Temple Israel

Quick links to topics on this page:
Torah Study
Exploring Judaism Classes
Adult Hebrew Classes
Jewish Literature with Leo Bearman
Jewish Education with Dr. Joe Levy
Adult Bar or Bat Mitzvah Classes
Temple Israel University Speaker Series

Together with Temple’s clergy, professionals, lay leaders, Temple Israel shares the Union for Reform Judaism’s passion, efforts, and ongoing commitment to life-long Jewish learning.  As the URJ states, “Adult learning programs are vital and necessary to enable congregations to continue to build vibrant Jewish communities.”

Torah StudyTaught by Temple clergy, these weekly Torah study classes on Saturday mornings from 8:45-9:45, focus on the Parshat Hashavua, the portion of the week.  These stimulating and meaningful discussions start with the original text and utilize the interpretations and questions of various commentators and scholars.

Exploring Judaism ClassesLed by Temple clergy, these classes are for all those who are:

• considering converting to Judaism
• desiring a "refresher course" on Judaism
• married to or are marrying Jewish partners
• Jews and non-Jews interested in learning more about Jewish teachings

New for Fall 2008, beginning Sept. 7:  Current Exploring Judaism Class Information

Also new: Child care will be available for potty trained children 3 and over.  The child care cost for the entire Exploring Judaism series is $25 for one child and $5 for each additional child.  RSVP to Carol Geller, 937-2771, if you are interested in this service.

The web addresses linked here are helpful tools rather than required readings, which might spark individual questions to bring to the group.  The sites correlate to the upcoming classes and provide alternate perspectives to Jewish thought and identity.   Hopefully, these web links will challenge us to take a few minutes a day to "Explore Judaism."

Contact Rabbi Adam Grossman or Carol Geller in the rabbis' office at (901) 937-2771 for more information about these stimulating Exploring Judaism classes!

Adult Hebrew ClassesBeginning, intermediate, and advanced Hebrew classes offer adults of varying levels an opportunity to increase their knowledge and understanding of the Hebrew language.

New for Fall & Winter 2008:  Current Adult Hebrew Class Information.

Jewish Literature with Leo Bearman, Jr.Longtime congregant and dedicated educator Leo Bearman, Jr. leads discussions on different works of Jewish literature.

Fall, 2008 schedule of classes:
Sundays, 9:15-10:45am, Oct. 12-Nov. 23 (no class Nov. 2)
(also on calendar)

Jewish Education with Dr. Joe LevyInteresting topics, such as “Elijah the Prophet” and “What They Didn't Tell You About the Jewish Holidays…,” were discussed in previous classes with Dr. Joe Levy.  This year, it's "Peace of Mind."

Fall, 2008 schedule of classes:
Sundays, 11:00am-Noon, Oct. 19-Nov. 23 (no class Nov. 2)
(also on calendar)


Adult Bar or Bat Mitzvah ClassesTemple Israel periodically offers an adult bar/bat mitzvah class for those who have not had an opportunity to have a formal bar/bat mitzvah ceremony.

Contact Carol Geller in the rabbis' office, 937-2771, for details.


Temple Israel University Speaker Series Renowned professors, authors, rabbis, lay leaders, and Jewish educators give fascinating presentations at this distinguished speaker series known as “TIU.” 

Temple Israel University 2008-2009 Schedule (also on calendar):
All begin at Temple Israel at 7:30pm

September 14 and 15, 2008 (special two-night engagement)
Rabbi Irving “Yitz” Greenberg, Ph.D.
President Emeritus
CLAL-The National Jewish Center for Learning and Leadership
“The Jewish Twelve Steps to Perfect the World”

November 13, 2008
Rabbi Kenneth A. Kanter (with Rabbi Greenstein & Cantor Kaplan!)
Director of the Rabbinical School
Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion
“Is it True What They SING About Dixie? Racism, Antisemitism and Popular Culture”

December 18, 2008
Jonathan Judaken, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
University of Memphis
“Antisemitism in the Age of Globalization”

January 22, 2009
Rabbi Aaron Panken, Ph.D.
VP for Strategic Initiatives
Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion
“True Lies: Truth, Gossip, and the Jewish-American Way”

February 19, 2009
Mordechai Rosenstein
Artist
“My Journey as an Artist”

March 19, 2009
Rabbi Micah D. Greenstein
Senior Rabbi
Temple Israel
“Kabbalah: What It Is & Why People Are So Hungry For It”

For more information about the adult education program at Temple Israel, please contact Director of Education Barb Gelb or call (901) 937-2776.

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