Adult Education
Life-long learning for congregants of all ages is one of GJC's core values. By continuing to study Jewish texts and culture, we not only nourish our own connection with Judaism, we also help to maintain the relevance of Jewish traditions in the world today.
Adult Education Institute
Our Adult Education Institute offers a wide variety of courses throughout the year in three subject areas: Jewish Literacy, Jewish Texts and Jewish Culture. One class from each subject area is offered every fall, winter and spring. The courses are scheduled for different times of day and for learners at all levels.
We are fortunate to have many engaging and knowledgeable people in our community who are happy to share their talents as teachers in our Adult Education Institute. Our wide-ranging, rotating roster of teachers includes congregants who are ordained Rabbis and professional educators.
Click here to view our 2012-13 Jewish Connections Program Brochure for details on all of our classes as well as other learning opportunities and events at GJC.
2012-13 Courses
Provisions for the Journey: A Wisdom Circle - Begins September 6 (Monthly, Sep-May)
Mussar - Begins September 11 (Weekly, Year Long)
Center City Lunch & Learn - Begins October 3 (Monthly, Oct-Mar)
Learn to Read Torah Trope - Begins October 17 (Weekly, 10 sessions, through Jan 9, skipping some weeks)
Calling All Golems - Begins October 22 (Weekly, 4 sessions, through Nov 12 - Needs a host home, consider volunteering!)
More Tough Social Issues in Israel - Begins October 28 (Weekly, 4 sessions, through Nov 18)
Race Through the Jewish Holidays - Begins January 6
With an Ear to the East: The Role of "Eastern" Musical Influences on Israeli Culture - Begins February 3
Let My People Know . . . . Learn to Read Hebrew by Passover - Begins February 3
A Magical Mystery Tour of Midrash - Begins February 25 (Needs a host home, consider volunteering!)
As if We had Come Out of Egypt: Exploring the Haggadah - Begins March 3
Spiritual Treasures of Early Hasidic Literature - Begins April 9
Course information is updated periodically, please check back!
Sample Courses:
Jewish Literacy "Daven Like a Maven"
"Beginners Hebrew for Adults"
Jewish Texts "Reading the Zohar: Entering Jewish Mysticism"
"Interpreting Torah: The Binding of Isaac"
Jewish Culture"Jesus in Film & Popular Culture: Jewish Perspectives"
"Mameloshn: Yiddish Then & Now"
These learning groups form organically allowing congregants to study a topic of their choice either with a teacher who has particular expertise or just with each other. Example in recent years include a Zohar study group and a Talmud study group. We encourage people who are interested in a specific topic to speak with our Program Director and Rabbi to see if a havurah can be created to address the desired subject.
The Rabbinical Assembly of Greater Philadelphia invites you to attend a weekly study of Torah in various locations around the city. A local Rabbi leads the discussion, usually an exploration of the parashat hashavua, while you eat your dairy lunch. Beverages are provided. Each session is self-contained, so feel free to join at any time. For more information about any of the locations, contact Rabbi Gary Charlestein, 610-239-6003.
Center City Location: Offices of Cozen & O'Conner
1900 Market Street
(in the Philadelphia Stock Exchange Building)
Time: 12:15pm - 1:30pm
Host: Nancy Rounbehler - 215-665-2021
SESSIONS CONTINUE THROUGH JUNE 28TH
Abington/Jenkintown Location: Offices of The Jewish Theological Seminary
The Pavilion, 261 Old York Road, Suite 617
Time: 12:00noon - 1:00pm
Host: Ricci Goodman - 215-376-0474
SESSIONS CONTINUE THROUGH THE SUMMER (vacation days TBA)
Wednesdays
Plymouth Meeting/Norristown Location: Offices of Fishman & Tobin, Inc.
Metroplex Corporate Center 1
4000 Chemical Road, Suite 500
(corner of Chemical Rd. and Germantown Pike)
Time: 12:30pm - 1:30pm
Host: Sheldon Berkowitz - 610-828-8400
SESSIONS CONTINUE THROUGH THE SUMMER (vacation days TBA)