Temple Jeremiah's Adult Learning Committee works to present adult lectures and programs of interest to the congregation and the community at large. Please refer to our Winter/Spring 2010 Adult Education brochure.

For information on other adult education programs, visit our sites on the Dawn Schuman Institute, the Florence Melton Adult Mini-School and programs sponsored by other organizations.

In addition, Outreach offers a variety of educational opportunities throughout the year.

Torah Study

Every Saturday
9:00 am

Join Temple Jeremiah for bagels and coffee while studying and discussing the weekly Torah portion. Become one of our Torah Study regulars! Drop-ins are welcome.

The question for Shabbat Yitro (February 5) is: "Why do you think God chose to give The Ten Commandments to all the people at the same time and not just have Moses relate them to the people?" Find out the answer to this and other questions at Torah Study.

Click on the link below or paste it in your browser for the February 5 Torah portion in brief: www.myjewishlearning.com/yitro

The question for Shabbat Mishpatim (February 12) is: "God commands Moses to come up Mount Sinai and write down The Ten Commandments on stone tablets so they can be taught. Why is it important to teach the Ten Commandments? Are the Ten Commandments strictly for Jews or for all people?"

Click on the link below or paste it in your browser for the February 12 Torah portion in brief: www.myjewishlearning.com/mishpatim

For an annotated bibliography of recommended resources for Torah Study, click here. For a personal perspective from one of our Torah Study regulars, see Torah Study Class.

Adult Retreat: "Why are Jews Liberal? An Exploration of Faith & Politics"

Friday, February 5 - Sunday, February 7, 2010
Olin-Sang-Ruby Union Institute
Oconomowoc, Wisconsin

Is there a correct way for Jews to vote? What do you believe and why? What's changed that might cause us to rethink our opinions? These are among the questions congregants, together with Rabbi Paul Cohen, will discuss at this year's Retreat.

The Retreat offers a rare opportunity to be intellectually challenged, experience Shabbat at camp, make new friends, connect with other Jeremiahans, learn, pray, study and partake in meals together.

Cost is $140 per person based on double occupancy. To sign up, download the Adult Retreat brochure and reserve your spot for a weekend of intellectual and spiritual growth.

The Holocaust and Film - "The Quarrel"

Sunday, February 7, 2010
1:15 pm

Holly Price, a Holocaust educator and teacher at Temple Jeremiah, leads the concluding program in this series, "The Quarrel." We'll view the movie and then take part in a discussion. (The January 10 program looked at the film, "Imaginary Witness." The January 24 program looked at the film, "God on Trial." The January 31 program examined the film, "Europa Europa.")

Download the flyer.

"The Quarrel" takes up the age-old question of God's justice or lack thereof that plagued Job and other humans since the dawn of time. One man stands firmly in his fundamentalist faith while his friend insists on the goodness of humanity. Both men have become extremists as they attempt to give some meaning to their lives after being in the Holocaust. Hidden within their psyches are betrayals, hypocrisy and plain stubbornness that the two were unable or unwilling to share. This brief moment in the park is an opportunity for reconciliation, if they choose to do so.

A brilliant film such as this should be shown in every classroom and home as we struggle with the notion of forgiveness, human failure, and religious faith. All of these questions emerge from the encounter of these two men who deep inside are filled with loneliness and grief. Rosh Hashanah leaves open for them a new beginning in faith as it will for you.

"The Magic of Torah"

Sunday, February 21, 2010
9:00 am

Rabbi Moshe Druin, our scribe for the Torah of Our Own Project, will look at the many aspects of the Torah that make it so special.

"Judaism on the Other Foot"

Mondays, February 22 and March 1, 8 & 15, 2010
9:00 am

Join Rabbi Paul Cohen, Rabbi Michelle Greenberg, Cantor Amy Zussman and Dr. Anne Lidsky as we continue our overview and introduction to Jewish origins, rituals and beliefs. (This is a sequel to the "Judaism on One Foot" series that took place in fall 2009.)

Together we will explore the foundations of Jewish spirituality, Jewish values and the Jewish people. Our topics include Theology, Lifecycles, Ritual and Reform Judaism. Classes will include text study, discussion and lecture-style learning.

Classes are open to all at no charge, but you are asked to RSVP to the temple office so we have enough hand-outs. Drop-ins, however, are also welcome.

Download the flyer.

Lunch and Learn: "Judaism in the Marketplace"

Wednesdays, February 24 & March 31, 2010
12:00 - 1:00 pm

Lunch and Learn participants, generally led by Rabbi Paul Cohen, enjoy lunch while discussing Jewish-related topics at different locations in downtown Chicago the last Wednesday of the month. Rabbi Michelle Greenberg will lead the February 24 program.

Contact Phyllis Burg at 847-441-5760, x110 or Phyllis Burg to RSVP and for the location.

Download the flyer.

Pulse of Our World: Our Rabbi Reads the Headlines

Sunday, March 7, 2010
10:00 am

Rabbi Paul Cohen discusses current events from a Jewish vantage point.

Book Discussion: “East of Eden”

Sunday, March 7, 2009
11:00 am

Congregant Ruth Adler will lead a discussion of Nobel Prize winner John Steinbeck’s epic novel, “East of Eden.” Set in the rich farmland of California’s Salinas Valley in the early 20th century, this sprawling novel follows the intertwined destinies of two families - the Trasks and the Hamiltons - whose generations helplessly re-enact the fall of Adam and Eve and the poisonous rivalry of Cain and Abel.

Often considered his greatest work, ”East of Eden” features Steinbeck’s most mesmerizing characters and explores his most enduring themes: the mystery of identity, the inexplicability of love and the murderous consequences of love’s absence.

"The Torah: Its Relevance in Our Days" with Rabbi Moshe Druin

Wednesday, March 10, 2010
12:00 pm
Downtown Chicago
RSVP: Email Phyllis or call 847-441-5760, x110

Wednesday, March 17, 2010
12:00 pm
Temple Jeremiah
RSVP: Email Stacey or call 847-441-5760, x100

In this two-part program, Rabbi Moshe Druin, our scribe for the Torah of Our Own Project, will look at how a 3000 year old book can make sense in the year 2010. Lunch will be served at the March 10 program at no charge. Please bring your own lunch to the March 17 program.

Come to either or both events. There is no charge, but you must RSVP to attend.

“Getting to God: A Kallah for Jews Today in their Search for Spirituality”

Friday, March 12 - Sunday, March 14, 2009
Olin-Sang-Ruby Union Institute
Oconomowoc, Wisconsin
Cost: $350 per participant ($50 early bird discount if you sign up by February 12). Deadline to register is February 24.
Download the brochure for more details and to register

•  Do you wonder about God’s existence?  •  Do you struggle with your faith in God?  •  Do the stresses of today’s economy challenge your spirituality?

If any of these questions describe you, then this kallah is designed for you. Led by Rabbi Michelle Greenberg and Rabbi Marc J. Belgrad, a reform rabbi whose lifelong passion is the exploration of the possibilities, meanings and realities of the Jewish faith, “Getting to God” provides a series of discussions, exercises and explorations to enable you to work through issues of faith and emerge with stronger beliefs.

Over the course of a carefully crafted weekend and in a safe, supportive but challenging environment, participants explore their faith and doubts, confronting the issues that stand in the way of greater faith and exploring traditions that strengthen that faith. Shabbat will be celebrated around the meal table and during tefilot (worship). The weekend is filled with exploration, joy and a powerful sense of trust between participants.

See Rabbi Greenberg's Covenant article to learn more about this kallah.

Rabbi's Reading Table - "America's Prophet: Moses and the American Story"

Sunday, April 11, 2010
10:00 am

Rabbi Paul Cohen discusses this groundbreaking new book by New York Times bestseller Bruce Feiler.