Adult Education...

“Say not, when I have leisure I will study; for you may never have leisure.”
- Pirkei Avot 2:4

As a testament to our belief that learning is a lifelong process, Adult Learning and Continuing Education opportunities abound at SHJC.  Among the many programs we offer are:

• Adult Bat Mitzvah Class - Rabbi Jacknis instituted this very special course of study a couple of years ago, and eighteen women underwent the thrilling journey.  Most couldn't even read Hebrew when the classes began, but by their completion, each proudly ascended the SHJC bimah to lead the Shabbat morning service and add her unique voice to our collective heritage.  An emotional high point was reached as everyone read either a Torah or Haftarah portion.  The next class of future adult B'nai Mitzvah is just getting underway now, and meets Monday evenings at 8:00.

• Rabbi's Tuesday Morning class - Every year, Rabbi Jacknis picks a new text to read and learn from.  This year the class studied "Searching for Meaning in Midrash: Lessons for Everyday Living" by Michael Katz and Gershon Schwartz.  The class is led by the Rabbi, but there is much give and take, as everyone benefits from the group dynamic.  You can join the 10:30 AM class at any time.

• Read Hebrew America - Based on the successful format developed by the National Jewish Outreach Program, we hold this annual “crash course” in reading Hebrew.  There are levels for complete beginners and for intermediate Hebrew readers.  This year's classes begin Wednesday, November 5.

• Sisterhood Book Club - Part educational, part social, the Sisterhood Book Club is open to anyone.  Several times a year, the group decides on works of popular fiction to discuss (usually, although some non-fiction selections have been chosen), and meets in an atmosphere of friendship and discovery.  Jewish values and themes are popular topics for conversation, and refreshments are always served (of course!).

• Conservative Judaism 101 - The Seminar on Conservative Judaism (a/k/a Conservative Judaism 101) is a one-session introduction to Conservative Judaism developed by SHJC Past-President Ed Rudofsky in consultation with Rabbi Jacknis, and led by Ed and the Rabbi. Participants are introduced to the historical origins and philosophy of the Conservative Movement, the role of the major "arms" of the Movement, and the role of the Rabbi as the Mara D'Atra of the Congregation.