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Adult Education

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Temple Shalom offers a wide range of adult-focused educational programs throughout the year to explore the “how,” “what” and “why” of adult Jewish life.  Wherever you are on your Jewish- or Jewish-adjacent journey, our goal is to provide the building blocks and more in depth exploration of holidays and customs and the insights, struggles and historic circumstances that gave birth and give power to the rites and rituals of the Jewish people.

Temple Shalom's recurring adult education programs

Adult learning during Sunday Religious School time. Each year, we choose a theme for the year and hold a variety of adult learning programs that are intended both for parents of Religious School students and all adults in the community.  The program places an emphasis on bringing a Jewish perspective, spirituality, and ritual to the challenges of modern life.

Email ten.molahslpmet@loohcs for more information.

Come learn with the Rabbis of Temple Shalom. Explore Torah, Talmud, and Teachings of Judaism.

Email ten.molahselpmet@tsabar for more information.

Join this lay-led group discussion of current news issues, providing an opportunity for thoughtful reflection on the world around us.  Join virtually each week here.


Taught by Rabbi JoHanna Potts

 

We welcome all adults who would like a Hebrew refresher or who want to study Hebrew for the first time. 

7:00-8:00 PM Introduction to the Aleph Bet - learn to read the Hebrew alphabet - the names and sounds of the Aleph Bet- begin to read the Hebrew words you know and add new ones.

8:15-9:15 PM Hebrew Prayer Fluency - Sitting in services and enjoying the music is an important aspect to experiencing the spirituality of the service. Add another important experience: the ability to read the Hebrew smoothly and understand the Hebrew of the prayers.

If you are wondering which class might be the right class for you, please be in touch with Rabbi Potts.
 
Register Here.

Don’t let Hebrew be a barrier to a feeling of full participation.  Whether you are a complete novice, want to brush up on rusty Hebrew, or explore more deeply the actual Hebrew words of Torah, Temple Shalom regularly offers Adult Hebrew classes.  If you are interested in joining an ongoing or upcoming Adult Hebrew class, please email Rabbi Potts.

It’s never too late to be a Teacher of Torah, Leader of Prayer at Temple Shalom. Every few years a new Adult B’Nai Mitzvah begins two years of study with the Temple’s rabbis in preparation for being called to read Torah. For Jews-by-choice, for women raised in a tradition which did not treat girls equally, for those who were raised without formal Jewish education, or for any of a number of other reasons, many adults choose to go through a cycle of learning and study, preparation and personal growth that leads to this powerful and deeply moving celebration of Jewish accomplishment. Jewish tradition also says that we begin “counting” our lives again once we turn 70. So it is common for the 83-year olds among us to study again, with the perspective of a full adult life, to be called to become Bar/Bat Mitzvah all over again.

Please speak to one of our rabbis if you are interested in beginning this journey. It’s never too late!

Temple Shalom teams with other local Reform congregations on a rotating basis to host the URJ’s regional Introduction to Judaism course.  Introduction to Judaism is for anyone who wants to gain a deeper understanding of Jewish life through a Reform lens. Open to all, this course is designed for individuals and couples from Jewish and various faith traditions and cultural backgrounds and those who have had no religious upbringing. This course is perfect for interfaith couples, those raising Jewish children, spiritual seekers, individuals considering conversion, and Jews who want a meaningful adult Jewish learning experience.

Together we explore Jewish holidays and life-cycle ceremonies, Jewish beliefs and values, prayer and Jewish texts, the Holocaust, modern Israel, the American Jewish experience, and the tapestry of Jewish people today.

For more information on how to sign up for an upcoming course hosted by Temple Shalom or another congregation, please visit Temple Shalom’s Introduction to Judaism.

Sukkat Shalom is a unique program that was started by a small, core group of Temple Shalom members to hold facilitated discussions about Israel.  We have held facilitated discussions during Kehillat Shalom events, study sessions after Yom Kippur services, and small group conversations in members’ homes.

Sukkat Shalom came about as an opportunity to provide a safe place for all types of conversations about Israel.  With the help of trained moderators, Sukkat Shalom conversations aim to bring an understanding of different viewpoints – the goal is to discuss topics openly without a need to come to a consensus.  We recognize support for Israel may be complicated, emotional, and takes many different forms, and we understand that many struggle with what supporting Israel means.  

Be on the lookout for periodic Sukkat Shalom discussion opportunities.  

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