Lifelong Learning for Adults

We believe that learning is a central part of life for both adults and children. Our adult learning community is an integral part of many members' lives in their lifelong pursuit of Jewish literacy and personal growth.

Our programs are driven by the diverse interests of our members.  We provide learning opportunities that are accessible to learners at all levels of understanding. See detailed listings of our current Lifelong Learning offerings below.

Temple Beth Shalom members, want to be added to the Lifelong Learning email list? Log in to your account and add lifelong learning to your subscriptions.

Non-members, complete our Membership Inquiry Form for information about membership and congregational life.

Have ideas for a class you'd like to lead? Submit our proposal form!

Updated March 10, 2025

Lunch & Learn: A Monthly Exploration of Jewish Topics

For Temple Beth Shalom members; no RSVP needed

From 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m. at Temple Beth Shalom, Room 202-203

Upcoming classes: 

March 13 - Jordan Magidson, director of youth education and programming

April 10 - Cantor Abby Gostein

May 8 - Rabbi Will Hall

Bring your lunch and let's explore Jewish topics together! Let by a rotating schedule of our clergy and our director of education, these meetings are open to Temple Beth Shalom members. Expect a one-time lesson on an article, a piece of music, current events, a Jewish text or holiday...we will enjoy a different topic each time!

Passover Seder Magic

Crafting a Fun and Meaningful Celebration for All Ages
Sunday, April 6, 9:15-10:30 a.m.
Rabbi Steinman leads this one-time session to help you create lasting Passover traditions that are both entertaining and educational. Whether seasoned host or new to leading a seder, come ready to learn, share, and have fun! There will be a special focus on engaging children in the celebration, such as plague-themed toys and marshmallow rewards. Learn how to incorporate meaningful discussions on freedom and social justice relevant to our times into your seder. Free of charge; let us know you're coming!

Explore Jewish Morocco With Temple Beth Shalom

Join Rabbi Steinman and Rabbi Eger next year, from Oct. 18-28, 2025, to explore the rich Jewish heritage of Morocco. Get excited by exploring the trip details here!

Recipes & Reminiscing

Join us for our occasional cooking classes featuring seasonal treats and eats! As classes are scheduled, they will appear on this page.

Want to view the recipes compiled from other meetings of Recipes & Reminiscing? Check them out here!

Torah Study

Saturdays at 9:00 a.m.

For the first Saturday of each month, Torah study is in person at Temple Beth Shalom, for members only. Members, see access information on the Links for Members webpage.

For remaining Saturdays in the month, Torah study is held on Zoom only, for members and non-members.

 Whether you have the Torah memorized, or you haven't read the Torah for years, or you've never read it, this group is open to those interested in delving into the text. Learn what the Torah says and how it is relevant in our daily lives. The group is guided through an insightful and lively discussion led by one of our rabbis, educators, or lay leaders. It is helpful but not at all necessary to have your own Torah. Contact us to receive more information about taking part in Torah Study. Free for members and non-members.
 

Kol Hakavod Ensemble

Do you sing? Play a musical instrument? Join the Kol Hakavod ("Voice of Honor") Ensemble, our congregational choir and instrumental group!Kol Hakavod is both a dedicated choral and instrumental ensemble and an opportunity for ongoing adult education. Being a choir member provides you with a unique opportunity to explore Jewish music from the past and present under the guidance of Cantor Abby Gostein. See more information and fill out our participation form here.

Learn to Read Hebrew for Adults
Ten one-hour online classes, $250

Register here

Get started with the aleph-bet!

Familiarity with Hebrew can be key to feeling at home in the Jewish community. Learn the shapes and sounds of the Hebrew alphabet in this ten-session online course from the Union for Reform Judaism.

This class will help you recognize and understand common Hebrew words and phrases often heard in Reform congregations and in Jewish prayer. This course assumes no prior Hebrew experience and is perfect for Introduction to Judaism alumni and other adults!

Developed specifically for online learning, each session introduces new material and includes practice with an experienced instructor in a collaborative classroom environment. Registration includes online access to all class materials, including audio recordings of each practice exercise. Participants will be asked to purchase a workbook.

Tuition: $250

Adult B'nai Mitzvah Program
 

Contact us for more information.

The Adult B'nai Mitzvah Program includes 15 months of study, Hebrew language learning, and the opportunity learn alongside fellow members, clergy, and Jewish educators. The first cohort of students concluded with the simcha of a shared b’nai mitzvah. 

URJ Classes

The URJ has a great slate of classes and events coming up this fall! In addition to Learn to Read Hebrew for Adults (listed above), check out these offerings:

Offerings from HUC

Explore the high-quality classes offered by HUC—the premier Jewish seminary in North America and the academic, spiritual, and professional leadership development center of Reform Judaism. Best of all, the classes are free to all temple members!