The Reform Temple of Forest Hills

Adult Education 5785: A Year of Torah

RTFH 30th Anniversary torah

Torah is at the core of all of Jewish life. Whether studying the weekly portion, later books of the Bible, Jewish sacred texts, or modern approaches to Jewish life, we are always studying the Torah.

This year, in honor of our 30th Anniversary, RTFH will offer a wide variety of Adult Ed. classes somehow connected to Torah. They are taught by our members and clergy, along with some special guests.

Join us at these fascinating sessions that will broaden your connection to Torah, Judaism, and yourself. No RSVP is necessary. Most of the classes will also be available on our livestream, but in-person attendance is encouraged.

 

Saturday, October 12, 12:30 pm – Yom Kippur Layperson’s Hour

Living and Thriving with Disabilities – In Person and on RTFH.org

Join the RTFH Accessibility, Inclusion, and Empowerment Committee as they share the struggles, successes, and stories of living with disabilities.

Saturday, October 12, 2 pm – Yom Kippur Afternoon Study 

Susan Grunberg on Making Meaning With Midrash – In Person Only

How can a book written more than 2000 years ago come alive for us today?  The rabbis of the early C.E. did it through a process of combined inquiry and imagination called Midrash – and we can do it too!

Saturday, November 2, 9 am

Rabbi Irwin Goldenberg on Who Wrote the Bible? – In Person and on RTFH.org

The Bible presents itself as of Divine origin, but most modern scholars regard it as written by many different human authors. Join Rabbi Irwin Goldenberg as he shares the arguments of both sides and presents a modern rationale for Jews to regard the Bible as foundational for Judaism.

Friday, November 15, 7 pm – During Shabbat Services

Rich Orloff on The Poetic Story – In Person and on RTFH.org

Explore the poetry of the brilliant Rich Orloff as he shares some of his work and helps us understand how to use poetry to express our inner voice.

Friday, January 10, 7 pm – During Shabbat Services

Rabbi Leah Berkowitz on The Sacred Story – In Person and on RTFH.org

RTFH welcomes master teacher Rabbi Leah Berkowitz. Join us on Friday night at Shabbat services to see how the stories of our tradition enable us to connect with Judaism, with each other, and with ourselves.

Saturday, January 11, 9 am

Rabbi Leah Berkowitz on Modern Midrash – In Person and on RTFH.org

Midrash has helped us understand our sacred stories for generations. Learn how to write your own midrash at this Shabbat morning interactive session.

Sunday, January 26, 11 am

Cantor Emily Wigod Pincus on Music and the Torah – In Person and on RTFH.org

How does music enhance our understanding of Torah and inspire us to live it?

We will look at musical settings for three texts: Numbers 12:13, the source for all our healing prayers; Ex 34:6-7 — the proof text for God as forgiving and compassionate as we would all aspire to be; and Psalm 150, the culmination of the Book of Psalms and a grand text for thanksgiving and praise. Some of it we will listen to, some of it will be sung live to us, and some of it we will sing together.

Thursday, February 6, 7:30 pm – Joint WoCo and Men’s Study Event

Rabbi Mark Kaiserman on Is the Torah Still Relevant? – In Person and on RTFH.org

When we encounter challenging or outdated parts of the Torah, we may be tempted to reject the entire text. How is the Torah still relevant to our lives today, even when there are aspects we disagree with? Join Rabbi Kaiserman to gain a new perspective on the Torah

Sunday, February 9, (Time TBD)

Torah Scribe Program  – In Person and on RTFH.org

Our Torah Scribe will share the process, meaning, and secrets of writing a Torah scroll by hand.

Sunday, March 23, (Time TBD)

Torah Scribe Program – In Person and on RTFH.org

Our Torah Scribe will share the process, meaning, and secrets of writing a Torah scroll by hand.

Tuesday, April 1, 7:30 pm

Student Rabbi Jules Ilian on Spring into Torah: What Our Texts Have to Say about Our Obligation to Care for the Environment – In Person and on RTFH.org

Caring for the environment is not a new idea. Explore Judaism’s connection to the natural world and our role in it.

Tuesday, June 17, 7:30 pm

Rabbi Rachel Goldenberg on Torah through the Lens of Kabbalah – In Person and on RTFH.org

Kabbalah, the Jewish mystical tradition, has a unique approach to understanding and interpreting Torah. We will read some mystical text that discusses this approach, and then we will read some Torah together, using a kabbalistic lens.

Bible Study, every Saturday, 9am-10am

Rabbi Mark Kaiserman – on Zoom only

Friendship.  Romance.  Lust for power.  Infidelity.  Betrayal.  God.

The Book of Samuel beats any contemporary soap opera in its intrigue and emotion.  Come and explore the richness of these tales that shaped the Jewish people every Saturday morning on Zoom. Join any time.