September 21, 2023 /

Adult Education

We pride ourselves in the strength of our Adult Education.  Here at Anshe Emeth we have a wide range of programs and study opportunities from scholar lectures, learning Hebrew, or learning about Judaism 101, there is something here for everyone.

Adult B’Nai Mitzvah Class

Becoming a bar or bat mitzvah is something that “automatically” happens when you are twelve or thirteen years of age. Studying to become a bar or bat mitzvah is a different experience entirely; it is about academic and spiritual growth.

As an adult, the opportunity to find a spiritual connection to Hebrew letters is even more profound, and learning the meaning and vocabulary and imagery of prayers magnifies the prayer experience. This two year program culminates in the awe of standing before an open Torah scroll, as a baal Torah, a reader of Torah, the continuation of a practice that has occurred three days each week for more than two thousand years of Jewish living.

Contact the Temple to see when the next class will start.

Dr. Louis & Felice Schrager Memorial Lecture

In memory of Felice and Louis Schrager, this program, initially established by Felice and carried forward by their children, brings in some of the best academic minds to speak on topics that fascinated them both. Previous speakers include: Dr. Wendy Zierler, Dr. Lisa Grant, and Dr. Jonathan Mendilow.

Keepers of Jewish Excellence

This lecture series represents some of the best thinkers and writers who engage with the question of what it means to be a Jew. Topics have included the Holocaust, Jewish Mysticism, Faith, Middle East Politics, and many, many others. This lecture series is named after those we call The Keepers of Jewish Excellence, who are a special group of Temple members committed to providing Jewish excellence for both the Temple community and the entire Jewish community.

Contributions to a special Keepers of Jewish Excellence Fund enable our congregation to hear and study with these dynamic speakers and scholars. If you would like to become a Keeper of Jewish Excellence please contact the Temple office.

Rabbi Keller Memorial Lecture

An annual lecture has been established by our Temple’s leadership to honor the memory of Rabbi Keller. The lecture takes place on a Shabbat evening and brings in clergy who give dynamic sermons on topics of great importance. Previous speakers include Rabbi Rick Jacobs, Rabbi Arnold Sher, Rabbi Sheldon Harr, Rabbi Andrew Davids, Rabbi Richard Address and Rabbi Shira Stern.

Reitman Scholar-in-Residence

Every year we bring in some of the leading scholars of their field to spend a weekend of study and conversation. This year Professor Gil Troy  will join us December 9 – December 11.  All sessions will be via in  person and Zoom. Previous speakers have included Rabbi Dr. Lawrence Hoffman, Dr. Alick Isaacs, Dr Gary Zola, and Rabbi Dr. Jonathan Cohen amongst many others.

The Renee Reiss & Anita Kaplan Jewish Identity in Literature Series

Renee Reiss was the mother of Rick Reiss and his siblings Pam and Allan. Anita (Nicky) Kaplan was the mother of Paula Kaplan-Reiss and her siblings Gary and Jeff. Renee was a homemaker. Nicky was a teacher and writer. Both were voracious readers and lovers of great books. Both were very proud and observant Jews who cared deeply about their synagogues, Israel, Jewish heritage, culture and communities. These values were instilled in their children who have endowed The Renee Reiss & Anita Kaplan Jewish Identity in Literature Fund at Anshe Emeth Memorial Temple so that others may share in the joy and study of authors whose works explore Jewish Identity.

Torah Study

We offer great opportunities for adults to study on Shabbat. Shabbat morning for more than 35 years, Anshe Emeth members have gathered to study Torah and all that it offers us. This class provides an opportunity to explore the rich spiritual meanings and applications of Torah in our daily lives. No previous Hebrew is necessary; the prerequisite is only a desire to learn and grow. Newcomers are always welcome.