The cost for the 17-session series is $25 for members and $75 for non-members. Classes are at 7 p.m. Tuesdays, starting Oct. 16, throughout the month. For more information and to register call the temple at 954-928-0410.

The Bible study classes, also led by the rabbi, have already started.

At the weekly discussion based upon the traditional texts of Jewish tradition, the class will study rabbinic texts including Midrash, Mishnah and Talmud, from an ethical, moral, theological and social perspective. This one is free, but those taking the class may need to purchase books. Registration is not required for the classes which meets at 10 a.m. Tuesdays throughout October.

Classes for Beginning Hebrew Conversation have already started. Taught by Orr Krupnik, an Israeli, who is in Broward this year through a program sponsored by the Broward County Jewish Federation with the Israeli Scouts of Broward. He will teach the class at 7 p.m. Tuesdays throughout October. It’s free and registration is not required. Call the temple office at 954-928-1677 for more information.

Also, the rose and Jack Orloff Centra Agency for Jewish Education will host its Pillars of Judaism program from 7:30 to 9 p.m. on Oct. 15, 22 and 29 at the temple. Registration is required for this one. The cost of the full program is $450, or $250 for one module.

Call Judy Asuleen at 954-660-20074 for more information. Temple Bat Yam is at 5151 NE 14th Terr. in east Fort Lauderdale.

New pastor

Congratulations to the Rev. Hunter Thompson, who recently became the new pastor of Miami Beach Community Church at. The church at 500 Lincoln Rd., was founded in 1921 and is Miami Beach’s oldest church.

Thompson is only the fourth pastor since the church opened, which said member Edwin Scharlau, "is a big deal for us. Our last pastor, Garth Thompson (no relation to the new pastor) served the church for 37 years, before retiring in 2011."

The new pastor and his wife Pam, are the parents of Rachel, a high school student, and Oliver, who is in college.

‘Bible and Brunch’

Ahavat Olam at 10775 SW 112th St. (on the grounds of Killlian Pines United Methodist Church) in Kendall, will start its "Bible and Brunch," a weekly class to meet Saturdays throughout the year, at 10 a.m. Saturday .

The class will start with the Book of Genesis and will cover the first five books of the Old Testament and will be taught by Rabbi Jonathan Tabachnikoff.

Tabachnikoff is a graduate of Brandeis University and received his rabbinic ordination from Hebrew Union College. He teaches the religious students of Ahavat Olam and also heads the congregation’s "Tots-to-Teens" youth programs.

The synagogue embraces all Jews and interfaith families. The classes are free and open to the community. Call 305-412-4240 for more information.

Elder bounces back

Warm congratulation are to Elder Amos E. Cox, who will celebrate his preaching anniversary during special worship services at 10 a.m. Sunday at The Church of God Tabernacle, 1351 NW 67th St. in Liberty City, where Bishop Walter H. Richardson is the pastor.

The anniversary service is extra special because Cox was gravely ill for much of the year. Through the prayers of the bishop and congregation, he has bounced back and is continuing to preach the Gospel.

The anniversary is a double celebration for the Cox family: Cox and his wife Missionary Mildred Cox, will also celebrate their 55th wedding anniversary.

They are the parents of six adult children, which includes a medical doctor (Marcus), a registered nurse (Lillis) a science teacher and coach (Manuel) two musicians (Cruz and Crut) and a nursing student (Marcel).

The community is invited to share in the celebration.

Gospel concert

A Gospel Praise Benefit concert, featuring Rochelle Lightfoot and Anointed 2 Worship, will begin at 6 p.m. on Oct. 20, with a silent auction, followed by the concert at 7 p.m. at the North Miami Senior High School Theater, 13110 NE Eighth Ave. in North Miami.

The concert, which will also feature other gospel groups, will benefit Sant Twa Ti Fle a school in Fort Royal, Petti-Goave, Haiti. Proceeds from the concert will help provide the school with books, teachers’ salaries, a daily meal, medical assistance and essential needs for the survival of the Fort Royal community.

Tickets may be purchased at Libreri Mapou, 5919 NE SEcond Ave. or by visiting: www.3littleflowerscenter.org.

For more information call 305-335-3448 or 954-295-8742.