A variety of adult learning opportunities is offered each year. These include regular Torah study groups, (such as the “First Friday” and monthly Brotherhood Torah study), and our new “Live and Learn” Sunday morning program for adults. The community-wide Lexington Institute for Jewish Studies offers courses taught by distinguished scholars that our open to the entire community.
A program leading to Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah, sponsored by Sisterhood, is available every other year. "Introduction to Judaism", co-sponsored by the URJ, is offered as well. Special events this year include our annual Mitzvah Day, a temple-wide intergenerational event, and our annual Tikkun Leil Shavuot evening of study, led by our confirmands. Please click on the “Tree of Learning” link for specific dates of educational programs.
Tree of Learning Calendar Highlights
Congregational Learning Program
Live & Learn: Temple Isaiah’s Sunday Morning Adult Learning Series
This year we are pleased to offer a series of workshops of interest to adult learners of all ages and stages at Temple Isaiah. Click here for description of the Fall Workshops and registration form. For questions contact Marilyn Stern.
Sisterhood sponsors an adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah program open to all Temple members and taught by our clergy and staff of the Religious School. A prerequisite is the ability to read prayer book Hebrew. The one-year adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah program includes study of our liturgy, theology, and a Torah portion, and it may culminate, for those who choose, in a group Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremony.
Hebrew Studies
A regular series of Hebrew education programs is provided each year. Our objective is to encourage and provide the opportunity for achieving Hebrew literacy for every member of Temple Isaiah. Offerings include Hebrew I (beginning reading) and Hebrew II (focus on the teaching of prayer reading; a variant of this course focuses on Biblical Hebrew). We also offer Hebrew III and IV (learning to read the prayers of the liturgy with ease and understanding; a variant of this course focuses on Biblical Hebrew). Conversational Hebrew is taught in Hebrew V and VI. Up to two classes are held for each course, enrollment permitting, with one class running in the morning and one running in the evening.
Ivrit la-Kol (2008) (pdf)
An Adult Hebrew Literacy Collaborative
Lexington Institute for Jewish Studies
The Institute is a joint endeavor of the Adult Education Committees of Temples Isaiah and Emunah in Lexington. For over thirty years, we have provided an integrated curriculum of study in Bible, Jewish theology and philosophy, history, and the rhythms of life. Each fall and spring, attendees can select courses from among those offered that year. The courses are taught by distinguished professors, Rabbis, and scholars from our Boston community.
Lexington Rabbinical Panels
This is a joint program with rabbis from the Chabad of Lexington, Temple Isaiah, Temple Emunah. There are two programs each year.
Scholar's Weekends
These annual events provide an opportunity for a more in-depth treatment of particular subjects. The weekend typically includes Friday evening Shabbat sermon, a Saturday afternoon lecture, followed by Havdalah service, and a Sunday brunch/lecture. The scholar may also offer the Saturday minyon sermon.
Thursday Morning Classes are sponsored by Sisterhood and taught by our rabbis. Both men and women are welcome to attend, provided they are members of Sisterhood. Classes run from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. Pre-registration is required. The cost of the course is usually just the cost of the text plus minor photocopying fees.
Go to description for information on these courses.
TORAH study with Rabbi Jaffe and Rabbi Brown
The monthly Torah study sessions are designed to allow working Temple members to squeeze in some Torah study before the start of the workday. They are held on the first Friday morning of the month, under the alternating leadership of Rabbi Jaffe and Rabbi Brown. Bagels, coffee and tea are provided, sponsored by the Brotherhood.
The sessions are at the temple. Bring a Tanach, or share during the session. Mark the first Friday of each month on your calendars, now, to reserve time for future sessions. Hope you can join us. No RSVP required; just come. Starts at 7:30 AM.
Other Special Programs
A variety of special programs are offered each year depending on needs and interests. These include: special lecture series, Jewish Film Festival, Sunday learning programs, and coordinated programs with other Temples
Return to Adult Education Committee