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.
Beit Midrash – Lifelong Learning
The Biblical Prophetic Purpose: A Jewish and New Testament Juxtaposition
Facilitator: Rabbi Adam Wright
Sundays
September -14, 21, 28
October – 5, 26
November – 9, 16
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
Women of the Bible
Facilitator: Elizabeth Bloch
Thursdays
October – 9, 16, 23
November – 6, 13, 20
6:00 PM
via Zoom
Biblical women have made significant contributions in shaping our history. We will enter the lives and hearts of the women of the Bible, using their own words and emotions. We will learn from their struggles as we celebrate their successes.
Never Again Happened: Juxtaposing the Holocaust and October 7
Facilitator: Rabbi Adam Wright
Part I: October 24
Part II: November 14
5:00 PM
In-person
In this two-part class, we will examine the Holocaust and the Hamas attacks of October 7 through a comparative historical lens. We will analyze the ideological foundations of National Socialism and Hamas, exploring how two movements separated by eight decades share striking parallels in their hatred, radicalization, and intent to eradicate the Jewish people. Such a study is essential for understanding the enduring complexities of contemporary Jew Hatred and the forces that continue to shape threats against Jewish Self Determination.
Our study will engage primary sources, survivor testimony, and contemporary scholarship to understand why these comparisons matter and how they illuminate the challenges facing world Jewry today. We will also consider the moral and historical responsibilities that come with memory, asking how Jewish communities respond when the phrase “Never Again” confronts the reality of renewed violence and mass atrocity. “Never Again” was once a vow. On October 7, we were reminded that history is not past tense.
Jewish Cooking with Sherron!
Facilitator: Sherron Goldstein
Sunday, November 2
9:30 AM
In-person at Temple Emanu-El
Jewish cuisine is diverse and reflects the long history and cultural diversity of Jewish communities around the world. Are you looking for specific Jewish recipes or something about Jewish culinary traditions in general? Join us for this locally-sourced Jewish cooking class led by Sherron Goldstein as we explore classic recipes and create our own Jewish dishes!
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.
Book of Ruth Text Study
Facilitator: Cantor Wittner
Friday, May 22
6:00 PM
in-person and via Zoom
Intro to Judaism
Facilitator: Rabbi Adam Wright
Sundays
DATES COMING FOR FALL 2026!!!!
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.
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)