Adult Education- Life Long Learning
SOJC is your partner in lifelong learning. We offer a wide range of programs and classes. Most classes are free and are open to the entire Jewish community. We look forward to learning together!
Discover Judaism 101
Beginning September 11
Discovering Judaism/Conversion Class
A robust introduction to Judaism class for adults. Will fulfill part of the requirements for conversion to Judaism, but is also a wonderful learning experience for those who grew up Jewish, but never learned the details! We will study Jewish history, holidays, Shabbat, Ethics, Kosher Living and Torah, among other “juicy” topics. You will end up loving Judaism!
This is a Wednesday evening, 22-week class. We will meet in-person once a month, and the rest of the time on Zoom. The class will be supplemented by in-person events, including celebrations of Shabbat and the Jewish festivals.
Class begins on Sept. 11, 2024, and ends on April 2, 2025.
It will meet weekly, but not on Jewish holidays
or during school breaks.
Dr. Jeffrey Fischer and Rabbi Melissa Crespy
will co-teach the class.
Announcing New Adult Education Classes!
Where Did Those Rituals Come From? -
Talmud for the Engaged Jew
Thursday evenings from 7:00-8:00 pm
in person at the SOJC Social Hall
September 5, 12, 19, October 10, 31,
November 7, 14, December 5, 12
Have you ever wondered about Judaism’s ritual practices?! Shabbat and Bar/Bat Mitzvah, Pesach and Conversion, as some examples? Many of us know the rituals, but have no idea how they originated or were developed. In this class, we will examine the Talmudic sources for some of these practices, and learn about them “from the inside.”
This class is open to all. No knowledge of Hebrew/Aramaic is required, as all texts will be translated. What is required is a keen mind, and the ability to see arguments from different perspectives.
Demystifying the Days of Awe
Sunday mornings from 10:45-11:45 in the Social Hall
September 15 and 22, 2024
Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur can be overwhelming and . . . boring. Come grab some new insights, and refresh your memory. Why do we celebrate these holidays? What does the head of a sheep have to do with anything? What are the different parts of the synagogue services? What special traditions can I share with my kids? How can I best prepare for these deeply introspective festivals?
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​Woman's Only Study Group -
Women and Men in the 5 Megillot
Sunday mornings from 10:45 – 11:45 am
in the SOJC Social Hall
October 13 – Nov. 17, 2024
We know the Scroll (Megillah) of Esther, but how about the other four scrolls? Ruth, The Song of Songs (Shir HaShirim), Ecclesiastes (Kohelet), and Lamentations (Eikhah) all contain poignant, emotional moments, and address love, death, loyalty, intimacy, and the vanity of life. We will look at selections of these texts to see how they relate to our lives. An added bonus is that we read all of these texts on different Jewish festivals or fasts.
This class is open to all women. No knowledge of Hebrew is required, as all texts will be translated.
These workshops are open to all and no knowledge of Hebrew is required.
They may be especially insightful to parents of school age children.