“Turn it, and turn it, for everything is in it. Reflect on it and grow old and gray with it. Do not budge from it, for there is nothing better.” (Pirkei Avot 5:22)

The wise Rabbi Ben Bag Bag urged us to seek all that we need in our sacred Torah scrolls; that each time we turn the scroll we are exposed to new learning that will inspire, challenge and ultimately transform our lives indefinitely. Jewish learning was meant to be reflective, with purpose and with seriousness, and it was most assuredly not limited to the young. No, according to this text, as we grow old, grey even, The study of Torah, is to remain a fundamental cornerstone of our lives.

Here at Temple Israel, adult education is not confined to the four walls of a classroom. We invite you – encourage you – to see Jewish learning as a chance to nurture your soul, immerse yourself in the wonders of Jewish life, and stimulate your natural and intellectual curiosity about our tradition. Through formal, informal, intergenerational, and experiential opportunities offered in unique and diverse settings, we foster collaboration, social connectedness, and a warm and nurturing community in which to learn and grow.

CURRENT OFFERINGS

Tuesday, September 17 – Tuesday, February 4| 6:30pm – Introduction to Judaism
An engaging learning program designed for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of Jewish life. Open to all, this is an 18-week course designed for individuals and couples who are Jewish or of any faith background. We’ll explore all the significant building blocks of Jewish life and practice through the Reform perspective, including Jewish holidays, ceremonies, and liturgy. Register here. 

Wednesday, September 18 | 6:3opm – We Will Dance Again Film Screen @ Streicker Center
We Will Dance Again is an award-winning documentary about the Nova Music Festival. Coming up on the one-year anniversary of that horrific day, we pause to remember it with a screening of the documentary that includes footage from the massacre unfolding as it weaves together eyewitness accounts from over a dozen survivors and others. Register here.

Friday, September 20 | 6pm – Shabbat: Healing Through Art and the Art of Healing – Session 1
Explore the transformative role of Israel art in the aftermath of October 7. Participants will analyze how Israeli artists use creativity for healing and resilience. By studying these artistic responses, students will gain insights into trauma, memory, and recovery within Israeli society. Join for one or all three! 

Monday, September 23 | 7pm – All About Herzl: The Israeli Opera @ Streicker Center
A film screening of a dialogue between Theodor Herzl as a student in Vienna and Herzl during his time as a journalist in Paris is depicted in the new Israeli opera. Register here.

Tuesday, September 24 | 7:30pm – Call Me Back Live with Dan Senor & Amir Tibon @ Streicker Center
A special live taping of the Call Me Back podcast, with host Dan Senor in conversation with Amir Tibon on the launch of his new book, The Gates of Gaza. Register here. 

Tuesday, October 22 | 6:30pm – WLC/Sisterhood Sushi in the Sukkah – Healing Through Art and the Art of Healing – Session 2
Celebrate Sukkot with the WLC/Sisterhood as we continue to explore the transformative role of Israel art in the aftermath of October 7.

Wednesday, October 28 – Wednesday, December 9 | 6:30pm – Joyful Places & Holy Spaces
Open the door to the wonder of Jewish Living. Join Rabbi Hayley Siegel for this 7 week course as we journey from room to room. Open to all adults interested in Judaism and those who have completed the Intro to Judaism course. Registration coming soon. 

Thursday, November 7 – Healing Through Art and the Art of Healing – Session 3
Our final session on analyzing how Israeli artists use creativity for healing and resilience in the aftermath of October 7.