Life-Long Learning

Adult Education

Congregation Shalom is dedicated to building a “congregation of learners.” While we work diligently to provide our youngest members of the congregation with Religious and Hebrew School, adult education is also an essential part of our education program. We strive to make the study of Jewish texts, beliefs and practices accessible to all our members. Committed to the principles of Reform Judaism, we offer opportunities to explore our traditional texts and customs through our modern day perspectives. Fostering Jewish identity, Jewish knowledge, and spiritual growth, along with the opportunity to socialize with other members of the congregation, is at the forefront of our efforts.

Each year we offer weekly classes, semester courses, and individual programs and speakers. The majority of our courses are taught by the clergy of Congregation Shalom. Other classes and programs may be taught by knowledgeable and skilled lay leaders and Jewish professional from our own congregation or in the greater Jewish community.

Click here for the new Adult Education Book. Please register for the evening classes by calling the Office of Life-Long Learning at 414-352-2549.

Registration is required for all evening courses. Please call the Office of Life-Long Learning at 414-352-2549 to register. There is a charge of $18 per course for non-members for evening classes.

Classes & Schedule

Daytime Learning Opportunities

Exploring Genesis Line by Line– Rabbi Ronald Shapiro & Rabbi Joseph Prass
Tuesdays 9:15-10:15 a.m.
The Rabbis taught that every word, dot, and dash in the Torah held infinite meanings. Join this exciting class that will proceed word by word, line by line, through the book of Genesis discussing every detail, story, and commentary. Hebrew knowledge is not necessary.

Jewish Views of the News – Rabbi Ronald Shapiro & Rabbi Joseph Prass
First Tuesday of the Month 10:15-11:15 a.m. 
Join Rabbi Shapiro, Rabbi Prass, and fellow congregants for an informal discussion of the hottest current events.

Interfaith Discussion Group– Rabbi Ronald Shapiro and Rabbi Joseph Prass
Sundays 9:45 - 10:00 a.m.
(October 14, November 11, December 2, January 13, February 10, March 9, April 6)
This group is taught by Rabbis Shapiro and Prass from 9:45-10:45 a.m. This meeting will enable couples to share their perspectives and attitudes about living in a relationship with two different faiths are observed. Call the Office of Life Long Learning to register at 414-352-2549 or email Mandy.

 

 

Evening Learning Opportunities

Reading, Roots, and Rhythm: Taking Hebrew to Another Level– Cantor Berman
Mondays, October 1, 8, 15 & 22  6:00-7:00 p.m.
The only prerequisite is the ability to decode the Hebrew Aleph-Bet. Join with others who wish to make their Hebrew reading sing!

The Siddur and Shabbat Worship– Cantor Berman
Tuesdays, October 30, November 6, 13, & 27  7:30-9:30 p.m.
Join us for an exploration of the siddur and its interplay with our Shabbat worship. This is an introductory level class taught in conjunction with the Basic Judaism class.Evolving Halachah:

Progressive Approach to Jewish Law and Responsa- Rabbi Shapiro
Tuesdays, November 6, 13, 20, 27, & December 4  7:30-9:30 p.m.
Class topics will include Jewish law and medical issues (i.e. abortion, end of life issues, choosing which patient to help) death penalty, issues of war and peace, officiating at mixed marriages, and same-sex ceremonies.

Sefer Ha-Aggadah: How Ancient Wisdom Speaks to a New Generation- Rabbi Prass
Tuesdays, January 8, 15, 22, & 29  7:30-9:30 p.m.
Join us as we delve into the wisdom of the classic text Sefer Ha-Aggadah- the Book of Legends. We will examine passages from this anthology of Jewish wisdom on such topics as the human condition, theology, personal conduct, and our place in the world. Come to one session or to all. The classes promise to be a lively combination of learning, discussion, and sharing.

Life-Cycle Rituals from Birth to Death: Where We Were, Where We Are, Where We Are Going...   Rabbi Roxanne Shapiro
Tuesdays, February 12, 19, 26, & March 4  7:30-9:30 p.m.
In this class we will explore Jewish life-cycle rituals and their practices throughout the generations. Each session we will explore different life-cycle events including Brit Milah and namings, B'nei Mitzvah, engagement and marriage, and death and mourning. We will also consider modern day approaches to these life-cycle events and ask how our ancient practices can find their place within our modern lives. You are invited to join us for the entire course of for the individual sessions on particular topics.

Personalizing your Passover Seder- Cantor Berman
Tuesday, April 1  7:30-9:30 p.m.
A sharing of symbols, stories, and of course songs to create your own Pesach memories. Please bring a copy of the Haggadah and your favorite symbol of this most important festival which you use at your Seder.

What Does the Jewish People Believe?- Rabbi Shapiro
Tuesdays, April 15, 29, May 6, 13, & 20   7:30-9:30 p.m.
Have you ever wondered what the Jewish people believe about the Hereafter? Or is our primary concern living within this world? This class will allow you to learn more about Jewish thought. Come and explore some of the writings of Judaism's greatest thinkers- Maimonides, Halevi, Saadia, Geiger, Buber, Schechter, and Rosenzweig. What have these philosophers taught about miracles, hereafter, our role within the universe, which motivates us to perform deeds which enhance life, the difference between what we believe and what we do. The class will also explore the inter-relationship between Jewish thought and action. Why is social action so vital to Jewish community, and too, how does religious, ceremonial observance enhance life? We will display how certain ritual may enhance a person's life, such as tallit and t'fillin, kashrut, and last, how Jewish symbolism touches our life spiritually. Displays of ancient Judaic art will be shared and discussed in terms of how these items may be used to bring holiness into our lives.

For more information on these and other classes or to register please contact the Office of Life Long Learning. 
 

 

 

Basic Judaism

Intro to Judaism
Tuesday evenings – October 2nd- March 4th from 7:30-9:30 p.m.
Stay tuned for more information about a Basic Judaism class being taught by Congregation Shalom's rabbis and cantor. This 20 week course about the history, holidays, beliefs, and practices of Judaism. Designed for Jews seeking to learn more about their religion, for non-Jews choosing Judaism for themselves, and for interfaith couples desiring to understand. Contact Rabbi Roxanne Shapiro for more information.

Torah Study

Shabbat Morning Torah Study — Rabbi Ronald Shapiro, Rabbi Prass, Cantor Berman, or Rabbi Roxanne Shapiro
Saturdays 9:00 - 10:00 a.m.
Led by our rabbis, this group studies the weekly parasha (portion) of the Torah. Discussions range from the commentaries of our sages to the modern concerns of life today. Participants will read the parasha in English. No prior knowledge is needed to attend this stimulating study of text. You are encouraged and welcome to join us on a regular basis or as your schedule permits.

Adult B’nai Mitzvah

Adult B’nai Mitzvah — Cantor Karen Berman
Stay Tuned for more information!
Have you always wanted to celebrate becoming a Bar/Bat Mitzvah? If you are an adult learner who did not have the opportunity at age 13, we invite you to join the next Adult B’nai Mitzvah class. The only prerequisites for the course are a basic Hebrew reading ability and the desire to celebrate this special life cycle moment. Please contact Cantor Berman directly if you are interesting in participating.

Lecture Series

Please take note of our Sponsored Lecture Series. More information to come.

Ethel and Norman (z”l) Gill Education Lecture

Stay Tuned for the 2008 Lecture Information

Please call the Office of Life-Long Learning for more information.


Sanford J. Ettinger Memorial Lecture

Stay Tuned for the 2008 Lecture Information

Please call the Office of Life-Long Learning for more information.


Melvin B. Gilbert Memorial Lecture

Special Programs and Services

Mitzvah Day 2008
Stay tuned for information! Join us as our entire congregation gathers together to volunteer in the community. Sign up as a family or as an individual. For more information please contact the temple office at 414-352-9288.                    

MCRC Shabbat
Friday, March 14, 20087
The Metropolitan Council for Reform Congregations (MCRC) holda an annual Shabbat worship service with area Reform congregations. The service will be held at Congregation Shalom. Call the temple for more information.

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