Adult Education

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Introduction to Judaism (2025-2026)

This class, taught by Rabbi Josh Stanton, welcomes all who are interested in learning more about Jewish tradition and wisdom. In approx. 28 sessions, it will provide the basis for further learning or a Jewish life. Sessions will take place online from 12:00-1:00pm on Tuesdays: Oct. 21, 28; Nov. 18, 25; Dec. 2, 9. 16; Jan. 6, 13, 20, 27; Feb. 3, 10, 24; Mar. 10, 17, 24, 31; Apr. 14, 21, 28; May 5, 12, 19, 26; June 2, 9, 16, 23. Interfaith couples, people of all faiths exploring Judaism or conversion to Judaism, and those seeking a deeper connection to Judaism are all welcome. ALL SESSIONS OF THIS CLASS WILL BE HELD ONLINE, VIA ZOOM.

Discover what could be meaningful to you in liberal Judaism. Explore a modern take on Jewish life. Engage with Jewish values, celebrations, spirituality, and community in an Introduction to Judaism class.

Everyone is welcome. The class is perfect for interfaith couples, those raising Jewish children, spiritual seekers, individuals considering conversion, and Jews who want a meaningful adult Jewish learning experience. Ask your questions, engage with multiple perspectives, and explore Jewish life through a Reform lens.

East End Temple Intro to Judaism Registration Form

The cost is $360 per person ($720 per couple) for non-members. Please email info@eastendtemple.org with any questions.
The class is free for members of East End Temple — please email info@eastendtemple.org for the member registration link.

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Adult Study — Peoplehood

Jewish peoplehood is the concept of a shared identity and sense of belonging that unites Jews across the globe, encompassing a collective history, culture, religion, and ethical tradition, and fostering a sense of responsibility for the well-being of the Jewish people as a whole. This year we are going to explore peoplehood through study, food, holiday celebrations and culture.  

Coffee, Cocktails, and Complex Conversations with the Cantor
Thursday, Aug. 28, 5:30-7:30pm
Thursday, Nov. 13, 6:00-8:00pm
Thursday, Dec. 11, 6:00-8:00pm
Join Cantor Olivia at a local cafe or bar (location provided with RSVP) to chat with her about current events and moral dilemmas you’ve been grappling with, from a Jewish perspective. This is an opportunity to meet informally in a small group setting and discuss topics of great complexity and importance. This is a forum for a free exchange of ideas and to get to know one another better, so come with open ears and open minds!

Headlines to Torah-lines
Mondays from 12:00-1:00pm: Sept. 15, 2025 through June 7, 2026
Via Zoom only
Cost: $36 for members, $72 for non-members (if the full cost presents a challenge, please let us know by emailing info@eastendtemple.org)
How does ancient Jewish wisdom give us a new lens, and sometimes a new conscious course of action, in light of the world we see unfolding today? Kohelet said: “There is nothing new under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 1:9) — our UJA-funded “Being Jewish” class community discovered this weekly in 2024-25 and will continue in this new format in 2025-26. This class is open to EET members and beyond.

Adult Hebrew Reading
Tuesdays from 6:30-7:30pm: Sept. 16, 30; Oct. 21, 28; Nov. 4, 11, 18; Dec. 2, 9, 16; Jan. 6, 13, 20, 27; Feb. 3, 10, 24; March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31; April 14; 21; 28; May 5, 12
In person at EET
This is a beginner Hebrew reading class for adults, which will focus on reading Hebrew to help understand and appreciate prayer, Torah, and other Jewish rituals more deeply. The class is open to all adult learners, and is recommended for those beginning the two-year Adult Bet Mitzvah program who need to learn to read Hebrew.

The class will be taught by EET staff member Elyssa Mosbacher; the cost will be $360 per person, including materials. [Our community works to ensure that as many people as possible can afford great Jewish experiences. If the full cost presents a challenge, please let us know by emailing info@eastendtemple.org.]

Open Hearts and Minds
Tuesday, October 21 at 6:45pm
In person at EET
With the rise in antisemitism we are facing today, the ADL’s Center for Antisemitism Research has conducted a series of studies to understand how we best can communicate about the problem and severity of antisemitism. Come learn from an ADL expert on how we can help create allyship and effectively message the urgency and severity of antisemitism in today’s world. Please RSVP to info@eastendtemple.org.

Judaism in Pop Culture
Tuesdays at 6:45pm: Oct. 21, 28; Nov. 25; Dec. 9, Jan. 13, 27; Feb. 10; Mar. 17, 31; Apr. 28; May 12;
June 2, 9
In person at EET
This class will explore a wide range of Jewish topics, from law to lore, politics to ancient poetry, through student-shared snippets of American culture — songs, TV shows, podcasts, movies and more. Inspired by the Adult Bet Mitzvah class of 2023-25, this class is open to all EET members. Free, with suggested donation of $54 to the Sara Spencer Education Fund.

Lunch and Learn: Points of Pain and Hope
Saturdays from 12:00-1:00pm: Nov. 1, Dec. 13, Jan. 24, Feb. 28, Mar. 14, Apr. 18, May 2
In person and via Zoom
Rabbi Josh will teach the class you never had about Israel. Points of pain, hope, and nuance around Gaza, the West Bank, and Palestinian refugees. This 6-part course will complicate, uplift, and open respectful dialogue about challenging issues connected to a country we love and to which we feel deeply connected.

  • For Zoom link, click here to register (LINK COMING SOON)

“The Last Twins” Documentary Screening with Q & A with producers
Tuesday, November 11 at 6:30pm
In person at EET
Narrated by Liev Schreiber, “The Last Twins” is the harrowing never-before-told story of an unsung hero of the Holocaust, Erno “Zvi” Spiegel, who risked everything to save dozens of young twins from almost certain death at Auschwitz.

“The Last Twins” is the story of how Zvi Spiegel, an Auschwitz prisoner himself, managed to save the lives of the young children put under his care by Dr. Mengele. Through first-hand testimony and exclusive archival material, “The Last Twins” brings to life the voices of those who survived because of Spiegel’s defiance. It is a testament to resilience, sacrifice, and the power of one person to make a difference, even in humanity’s darkest hour.

The music for this documentary was written by EET member Jonathan Zalben. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with the directors.

Challah Baking and Telling Our Stories with Rabbi Joel Mosbacher
Sunday, January 25 from 2:00-5:00pm
More information coming soon!

Passover Charoset Class and Tasting
Sunday, March 29 from 3:00-5:00pm
In person at EET
Cost: $18/family
EET’s own Sharon and Shaul Shemesh will teach how to make their Mizrachi charoset, and then we’ll taste other styles of charoset (Ashkenazi, Moroccan, and more!)

Adult Civil Rights Trip to the South
Thursday, April 16-Monday, April 20, 2026
Led by Tzedek America, our trip will start in Memphis and take us through Birmingham, Montgomery, and Selma, ending in Atlanta. We will take a transformative journey through the heart of the Civil Rights Movement, exploring the poignant history and immersing in pivotal sites echoing the resilience of activists who challenged systemic oppression. Registration priority given to members of East End Temple.