Susan Goldfarb
Guest Columnist
news@lbknews.com
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
The Education Center at Temple Beth Israel wishes everyone good health, joyful times and
exciting adventures in 2026. We hope you plan to ring in the New Year with a yearn to learn new things and the desire to enjoy recreational pursuits and cultural enrichment.
The Winter Term at The Education Center begins Monday, January 5th. Here is a short list of programs starting in January that will stimulate your mind, invigorate your body, and lift your spirits.
Our popular annual Lecture Series, which is offered every Tuesday afternoon 3-4:30 pm January through March, features 12 distinguished speakers presenting lectures on diverse subjects. The series will begin on January 6 with U.S. POLICY IN A TURBULENT WORLD. Dr. Robert Lieber, professor emeritus of government and international affairs at Georgetown University and author of “Indispensable Nation: American Foreign Policy in a Turbulent Era,” will discuss America’s relations with its alliances and adversaries. Subsequent lectures in January will include THE GUT MICROBIOME: Conductor of the Body’s Organs with Dr. Isaac Kalvaria, gastroenterologist, January 13. Sandra Moulin, professional musician and public speaker will take the audience to Paris, past and present in THE FRENCH CONNECTION, highlighting famous American celebrities that were inspired by the City of Light. Cole Porter, Jerome Kern, Picasso, and Julia Child among others will be featured, January 20. Join Sarah Wertheimer, CEO of Embracing Our Differences, and Partick Arthur Jackson, VP of Learning & Engagement, for DIVERSE MINDS, POWERFUL INSIGHTS, an interactive exploration into the powerful synergy between varied perspectives and creative thinking, January 27.
January will bring: Yoga, Meditation, Qigong, The World’s Greatest Short Stories, Private Piano Lessons, The American Economy And Statistics, Bridge (All Levels), Mah Jongg, Canasta, Film Festivals, Movie And Book Discussion Groups, Jewelry Making, The Art And Architecture Of Three Great Monotheistic Religions, The Enchanting World Of Sufi Masters, Pearls Of Wisdom In The Bible, Neuroscience In The Courtroom, Opera Previews, How To Age In Place Successfully, American History, Aspire To Longevity, Iphone/Ipad, Fred Astaire, Women’s Voices, Life-Changing Poetry, Wine Tasting Workshop, Jazz Nights And Happy Hours, Sunday Concerts….and much more coming up in February!
For a brochure listing all the programs or for further inquiries, call 941-383-8222, email Admin@tbieducationcenter.org. or visit www.tbieducationcenter.org. The Education Center at Temple Beth Israel is located at 567 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key, FL 34228. Classes begin at 9 am, school office hours are 10 am -5 pm. A secure and convenient Drop-Box is located at the entrance with registration cards when the office is closed.
The Education Center at Temple Beth Israel is a not-for-profit lifelong learning and adult enrichment center that offers over 150 non-credit courses for adults in the fine and applied arts, humanities, liberal arts, and natural and social sciences. Also available are recreational classes, performing arts programs, and special events. All adults are welcome regardless of religion or educational background. A desire to participate is the only prerequisite