Jewish Educational Enrichment Programs For Adults
Congregation Etz Chaim is always looking for new ways to engage our adult community members, pique their curiosities on Jewish matters, and quench their thirst for new knowledge. We offer a variety of Jewish education enrichment programs for adult learners — some on an ongoing basis and others as special, one-time events. Current on-going programs include a Jewish Folk Dancing Class with instructor Barbara Merson, a Pirkei Avot (The Ethics of Our Fathers) course taught by David Strassler, and our Women’s Book Club.
Our one-time events include talks and presentations on a wide variety of topics that are of interest to our congregation. Past adult enrichment events have included
- “The Pew Report on Jewish Communities in the U.S.” by Rabbi Dr. David Freidenreich
- “The Origins of Passover” by Rabbi Bill Leffler
- “Old-New Hate: The Face of Anti-Semitism Today” by Rabbi David Fox Sandmel, Ph.D.
- “A Walk Around Town: A Personal Journey to Visit My Grandparents’ Homeland in Eastern Europe” by Jay Bartner
- “What Queen Esther Knew: Leadership Strategies From an Ancient Sage” by Connie Glaser
- “Growing Up Jewish in Southern Maine” moderated panel discussion with CEC historian Jennie Aranovitch
Hebrew Education
/ Adult B-Mitzvah
If you never learned to read Hebrew or never had a B’nei Mizvah as a child, it’s never too late! Adults who are interested in Hebrew lessons or having a B’nei Mitzvah ceremony should contact Cantor Beth Strassler to arrange instruction.
Morning Torah Study
Led by members of the Ritual Committee, Congregation Etz Chaim’s weekly Torah Study provides an informal setting for participants to discuss the week’s Torah portion (parshat) and Haftorah. Each session typically starts with an overview of the Torah portion followed by discussion of specific sections that interest each presenter. Any participant is welcome to facilitate a discussion. We try to include thoughts about the relevancy of the portion to our daily lives. It is helpful to have a Chumash (Bible), but it is not essential. You do not need to know how to read Hebrew to participate. Some participants are from other religious faiths, which helps broaden our understanding of the reading. Morning Torah Study meets every second Saturday of the month from 9:30 to 11.
For more information, please contact David Strassler.
Women’s Book Club
Enjoy a lively discussion on a new book each month.
Learn MorePlease look for descriptions of current and upcoming adult educational enrichment events on the Upcoming Special Events page of our website and on our calendar.