SPICE Up Your Life
SPICE offers enriching programs, lasting friendships, and meaningful Jewish connection for adults 55 and older. Whether you’re recently retired, new to Charlotte, or looking for more ways to stay active and engaged, SPICE is a warm and welcoming opportunity for lifelong learning, community, and fun.
SPICE programming is funded in part by the Marshall Lindner SPICE Endowment.
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What to Expect
- Fabulous Lunch, Learn, and Socialize Programs
- Fun SPICE Outs to Theater, Museum, Music, and Dance Opportunities
- Quarterly Potluck Shabbat Dinners
- SAGE Deep Dive Learning Programs
- Tikkun Olam Programs
- Sterling Elementary
- Senior-to-Senior
Upcoming Programs
Beginning Wednesday, November 12 at 11:00am (through Wednesday, May 13, 2026)
This year, SAGE dives into the heart of Jewish tradition with Talmud Unplugged: Greatest Hits. Over seven sessions, we will explore the most powerful, surprising, and transformative moments in the Talmud. These are the stories and debates that reveal a tradition filled with passion, doubt, humor, and spiritual courage.
From rabbis who argue with God to texts that challenge us to rethink justice, inclusion, and prayer, each session offers a close look at teachings that still speak to our lives today. These are not abstract ideas. They are urgent conversations about what it means to live with purpose, dignity, and faith.
No background in Talmud is needed. Bring your questions, your curiosity, and your full self. This is SAGE at its best – engaging, thoughtful, and deeply rooted in Jewish wisdom.
Register and join us for fascinating monthly learning. Coffee and cookies will be provided. The cost is $54 per person for members and $72 per person for non-members. You only need to register once for the entire series.
Friday, November 14 at 5:00pm
Join us for the SPICE Veteran’s Shabbat Potluck, an evening in support of Sterling Elementary. Together, we’ll honor our veterans and raise funds for vital student needs.
Brisket and challah will be provided; please bring a dish for 14–16 people based on the first letter of your last name:
A-K: hot side dish (potatoes, rice, etc.)
L-P: salad (fruit, macaroni, bean, etc.)
Q-Z: finger-food desserts (cookies, brownies, etc.)
Register by Tuesday, November 11.
Wednesday, November 19 at 11:00am
Why is there evil in the world? Rabbi Morton Kaplan will guide us through the biblical story of Job, one of Judaism’s most enduring explorations of suffering and faith. Together, we’ll reflect on Job’s story and the ways Jews throughout history have wrestled with life’s hardest questions.
Rabbi Kaplan was ordained in 1967 by Hebrew Union College. He served congregations across New York and Maryland before retiring to Charlotte in 2007.
Menu: Lemon garlic cod, rice pilaf, asparagus, fruit, and brownies.
Register by Sunday, November 16.
Wednesday, December 3 at 11:00am
The language of exile is etched into Jewish prayer, memory, and identity. But what does exile mean today, when Jews live freely in the United States or in Israel? Rabbi Asher Knight will guide us through a thoughtful exploration of homeland, diaspora, and belonging in our time.
After lunch, Allan Margolies, longtime SPICE Leadership Council member with a passion for Jewish history, will present the film Ashkenazi/Sephardim/Mizrachim. The screening will highlight the diverse origins and traditions of Jewish heritage, followed by discussion.
Menu: Stuffed cabbage, rugelach, chocolate babka, and more.
Register by Sunday, November 30.
Monday, December 8 at 10:00am | 230 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Discover the beauty of the newly renovated Carolina Theatre with an insider’s tour led by our own Stefan Pienkny. This multimillion-dollar restoration has breathed new life into one of Charlotte’s most historic landmarks, and Stefan will guide us through its striking architecture, inside and out.
A longtime SPICE favorite, Stefan brings both expertise and personal history to his presentations. Born in Poland and raised in Israel, he served as a tank commander in the Six-Day War and the Yom Kippur War before pursuing architecture in Houston. In Charlotte, he became a design principal in former Mayor Harvey Gantt’s office and has since dedicated his career to both practicing and teaching architecture. At Temple Beth El, he teaches Hebrew School, participates in Torah Study, and has previously captivated SPICE audiences with lectures on Chagall and Picasso.
Register by Friday, November 28.
Wednesday, December 17 at 12:00pm
Celebrate Chanukah with festive music, words from our clergy, and a holiday lunch filled with traditional favorites.
Menu: Latkes, blintzes, sufganiyot, slaw, cheesecake, and more.
Register by Sunday, December 14.
Senior-to-Senior Program
At Temple Beth El, we believe in the power of community. Our Senior-to-Senior program brings together older congregants with caring volunteers for regular companionship visits. Through these visits, we foster meaningful relationships, reduce isolation, and strengthen the bonds between generations. Whether you’re looking for a friendly conversation, a shared activity, or just someone to check in on you, our Senior-to-Senior program is here to support you.
If you’re a Temple Beth El member seeking companionship or a volunteer looking to make a difference, we invite you to sign up today!