Adult Education

Ongoing study of Jewish tradition, history, literature, and thought is a critical component of Jewish life, and a central, dynamic element of Jewish experience. Under the inspired leadership of Rabbi Emeritus Scott Glass and now Rabbi Caleb Brommer, our community has developed multiple opportunities and venues for us to engage Jewish texts and ideas.

Adult Education classes are open to all members of the TBE community free of charge. Contributions to the Adult Education Fund support this program and are deeply appreciated.

Registration is required, just click HERE to sign up electronically.  If you prefer, you may also call the Temple office at (607) 273-5775 any time and tell us which classes you'd like to attend.  Additional programs are being planned, so be sure to check back!  Questions?  Just email us at: adulted@tbeithaca.org

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Jewish Studio Project
Susan Arnsten-Russell
Sundays, Aug 31, Sept 7, 14, 21, Oct 5, Nov 2, Nov 30 @ 2pm in the Social Hall
Join Susan Arnsten-Russell to cultivate creativity in a Jewish context using  The Jewish Studio Project’s methodology, the Jewish Studio Process (JSP). Art is not just for artists and Jewish texts are not just for scholars. JSP programs combine practices from the field of art therapy with a reimagined approach to traditional Jewish learning to help activate the creative potential that lives inside each and every one of us.  The methodology includes textual inquiry/beit midrash, havruta learning pairs, intention setting, art making and witness/reflective writing.  For more information, please email Susan at: sarnsten@gmail.com

Chanting the Tanakh
Cantor Richard Rosenfield
Sundays @ 10:00 AM beginning October 19, 2025 
This ongoing class is for all adults who are able to read Hebrew, understand the text (with the help of a translation), and want to learn to chant Torah or Haftarah using the cantillation symbols in the Chumash or Tikkun. We will be learning the musical motifs of A. W. Binder, Cantor L. Avery and Cantor E. Schleifer. For more information, please contact Richard Rosenfield HERE.

Prayerbook Hebrew
Cantor Richard Rosenfield
Sundays @ 11:15 AM beginning October 19, 2025
This ongoing class is for all adults who would like to learn how to read and understand prayerbook Hebrew. We shall be using the textbooks Teach Yourself to Read Hebrew (revised edition), Prayerbook Hebrew The Easy Way (3rd edition), and The First Hebrew Primer (3rd edition) all from EKS Publishers. For more information, please contact Richard Rosenfield HERE.

As the Story Goes: Funny, Strange, and Serious Stories of Yiddishland's Jews
Jonathan Boyarin and Jonah S. Boyarin
Monday, November 17 @ 7pm in the Social Hall

Jewish Liturgy: The Siddur
Rabbi Brommer
Wednesday evenings @ 6:30 pm November 5th - December 17th with Siyyum on January 7th
This class is designed to improve community members' skills in leading services. It is for people who have some facilitation reading Hebrew and basic familiarity with Jewish prayer services. If you're wondering if this class is right for you, just get in touch with Rabbi Brommer HERE.

Exploring Judaism
Rabbi Brommer
Wednesday evenings @ 6:30 beginning February 11, 2026
Looking for a fun, accepting, meaningful way to learn about Judaism? We’ve got you covered. From Alef to Tav and from Adam to Zelophehad, we’ll explore the basics of Jewish holidays, observances, texts, histories, and practices. This course is perfect for people exploring the possibility of converting to Judaism, people who feel like they want a refresher on the basics, and people who just want to know more! Whether you are a spiritual seeker, want to explore your faith, are considering conversion, or have Jewish family members, join us to learn more about Jewish ethics, spirituality, traditions, values, and practice. The classes are dynamic and interactive, and Rabbi Caleb Brommer is always open to questions. We proudly celebrate the ethnic, racial and cultural diversity of the Jewish people and Jewish communities and we’re LGBTQ-affirming.

The 150-Year Argument: Perspectives From an Israeli Who Teaches on Israel and Jewish Nationalism at Cornell
Rhona Burns (Cornell Israel Studies Fellow)
Monday, September 15 (Temple Beth-El Social Hall) and Thursday September 18 (Kendal) @ 7pm

Greatest Early 20th c. Hebrew Short Stories (in English): Bialik, Berkowitz, Agnon
Ross Brann
Thursdays, October 9, 16, 23, 30 @ 7pm

Defending Kosher and Halal Practices in the Secular World
Joe Regenstein
Wednesday, October 29 @ 7pm

Jewish Ethics Reading Group
Alan van den Arend
Wednesdays in the Rubinstein Chapel January 7, February 4, March 4, May 6 @ 7-8 pm