We have a significant number of adult education programs.  The study of Jewish texts and Jewish history has always been a foundation stone of synagogue affiliation.  We hope you will join one or more of the following classes or discussion groups.  No previous background is necessary and we welcome new participants.

1. Beginning - For those with little or no reading knowledge of Hebrew, this course will introduce you to the Hebrew alphabet and familiarize you with the main prayers of the Sabbath and festival services.
2. Prayers & Ceremonies - For those who are already comfortable with Hebrew reading, this course will help you learn: 1) Special prayers like the Kiddush, the Aliyah (blessings over the Torah) , and recurring songs from the Sabbath service, and 2) The Passover Seder, so you can either follow or conduct your own Seder.
3. Introduction to Biblical Hebrew - This course is for anyone who can read Hebrew - who would like to understand what (s)he is reading.  We will be using a wonderful text that is easy to follow.  By the time we reach the end of the book, you will be able to read the Hebrew Bible in the original and understand it!!
   Teacher: Rachel Gordon-Bernstein
   Time & Place: By arrangement with Rachel
4. Conversational Hebrew - Please call the Temple Office if you are interested.  This will be open to adults and high school students.
   Teacher for all courses: Rachel Gordon-Bernstein
   Time & Place: By arrangement with Rachel

Texts of Jewish History - A study of the prominent text of the Jewish Tradition (the Bible, Talmud, Codes of Jewish Law).  Each text will be placed in its historical context with special emphasis on its applicability to modern Jewish life.

Leader: Rabbi Schecter
Time: Every other Wednesday from 9:30 - 11:00 a.m.
First Class: September 13th
Place: Library

Historic Jewish Lives

Leader: Rabbi Robert Seltzer
Time; First and third Wednesday of each month at 8:00-9:15 p.m.
First Meeting: September 24
Place: Blue & Green Room

From September 2008 to April 2009 the theme of the perennial Wednesday night Jewish History study group (now beginning it 17th year) will be "Historic Jewish Lives." WE will examine a group of Jewish figures who have left traces int eh sands of time. A few will be great ancient, medieval, and modern Jewish thinkers; some will be lesser-known indviduals who will bring us into contact with what it emant to be just a Jew in certain time adn place; a few may be non-Jews who figure prominently in Jewish history. For eac, there will be a diary, a memior, an autobiography, or a biography that will be the basis of our discussion. We will siturate all these individuals in their time and place and try to get "inside their skin" to see what being Jewish meant to them and, in some cases, how the affected Jewish history.

Come learn, and discuss, New members are always welcome.
Bob Seltzer, professor of Jewish History at Hunter College and who presides, will be working on the cast of characters to be studied over the summe. If you want to know in advance more about the course, contact him at rseltzer@hunter.cuny.edu.

Introduction to Judaism

Leader: Cantor Robin Joseph
Time: Wednesday mornings according to class schedule from 9:30-11:00
Place: Library
First Class: TBA

What is Judaism? This course will explore many facets of Judaism - from its religious observances to its cultural traditions, from its sacred texts to its lifestyle rituals. We will also grack the development of Judaism, from its historical beginnings to its many religious and cultural movements that exist today. This course if open to everyone, especially those with no prior Jewish education, those interestin in conversion, and non-Jews married to Jews who want to know more about Judaism. Please call Robin at 478-3833 if you are interested.

Coordinator: Stephen Lipmann, with Rabbi Schecter and Cantor Joseph
Time: Saturday Mornings - 9:00-10:00 a.m.
Next Meeting: September 6th
Place: Library