Learning and Adult Education

Home Adult Engagement Learning and Adult Education

The Center for Adult Jewish Learning at Temple Israel of Boston offers opportunities for Jewish study and engagement. Through classes, community events, and experiential learning, we foster curiosity, dialogue, and connection for all learners.

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: April 2025

A Taste of Judaism: April 2025

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Date

April 24, 2025

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

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

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Date

April 29, 2025

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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...

Modern Midrash: Come Back to Genesis with Rabbi Elaine Zecher

Modern Midrash: Come Back to Genesis with Rabbi Elaine Zecher

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Date

May 1, 2025

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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...

A Taste of Judaism: April 2025

A Taste of Judaism: April 2025

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Date

May 1, 2025

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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...

Eat, Pray and Love - An Introduction to the Spiritual Practices of Hasidism

Eat, Pray and Love - An Introduction to the Spiritual Practices of Hasidism

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May 5, 2025

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6:30 PM - 8:00 PM EDT

One of the main contributions of Hasidism to Jewish life and religion is the development of practices aimed at cultivating an awareness of the Divine ...

Israeli Folk Dancing

Israeli Folk Dancing

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Date

May 6, 2025

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7:00 PM - 8:00 PM EDT

Discover the Joy of Israeli Folk Dancing with Rina Wagman! Join us onsite for a three-session Israeli folk dancing class led by Rina Wagman. Wheth...

Eat, Pray and Love - An Introduction to the Spiritual Practices of Hasidism

Eat, Pray and Love - An Introduction to the Spiritual Practices of Hasidism

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Date

May 12, 2025

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6:30 PM - 8:00 PM EDT

One of the main contributions of Hasidism to Jewish life and religion is the development of practices aimed at cultivating an awareness of the Divine ...

Shavuot 101

Shavuot 101

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Date

May 12, 2025

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7:00 PM - 8:00 PM EDT

Shavuot is one of three major festivals in Judaism, so why does it still feel obscure to so many of us? What is this holiday all about anyway? Do we ...

Israeli Folk Dancing

Israeli Folk Dancing

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Date

May 13, 2025

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Time

7:00 PM - 8:00 PM EDT

Discover the Joy of Israeli Folk Dancing with Rina Wagman! Join us onsite for a three-session Israeli folk dancing class led by Rina Wagman. Wheth...

Introduction to Judaism: Summer 2025

Introduction to Judaism: Summer 2025

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Date

May 15, 2025

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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...

Eat, Pray and Love - An Introduction to the Spiritual Practices of Hasidism

Eat, Pray and Love - An Introduction to the Spiritual Practices of Hasidism

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Date

May 19, 2025

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Time

6:30 PM - 8:00 PM EDT

One of the main contributions of Hasidism to Jewish life and religion is the development of practices aimed at cultivating an awareness of the Divine ...

Israeli Folk Dancing

Israeli Folk Dancing

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Date

May 20, 2025

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Time

7:00 PM - 8:00 PM EDT

Discover the Joy of Israeli Folk Dancing with Rina Wagman! Join us onsite for a three-session Israeli folk dancing class led by Rina Wagman. Wheth...

Introduction to Judaism: Summer 2025

Introduction to Judaism: Summer 2025

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Date

May 22, 2025

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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...

Introduction to Judaism: Summer 2025

Introduction to Judaism: Summer 2025

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Date

May 29, 2025

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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

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

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Date

June 3, 2025

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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...

Modern Midrash: Come Back to Genesis with Rabbi Elaine Zecher

Modern Midrash: Come Back to Genesis with Rabbi Elaine Zecher

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Date

June 5, 2025

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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: Summer 2025

Introduction to Judaism: Summer 2025

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Date

June 5, 2025

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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

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

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Date

June 10, 2025

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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...

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

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

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Date

June 17, 2025

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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...

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

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

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Date

June 24, 2025

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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...

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.

Upcoming TIPIC Events


Temple Israel Progressive Israel Caucus (TIPIC) Current Events Conversation

Temple Israel Progressive Israel Caucus (TIPIC) Current Events Conversation

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Date

May 6, 2025

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Time

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM EDT

Please join the Temple Israel Progressive Israel Caucus (TIPIC) on May 6, at 7:00 pm for our next open conversation about what is happening in Israel...

Temple Israel Progressive Israel Caucus (TIPIC) Book Group

Temple Israel Progressive Israel Caucus (TIPIC) Book Group

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Date

May 13, 2025

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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 discuss Tablets...

Temple Israel Progressive Israel Caucus (TIPIC) Speaker Series

Temple Israel Progressive Israel Caucus (TIPIC) Speaker Series

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Date

May 27, 2025

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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


Remembering the Holocaust: Stories from a Survivor, Jack Trompetter

Remembering the Holocaust: Stories from a Survivor, Jack Trompetter

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Date

April 28, 2025

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7:00 PM - 8:30 PM EDT

Join us on April 28 for a special evening, beginning at 7:00 p.m. with a Yom HaShoah remembrance service led by Temple Israel Clergy as we commemorate...

Bereavement Group

Bereavement Group

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Date

April 29, 2025

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5:15 PM - 6:10 PM EDT

Temple Israel holds a monthly bereavement group for all those who are currently struggling with a loss. This discussion group, facilitated by Rabbi ...

TILLI Spring 2025 Lunch and Learn Lecture Series: Closing Lunch

TILLI Spring 2025 Lunch and Learn Lecture Series: Closing Lunch

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Date

May 8, 2025

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1:00 PM - 1:45 PM EDT

Join TILLI (Temple Israel Lifelong Learning Institute) for our Spring 2025 Semester Lunch and Learn Lecture Series. For our closing lunch, we will ha...

Blindspot Screening & Filmmaker Q&A: Campus Antisemitism Before & After October 7

Blindspot Screening & Filmmaker Q&A: Campus Antisemitism Before & After October 7

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Date

May 8, 2025

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6:30 PM - 9:30 PM EDT

Join us onsite on May 8 at 6:30 p.m. for a powerful screening of Blindspot , the first documentary to expose the rise of campus antisemitism both be...

The Braid and the LUNAR Collective present “What Do I Do With All This Heritage?”

The Braid and the LUNAR Collective present “What Do I Do With All This Heritage?”

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Date

May 15, 2025

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7:30 PM - 9:30 PM EDT

Join us onsite on May 15 at 7:30 p.m. as The Braid and the LUNAR Collective present their Salon-Theatre production of What Do I Do With All This Her...

Red Sox Jewish Heritage Night

Red Sox Jewish Heritage Night

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May 19, 2025

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5:00 PM - 11:00 PM EDT

Join Temple Israel and the Riverway Project for Red Sox Jewish Heritage Night! Monday, May 19 | Game Time: 6:45 p.m. | Red Sox vs. Mets Celebra...

Bereavement Group

Bereavement Group

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Date

May 27, 2025

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Time

5:15 PM - 6:10 PM EDT

Temple Israel holds a monthly bereavement group for all those who are currently struggling with a loss. This discussion group, facilitated by Rabbi ...

Temple Israel Wakefield Cemetery Walk

Temple Israel Wakefield Cemetery Walk

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Date

June 1, 2025

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Time

11:00 AM - 1:00 PM EDT

In celebration of our cemetery, a place of history, contemplation, and spiritual renewal Since 1859, our cemetery has been an important aspect of Te...

Tikkun Zoom Shavuot: 25 Hours of Online Learning

Tikkun Zoom Shavuot: 25 Hours of Online Learning

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Date

June 1, 2025

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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...

TI Circles of Connection: Supporting LGBTQ+ Individuals and Their Loved Ones

TI Circles of Connection: Supporting LGBTQ+ Individuals and Their Loved Ones

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June 10, 2025

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7:00 PM - 9:00 PM EDT

TI Circles of Connection: Supporting LGBTQ+ Individuals and Their Loved Ones Tuesday, June 10 at 7:00 p.m. onsite at Temple Israel of Boston Jo...

Bereavement Group

Bereavement Group

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Date

June 24, 2025

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Time

5:15 PM - 6:10 PM EDT

Temple Israel holds a monthly bereavement group for all those who are currently struggling with a loss. This discussion group, facilitated by Rabbi ...

Dreams Upon the River at Studio Without Walls

Dreams Upon the River at Studio Without Walls

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Date

July 10, 2025

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Time

11:00 AM - 1:30 PM EDT

Join TILLI to walk on the Riverway to view the annual Studio Without Walls. We will meet on the Riverway near the Longwood T stop on Chapel Street)...

Bereavement Group

Bereavement Group

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Date

July 29, 2025

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Time

5:15 PM - 6:10 PM EDT

Temple Israel holds a monthly bereavement group for all those who are currently struggling with a loss. This discussion group, facilitated by Rabbi ...

Bereavement Group

Bereavement Group

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Date

August 26, 2025

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Time

5:15 PM - 6:10 PM EDT

Temple Israel holds a monthly bereavement group for all those who are currently struggling with a loss. This discussion group, facilitated by Rabbi ...

Bereavement Group

Bereavement Group

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Date

September 30, 2025

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Time

5:15 PM - 6:10 PM EDT

Temple Israel holds a monthly bereavement group for all those who are currently struggling with a loss. This discussion group, facilitated by Rabbi ...

Bereavement Group

Bereavement Group

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Date

October 28, 2025

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Time

5:15 PM - 6:10 PM EDT

Temple Israel holds a monthly bereavement group for all those who are currently struggling with a loss. This discussion group, facilitated by Rabbi ...

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.

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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.