Beth Am University
Welcome to Beth Am University
The sage Hillel said in Pirke Avot, “Say not:’ when I shall have leisure I shall study;’ perhaps you will not have leisure.” Now is the time to join in serious study and develop as a learned Jew.
Mission Statement
Beth Am University cultivates a vibrant learning community dedicated to enriching lives through insightful exploration of Jewish texts, history, and language. Our classes inspire personal growth, promote a deeper connection and understanding of our heritage, and foster a lifelong commitment to learning.
Semester 1 2025
Class Dates:
January 8, 15, 22, 29
February 5,12,26
March 5
Special Presentations
by Judge Roy Altman
January 15 and January 29
for all registered students.
2025 Admission is Now Open!
Tuition: $180 per semester
(You can register for up to two classes)
Class Times:
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Introduction to Torah,
Rabbi Frederick L. Klein
History of Zionism and The State of Israel,
Rabbi Jaime Aklepi
Beginning Conversational
Hebrew,
Drora Davis
7:00 PM – 9:15 PM
Ancient Jewish History and Culture,
Dr. Marsha Cohen
8:00 PM – 8:15 PM
Enjoy a refreshment!
8:15 PM – 9:15 PM
Introduction to the Torah,
Rabbi Frederick L. Klein
History of Zionism and The State of Israel,
Rabbi Jeremy Barras
Intermediate Conversational
Hebrew,
Drora Davis
Temple Beth Am University Faculty
RABBI JEREMY BARRAS
Rabbi Barras’ passion is teaching Jewish texts and Israel. In addition to Beth Am University, Shabbat morning Torah, 6th and 7th grade, an online Mishnah Torah class, Rabbi Barras is a guest lecturer at the University of Miami in the Religious Studies Department.
RABBI JAIME AKLEPI, DD
Rabbi Aklepi is a seasoned educator, group facilitator and worship leader. She teaches a variety of classes to people of all ages including, a weekly online Torah class and 6th, 7th and 8th grade in our YERS program. Rabbi Aklepi loves educating people about Israel’s history, its people and culture.
DR. MARSHA B. COHEN
Dr. Marsha Cohen received her B.A. from The Hebrew University in Jerusalem and her Ph.D from FIU. Currently, she teaches at the University of Miami’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute and at Florence Melton Adult
Jewish Studies.
DRORA DAVIS
Drora studied education and political science at The Hebrew University in Jerusalem. She is a former Rambam Day School Hebrew teacher and was recognized as Teacher of the Year by CAJE, the Center for the Advancement of Jewish Education. Drora has taught Hebrew for over 35 years.
RABBI FREDERICK L. KLEIN, MPHIL, B.C.C., Director
Rabbi Frederick ‘Fred’ Klein, a board certified chaplain, is Director of Mishkan Miami: The Jewish Connection for Spiritual Support, a program of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation and serves as Executive Vice President of the Rabbinical Association of Greater Miami. Rabbi Klein has earned a Masters in Bible and Philosophy in Jewish History. He is an engaging and inspiring teacher of Torah to Jews of all backgrounds.
JUDGE ROY ALTMAN, Special Guest Lecturer on Israel
Judge Roy Altman serves on the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. Judge Altman is a much sought after speaker, both in this country and abroad, on the topics of Zionism, Israel, and the Arab-Israeli Conflict. Recently, he has been educating students, faculty and administrators about antisemitism and Israel throughout the country.
2025 Class Descriptions
ANCIENT JEWISH HISTORY AND CULTURE
Join esteemed educator Dr. Marsha B. Cohen and explore Jewish life from Abraham to the formation of Rabbinic Judaism. Discover ancient Jewish History its sources, mysteries and myths. Learn where we came from, how we ended up dispersed all over the world and why we practice as we do today. This class meets for both sessions of the evening.
HISTORY OF ZIONISM AND THE STATE OF ISRAEL
Today more than ever we must know the History of Zionism and the modern State of Israel. From the Biblical covenant to European Nationalism and Jewish Statehood follow the journey of the Jewish People back to their Homeland.
CONVERSATIONAL HEBREW
When in Israel, order your coffee the way you like it! Learn the phrases to navigate your way along your journey to eat, play and pray through Israel. Not going soon? Impress your Hebrew speaking friends with your new conversational Hebrew.
Beginner Class: 1st hour Intermediate Class: 2nd hour
INTRODUCTION TO TORAH
In the beginning… learn with Jewish Scholar Rabbi Fredrick L. Klein the origins, development and meanings of the 5 Books of the Torah. From Genesis through Deuteronomy explore the missions God has set out for the Jewish People and the ways they have succeeded.
2025 Admission is Now Open!
Tuition: $180 per semester
(You can register for up to two classes)