Adult Education

Tell me and I forget, teach me and I remember,
involve me and I learn.
— Benjamin Franklin

Monthly “Bagel and Bible” Study Breakfasts, Study Groups, Introductory Hebrew, Guest Speakers…

These are just a few of the many ways that we embrace and support ongoing Adult Learning at Temple Bnai Israel.  In addition, our close proximity to the University of Connecticut and their Judaic Studies Program gives us many opportunities to provide a rich and fulfilling schedule of classes. 

We have several current ongoing study groups welcoming new members, and we appreciate suggestions for topics for forming new groups.  

  • Why Do Good People Suffer? (Generally 2nd and 4th Wednesday, January-June 2023. You’re welcome to join in the middle.)

  • Brews, Views, Schmooze with Jews (All Welcome!) (A monthly informal gathering at Willimantic Brewing Company featuring, questions, answers, lively discussions, and locally brewed beverages!

  • Mussar Va’ad (A group learning and encouraging each other in the Mussar method of ethical self-development. An introductory course is required to join the group.)

Recent classes and presentations have included:

  • “How Do You Remember Sinai: Were You Riding a Motorcycle?” (Reading and writing biblical stories into modern times in service of our contemporary lives)

  • “Seven Ways to Read the Bible” (from the classical rabbinic readings to contemporary literary and feminist readings)

  • “People of the Book” (A series of/on Jewish authors, focusing especially on fantasy and science fiction)

  • "'Love the Stranger':Migrant Workers, Asylum Seekers, and Israeli Activists in Tel Aviv"

  • Siddur (Prayer Book) Study Group

  • Antisemitism: History, Current Status, How to React

  • Beginning Hebrew

Likely topics for future study:

  • “God is Here: Reimagining the Divine,” a class based on the book by Rabbi Toba Spitzer

  • Intro to Judaism

We are always adding new events, classes, and presentations.  Please check here for future offerings.

To learn what we are offering, contact the Temple or see our monthly Bulletin.