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

Welcoming Shabbat: A Deep Dive into the Kabbalat Shabbat Service with Rabbi Kalender, Tuesdays, March 18 and March 25 5:30-6:30pm. Join Rabbi Kalender for an exploration of everything that makes up the Friday night service. This class is open to all OT members but OTRS parents are especially encouraged to attend, as there will be a focus on ways to engage your whole family in the Kabbalat Shabbat service. Register here

Exploring 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 are available in Jewish Treasures and participants are asked to read the script before attending the program. Register here

Exploring End-of-Life of Practices with Rabbi Kalender, Sunday, April 6, 11:00am-12:00pm. One of the most powerful and helpful elements of Judaism is the candid recognition that the physical vessels that hold our eternal souls do not last forever - our bodies wear out. We don’t know how many years we will be granted, but that day will come. The rituals and “industry” surrounding end-of-life can be confusing, and that’s especially true in 2025 in our area. Questions include: What is the role of funeral home vs the cemetery? What are our local options for each of them? If one wants to, what plans could (and should) be made in advance? This is not an easy conversation, but it is a profoundly important one. Rabbi Kalender will guide us through it, answering these questions and others as well. Register here

What Really is Zionism? with Rabbi Sigal, Wednesdays, April 9 and April 23 at 7:15pm. With all the definitions floating around about what Zionism is or is not and what it stands for, it’s a great time to have a conversation on just that topic. Join Rabbi Sigal to discuss founding Zionist philosophies, where they came from, and how they shape Israel today. Register here

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. Register here

Co-Chairs Sharyn Stahl and Ellen Katkin