At Temple Shir Tikva, we understand that each of us is on a personal Jewish journey that is deepened through engagement with each other in relevant and authentic learning experiences. We strive to integrate formal and informal approaches to learning, including adult classes focused on Jewish themes, sacred texts, and contemporary application. We welcome all levels of experience and background and are delighted to work with you to determine which of our classes and offerings will be a good fit for you, no matter your life stage or current level of knowledge .
Our educational courses throughout the year include weekly Shabbat Morning Torah Study and a Wednesday Morning Text Study series, taught by our clergy, as well as the TST Book and Film Group, and other offerings by our clergy and outside speakers.
Every Shabbat morning, we gather to delve deeply into the weekly Torah portion, led by a member of our clergy. The conversation is lively, as learners bring their life experience and prior knowledge (of Torah or anything else!) to our table. Sometimes, we focus on only a few words of the week’s text, while other times we look broadly at themes the text generates. Those new to Torah learning may choose to read the Torah portion ahead of time to come to the table ready to engage in conversation (see ReformJudaism.org’s Torah Study page for links to the text). The group meets every Saturday morning, year-round, at 9:30 am. Drop in once or come every week.
In our Wednesday Morning Text Study series, we focus on a new theme each year. Backgrounds of participants range widely, and newcomers are always invited to join this warm and special community within the Temple. The group meets on Wednesday mornings from 10:00-11:30 am, October to June. Come once or every week!
Our clergy offer a variety of class series throughout the year each year. Recent clergy offerings have included:
Throughout the year, our Adult Education Committee leads discussions of books and films on Jewish themes. Recent selections have included: Atomic Anna by Rachel Barenbaum, Shalom Taiwan, Apeirogon by Colum McCann, and People Love Dead Jews by Dara Horn.
Throughout the year, we offer a range of programs and classes intended for a wide swath of interests across our adult community. This includes our Scholar-in-Residence program each year, when we bring a noted scholar to lead us in learning opportunities over the course of a full weekend, as well as classes taught by outside scholars and experts in a variety of fields.
Some of our past outside speakers have included:
Our offerings vary each year, and old favorite are sometimes brought back for an encore. Keep an eye on our calendar and weekly emails for offerings. We can’t wait to learn with you.