Learning and Adult Education

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The Center for Adult Jewish Learning at Temple Israel of Boston is a hub for intellectual discovery, cultural exploration, and personal revelation for the Greater Boston Jewish community. Whether you are learning about Judaism for the first time, embarking on a new stage in your Jewish life, or a life-long learner looking to connect with local scholars, there is something for you. Join through a wide variety of classes, community events, and travel. Everyone is welcome here.

Classes

Learn and connect in small, multi-session classes facilitated by experienced educators and field experts. Open to all, our classes are designed to be accessible at any stage of your Jewish learning. We offer both short-term and ongoing classes, with weekday, evening, and weekend options available.


Classes cover a broad range of topics, based on 6 categories of learning:

  • History
  • Justice, Politics, and Contemporary Issues
  • Bible, Rabbinics, and Philosophy
  • Arts and Culture
  • Spirituality
  • Jewish Living

Classes Starting Soon


A Taste of Judaism: October 2024

Date

October 15, 2024

Time

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM EDT

Explore traditional and modern Jewish sources in an accessible setting. Join us and discuss the ways Judaism can resonate in our daily lives.  A Ta...

A Taste of Judaism: October 2024

Date

October 22, 2024

Time

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM EDT

Explore traditional and modern Jewish sources in an accessible setting. Join us and discuss the ways Judaism can resonate in our daily lives.  A Ta...

The Changing Soundscape of Israel Post-October 7th with Cantor Alicia Stillman

Date

October 22, 2024

Time

7:30 PM - 8:30 PM EDT

A soundscape is a combination of sounds that grows from an immersive environment. It can be the sound of wind, traffic, laughing, and, of course, mus...

Introduction to Zohar

Date

October 29, 2024

Time

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM EDT

The Zohar is one of the most foundational texts of Kabbalah, a collection of texts which first appeared in 13th century Spain. In content, it is an o...

Introduction to Zohar

Date

November 5, 2024

Time

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM EDT

The Zohar is one of the most foundational texts of Kabbalah, a collection of texts which first appeared in 13th century Spain. In content, it is an o...

Introduction to Judaism: Winter 2024

Date

November 7, 2024

Time

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM EDT

Introduction to Judaism is an engaging multi-session online course for anyone interested in exploring Jewish life through a Reform lens. Over the cou...

The TI Yeshiva: Learn to Read the Talmud with Rabbi Suzie Jacobson

Date

November 12, 2024

Time

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM EDT

Debate with the rabbis and consider new perspectives on aspects of Jewish law with the Babylonian Talmud in this weekly online class led by Rabbi Suz...

Introduction to Zohar

Date

November 12, 2024

Time

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM EDT

The Zohar is one of the most foundational texts of Kabbalah, a collection of texts which first appeared in 13th century Spain. In content, it is an o...

Modern Midrash: Come Back to Genesis with Rabbi Elaine Zecher

Date

November 14, 2024

Time

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM EDT

Come back to Genesis to re-meet and re-create the lives of the characters through Modern and ancient Midrash We are starting all over aga...

Introduction to Judaism: Winter 2024

Date

November 14, 2024

Time

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM EDT

Introduction to Judaism is an engaging multi-session online course for anyone interested in exploring Jewish life through a Reform lens. Over the cou...

The TI Yeshiva: Learn to Read the Talmud with Rabbi Suzie Jacobson

Date

November 19, 2024

Time

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM EDT

Debate with the rabbis and consider new perspectives on aspects of Jewish law with the Babylonian Talmud in this weekly online class led by Rabbi Suz...

Introduction to Zohar

Date

November 19, 2024

Time

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM EDT

The Zohar is one of the most foundational texts of Kabbalah, a collection of texts which first appeared in 13th century Spain. In content, it is an o...

Introduction to Judaism: Winter 2024

Date

November 21, 2024

Time

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM EDT

Introduction to Judaism is an engaging multi-session online course for anyone interested in exploring Jewish life through a Reform lens. Over the cou...

The TI Yeshiva: Learn to Read the Talmud with Rabbi Suzie Jacobson

Date

November 26, 2024

Time

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM EDT

Debate with the rabbis and consider new perspectives on aspects of Jewish law with the Babylonian Talmud in this weekly online class led by Rabbi Suz...

Introduction to Zohar

Date

November 26, 2024

Time

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM EDT

The Zohar is one of the most foundational texts of Kabbalah, a collection of texts which first appeared in 13th century Spain. In content, it is an o...

The TI Yeshiva: Learn to Read the Talmud with Rabbi Suzie Jacobson

Date

December 3, 2024

Time

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM EDT

Debate with the rabbis and consider new perspectives on aspects of Jewish law with the Babylonian Talmud in this weekly online class led by Rabbi Suz...

Introduction to Zohar

Date

December 3, 2024

Time

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM EDT

The Zohar is one of the most foundational texts of Kabbalah, a collection of texts which first appeared in 13th century Spain. In content, it is an o...

Modern Midrash: Come Back to Genesis with Rabbi Elaine Zecher

Date

December 5, 2024

Time

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM EDT

Come back to Genesis to re-meet and re-create the lives of the characters through Modern and ancient Midrash We are starting all over aga...

Introduction to Judaism: Winter 2024

Date

December 5, 2024

Time

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM EDT

Introduction to Judaism is an engaging multi-session online course for anyone interested in exploring Jewish life through a Reform lens. Over the cou...

The TI Yeshiva: Learn to Read the Talmud with Rabbi Suzie Jacobson

Date

December 10, 2024

Time

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM EDT

Debate with the rabbis and consider new perspectives on aspects of Jewish law with the Babylonian Talmud in this weekly online class led by Rabbi Suz...

Classes Focused on Israel


The Changing Soundscape of Israel Post-October 7th with Cantor Alicia Stillman

Date

October 22, 2024

Time

7:30 PM - 08:30 PM EDT

A soundscape is a combination of sounds that grows from an immersive environment. It can be the sound of wind, traffic, laughing, and, of course, mus...

Temple Israel Progressive Israel Caucus (TIPIC)

The Temple Israel Progressive Israel Caucus (TIPIC) seeks to engage Temple Israel members with Israel in all its challenges, conflicts and complexities from a progressive perspective. In its organizing and educational activities, TIPIC aims to create safe spaces for Temple Israel members to explore and express perspectives on Israel/Palestine. All are welcome to attend TIPIC-hosted gatherings, which include monthly meetings with a speaker, current events conversations, and our book group. Upcoming gatherings are posted here and in Chailights.

Upcoming TIPIC Events


Temple Israel Progressive Israel Caucus (TIPIC) Speaker Series

Date

October 15, 2024

Time

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM EDT

Please join the Temple Israel Progressive Israel Caucus (TIPIC) on Tuesday, Oct 15th at 7:00 p.m. online or onsite, for our season’s first Speaker ...

Temple Israel Progressive Israel Caucus (TIPIC) Current Events Conversation

Date

October 29, 2024

Time

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM EDT

Please join the Temple Israel Progressive Israel Caucus (TIPIC) on October 29th, at 7:00 pm for our next open conversation about what is happening in...

Temple Israel Progressive Israel Caucus (TIPIC) Book Group: Dear Zealots

Date

November 12, 2024

Time

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM EDT

Join us onsite or online on Tuesday, November 12th, 7:00 pm—8:30 pm for the Temple Israel Progressive Israel Caucus Book Group to discuss Dear Ze...

Temple Israel Progressive Israel Caucus (TIPIC) Speaker Series

Date

December 3, 2024

Time

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM EDT

Please join the Temple Israel Progressive Israel Caucus (TIPIC) on Tuesday, December 3rd at 7:00 p.m. online or onsite, for our next Speaker Series e...

Temple Israel Progressive Israel Caucus (TIPIC) Current Events Conversation

Date

December 10, 2024

Time

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM EDT

Please join the Temple Israel Progressive Israel Caucus (TIPIC) on December 10th, at 7:00 pm for our next open conversation about what is happening i...

Temple Israel Progressive Israel Caucus (TIPIC) Book Group

Date

January 7, 2025

Time

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM EDT

Join us onsite or online on Tuesday, January 7th, 7:00 pm—8:30 pm for the Temple Israel Progressive Israel Caucus Book Group. We will announce the ...

Temple Israel Progressive Israel Caucus (TIPIC) Speaker Series

Date

January 21, 2025

Time

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM EDT

Please join the Temple Israel Progressive Israel Caucus (TIPIC) on Tuesday, January 21st at 7:00 p.m. online or onsite, for our next Speaker Series e...

Temple Israel Progressive Israel Caucus (TIPIC) Current Events Conversation

Date

February 4, 2025

Time

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM EDT

Please join the Temple Israel Progressive Israel Caucus (TIPIC) on February 4th, at 7:00 pm for our next open conversation about what is happening in...

Temple Israel Progressive Israel Caucus (TIPIC) Book Group

Date

February 18, 2025

Time

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM EDT

Join us onsite or online on Tuesday, February 18th, 7:00 pm—8:30 pm for the Temple Israel Progressive Israel Caucus Book Group. We will announce th...

Temple Israel Progressive Israel Caucus (TIPIC) Speaker Series

Date

March 4, 2025

Time

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM EDT

Please join the Temple Israel Progressive Israel Caucus (TIPIC) on Tuesday, March 4th at 7:00 p.m. online or onsite, for our next Speaker Series even...

Temple Israel Progressive Israel Caucus (TIPIC) Current Events Conversation

Date

March 18, 2025

Time

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM EDT

Please join the Temple Israel Progressive Israel Caucus (TIPIC) on March 18th, at 7:00 pm for our next open conversation about what is happening in I...

Temple Israel Progressive Israel Caucus (TIPIC) Book Group

Date

April 1, 2025

Time

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM EDT

Join us onsite or online on Tuesday, April 1st, 7:00 pm—8:30 pm for the Temple Israel Progressive Israel Caucus Book Group. We will announce the bo...

Temple Israel Progressive Israel Caucus (TIPIC) Speaker Series

Date

April 15, 2025

Time

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM EDT

Please join the Temple Israel Progressive Israel Caucus (TIPIC) on Tuesday, April 15th at 7:00 p.m. online or onsite, for our next Speaker Series eve...

Temple Israel Progressive Israel Caucus (TIPIC) Current Events Conversation

Date

April 29, 2025

Time

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM EDT

Please join the Temple Israel Progressive Israel Caucus (TIPIC) on April 29th, at 7:00 pm for our next open conversation about what is happening in I...

Temple Israel Progressive Israel Caucus (TIPIC) Book Group

Date

May 13, 2025

Time

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM EDT

Join us onsite or online on Tuesday, May 13th, 7:00 pm—8:30 pm for the Temple Israel Progressive Israel Caucus Book Group. We will announce the boo...

Temple Israel Progressive Israel Caucus (TIPIC) Speaker Series

Date

May 27, 2025

Time

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM EDT

Please join the Temple Israel Progressive Israel Caucus (TIPIC) on Tuesday, May 27th at 7:00 p.m. online or onsite, for our next Speaker Series event...

Community Events

Gather together to hear from renowned authors, activists, artists, clergy, and more as they share their stories, ask big questions, and guide us to find deeper meaning, understand our shared history, and incubate ideas for a new generation. All community events are free and open to the public, unless otherwise noted.

Upcoming Community Events


Dr. Anthony Fauci Live at Temple Israel

Date

October 14, 2024

Time

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM EDT

Porter Square Books is thrilled to welcome Dr. Anthony Fauci for his memoir, On Call! This event will take place on Monday, October 14 at 7:00 p...

TILLI Fall 2024 Lunch and Learn Lecture Series: Emily Franklin

Date

October 31, 2024

Time

1:00 PM - 1:45 PM EDT

Join TILLI (Temple Israel Lifelong Learning Institute) for our Fall 2024 Semester Lunch and Learn Lecture Series. Listen and ask questions to experts...

A Night of Music: Qabbalat Shabbat and A Trip to See the Jerusalem Quartet

Date

November 1, 2024

Time

5:00 PM - 10:00 PM EDT

Join us on November 1st at 5:00 p.m. onsite for Qabbalat Shabbat, followed by a trip to see the Jerusalem Quartet at Jordan Hall presented by Celebri...

The Fight for Democracy: Paths to a Better Future for Israelis, Palestinians, and Americans with J Street

Date

November 3, 2024

Time

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM EDT

Join policy experts Dr. Dahlia Scheindlin, a leading Israeli political analyst, and Dr. Khalil Shikaki, the premier Palestinian policy and polling ex...

TILLI Fall 2024 Lunch and Learn Lecture Series: Roger Gottlieb

Date

November 7, 2024

Time

1:00 PM - 1:45 PM EDT

Join TILLI (Temple Israel Lifelong Learning Institute) for our Fall 2024 Semester Lunch and Learn Lecture Series. Listen and ask questions to experts...

CAJL Author Series and Hadassah Boston present Joan Leegant, Author of “Displaced Persons: Stories

Date

November 10, 2024

Time

10:15 AM - 11:15 AM EDT

Join us onsite on November 10th at 10:15 a.m. for a talk with Joan Leegant, author of “ Displaced Persons: Stories Set half in Israel and half ...

TILLI Fall 2024 Lunch and Learn Lecture Series: Ken Liss

Date

November 14, 2024

Time

1:00 PM - 1:45 PM EDT

Join TILLI (Temple Israel Lifelong Learning Institute) for our Fall 2024 Semester Lunch and Learn Lecture Series. Listen and ask questions to experts...

TILLI Fall 2024 Lunch and Learn Lecture Series: Eric Peterson

Date

November 21, 2024

Time

1:00 PM - 1:45 PM EDT

Join TILLI (Temple Israel Lifelong Learning Institute) for our Fall 2024 Semester Lunch and Learn Lecture Series. Listen and ask questions to experts...

TILLI Fall 2024 Lunch and Learn Lecture Series: Margie Yamamoto

Date

December 5, 2024

Time

1:00 PM - 1:45 PM EDT

Join TILLI (Temple Israel Lifelong Learning Institute) for our Fall 2024 Semester Lunch and Learn Lecture Series. Listen and ask questions to experts...

TILLI Fall 2024 Lunch and Learn Lecture Series: Closing Lunch

Date

December 12, 2024

Time

1:00 PM - 1:45 PM EDT

Join TILLI (Temple Israel Lifelong Learning Institute) for our Fall 2024 Semester Lunch and Learn Lecture Series. For our closing lunch, we will have...

Tikkun Zoom Shavuot: 25 Hours of Online Learning

Date

June 1, 2025

Time

5:00 PM - 6:00 PM EDT

Online learning sessions will start at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 1st and run through 6:00 p.m. on Monday, June 2nd. On Shavuot we go big, celebr...

Travel

Explore new places and build relationships through meaningful travel experiences, both near and far. Our education-focused trips are led by Temple Israel clergy and local experts, providing historical and cultural context as we connect with the broader Jewish world.


Date

January 1, 1970

Time

12:00 AM - 12:00 AM EDT

...

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Is your organization interested in partnering on an event?  Do you have an idea for a new class? Are you a new learner, unsure where to start? Email Rabbi Suzie Jacobson to learn more.