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Adult Education

Adult Education

Temple Or Rishon's Adult Education Program offers classes that are intellectually and spiritually satisfying - and fun. They appeal to the different backgrounds and interests of congregation members and are open to all members of the community. Whether you have been immersed in Jewish learning for years, or are just beginning, you are sure to find something that will satisfy your interests and curiosity and support your spiritual and religious life.
 
Scroll down to see the Adult Education offerings for 2023/2024.  Please contact Mary Frank, Educator, at mary.frank@orrishon.org or 916 988-4100, for questions and further information.
 
 
TORAH STUDY

Torah Study meets every Saturday morning at 9am. Led by Rabbi Rabishaw, Torah Study is a great place to come if you are looking for deeper study, connection, and meaning. On Saturday mornings where there is a Morning Shabbat Service, Torah study will be held in-person at Temple Or Rishon. All other Saturday mornings, Torah study meets on Zoom. Click here to view this week's schedule.

Adult Education Offerings - 2023/2024

Tuesdays @ 7:00pm - October 17, 24, 31 (2023)
Intro to Tanakh (The Hebrew Bible, Torah, Prophets & Writings)
Instructor: Marty Mechanick
Location: Temple Or Rishon
Description:  Marty will provide a basic overview of the structure, themes and flow of the Hebrew bible, sharing insights from it’s three sections, Torah, Prophets and Writings.  Attention will be given to talking about the impact of the Prophets and the relationship of the Haftarah (a selection from the Prophets) and its relationship to the Torah portion of the week.  Marty will also bring a reform perspective to the Writings. 

Click here to register to attend>>>

Tuesdays @ 7:00pm - November 7, 14, 28 (2023)
Israel Today   
Instructor: Rabbi Alan Rabishaw
Location: Temple Or Rishon
Description:  We will use these session to identify the core issues facing Israel today, as well as the complex ideologies and history behind the hard realities.  Governmental strife, Judea and Samaria, the Abraham Accords and Palestinian realities will likely dominate our conversations and explorations.  
 
Tuesdays @ 7:00pm - December 5, 19 and February 13 (2023/24)
Demystifying Hazanut
Instructor: Cantor Ben Harris
Location: Temple Or Rishon
Description: What is Hazzanut? Or is it Chazanut? What is this foreign sound that feels so familiar? Come learn about some of the classics of the Golden Age of Cantorial music with Cantor Ben in this 3 part musical seminar. This series will interweave live musical examples, textual examples, and historical recordings to demonstrate the development of this music over time and the breadth of styles that it has incorporated as well.
 
Fridays @ 6:00pm -  January 5, 12, 19, 26 (2024)
Demystifying the Shabbat service
Instructor: Sara Shakked
Location: Temple Or Rishon
Description:  Join Sara Shakked from 6pm to 6:50pm prior to Shabbat Services for an in-depth look at the rituals, structures and prayers that are part of the Shabbat Evening service.  Questions, wonderment and practical conversation will enllighten this class.

Tuesdays @ 7:00pm - December 12, February 6, &  20 (2023/24)
An Exploration in Jewish Spirituality 
Instructor: Mary Frank
Location: Temple Or Rishon
Description: Looking for a more personal connection to the divine? This class will explore themes of spirituality in Judaism. 

Tuesdays @ 7:00pm - March 5, 12, 19 (2024)
Death, Mourning Rituals and the Afterlife
Instructor: Rabbi Alan Rabishaw
Location: Temple Or Rishon
Description:  We will use these sessions to 1)  explore traditional and modern teachings and attitudes about dying, 2) examine basic mourning rituals related to death and dying, and 3) take a look at some of the insights about what Judaism believes (might) happen after we die.

Tuesdays @ 7:00pm - April 2, 9, 16 (2024)
A Passover Primer
Instructor: Marty Mechanick
Location: Temple Or Rishon
Description:  This class will focus on the history and customs of the Seder, an exploration of the number 4, the seder plate and its meaning as well as what the holiday means to you.  Some focus will also be given to songs, personal customs, favorite memories and traditions.

Tuesdays @ 7:00pm - May 7, 14, 21 (2024)
The Sounds of the Shalosh Regalim
Instructor: Cantor Ben Harris
Location: Temple Or Rishon
Description: Come explore the music and chanting of Shavuot, Sukkot, Simchat Torah, and Pesach. In Session 1, we will focus on the the music of Sukkot and Simchat Torah; Session 2 will cover Pesach and Hallel; our concluding Session 3 lead through the Counting of the Omer and Shavuot.
Tue, December 5 2023 22 Kislev 5784