Institute of Jewish Studies

⇒ Adult Learning

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

Delve Deeper

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. Financial support is provided by the Joseph and Jacqueline Teverow Memorial Fund at the Jewish Federation Foundation of Greater Rhode Island. All are welcome to join!

Fall 2023 - Yiddish Folklore & Culture
Day: Thursdays - September 7, 14, 21, 28, October 12, 19, 26, November 2, 9 & 16, 2023
Time: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Instructor: Natan Meir, Professor of Judaic Studies at Portland State University, Oregon
Location: Zoom only
Registration: Register Now!

The Yiddish language is a fusion of Germanic, Hebraic, and Slavic elements that was the vernacular of Jews in central and eastern Europe for hundreds of years, and continues to be the mother tongue of many Jews today. Over the centuries, a rich folklore developed in Yiddish that includes stories, songs, curses, magic, and religious rituals and objects. In addition to exploring this treasure trove of folk material, we will also examine some essential linguistic and cultural components of Yiddish and several great literary works – including short stories by I. L. Peretz and Isaac Bashevis Singer – that draw on the Yiddish folkloristic tradition. No prior acquaintance with Yiddish required.

Note that this class will run from 7-9 PM, half an hour earlier than the usual Delve Deeper courses.

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!

Let's Talk Hebrew!
Days:
Mondays (October 2, 16, 23, 30, November 6, 13, 20, 27)
Tuesdays (October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, November 14, 21, 28)
Time: Alef 5:30 - 6:30 PM
All other classes 6:30 - 7:30 PM
Instructor: Variety
Location: In-person and Zoom options
Cost: $125 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 Fall we are planning to have 5 levels assuming a minimum of 5 participants per level.

Alef: (Beginners) Monday evenings in person. Introduction to alef bet and basic Hebrew phrases (working with a book).
Bet: (Advanced Beginners) Monday evenings in person. Basic Hebrew reading skills, learning with emphasis on beginning Hebrew conversation (working with a book).
Gimmel: (Intermediate) Tuesday evenings hybrid (both in-person and virtual). Can read and write Hebrew and can converse using basic vocabulary in the present and some past tense.
Daled: (Advanced Intermediate) Monday evenings virtual only. Able to converse in present, past, and beginning future tense, and can read and comment on easy Hebrew stories and newspaper articles (working with a book).
Hey: (Advanced) Tuesday evenings in person. Can speak Hebrew easily in all 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. 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence.

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: Register HERE

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: Zoom 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.