Temple Emanu-El encourages lifelong learning and offers a growing number of adult education courses and programs.
2025 – 26 Classes
Classes begin the week of November 4. Check the calendar on the homepage of our website for links to classes and programs.
Tuesday Talmud
Tuesdays, 11:00 am-12:00 pm
Talmud
exploration for beginners. The Talmud isn’t just for Yeshiva buchers. It’s for
everyone. We will study the Babylonian Talmud beginning at the beginning, in
Tractate Berakhot. If you don’t know anything about Talmud but are curious
what’s in it, this is your opportunity. Berakhot begins with something most of
us are rather familiar with, the Shema prayer. We’ll use the English
translation by Koren Publishing (2013).
Beginning Hebrew
Tuesdays, 12:00 – 1:00 pm
This is a new class, no prerequisite required. Cantorial Soloist Sherry Barnes is teaching this class. Please contact her at Cantorialsoloist@tewaterford.org or 860-443-3005.
Exploring Judaism with Rabbi Marc
Starts Tuesdays Jan. 6
(4 week class)
Are you wondering if Judaism is for you? Want to learn more? Already thinking about conversion? This is your first step. Rabbi Marc will present the big ideas from Jewish history, thought, religious practices, and peoplehood. There will be plenty of time for questions and discussion. Your curiosity will guide our conversations. Inquire with Rabbi Marc to RSVP at marcekstrand@gmail.com
Trope
Wednesdays, 10 – 11 am
Reviewing Torah Trips. This is an ongoing class. Cantorial Soloist Sherry Barnes is teaching this class. Please contact her at Cantorialsoloist@tewaterford.org or 860-443-3005.
Please note this class requires ability to read Hebrew beyond a beginner’s level. Contact Sherry Barnes to assess your Hebrew level.
Intermediate Hebrew Class
Wednesdays, 11 am – 12 pm
This is an ongoing class, and is for those who already know how to read Hebrew and know some Hebrew vocabulary. Sherry Barnes is teaching this class. Please contact her at Cantorialsoloist@tewaterford.org or 860-443-3005.
Torah and Texts
Wednesdays
12:00p.m.-12:30 p.m.
In this class, we explore Jewish texts from the Hebrew Bible
and beyond. This year, we will focus on texts from the Zohar, the mystical
commentary on the Torah. All are welcome to join together for lunch from
12-12:30 in the social hall…bring your own. Class is from 12:30 to 1:30 in the
Rabbi’s Study. This class requires ongoing commitment as our study of texts
will flow from one week to the next.
Inquire with Rabbi Marc to RSVP at marcekstrand@gmail.com
Translating Torah
Thursdays, 11:00 am
This is an ongoing class. Need to know how to read Hebrew and some Hebrew vocabulary. Cantorial Soloist Sherry Barnes is teaching this class.Please contact her at Cantorialsoloist@tewaterford.org or 860-443-3005.
How to Do Jewish
Sundays, 11:00 am
Beginning Nov. 9
This class is designed for adults seeking a foundational understanding of Jewish
liturgy, texts, rituals, and customs, for both the synagogue and home. If you
are a little lost when you come to services or have just forgotten what you
should have learned in religious school years ago, then this informal class is
for you. The interests and needs of participants will drive topics from week to
week. Class will be in the Sanctuary at 10 AM each day there is Religious
School.
Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah
Do you want to have a Bar,Bat or B’Mitzvah for the first time or do it again as an adult? Let’s talk about your goals for Jewish learning and set a date! Learn at your own pace. Contact Rabbi Marc to make an appointment. Hazzan Sherry and Rabbi Marc will support learners to achieve their individual Jewish learning goals.
Prayerbook Hebrew
This is an ongoing class, and is for those who already know how to read Hebrew and know some Hebrew grammar. Sherry Barnes is teaching this class. Please contact her at Cantorialsoloist@tewaterford.org or 860-443-3005.
Rabbi's Appointments
Something on your mind that you need help thinking through or just need to talk about? Concerned about something going on at the Temple or in the community? Or you’d just like to get to know one another. Rabbi Marc is available nearly every day, except Wednesdays for one-on-one, couples, or family meetings. Contact Rabbi Marc directly or schedule an appointment through Roberta in the Temple office.
Questions
Questions can be directed to Rabbi Marc at marcekstrand@gmail.com or Sherry Barnes at shirie3860@aol.com. Zoom links will be posted on our Temple Emanu-El calendar, which you can find on the homepage of our website.
HUC-JIR College Commons
The College Commons is free! Learn from the best of progressive Judaism’s scholars on a variety of Jewish topics. Single or multi-session classes on topics ranging from Bible to Zionism to Jews in Showbiz. Explore the course offerings and sign up here.
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