Why did the Bible begin? class series in September

Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley Rabbi Dana Evan Kaplan will be leading a four-part interfaith class, “Why did the Bible begin?” in September.

The classes will be from 10-11 a.m. Thursdays, Sept. 5, 12, 19 and 26 at the Temple, 12202 N. 101st Ave. in Sun City. Persons of all faiths are welcome to attend.

Participants will look at why the Bible was written by going beyond the Bible’s religious teachings to its political and social dimensions. They will discuss the writings of Jacob Wright, a biblical scholar who is a professor of Hebrew Bible at Emory University.

Prior to becoming the Rabbi at Temple Beth Shalom in 2019, Rabbi Kaplan served congregations in Georgia, Alabama, Wisconsin, Jamaica, and South Africa. He is a recognized authority on Reform Judaism in the United States and the author of several noteworthy books on Reform Judaism.

Cost for the series is $20 for members and $35 for non-members. Deadline for registration is noon Sept. 3. To register and pay the course fee, call the Temple office at 623.977.3240.

Temple Beth Shalom now has coupon books for its adult education courses that can be used for any four courses between September 2024 and June 2025. Cost is $65 for TBS members and $120 for non-members. Coupon books are available at the Temple office.

For more information, go to tbsaz.org.