Adult Education

Congregation Shearith Israel is a synagogue for life-long learners. We have a wide range of Adult Education opportunities including year long courses, drop-in classes that meet weekly, guest speakers and more. We have an Adult Education Commission whose mission is to maximize the adult learning opportunities in our community. We strive to have multiple points of entry into Jewish learning.

To find out more about our Adult Education programs, contact Theresa Hurt at thurt@shearith.org, 214.939.7314.

Ongoing Adult Education Programs

Gesher B’erev
JCC Adult Jewish Learning Parashat haShavua with Rav Hanan Schlesinger
Weekly Torah Portion
Mondays, Through May 28, 2012
7:00- 8:30 pm
CSI Douglas
In this survey of some of the fundamental themes of Jewish life, thought and law, we analyze highlights from the weekly Torah portion as a framework and jumping off point. The course will delve into the ideas suggested by the biblical texts in a manner passionately sympathetic both to tradition and to modern criticism and doubt.
For cost information and to register, contact Rachelle Weiss Crane, Melton Director at 214-239-7128 or rweisscrane@jccdallas.org.

Shabbat Morning Torah Study
Every Saturday morning at 8:30 am in the Esther and Jacques Sardas Beit Midrash. Confront the most challenging messages in the weekly Torah reading, engage in passionate dialogue, and leave intellectually stimulated and spiritually inspired! Join dozens of congregants for the weekly Shabbat Morning Torah Study with one of the Rabbis. The coffee is hot, the muffins are sweet, and the door is open just for you.

Dive into Talmud
Fridays at 7:45 am
CSI-Douglas in the Esther and Jacques Sardas Beit Midrash
Cost Per Semester (includes breakfast)
CSI Members – Suggested Annual Fee - $100
Non-CSI Members - $150

This course focuses on Mishna and selected Talmudic passages. It is an intensive intellectual study experience concentrating on the acquisition of technical textual skills, literary techniques for unlocking the spiritual/ideological subtext of the Talmud, and practical halachic knowledge. Much time is also devoted to discussion of the philosophical issues inspired by the text, as well as to grappling with the contemporary relevance of the material.

This class will focus on the second half of Tractate Succa, which deals with the commandment of the Lulav (Four Species) as well as the special Temple and synagogue rituals and festivities connected to the holiday of Sukkot.

For more information, contact Chris Simms at csimms@shearith.org or 214.939.7342.

Tuesdays with Tanakh
Tuesdays with Tanakh is an exciting opportunity for in-depth study of biblical books outside of the Torah (the first five books of Moses). Rabbi Gershon leads twice-monthly sessions that explore some of the lesser known, but eminently fascinating books of the Hebrew Bible. While no previous knowledge or Hebrew is required, the discussion is sophisticated and relevant materials from rabbinic commentaries and modern biblical scholarship are considered.

This learning community meets the second and fourth Tuesday of every month, from 1:00 to 2:30 pm in the Esther and Jacques Sardas Beit Midrash.

Adult B'nei Mitzvah
One of the most inspiring programs offered at Congregation Shearith Israel is our Adult B'nei Mitzvah Program. The Adult B'nei Mitzvah program is a eighteen-month commitment. The course provides a strong foundation in Jewish literacy, as well as gaining the skills to read Torah and Haftarah, and lead sections of the Shabbat morning service. The classes are taught by the Rabbis, the Cantor and an outstanding Hebrew faculty. In addition to required readings for class, there is one research project at the end of the first year, and an expectation to attend Shabbat morning services at least once a month throughout the program. At the end of the program, your class will lead a Shabbat morning service, read Torah, Haftarah, and celebrate this achievement with the entire congregation at a moving ceremony.

Embracing Judaism
This class is taught by the Rabbis and the staff of Congregation Shearith Israel at CSI-Douglas. Learn about the Jewish holidays, history, prayer, lifecycle celebrations, and contemporary Jewish practice. Open to members of the congregation and the general community, this class is designed for Jews who want to deepen their Jewish knowledge and for those who are contemplating conversion to Judaism.

Costs: $200 per person; $300 per couple; scholarships available
For more information contact Chris Simms at csimms@shearith.org or 214.939.7342.