ADULT EDUCATION CLASSES
Adult B’nei Mitzvah - Click here to register.
Tuesdays, October 21-May 12
Times: Varies; syllabus provided upon registration
Instructor: Rabbi Steven Rau
Cost: $400 payable over 2 semesters
Requirements: Temple Members only
This course is for the Hebrew novice wishing to participate in this Jewish life cycle. During the fall and winter, emphasis is placed on Hebrew skills. Study continues through the spring focusing on the prayer service, writing a d’var Torah, chanting skills, Torah reading, and preparations for the b’nei mitzvah service on Saturday, May 16, 2026. Prior knowledge of Hebrew is not required.
Judaism 101 - Click here to register.
Dates: Beginning Tuesday, October 21 or Tuesday, February 3 for 8 weeks plus a Shabbat experience • 7:00-8:30pm
Instructors: Temple Clergy and Staff
Cost: Free for members; $150/person for non-members; add a second family member for $36
Book: Purchase the book Honoring Tradition, Embracing Modernity
A basic overview of the many facets of Judaism and Jewish practice: history, holidays, life cycle events, Torah, texts, and more.
Rhythms of Jewish Life - Click here to register.
Tuesdays, October 21, 2025 – May 12, 2026 • 7:00-8:00pm
Instructor: Rabbi Adam Starr
Cost: $350 (Combined with Purposes class, Temple members only)
Optional: Purchase own books for $65
What’s the point of living Jewishly? What ideas, beliefs, and practices are involved? This course examines a wide variety of Jewish sources to discover the deeper meanings underlying Jewish holidays, observances, and Jewish practice.
Purposes of Jewish Living - Click here to register.
Dates: Tuesdays, October 21, 2025 – May 12, 2026 • 8:00-9:00pm
Instructor: Rabbi Steven Rau and Rabbi Lydia Medwin
Cost: $350 (Combined with Rhythms class, Temple members only)
Optional: Purchase own books for $65
Why do Jews believe as they do? What are the big questions of life and how do Jewish thinkers answer these questions? This course explores both ancient and modern responses to many of the major issues of Jewish thought and theology.
Modern Hebrew 101 - Click here to register.
Tuesdays, October 21-January 27 for 12 sessions • 7:00-8:00pm
Instructor: Matthew Adler
Cost: $180 • Requirements: Minimum of 8 participants per class
This 12-session class will focus on basic Hebrew conversation. Learners should already know the Hebrew alphabet and how to read Hebrew. Students will learn basic vocabulary and foundational grammar to
begin holding simple conversations and understanding everyday texts.
Stories of Science, Hope & Resilience - Click here to RSVP.
Date & Time: Tuesday, November 4, 2025 • 7:00pm
Join us for a compelling panel with physician-scientist and entrepreneur Matt Goldstein, CEO of jscreen, who is advancing accessible, life-saving genetic testing; his wife, Myra Sack, author of 57 Fridays, a moving memoir about celebrating life while facing the loss of their daughter to Tay-Sachs disease; Karen Arnovitz Grinzaid, MS, CGC, CCRC, Founding Executive Director of jscreen; along with additional voices bringing expertise on reproductive health, community support, and advocacy. Together, they’ll share perspectives on science, resilience, and the personal and communal stories that inspire their work.
Firsthand Homeland
Instructor: Rabbi Lydia Medwin and guests from Israel
Dates & Times: November 5, 12, 19, 2025 • 12:00-1:00pm
Addressing your biggest questions about Israel and its neighbors, we invite you to continue the conversation with those with firsthand experience. Learn from their perspectives, and be inspired by their stories.
Faith & Freedom Film & Panel
Date & Time: Tuesday, February 10, 2026 • 6:00pm
Join us for refreshments before a thought-provoking short film, George Washington and the Pursuit of Religious Freedom, followed by an engaging panel discussion moderated by Rabbi Peter Berg with Dr. Doug Bradburn, President & CEO of George Washington’s Mount Vernon, and Dr. Adam Jortner, Goodwin Philpott Eminent Professor of Religion at Auburn University. Cap the evening with a wine and hors d’oeuvres and the chance to connect with fellow history enthusiasts.
