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.  

Spring 2024
 

History of Jewish Music

Cantor Perper and his wife and master teacher, Cantor Faith Steinsnyder will delve into our sacred music's development through the ages, and they'll do some singing as well.  Come to as many classes as you can.  Each class will be 1 hour, from 6:30-7:30pm on March 26, April 2, 9, and 16.  Register by clicking HERE.

Freedom Song

Freedom Song is a show put on by a Los Angeles organization called Beit T’shuvah, an addiction rehabilitation facility.  A FREE performance will take place on Thursday, April 4th, at 7pm.  From their website:
 
By interweaving a Passover Seder with personal stories of addiction, Freedom Song poses one stark question: “WHAT ARE YOU A SLAVE TO?” The cast of Freedom Song is not a cast of actors; they are actual addicts in recovery that have broken off the shackles of drugs, alcohol, gambling, and other destructive behaviors. Using song and dance, tears and laughter, and an intense post show discussion with our cast, Freedom Song will open your eyes to the real life struggle against the “bondage of self” that we all fight every day.
 
We are pleased to be able to present this show FREE to all who wish to see it.  Please let me know if you have any questions about the performance and please share this with anyone you think may be interested in attending.  
 
Please RSVP HERE if you plan to attend.

There will be a Mental Health Sunday Forum on Sunday, April 7th to follow up on the presentation and to answer the question "What's Jewish about Mental Health?"  We will be joined by Aaron Heffernan (MA, LCSW) and Kevin Boland from Jewish Family Services Milwaukee to learn about the programs and services they offer to all Milwaukee residents as well as some of the origins of mental healthcare in our Jewish tradition.  Click HERE to RSVP for the Sunday Forum.

ADL State of Antisemitism

Join us on Sunday, April 14th, for a presentation from Benjamin Nestor, Associate Regional Director for the Midwest Office of the ADL, as he shares with us the Current State of Antisemitism.  Each year the ADL (Anti-Defamation League) releases a report on the rates of antisemitic harrassment, vandalism, and assault in the U.S.  All are invited to attend.  Please RSVP at THIS link.

Intro to Judaism

Intro to Judaism is currently on hiatus and will resume in the fall. The class is open to any members or potential conversion candidates.  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.

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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