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
What’s a Mitzvah? with Rabbi Rosenberg
2nd Monday of the month at 10:30 a.m. in the Spielberg Chapel and on Zoom
The rabbis of the Talmud tell us that there are 613 mitzvot in the Torah. What are they? What do they mean? Can we do all of them? You’ll find your answers in this course, as we explore Sefer Hachinuch, a book written in 13th century Spain, to serve as a guide to understanding mitzvot. Each one of the 613 is explained – the how to’s, the why, and who is obligated to observe/follow each mitzvah. We will utilize the text found online at https://www.sefaria.org/Sefer_HaChinukh.
Register here.
Women’s Bible Study Group with Rabbi Rosenberg
1st Tuesday of the momth at 10:30 a.m. in the Spielberg Chapel and on Zoom
New participants welcome! This year, given our UH theme of Kolot Yisrael, we’ll study the voices of Israeli women. We’ll explore the many and varied female voices that have been significant in the life of pre-State Israel and the State of Israel from 1948 until today. RSVP here.
Amateurs of the Great Assembly with Cantor Eichaker
Thursdays 11:30 a.m.—1:00 p.m. in the Millstone Library and on Zoom
Cantor Eichaker’s weekly “round table” discusses topics of Jewish content and thought.
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.