Adult Learning

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Adult learning classes at Temple are a great way to meet new people, deepen your knowledge, and challenge your perspectives. For more information and to register, contact Wendy Schwartz by phone at 612-374-0344, or by email at wendy@templeisrael.com.

Come explore the offerings of Torah study, Jewish literature, Mussar, scholars-in-residence, and a variety of other exciting learning opportunities. Tired of not knowing Hebrew? Make this the year! Never had a Bar or Bat Mitzvah? Let us call you to the Torah! Want to know how to celebrate our many holidays in high form? Come learn! Make Temple Israel your lehrhaus Judaica – your Jewish house of study. Come join us, your rabbis and educators, as we bring thousands of years of rich Jewish culture to vivid relevance. Let my people know!

Temple Tuesdays Mini-Courses

Sign up for a three-part series of study with our clergy!

You may sign up for one, two, or all three; the cost is $54 per participant, per series.
If you have any questions, please contact Wendy Schwartz.

Click here to register.

The Sabbath: A Palace in Time with Rabbi Moss

Tuesdays, February 6, 13, 20; 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Zoom only

Click here to register.

Click here to watch the recording from February 6.
Click here to watch the recording from February 13.
Click here to watch the recording from February 20.

As part of this year’s Shabbat Invitation, we invite you to study Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel’s spiritual classic, The Sabbath. Rabbi Moss’ own spiritual development was greatly impacted by this poetic meditation upon finding holiness in time. Let’s study Heschel’s insights together. All registered participants will receive a copy of this book.

Sheshet Y’mei Ma’aseh: The Six Day Work Week with Rabbi Tobias Moss
Tuesdays, March 5, 12, 19; 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
In person at Temple Israel

Click here to register.

We often study Shabbat, but what about the six days leading up to it? In this miniseries, we will study Jewish sources about how much we should work, what occupations we should pursue, and if there’s any holiness to be found from Sunday to Friday.

Touched by Death: What Grief Can Teach Us with Rabbi Marcia Zimmerman
This class has concluded.
View the recording of the interview with Colin Campbell here.
View the recording of Rabbi Zimmerman’s class here, and view the class packet here.

How can we deal with the complex feelings of grief after we experience a loss? Can grief be a motivator to teach us how to prepare for our own death? We will explore ways to embrace grief to live life more vibrantly. Two special guests will be in conversation with Rabbi Zimmerman: Sarah Birnbach, author of A Daughter’s Kaddish: My Year of Grief, Devotion, and Healing and Colin Campbell, author of Finding the Words: Working Through Profound Loss with Hope and Purpose.

These authors joined us for a virtual conversation with Rabbi Zimmerman in partnership with the Jewish Book Council.

See Below for Ongoing Study
Zoom links will be posted online each week

Torah Study

Free and open to all. Come when you are able.

Every Saturday, 9:00 - 10:15 a.m.*
Click here to join Torah Study via Zoom.
To join by phone, dial 312-626-6799; Meeting ID: 829 710 549 04

View this week's Torah portion.

Click here for recordings of previous Torah studies.

Whether you have never set foot in a synagogue or have years of accumulated study, this is a space for learners of all backgrounds to join Temple’s clergy and special guest teachers. Come share your perspective on our ancient texts and join our ongoing search for meaning and spiritual growth.

*Join us in person at Temple Israel and on Zoom on the first Saturdays of each month for an expanded communal gathering that includes a musical morning service, Torah reading, and Torah study. All other Saturday Torah studies are Zoom only.

Highlights in Jewish History

Free and open to all. Come when you are able.

Select Saturdays, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon, Zoom only
Click here for the list of 2023-2024 dates and topics.
Click here for the list of 2024-2025 dates and topics.

Click here to join Highlights in Jewish History via Zoom.
To join by phone, dial 312-626-6799; Meeting ID: 989 189 606 95

Explore a variety of topics in Jewish history from anti-Semitism and the Holocaust to Israel to unique contributions from Jewish leaders from around the world with Dr. Joe Goldman. Dr. Goldman is a noted historian and taught at the university level for more than 40 years. He holds PhDs in Political Science and History.

Rabbi Moss and two learners lean over and read from a Torah scroll in Temple's Saturday morning Torah Study.

The following classes require advance registration.

To learn more about any offering or to register for classes, contact Wendy Schwartz at 612-374-0344.

Hebrew Basics

Tuesdays, 6:30 – 7:10 p.m.

Interested in learning Hebrew? If you’ve never had the opportunity to study Hebrew before or need a refresher, come and learn the basics of letter recognition and reading. Already know how to read Hebrew? Then join us to study vocabulary, grammar, and reading with an emphasis on prayers and understanding their meaning and place in the service.

Introduction to Judaism

Tuesdays, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

This class is for those who want to discover more about the foundations of Judaism, want to refresh their knowledge, or are considering conversion to Judaism. In this course, taught by Temple Israel clergy, you will be introduced to the history, values, texts, rituals, and philosophies that have shaped Judaism, and learn the Hebrew alphabet and basic Hebrew vocabulary associated with Jewish life.

An introductory meeting with one of our clergy is required prior to enrolling in this class.

Pathways for a Meaningful Life with Mussar

Temple Israel is thrilled to offer a thriving Mussar program. Mussar is an engaging Jewish path of spiritual and personal development that leads to awareness, wisdom, and transformation. A Mussar va’ad (small group) explores personal attributes or values, called middot, that each of us has in different measure. Mussar guides our practice using tools that help us to grow into the best of ourselves. Join us on this joyous path of self-discovery in a community of friends.

Groups are available for beginners and for those with prior experience with Mussar:

Sundays, 9:00 – 10:45 a.m. for continuing students

Mondays, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. for beginners and continuing students

Tuesdays, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. for continuing students.

In addition, we have some special-interest Mussar groups:

20s/30s Mussar Soul Circle with Rabbi Moss is open to new and returning members.
Contact Rabbi Moss at tmoss@templeisrael.com for more information.

Queer Mussar was created in partnership with J-Pride for members of the LGBTQ+ community. Contact Lisa Hurtubise at hurtubise82652@gmail.com for more information.

To learn more about Mussar, follow these links: