Jewish learning lasts a lifetime. Congregation Torat El aspires to be a learning congregation for all, temple members as well as the community at large. Our Adult Education programs are designed to meet a variety of needs and interests, from helping gain basic skills and Judaic knowledge to providing a wide range of topics of general Jewish interest.
2022-2023 Schedule:
My People’s Torah
Building relationships and creating connections with one another is a central part of our sacred work at Congregation Torat El. Our monthly My People’s Torah program seeks to help us build on existing relationships and creating new ones as we hear different perspectives on Judaism and share in each other’s personal life stories. Come and join us as we learn from one another while fostering closer relationships among our synagogue family.
Second Shabbat of each month following services unless there is a Bar or Bat Mitzvah.
Lunch & Learn: Torah Wisdom For Out Time
Lunch & Learn returns to in-person classes!
Our modern day society is filled with social, political, and economic challenges that can sometimes feel overwhelming and impossible to handle. What does Judaism have to say about these issues and how can the wisdom of our tradition help us as we navigate the complexities of the day? Come and join Rabbi Schonbrun each week as we delve into the wisdom of the weekly portion as it relates to social justice issues and the critical questions of the day. Studying from a book entitled The Social Justice Torah Commentary, we will explore the wisdom of rabbis across the denominational spectrum and across the country.
Wednesdays, 12:00pm beginning October 26
Hassidic Wisdom for Today
For the past two and a half years, Rabbi Schonbrun has joined with colleagues around the country through the Institute for Jewish Spirituality, exploring the ancient wisdom of classic Hassidic sources, and their relevance in helping us live lives that are more mindful and intentional. While our understanding of Hassidic tradition often comes from our interactions with Chabad, our TV habits (shows such as Shtissel), or other preconceived notions of the ultra-orthodox world, the original texts of the Hassidic world have much wisdom to offer us in our modern lives. Come and join Rabbi Schonbrun as he shares some of his favorite Hassidic texts with you. This evening class will be held in-person.
Wednesdays, October 19, 26, November 9, 16, 7:30pm
Judaism’s Big Ideas
Throughout its development, Judaism has introduced significant concepts and ideas that have had an outsized influence on society. This class will offer the opportunity to explore some of these big ideas and the role that they might play in our personal lives and our world outlook. Reading through Judaism’s 10 Best Ideas, A Brief Guide for Seekers, written by Rabbi Arthur Green, we will explore the richness of some of Judaism’s most central ideas and their relevance for our daily lives.
This class will be held on Zoom only.
Wednesdays, January 4 – March 8, 7:30pm
Praying with Intention
“Services are too long Rabbi.” “These prayers are all the same Rabbi.” “I don’t believe in God anyway, and certainly don’t think that God needs my prayers Rabbi.” “There is too much Hebrew and we go too fast Rabbi.” If you have ever felt any of these things, if you struggle with incorporating prayer into your daily life, or if you are curious to learn more about traditional prayer and the meaning behind some of our oldest liturgical poetry, than this class is for you! Come and join us as we explore a new book just released by Rabbi Leonard Felder, entitled: How These Words Can Raise Up Your Energy, and explore the deeper personal meaning that we might discover from some of our key Jewish tefilot, prayers. This class will be held in-person.
Wednesdays, April 19 – May 24, 7:30pm
To register for a course or ongoing program, please visit our upcoming events page at upcomingevents.torat-el.org
We look forward to learning with you.