Adult Education and Hebrew Classes
Torah Study
Every Monday at noon we gather for a fun and thought-provoking study of Jewish texts. In addition to reading the Biblical texts, we also study some of the commentators which often leads to a very interesting understanding. Bring your lunch to the Temple Library and join us for an hour of study and friendship!
Hebrew Lessons
Hebrew is the language of our people and learning Hebrew as an adult can be fun and rewarding. Rabbi Cohen holds small classes and works individually with adults to help them reach their Hebrew goals. Call the Temple office today and get started!
Tuesdays at the Temple
Tuesdays at the Temple is a monthly themed program that meets most Tuesdays on various topics ranging from Jewish history, culture, and the holidays to current topics of interest. Past programs have included “Learning through the Arts,” with some lectures held at Roanoke’s Taubman Museum; “Jews in Italy: History”; discussions of Life Issues, including physical and financial health; “Different Perspectives on the Hebrew Bible,” led by Rabbi Kathy Cohen and Ferrum College Prof. David Howell; and "Tuesdays at the Movies."
Adult Torah Study
Torah study is an ongoing part of our Adult Education experience. Each Monday at noon, join Rabbi Cohen and others as we explore the meaning of Torah portions with the aid of rabbinic commentary. Bring your lunch and come to the library for this very vibrant and very adult look at the Torah.
Friday Night Speakers
These speakers add excitement to Friday night Shabbat services throughout the year. Plan to join us for services on these nights and be enlightened by area professors, community leaders, and visiting scholars as they speak on various topics of interest.
Basic Judaism and Hebrew Classes
Classes for congregants who want to learn about basic Jewish holidays and life-cycle observances. The beginning Hebrew class will teach participants how to read Hebrew phonetically. More advanced Hebrew classes are also offered.
Current Events Discussion Group
One Sunday morning each month, we gather in the Temple Library for a lively discussion of local, national, and international news (with special attention to Israel and the Middle East). Coffee and cake are served … healthy snacks, too!
Our Hebrew School meets from 11:45 am-1:45 pm every Sunday that the JCRS meets. Though preparation for Bar/Bat Mitzvah remains the main goal of our school, we also emphasize living according to the Jewish character traits of humility, kindness, generosity etc. Our school offers very small student to teacher ratios and allows each child to learn at his/her own pace.
Further Information
Adult Education brochures are located outside the Sanctuary. The monthly Temple Bulletin provides descriptions of speakers, topics, and dates.
Mussar
Mussar is the study and practice of Jewish spiritual living. Each of us have hundreds of character traits (middot) such as humility, patience, tolerance, equanimity, generosity etc. In order to be the best people that we can be and therefore capable of a clearer, stronger relationship with others and God, we must continually work towards a balance of these traits. A new Mussar group will form in November and meet every other Sunday morning from 10:00-11:30 am. Our two continuing Mussar groups will meet on the third and fourth Tuesday nights of each month. Call the Temple Emanuel office and make an appointment with Rabbi Cohen if you are ready for this important journey in your life!
