Temple Emanu-El offers learning opportunities nearly every day of the week thanks in part to the generosity of the Koffler and Bornstein families.
Click on any of the offerings listed below for more information, or scroll down to see information on all of our offerings
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Delve Deeper is an adult education initiative that brings dynamic teachers to present in-depth, university level Judaic courses to a diverse group of adult learners. Delve Deeper programs are presented in cooperation with the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island and area synagogues including: Congregation Beth Sholom, Temple Beth-El, Temple Emanu-El, Temple Habonim, Temple Sinai, and Temple Torat Yisrael. All are welcome to join!
This Spring we have one Delve Deeper offering:
Adam and Eve in the Jewish Tradition
Day: Thursdays - January 19 and 26, February 2, 9, 16, 23, March 2, 9, 16, 23,
Time: 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Instructor: Michael Satlow, Ph.D., Professor of Religious Studies and Judaic Studies at Brown
University
As the first human beings, Adam and Eve became for later Jews and Christians a rich source of
reflection about the nature of humanity. Yet the biblical story of Adam and Eve is full of
ambiguities. Do the first chapters of Genesis describe one creation, or two? Why did God create
the first couple? Why would - or better, how could - creatures created "in the image of God"
sin? What does the story teach us about human sexuality? This course will focus on how Jews,
as well as the Christians with whom they were in dialogue, have interpreted this story and
offered answers to these and other pressing questions.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
If you have any questions, please reach out to Morty Miller at mortymiller1945@gmail.com.
Thank you, and we look forward to learning with you soon!
Join us for this 7 session course where we'll explore both traditional and modern Israeli Dance.
Instructor: Rina Wagman
Time: Tuesdays 7:20-8:20 PM
In person at Temple Emanu-El
Dates: Tuesdays, Nov. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, Dec. 6 and 13
Cost: $70 - Price includes all 7 classes.
Israeli Dance is a cross of Middle Eastern dance steps with music and styles from all over the world. Learn traditional and modern moves and work out your body and soul while having FUN, relieving stress and connecting with Jewish communities. No experience necessary and all levels welcome. Light refreshments will follow.
We are thrilled to welcome Rina Wagman!
Rina's parents met Israeli dancing, and she has been dancing for as long as she can remember. In college, she taught an Israeli dance PE class. In Boston, Rina has taught Israeli dance to people of all ages and abilities. She co-runs the two biggest Israeli dance sessions in the area and an annual Israeli dance camp.
Let's Talk Hebrew!
Day:
Mondays (December 12, 19, January 9, 16, 23, 30, February 6, 13)
Tuesdays (December 13, 20, January 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, February 7)
Thursday mornings beginning in January
Time: 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM (Thursday time TBA)
Instructor: Variety
Location: In-person and Zoom options
Cost: $100 per person (scholarship available)
Registration: Register HERE
For more information regarding which level is right for you, contact Toby Liebowitz: tobyaane@gmail.com
Join us for Hebrew Conversation and improve your speaking skills. This Winter we are planning to have
5 levels assuming a minimum of 4 participants per level.
Alef: (Beginners) Tuesday evenings in person: A brief review of the Alef Bet and basic conversation.
Bet: (Advanced Beginners) Tuesday evenings (both in person and virtual if needed) Can read and write Hebrew with some background in Hebrew Conversation.
Gimmel: (Intermediate) Monday evenings (virtual only) Can read and write Hebrew and can converse using basic vocabulary in the present and some past tense.
Daled: (Advanced Intermediate) Monday evenings (in person) Is able to have a conversation in present and past tense and can read and comment on easy Hebrew articles and songs.
Hey: (Advanced) (Tuesday evenings in person) Can speak Hebrew easily in present, past and future tenses and can read articles and poetry and discuss a variety of current topics.
* In person classes will take place at the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island in Providence.
The Wisdom of Shabbat: A Modern Israeli Perspective
Day: Tuesdays beginning November 1, 2022
Time: 7:00 PM - Late minyan followed by learning
Instructor: Rabbi Michael Fel, taught in partnership with Hadar's Project Zug
Location: In-person and Zoom options
Shabbat has been a defining feature of Jewish culture for thousands of years, a central part of Jewish identity, a constant rhythm for Jewish life. In this course, we explore the philosophical underpinnings of Shabbat, the various themes and messages that make it so meaningful, and its place in the modern world using ancient sources against 19th and 20th century thinkers, extending their frameworks into the 21st century.
However, for many Jews—in Israel and beyond—Shabbat a very specific valence of extensive ritual laws and restrictions: synagogue ritual, Shabbat candles, prohibition on writing, and so on. In contrast, this course builds the picture from the ground up, assuming that Shabbat is the inheritance of every Jew, leaving aside the practical questions and instead asking the philosophical: What is Shabbat about? What is its place in today's society? How does it correct or supplement modern ideological systems? How can this idea of Shabbat fit into a modern secular and/or Israeli, Jewish culture?
Timeless Rabbinic Wisdom for Mindful Living: Mussar (ethics)
Day: Tuesdays, beginning Nov 1, 2022
Time: 7:00 PM Late minyan followed by learning
Instructor: Rabbi Daniel Kripper
Location: In-person only
The aim of studying Mussar (“ethics”) is to deepen our reflection and understanding of core Jewish values and to be able to take these teachings into our daily life. Join us as we examine how ancient spiritual teachings provide a guidepost for becoming mentches.
Topics include:
- Gratitude and Contentedness
- Kindness and Compassion
- Generosity and Charity
BIO: Rabbi Daniel Kripper was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He completed his studies in Sociology and Social Psychology at the University of Buenos Aires. Throughout his extensive career, he has specialized in education, life coaching and spiritual counseling. He received his Rabbinical Ordination from the Latin American Rabbinical Seminary in Buenos Aires, after finishing his rabbinical program in Jerusalem and postgraduate studies at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
Rabbi Kripper had the great honor of being the assistant to his mentor, the late Rabbi Marshall T. Meyer. He was a professor and dean at the Rabbinical Seminary in Buenos Aires. He has served as a rabbi for congregations in Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Aruba, and the United States.
Rabbi Kripper completed his professional training in Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) in the United States and directed healing and emotional support programs for the ill and their families. He has been deeply involved in interfaith dialogue and has acted as an advisor for international interfaith organizations. In 2003, Rabbi Kripper received an Honorary Doctorate from the Jewish Theological Seminary of America for his successful service in spiritual leadership. Moreover, he is the author of “Living Fully” , and several articles and publications.
Since 2013, he served as rabbi at Beth Israel Aruba. He joined Temple Shalom, Middletown, Rhode Island in early 2022 to provide spiritual leadership.
Learn to Lead with Cantor Mayer
Day: Tuesdays beginning November 1, 2022
-Mastering Mussaf: November 1, 8, 15
-Becoming a Gabbai: December 6, 13
Time: 7:00 PM Late minyan followed by learning
Instructor: Cantor Brian Mayer
Location: In-person only
- Have you always wanted to lead our community in tefillah (prayer)?
- Have you already led services but want to delve more deeply into the liturgy?
- Are you interested in learning both classic and newer tunes for the prayers?
Join Cantor Mayer and unlock your davening potential by learning more about the Mussaf and Becoming a Gabbai. This class is intended for those who can already decode Hebrew and feel comfortable with the Shabbat morning liturgy.
929 Tanakh B'yahad (Hebrew Bible Together)
Day: Tuesdays/Thursdays
Time: 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Instructor: Clergy and fellow 929ers
Location: Zoom only
Cost: $36 suggested donation to support educational scholarships. (Those not in a position to donate are more than welcome to attend.)
Registration: Click here to sign up
Have you ever wanted to read the Hebrew Bible in its entirety? Now in its third cycle, join people all over the world reading just one chapter a day during the week (you get weekends off!). Using classic and modern biblical commentaries, we will look at the book of Genesis with a fresh set of eyes. This class will look at sources in Hebrew with English translation. All are invited, whether you are participating in 929 or not. Learn more about 929 at https://www.929.org.il
Wednesday Morning Minyan, Breakfast, and Learning
Day: Wednesdays beginning September 7, 2022
Time: 7:30 AM
Instructor: Rabbi Michael Fel
Location: In-person and Zoom options
Following the 7:30 AM minyan on Wednesday mornings, Rabbi Fel will teach for 30 minutes, line by line, from the 16th century book of Jewish practice known as the Shulhan Arukh. Each breakfast will give us a chance to learn more about how our ancestors infused meaning into their everyday lives, share our own Jewish experiences, and work together to develop a spiritual practice that is meaningful and relevant for us today.
Hug Ivri
Day: Thursdays (ongoing)
Time: 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Instructor: Rabbi Alvan Kaunfer
Location: In-persononl only
For more information, please email Rabbi Kaunfer: akaunfer@cox.net
Rabbi Kaunfer leads this group, conducted entirely in Hebrew. It will continue its study and discussion of midrashim on biblical stories from Bialik’s Sefer Aggadah often moving into a variety of fascinating topics. If you are an advanced Hebrew speaker, join us!
Parashat HaShavua
Day: Fridays (ongoing)
Time: 7:30 AM (class begins after minyan/zman kodesh 8:30 AM - 9:15 AM
Instructor: Rabbi Alvan Kaunfer
Location: Zoom only
For more information, please email Rabbi Kaunfer: akaunfer@cox.net
Join Rabbi Alan Kaunfer for a weekly study session to discuss highlights from the Torah portion of the week. This weekly discussion takes place on Friday mornings after Z’man Kodesh.
All are welcome!
CLICK HERE to join on Zoom
Miller Intro To Judaism Program
Day/Time: Cohorts form at different points throughout the year.
Instructor: Variety
Location: Zoom only
Cost: Highly subsidized tuition is $350 for an individual, $550 for a couple. If you don’t have enough for tuition right now, don’t panic. Through the generosity of our supporters, we make sure that no one is ever turned away.
-Looking to convert to Judaism?
-Born Jewish and want to know more?
-Sharing your life with a Jew and want to crack the code?
This course explores Jewish culture, history, and wisdom in a setting where questions are more important than answers. Classes are joined with beautiful Shabbat celebrations, supportive discussion groups, individualized Hebrew reading instruction, and many opportunities for interactive, experiential learning.
New cohorts are launched nearly each and every month. Classes can be completed at your own pace — speed it up or slow it down — whatever works for your busy life. Find the next cohort by clicking HERE.
For those interested in conversion, please contact Rabbi Fel to learn more about taking the Miller Intro to Judaism Program for conversion.
Spring 2023 Delve Deeper
Adam and Eve in the Jewish Tradition
Instructor: Michael Satlow, Ph.D., Professor of Religious Studies and Judaic Studies at Brown University
In person at the Jewish Alliance
Adam and Eve were the first human beings. But were they Jewish? This course will investigate how later Jewish thinkers from the Rabbis to the modern period understood and used the biblical story of Adam and Eve.
We are still finalizing the details of this course. If you would like to be notified when registration for this course is open, please contact Morty Miller at mortymiller1945@gmail.com.We will send you an email in the Fall when the class arrangements are finalized and registration is open.Thank you for your interest in this course.
