Fall Term at the Education Center at Temple Beth Israel Features a Rich Diversity of Programs

November 17, 2021 – Sarasota

Registration is now open for the fall term at the Education Center at Temple Beth Israel, which runs November 3-December 23. Throughout the year, more than 175 classes and workshops cover a rich diversity of topics, including art, music, literature and film appreciation, health and wellbeing, theology, philosophy, cooking and travel. Special programs and events include birding, nature walks, concerts, meditation, yoga, book groups and more. Classes are offered in-person on the Temple Beth Israel campus and online via the Zoom platform. Proof of recent negative COVID test or voluntary proof of vaccination and masks are required for in-person programs. Class sizes are limited to enable social distancing. To register for classes and lectures, visit www.tbi-lbk.org or call 941-383-8222 or email educationcenter@tbi-lbk.org. Temple Beth Israel is located at 567 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key.

Susan Goldfarb, the program director at Temple Beth Israel, previously served as the executive director of the Longboat Key Education Center which was located at The Centre Shops. She explains that the popular center, which had existed for 35 years, officially dissolved in June 2021 due to financial distress brought on by the pandemic.

“My students, staff and I are extremely grateful to Isaac Azerad, executive director of Temple Beth Israel, who had the vision to offer this opportunity to us and to the community. His big picture reimagining of Temple Beth Israel included a state-of-the-art education center that keeps the arts, culture, education, and recreation alive and thriving on Longboat Key. It’s a win-win for absolutely everyone.”

Goldfarb says the new education center offers many of the same programs she created for the Longboat Key Education Center, along with exciting new ones.

“The Education Center at Temple Beth Israel will strive to provide stimulating and diverse programs that keep the mind and body active and the spirit young, while providing a beautiful facility to enjoy the camaraderie of like-minded individuals says Goldfarb. “Lifelong learning is the key to staying vibrant and engaged in our family life, friendships, communities, and the world.”

Both Goldfarb and Azerad emphasize that the Education Center will remain a non-denominational organization  and will  feature approximately 175 offerings throughout the season, which runs from November through April.

“We’re using the slogan Susan created for the former Longboat Key Education Center, ‘Like College Only Better!’” says Azerad. “It is a great slogan. We’re thrilled she’s leading this effort and grateful for the continued support and loyalty of people who want to sustain the legacy of the Longboat Key Education Center by becoming members of the Education Center at Temple Beth Israel. Likewise, many TBI members have generously donated additional membership upgrades to support the education center.”