Adult Education

At United Hebrew Congregation, we believe that learning should be a process in which we engage throughout our lives. Although, in some cases, the text and history do not change from what we may have learned as a child, but we have changed. So whether we had an all-encompassing Jewish education growing up or if we are new to learning, adult education can be a place for you to find enrichment, understanding, and inspiration.

Our clergy, teachers, and special guests offer a variety of opportunities for learning. These sessions are offered in a variety of formats so that you, as a learner, may find the ones that best fit your interest and schedule.

Our adult education are multi-access which includes virtual and in-person.

Ongoing Offerings

Shabbat Morning Torah Study with UH Clergy
Saturday mornings 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. in the Spielberg Chapel and on Zoom
Each week we will explore the portion for that Shabbat and discover intricacies of the text, discuss lessons for our lives today, and wrestle with questions.
Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84785224269?pwd=bHVuemRhZ3d6bmU4ZzZsS09qZ2F0QT09
Join via telephone: +1 312 626 6799
Meeting ID: 847 8522 4269
Passcode: 440410

Whiskey & Wisdom with Rabbi Reinhart
Dec. 13, Jan. 10, Feb. 14, Mar. 13, April 10, and May 8 7:30 p.m. in the Kaplansky Center
We’ll do a little bit of learning, enjoy some good whiskey, and, most importantly, meet new    people and be in community!

Adult Intermediate Hebrew with Suzy Weber
Thursdays 10:00 a.m. in the Millstone Library 

Amateurs of the Great Assembly with Cantor Eichaker
Thursdays 11:00 a.m.—12:30 p.m. in the Spielberg Chapel and on Zoom

The 12-week course entitled “Creation Stories of the Ancient World” will feature an opening 30-minute video lecture by Professor Joseph Lam, Associate Professor in the Department of Religious Studies at the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill, followed by a 60-minute round-table discussion led by Cantor Eichaker. The course will be supplemented with a course guide and lecture transcript for each session. These supplements will be provided via email attachments or for pick up in the Main Office by request. The AGA is a dynamic and growing population of life-long-learners who engage actively in every topic and allow for divergent discussions related to the current course material. For further information, please contact Esther Olson, clergy assistant or Cantor Eichaker directly.

Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/889563550?pwd=VTU0b3pVTE1JdjB0ZVlPNjc3T05sUT09
Join via telephone: +1 312 626 6799
Meeting ID: 889 563 550
Password: UHAGA

Additional Offerings

Scholars-in-Residence
Once or twice a year, United Hebrew Congregation is fortunate to be able to invite a scholar to join our congregation for a Shabbat of learning. These typically consist of a Friday evening sermon or teaching, leading of Torah Study on Saturday morning, and a Saturday afternoon Lunch ‘n’ Learn session.

Adult B’nai Mitzvah Program
United Hebrew members who have not yet gone through the ritual ceremony of becoming bar/bar mitzvah are eligible to prepare to celebrate with ceremony.  If you were not given the opportunity as a child, have converted to Judaism, or now feel compelled, this is a wonderful time to complete the mitzvah.  (Adults who have already celebrated a bar/bat mitzvah experience in their youth, but wish to be called to Torah as a bar/bat mitzvah again should contact Esther Olson in the clergy office to arrange a conversation with the clergy.)

Interested candidates will be asked to prepare with a course of study including attending classes, creating and delivering a d’var Torah (Torah speech), studying a topic of interest, and other learning.   Candidates will also be asked to meet with clergy to determine the best method for Hebrew study and a fulfilling path for completing a program of community/congregational service.  At the completion of this process, one can mark the occasion with a ceremony during Shabbat morning services, Rosh Chodesh services, or a Monday or Thursday morning service (traditionally days for Torah readings).

This is an exciting and meaningful process for all involved.  We hope that if you are interested, you will arrange to meet with one of the clergy (please contact Esther in the clergy office to schedule a meeting).  More detailed information is available in the clergy office.  We look forward to working with you.

Special Interest Classes
Our clergy offer, at various times throughout the year, classes on a variety of topics. These may range from the study of Spinoza to Jewish Traditions in Death and Mourning.