There are multiple opportunities for lifelong learning at Temple Emanu-El! Temple Emanu-El provides adult education opportunities for those interested in expanding their understanding of Reform Judaism and in expanding relationships with other congregants.

Beginning Fall 2022 we will offer an Adult Education opportunity on most Sundays at 10:00 AM. Classes will occur at Temple Emanu-El, the location will be in the Jasper Room unless otherwise specified in the class description(below). Questions? Do you have an idea for our Adult Education in the future? Send a message to Monika F Singletary, monika@ourtemple.org or 205.933.8037, ext 213.

Special thanks to the Grafman Endowment Fund for underwriting our Adult Education classes.

Intro to Judaism with Rabbi Wright
Facilitator: Rabbi Adam Wright
Sundays: January 8, 22, 29, February 5, 12, 26, March 12, 19, April 9, 16, 23, 30
Location: Hess Chapel

Join us for an engaging 12-session course for anyone interested in exploring Jewish life. Open to all, this course is perfect for interfaith couples, those rearing Jewish children, spiritual seekers, individuals considering a “return” – (conversion), and Jews who want a meaningful adult Jewish learning experience. Our programs welcome people from all backgrounds. Topics include holidays, life cycle celebrations, theology and core beliefs, prayer, Torah, history, antisemitism, the Holocaust, Zionism, Israel, the North American Jewish experience, and the tapestry of the Jewish people today. CLICK HERE to RSVP.

Judaism in Art: Images of Prejudice and Pride
Facilitator: Shirley Osband
Thursdays: May 4, 11, & 18 at 6:00 PM
Location: Jasper Room

The class will use PowerPoint images of paintings, drawings, sculptures, and architecture to create a view over time of the portrayal of the Jewish people and their Judaism by the works of both Jewish and non-Jewish artists and architects. This class will present a conceptual background but not an art-critical explanation about line, color, etc.

About Shirley: Shirley was born in Birmingham and has lived here for most of her life. After graduating with a BA from Northwestern University and many years of parenting, she returned to school and received a Master’s degree in Art History from UAB/UA. Following her MA, she was asked to be an Art Historian at UAB as an Adjunct. She spent 17 years teaching “Renaissance Through Contemporary Art.” As a member of Temple Emanu-El for about 60 years and a supporter and collector of contemporary art, my appreciation of the arts now allows Shirley to share her knowledge and passion. CLICK HERE TO RSVP.

Blessing before the Study of Torah:

Transliteration: Baruch atah Adonai eloheynu melech ha-olam a-sher kid-shanu b’mitz-votav vitzi-vanu la-asok b-divray torah

English: Blessed are You, Eternal our God, Ruler of the Universe, who sanctifies us with Your Mitzvot and commands us to engage in the study of Torah.

Torah Study meets Saturday mornings at 9:00 AM with Rabbi Wright &/or Cantor Wittner and Wednesdays at 12:00 PM with Monika Singletary. This is a very special learning experience, led by clergy, staff, and congregants, with the opportunity for input and thought-provoking discussion.

Join us via Zoom at one of the following links:

1. Saturday morning: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86458041679 (email monika@ourtemple.org for the password)
2. Wednesday afternoon: https://zoom.us/j/661751570 (email monika@ourtemple.org for the password)