Adult Education

At Temple Israel our goal is to provide interesting and informative programs to enrich your Jewish learning.

Ongoing Programs

Talmud Study - Mondays at 12 PM. Delve into the teachings of the Sages with Rabbi Shields and Stefanie Posner.  Experience in Torah study is helpful but not required. All learners are welcome.

Lunch and Learn - Wednesdays at noon, bring a brown bag lunch and a penchant for spirited discussion and join Rabbi Shields in the Temple Adult Education Room. Lunch and Learn has covered a wide range of Jewish texts. We will shape our future learning together based on the interests of participants.

Hebrew Reading Circle - This circle has been meeting weekly for several years to read simplified Hebrew texts from modern Hebrew literature. Newcomers welcome. Call (850) 385-1538 to speak with Rabbi Stanley Garfein. The group meets Sundays at 11:00 AM at the home of Rabbi Garfein.

Tallahassee Jewish Genealogical Society - The Society meets once quarterly for programs that involve the sharing of family histories and trees that have been recovered after years of nepenthe (forgetfulness). Membership is $5. Contact Rabbi Garfein at (850) 385-1538 for more information. Meets Sundays at 2:00 PM, quarterly, in the Adult Education room.

Upcoming Classes

Beginning Hebrew for Adults 2021 - An 8-week course on Sundays from 1-2 PM starting August 22. This beginning Hebrew class for adults will start with the alphabet and move towards some fundamental Hebrew vocabulary and understanding of the Hebrew root system. This class is excellent preparation for the next class we will be offering on Liturgical Hebrew with Dr. David Levenson.

The Rabbi's Study: Vice and Sin - A 5-week seminar on Tuesdays at 1:30 PM starting October 12. Through the study of vice and sin in Biblical and Rabbinic literature, we hope to gain some insights into the changing Jewish moral and ethical imagination, social history, and the effectiveness of law as a molder of people’s character. We are asking for an $18 minimum donation to support Temple Israel's adult education programs. Click here to register for The Rabbi's Study: Vice and Sin.

Learn Hebrew Through Liturgy with Dr. David Levenson - A 7-session course on Sundays at 1 PM beginning October 17. This course will use familiar texts from the prayer book - prayers, songs, and biblical passages - to provide a basic introduction to Hebrew grammar. We will focus on common structures with the goal of learning how to translate simple Hebrew phrases and sentences. The course will assume a very basic familiarity with the Hebrew alphabet but not fluency in reading Hebrew aloud or previous knowledge of the texts of the prayer book. This course is designed as a bridge between the ability to read Hebrew aloud and a more systematic study of the language which will be offered in a future class. Contact Stefanie Posner for materials prior to class. Click here to register for Learn Hebrew Through Liturgy with Dr. David Levenson.