Adult Learning Opportunities

Introduction to Judaism

Wednesdays, December 3 and 17 | 6:30 p.m. | Temple Beth El

Want to know more about Judaism? Thinking about conversion? Not sure how to answer your children’s questions about Jewish holidays? Join us for Introduction to Judaism! Together we will explore Jewish belief, sacred text, Jewish holidays, lifecycle events, and important historical events. The class will meet the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month through March 4. For more information or to RSVP contact Rabbi Joel.

Torah Study: Book of Deuteronomy

Saturdays, December 6 and 20 | 9:30 am | Temple Beth El and Zoom

Join us as we continue our study of Deuteronomy. We will explore the text with the help of both rabbinic and modern commentaries. Learners of all levels and experience are welcome. Bagels and shmear will be served. For more information contact Rabbi Joel.

Adult B’nai Mitzvah

Tuesday December 9 | 11:00 am | Temple Beth El

The journey to becoming Adult B’nai Mitzvah kicks off with our first session. The group will meet approximately twice a month to learn and prepare for a special B'nai Mitzvah service on Saturday, May 23. Adult B’nai Mitzvah is open to adult Temple members. For more info, please contact Rabbi Joel. 

Torah on Tap

Tuesday December 9 | 5:00 pm | Odd Colony Brewery

Join us at Odd Colony Brewery (260 N Palafox St) for an adult beverage, lively conversation, and Jewish learning. This month's topic will be: “Is Football a Betrayal of the Maccabees?" For more information contact Rabbi Joel.

Mediterranean Cooking with Kate Lollar

Wednesdays | 3:00 pm | Temple Beth El

Interested in learning how to make healthy, delicious, and easy Mediterranean and Sephardic Dishes? Kate Lollar is offering weekly adult cooking classes at Temple Beth El. The only cost to participate is share of supplies. If you are interested in future classes, please contact Kate to let her know you plan to attend.

Temple Beth El Volunteers at Manna Food Bank

Tuesday, December 5 | 3030 N. E Street

Have fun and do a mitzvah by joining Temple friends from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm to help sort donations at Manna Food Bank, who provides food to local families facing food insecurity.

Volunteers must be 18 years or older and closed-toed shoes are required.

If you are able to help, please RSVP to Deborah Buchalter.

Torah on Tap

Tuesday, December 9

5:00 pm

Join Temple friends for friendship, libations and learning at Odd Colony, where this month's topic will be:

"Is Football a Betrayal of the Maccabees?"

Schmoozing starts at 5:00 pm, and learning will begin at 5:30.

For more information, contact Rabbi Joel.

Latke Making Party

Sunday, December 14

7:00 - 11:00 am



It's once again Latke Making Time! While making hundreds of latkes is a huge order, with a good team of volunteers we can get it done. If you are able to help peel, dice, squeeze, measure, mix, form or fry, we need your help! Food processors are also needed.

If you can help, even for a limited time, please contact Joshua Zimmern via email or 386-785-5447.

Sisterhood Luncheon

Wednesday, December 17

12:00 pm

Join us as Sisterhood celebrates the Festival of Lights with a Hanukkah Party, featuring an olive oil tasting and loads of Hanukkah fun!

Cost for lunch is $20.

Click below to RSVP by November 16.

Shabbat Hanukkah Worship and Dinner

Friday, December 19 | 6:00 pm

Grab your family and favorite hanukkiah and join us in the sanctuary for a very special, music-filled Hanukkah Shabbat service featuring participation by students from the School for Jewish Living. 

Following worship, the fun continues in the Max L. Bear auditorium with dreidel, music, and a Hanukkah themed potluck featuring latkes and sufganiyot!

Temple Beth El's Brotherhood will be cooking up delicious latkes, and a chicken entrée will be provided by Sisterhood. Please bring a salad, side, or dessert to share.

Chinese Food & Movie

Tuesday, December 24

Dinner 6:30 pm | Movies 7:00 pm

The tradition continues as we join together on Christmas Eve at Temple Beth El for Chinese food and a movie!

Movie details coming soon. A child-friendly film will be shown in the youth room.

 The cost for dinner is $10 for adults and $6 for children 12 and under. 

RSVP to Chuck Lisner at 850-380-5585 or via email.

Christmas Brunch for Ronald McDonald House

Wednesday, December 25 | 8:00 am

Join Pensacola Jewish Federation and friends from across the Jewish community as we come together to make Christmas morning special for the families staying at Ronald McDonald House. 

Our team of volunteers will meet at 8:00 am to help prepare a special holiday brunch and assist with household chores. 

For more information or to RSVP, please contact Cindy Gross at 850-449-2409 or via email.

Angel Tree Drive

It’s that time of year to make this holiday season special for some of the children in need at Brentwood Elementary!



Together we are working to provide items identified by each child on a “wish list”. Wish list items include essentials like clothes and shoes, as well as a few special toys. Whether shopping in person or online, the Angel Tree is a perfect opportunity to engage your own children in the mitzvah of giving to others. 

Prefer someone else do the shopping? Sponsor a child financially and allow our team of volunteers to take care of the rest. For more information or to volunteer, please contact Sharon Marcus at (850)291-3373 or via email.

Temple Beth El is busy preparing to observe our 150th Anniversary! 

Events have been planned, beginning with a special Sisterhood meeting and a Symphony Shabbat in January, culminating with a weekend of observance and celebration April 17-19, 2026.

This weekend will include a program of music through the years, featuring Cantor Richard Cohn, formerly director of the Debbie Friedman School of Sacred Music of the Hebrew Union College. Also planned is a display of historical items and artwork, first at the Pensacola Museum of Art and then at Temple for the big weekend. Of course, delicious food will be part of the celebration with the Oneg Shabbat after Friday services, and a Kiddush Luncheon after Saturday services. A high point of the weekend will be a Gala Dinner and Dance on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at the Pensacola Yacht Club, complete with a wonderful show band.

Many members and friends have expressed a desire to be part of the celebration by making a contribution. We hope you will consider participating in this way. Funds raised will go toward expenses of the celebration, as well as to our very important Temple Endowment. Any contribution is appreciated and will be recognized in the program for the 150th Anniversary. Gifts of $5000 and above will be recognized on a plaque displayed permanently in the Temple. The deadline for fulfillment of your pledge is January 15, 2026.

Be part of our history and help ensure Temple Beth El’s future by joining others in sponsoring this unique and exciting commemoration. Thank you for your consideration and generosity.

 Very Sincerely,

Janet Kahn and Terry Gross

Reminders:

Shabbat Under the Stars

School for Jewish Living and Sisterhood Book Club