. 10 from 8 to 10 p.m. People will be able to mingle, sing, dance and wear their best decades outfit for a chance to win a prize for best costume. Members will pay $50 while nonmembers pay $60.

Photo by Petra Rivera

“Our mission is to make lifelong learning available to everyone, regardless of previous education, regardless of age,” said Goldfarb. “It's to keep the mind active in the spirit young and to have camaraderie.”