Adult Education

Adult Education Learning Opportunities

"Get yourself a teacher, find someone to study with, and judge everyone favorably." Pirke Avot 1:6

Congregation Shalom is dedicated to building a “congregation of learners.” Adult education is 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 professionals from our own congregation or from the greater Jewish community.  

Fall 2023
 

Jewish Views on the Afterlife

Explore over 4,000 years of classical Jewish sources dedicated to Jewish thoughts about the afterlife.  From Gan Eden and Gehenna to angels, souls, and more, we will do a deep dive into beliefs in our tradition about what happens after we die.  Join Rabbi Poslosky on Tuesday evenings from 6:30-7:40pm on Oct 10, 17, 24, and 31 in this free class.

Click HERE to register.

Intro to Judaism

Intro to Judaism will resume on August 29, 2023, and is open to any members or potential conversion candidates.  The next on-ramp to the class is Tuesday, October 31st.  Class meets each Tuesday evening from 6:30-7:45pm.
This introductory course in basic Judaism will cover history, theology, customs, ceremonies, festivals, holidays, and beliefs.  It is an overview of Judaism and Jewish life. The class will be taught in three consecutive two-month units.  This class is free, with the only cost being for books, for non-members only, which Congregation Shalom will order for everyone enrolled. The book cost is $50.00 per person, non-members only. 

Click HERE to register.

Israel Education Series

In honor of Israel’s 75^th anniversary this year, in February we kicked off a year-long educational program about Israel.  On the first Wednesday of each month (unless there is a holiday conflict), join us for a session on various topics related to Israel’s history and modern Israel.  You can come to individual sessions, but they do build on each other.  Attending all the sessions is preferred.  Each session runs from 6:30-8:00pm.

Click HERE for more details on each session and to register.

Ongoing

Congregation Shalom offers a number of ongoing learning sessions.  Intro to Judaism meets weekly on Tuesday evenings at 6:30pm.  The class is taught in three, two-month units.  The class is free for members and has a $50 book fee for non-members.  See above for registration.

Torah study meets weekly on Saturday mornings from 9:00-10:00am in the Chapel.  Join our clergy (or occasional special guests!) for a discussion of the weekly parsha.  No prior knowledge is needed to attend this stimulating study of text.

Hebrew

Contact any of our clergy to learn Hebrew. Click here to set up an appointment.

Adult B’nai Mitzvah

Have you always wanted to celebrate becoming a Bar/Bat Mitzvah? Are you are an adult learner who did not have the opportunity at age 13. The only prerequisite is the desire to celebrate this special life cycle moment. Feel free to contact any clergy to get started! 

Lecture Series

Thanks to the generosity of donors, Congregation Shalom is able to offer special lectures each year. These include the Ethel and Norman (z”l) Gill Scholar-in-Residence Weekend, the Sanford J. Ettinger Memorial Lecture, and the Melvin B. Gilbert Memorial Lecture. 

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