Adult Learning
GET WISER IN 5785
Adult learning classes at Temple are a great way to meet new people, deepen your knowledge, and challenge your perspectives. For more information and to register, contact Wendy Schwartz by phone at 612-374-0344, or by email at wendy@templeisrael.com.
Come explore the offerings of Torah study, Jewish literature, Mussar, scholars-in-residence, and a variety of other exciting learning opportunities. Tired of not knowing Hebrew? Make this the year! Want to know how to celebrate our many holidays in high form? Come learn! Make Temple Israel your lehrhaus Judaica – your Jewish house of study. Come join us, your rabbis and educators, as we bring thousands of years of rich Jewish culture to vivid relevance. Let my people know!
See Below for Ongoing Study
Zoom links will be posted online each week
OPPORTUNITIES FREE AND OPEN TO ALL
At the Rabbi’s Table
This fall, join Rabbi Jason Rodich, Temple’s newest rabbi, for a nosh, teaching, and discussion: At the Rabbi’s Table. No prior knowledge is needed, and no registration is required—just come as you are. Attend any or all sessions that fit your schedule. Newcomers to adult learning are warmly welcomed!
When: Fridays during the oneg from 5:15 to 5:45 p.m.
Where: Nolan Room, just off the main lobby.
Topics on The Table:
Friday, September 20: Land of Milk and Honey: Three Israeli Poems for Our Time
Friday, September 27: Tochecha: The Jewish way to tell someone that they’ve hurt us
Friday, October 18: We Can Heal the World: Three Big Ideas about Judaism and Social Justice
Friday, October 25: Jewish Mysticism from a Cat: Excerpts from the hilarious and wise Tales of the Holy Mysticat by Rabbi Rachel Adler
Torah Study
Free and open to all. Come when you are able.
Every Saturday, 9:00 - 10:15 a.m.*
Click here to join Torah Study via Zoom
To join by phone, dial 312-626-6799; Meeting ID: 829 710 549 04
View this week's Torah portion.
Click here for recordings of previous Torah studies.
Whether you have never set foot in a synagogue or have years of accumulated study, this is a space for learners of all backgrounds to join Temple’s clergy and special guest teachers. Come share your perspective on our ancient texts and join our ongoing search for meaning and spiritual growth.
*Join us in person at Temple Israel and on Zoom on the first Saturdays of each month for an expanded communal gathering that includes a musical morning service, Torah reading, and Torah study. All other Saturday Torah studies are Zoom only.
Highlights in Jewish History
Free and open to all. Come when you are able.
Select Saturdays, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon, Zoom only
Click here for the list of 2024-2025 dates and topics.
Click here to join Highlights in Jewish History via Zoom.
To join by phone, dial 312-626-6799; Meeting ID: 989 189 606 95
Explore a variety of topics in Jewish history from anti-Semitism and the Holocaust to Israel to unique contributions from Jewish leaders from around the world with Dr. Joe Goldman. Dr. Goldman is a noted historian and taught at the university level for more than 40 years. He holds PhDs in Political Science and History.
The following classes require advance registration.
To learn more about any offering or to register for classes, contact Wendy Schwartz at 612-374-0344.
Hebrew Basics
Tuesdays, 6:30 – 7:10 p.m., October - May
Interested in learning the Hebrew aleph-bet or refreshing your Hebrew skills? Come and learn the basics of letter recognition and reading, with an emphasis on prayers and vocabulary for Jewish life.
Introduction to Judaism
Tuesdays, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m., October - May
This class is for those who want to discover more about the foundations of Judaism, want to refresh their knowledge, or are considering conversion to Judaism. In this course, taught by Temple Israel clergy, you will be introduced to the history, values, texts, rituals, and philosophies that have shaped Judaism, and learn the Hebrew alphabet and basic Hebrew vocabulary associated with Jewish life.
An introductory meeting with one of our clergy is required prior to enrolling in this class.
Pathways for a Meaningful Life with Mussar
Mussar is an engaging Jewish path of spiritual and personal development that leads to awareness, wisdom, and transformation. A Mussar va’ad (small group) explores personal attributes or values, called middot, that each of us has in different measure. Mussar guides our practice using tools that help us to grow into the best of ourselves. Join us on this joyous path of self-discovery in a community of friends.
These two short videos are a great introduction to Mussar: The Making of a Mensch, and Twin Cities Mussar: Growing a Mussar Community.
SEEDS OF MUSSAR
Tuesdays, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m., Starting in November
Course Fee: $300 per participant. Payment plans and scholarships are available.
New for beginning students to Mussar! Join us for a meaningful, joyful introduction to an authentic Jewish pathway of study and practice that helps us lead more fulfilling, connected lives. Facilitators Jen Bucklew and Tony Gleekel welcome both Jewish and non-Jewish congregants to participate. This group will meet every other week for 12 sessions starting in November. Since each session builds on the ones before, participants should plan to attend regularly.
For more information and to register, contact Wendy Schwartz at wschwartz@templeisrael.com or 612-374-0344.
PRIDE MUSSAR
Sundays, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Starting in November
A welcoming group led by and for members of the LGBTQ+ community seeking to integrate Jewish wisdom into everyday life. Together, we will study, practice, and learn about a variety of middot (soul traits) that help us bring forth the best in ourselves. Open to new and returning members. Click here for more information and to register. Co-sponsored by Temple Israel, Twin Cities Mussar, and J-Pride.
For more information, go to twincitiesmussar.org/contact. To register, go to twincitiesmussar.org/queer-mussar.
Elul and Omer Email Reflections
Receive a daily email reflection twice a year. Email e-learning@templeisrael.com to subscribe.
The Month of Elul
Wednesday, September 4 - Wednesday, October 2
As we enter the sacred time of the 5785 High Holy Day season, you are invited to register for a daily email reflection for each day of the month of Elul, the Jewish month preceding Rosh HaShanah. To subscribe, please email e-learning@templeisrael.com. If you have previously received Elul or Omer emails, you will continue to receive them. This year, Elul invites us to bring wisdom, rest, and renewed connections within Temple Israel and with our friends and families.
Counting the Omer
Count the 49-day period between Passover, which commemorates the Exodus, and Shavuot, which commemorates the giving of the Torah.
Food for Thought
Recordings of previous Food for Thought events:
It’s All About Shabbat, Part 3: A Kabbalat Shabbat Musical Workshop
It’s All About Shabbat, Part 2: A Kabbalat Shabbat Musical Workshop
Aish Zara – A Strange Fire: A Rabbi and an Astrophysicist Confront a Warming Planet
Aish Zara slides
Author Event with Adam Stern - Committed: Dispatches from a Psychiatrist in Training
It’s All About Shabbat, Part 1: A Kabbalat Shabbat Musical Workshop
Cast Away Darkness Together with Joy and Lights
Overture of Hope: Two Sisters' Daring Plan that Saved Opera's Jewish Stars from the Third Reich
Memory in Motion: The Musical Journey of the High Holy Days
How to Lead a Seder and Prepare for Passover
Riva Lehrer, Artist and Author of Golem Girl
Shining Light on the Shema: A Deeper Look at the Origin, Meaning, and Power of this Daily Jewish Practice
The Wisdom of Knowing We Will Die
How Do I Want to Die?
Rabbi Zimmerman references this document in the talks: End of Life Care Conversation Starter Kit
From the Maccabees’ Fight to Urban Flight: The historic Chanukah story, Jewish demography, and the work of racial justice
What Happens in the Barley Stays in the Barley
Beyond Ramadan Mubarak: Building Bridges of Understanding with the Muslim Community
Cleaning Your House, Cleaning Your Soul: Sustainability as a Spiritual Practice
Rabbi Glaser: Stuck-Home Syndrome: Some Observations in Quarantine
Rabbi Steve Leder and The Beauty of What Remains
Laughter Yoga
Revisiting Thanksgiving: An Anti-Racist Perspective
Rabbi Klein: Preparing for These High Holy Days Generational Wisdom: Will the Jewish People Survive Their Parents?
A Jewish View of Life and Death: A Two-Part Class with Rabbi Zimmerman
Mondays, June 10 and June 24
6:30-8:00 p.m.
In Person and on Zoom
Click here to view the recording of Class 1 (available after the class)
Click here to view the recording of Class 2 (available after the class)
Back by popular demand, this course deals with how questions about life and death challenge the Jewish soul. Explore how Judaism confronts these issues, helping us make sense of human mortality and mourning through Jewish rituals and beliefs. We will also learn about Jewish concepts of heaven and hell, the immortality of the soul, the world to come, memory, legacy, and more. We will discuss these serious issues in a safe and supportive environment.
For questions, contact Wendy Schwartz, 612-374-0344 or wendy@templeisrael.com
Act I - Final Conversations: Sharing Your End of Life Wishes
Act II - Final Words: Write Your Legacy
Template for Writing an Obituary
Act II - Final Words: Write Your Legacy Handout
Quilt for the Death of One I Love(d)
Final Words Presentation
Act III - Final Plans: How Do You Want to Die?
Memorial Park Brochure
Ask Your Doctor Wallet Card
Ask Your Doctor Patient Brochure
Star Tribune Obituary Information
Statistical Information and Jewish Cemetery List
Wendy Schwartz
Adult Learning and Program Director