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.

The Biblical Prophetic Purpose: A Jewish and New Testament Juxtaposition
Facilitator: Rabbi Adam Wright
Sundays
September – 7, 14, 21, 28
October – 5, 12, 26
November – 2, 9, 16, 23
10:00 AM
In-person at Independent Presbyterian Church

These lecture series will analyze how Rabbinic, Normative, and Contemporary Judaism understand the biblical major and minor prophets compared to how New Testament writers understood them in the first century. Classes will focus on the following themes:
Biblical Prophets: Purpose and Canonization
Prophets: Fortune Teller or Moral Compass?
Prophets: Cantankerous or Perpetual Spiritual Sufferers?
New Testament Writers: True Believers of Biblical Prophets or Exegetical Masters?
Prophetic Literature and Liturgy

Intro to Judaism
Facilitator: Rabbi Adam Wright
Sundays
January – 25
February – 1, 8, 22
March – 8, 15
April – 5, 12, 19, 26
10:00 AM
In-person in the Jasper Room

Join us for an engaging 10-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.

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From Prophecy to Leading Jewishly
Facilitator: Monika F. Singletary
Wednesdays
January – 14, 21, 28
February – 4, 11, 18, 25
March – 4, 11, 18
12:00 PM
via Zoom

The largest section of the TaNaKh, our most central Jewish text, is Nevi’im, the Prophets. In the numerous books of this section, we encounter the prophets of our tradition. The prophets in this text are passionate and moral people who desperately want to pass the word of God onto the Israelite people. The task of these figures is to be a compelling microphone of God, and help the chosen people find the best way to live according to God’s laws. Each prophet strives to make the world a better place. In the course, we will dive deeply into the Prophets, learning how to apply the text to our modern lives as well as examining the text itself through a lens on the Hebrew and commentary.

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Book of Ruth Text Study
Facilitator: Cantor Wittner
Friday, May 22
6:00 PM
in-person and via Zoom

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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 on Saturday mornings at 9:00 AM with Rabbi Wright &/or Cantor Wittner. This is an exceptional learning experience, led by clergy, staff, and congregants, with the opportunity for input and thought-provoking discussion.

Join us via Zoom on Saturday morning: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86458041679 (email monika@ourtemple.org for the password)