Adult Education

ADULT EDUCATION

At Temple Israel of Brevard, we value adult education as much as youth education. Each year, we offer a variety of learning opportunities beyond those listed below. We host speakers for “Sunday Afternoons at the Temple,” where they discuss topics of interest to our growing adult community. If you have a topic idea, please contact Rabbi Fanwick or a member of the Education Committee to share your proposal.

Educational Opportunities Offered:

Hebrew 101: Beginning Hebrew for Adults
Join Rabbi Fanwick to learn the basics of the Hebrew language, starting with the alef-bet. You will begin reading simple words and identifying word roots to advance your language studies.

Hebrew 102: Prayerbook Hebrew for Adults
This program guides adult learners through Mishkan T’filah, our siddur. It focuses on effective prayer reading and understanding the content. Basic Hebrew reading skills are required.

Hebrew 203: Intermediate Biblical Hebrew
Building on prior courses, this program enhances reading and understanding of Biblical Hebrew. We will explore basic texts, including the Torah. Proficiency in Hebrew reading is required.

Chai Mitzvah
This monthly program explores various aspects of Judaism through an adult perspective, covering topics such as wisdom, compassion, trust, and generosity. The topic is provided during the first week of the month and discussed later in the month via Zoom or in person.

Swimming in the Sea of Talmud
Based on a book written by two friends during their chavruta study sessions, this course examines excerpts from the Talmud. For example: “One who causes others to act is greater than someone who acts.” Each session includes contextual descriptions and midrash about the passages.

Examining the 613: Where Do They Belong?
The Jewish people were given 613 commandments to follow to ensure their survival. Each of these commandments can be categorized under one of the “Big Ten.” In this course, participants will examine each commandment to determine:

1. Which of the Ten Commandments it falls under

2. Its relevance to our lives today

3. How it might be modernized (since we obviously do not practice animal sacrifice anymore!)

Adult B Mitzvah
Perhaps you came to Judaism later in life, or you never had the opportunity to become a B mitzvah. This course offers a chance to achieve that milestone. As a class, we will cover topics related to the process. Each participant will choose a Torah passage to learn and read. If desired, the group can celebrate a collective B Mitzvah. This is your time, and we will make it meaningful.

A Taste of Judaism
This course provides an overview of Judaism, including a brief history of the Jewish people, God, spirituality, the calendar, holidays, branches of Judaism, life cycle events, and Jewish texts. There will be plenty of time for questions and discussion. This course may be repeated throughout the year.

Torah Study
Torah study meets in person and on Zoom every Saturday morning at 9:30 for one hour. Participants discuss the weekly Torah portion. A synopsis of the parashah, along with the chapters and verses, is sent out prior to the meeting, along with the Zoom link. If you are interested in joining our study group, please contact Rabbi Fanwick to be added to the email list.

Other educational opportunities may arise during the year, so please watch for postings of these events on our website’s front page!