Adult Education

Ongoing Classes

OT offers adult programs throughout the year. There is no fee unless specified. New students are welcome to join most continuing classes at any time.

Mishnah Study with Rabbi Kalender, Wednesdays, 9:15-10:15am. This year, we will continue studying Pirkei Avot (the Ethics of our Ancestors). Join this lively group as we consider this core text for Jewish ethics, ritual, and theology. No prior knowledge necessary and the English translation is provided.  Email Rochelle Goldberg to be added to the class list.

Torah Study Lunch and Learn, Thursdays, 12:00pm on Zoom. Explore the weekly parsha together in this 45 minute class. Led each Thursday by a rotation of congregants as well as our rabbis, it's the perfect "lunch and learn" opportunity to add to your weekly schedule.  Email Rochelle Goldberg to be added to the class list.

Talmud Study with Rabbi Sigal, Fridays, 10:15am. Join Rabbi Sigal to study this rabbinic conversation across the ages. We will primarily learn text in English. Email Rabbi Sigal to be added to the class list.

Conversational Hebrew for Adults with Adi Eilat, Tuesdays when OTRS is in session, 6:45-8pm, $180/semester. Each class we'll dive into modern Hebrew as a living, spoken language. Designed for adults who are able to confidently decode Hebrew, this class welcomes learners of all Hebrew levels who are ready to stretch their language skills in setting where the focus will be on practical conversation and discussion. In order to get a taste of the program, registration fees are not due until after the first two classes. Register here

Upcoming Classes

Today You Are A Man: Becoming a Jewish Adult with Debra Ackerman, Wednesdays on December 4, 11, and 20, 7:30pm When a child steps before the Torah for the first time at 13, we declare that they are now a Jewish adult...but what does that really mean? We'll explore the idea of Jewish adulthood from the days of our ancestors and move through history to our current world.

The Minor Prophets with Rabbi Kalender, Wednesdays on January 8, 15, and 21, 7:00pm. The “Minor Prophets” weren’t of minor importance – it’s merely a description of the length of the books. These 12 prophets raise serious timeless questions about the world, human interactions and especially, the Jewish people’s relationship with God. What does God demand/request of us and what happens when we succeed or fail? These prophets, in books ranging from 1 to 14 short chapters, offer a remarkable diversity of opinions in a variety of Jewish societies and these profound books speak powerfully to us today.

The Jewish Concept of the Messiah and the End of Days with Susan Kristol, Wednesdays on February 19 and 26 and March 5, 7:30pm. Are you curious about what Jewish tradition tells us about the end of days, olam ha-ba (the World to Come), the Messiah, Day of Judgement, and resurrection of the dead? This set of three classes will provide an introduction to this complicated but fascinating topic.

Exploring the Play The Whipping Man” by Matthew López with Dr. Terry Walman, Sunday, March 30, 10:00am. The Whipping Man is set in Richmond, Virginia in the immediate aftermath of the American Civil War and concerns two recently freed slaves encountering their former master, all of whom identify as Jewish. Dr. Walman will guide us as we explore the text together. Copies of the play will be available in Jewish Treasures and participants are asked to read the script before attending the program.

Where the Lilacs Bloom Once Again: Friddie’s Story by Dr. Roni Rosenthal, Sunday, April 27, 6:00pm. In commemoration of Yom HaShoah, author Dr. Rosenthal will discuss her book, based on the true experiences of a Jewish Romanian family.

Co-Chairs Sharyn Stahl and Ellen Katkin