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RUBINGER ADULT LEARNING INSTITUTE

Discover Judaism

Strengthen Your Jewish Spirituality or Study for Conversion

New Discover Judaism class sessions begin in fall 2019, with Rabbi Emeritus Aaron D. Rubinger (10:15am–11:15am) & Hebrew Teacher Akiva Anderson (11:30am–12:15pm).

This 16-week course, which is offered annually, explores the essence of Jewish faith from a progressive Conservative perspective and incorporates the study of Hebrew.

Learn About: Jewish Customs & Rituals, Jewish Holidays, History of Judaism, Kosher Dietary Laws, Jewish Sacred Texts & more.

Adult Conservative Yeshiva

Every year, Rabbi David Kay and Rabbi Emeritus Aaron Rubinger offer new and different courses that may focus either on a particular subject such as Jewish Literature or Jewish Mysticism or on texts from the Hebrew Bible, Midrash, or Talmud. To increase accessibility and enhance convenience, a new effort is underway to offer some interactive courses streamed online.

Adult B’nei Mitzvah

This is an 18-month course of study offered for adults who would like to celebrate becoming Bar or Bat Mitzvah. The course includes Hebrew, classic Jewish texts, synagogue skills, and chanting Torah and Haftarah. The students master all synagogue skills, and the course culminates with the students becoming Bar or Bat Mitzvah on a Shabbat weekend.

Mondays at 1

This 3- to 6-week series of daytime classes explore aspects of Jewish life, lore and meaning. Previous topics have included “Gender and Judaism,” “Introduction to Islam for Jews,” and “Jewish End-Times.” This course is taught by Rabbi David Kay. Classes are open to the community.

Friday Night Learning Series

This award-winning program takes place every Friday night during the traditional Kabbalat Shabbat service in lieu of a sermon. A new series begins each year and is taught by Rabbi David Kay. The current topic is “Iyyun Tfilah: Answering Questions and Understanding Meaning in Jewish Prayer,” each week focusing on a different question, challenge, or problem in Jewish liturgy submitted by congregants.

Dr. Edward S Ackerman Scholar in Residence

The Dr. Edward S. Ackerman Scholar in Residence Fund was established in his memory by his family to bring quality educational programs to Congregation Ohev Shalom and the community. COS serves as host to a scholar one Shabbat each year. Interesting visiting speakers and topics draw members of the community to Ohev Shalom for this exciting program.

Bible Stories You Thought You Knew

Led by Religious School teacher and congregant Janet Friedman, this monthly learning session meets after Saturday morning services during the Kiddush luncheon, on the third Shabbat of each month . Past topics have included Women of the Bible and a closer look at a variety of familiar characters and stories from the Tanach.

This year, the focus is on the Book of Judges. What happened to the Jews after the death of Joshua? Can they succeed in taking control of Eretz Israel without a strong leader? Join us for an always surprising and fascinating discussion of the text and midrashim from many points of view. No preparation is needed and all are welcome to join us at any time—for one session or many!

People of the Book

Each summer, congregants are invited to read a book with a strong Jewish theme and meet to discuss it every other week during Saturday Kiddush. Alternate sessions are led by Janet Friedman and Rabbi Kay. Past books have included As a Driven Leaf, Rav Hisda’s Daughter, and Who Wrote the Bible? Stay tuned for the summer 2020 book announcement!