Adult Education

image/svg+xml

Learn

Introduction to Judaism (2026-2027)

This class, taught by Cantor Olivia Brodsky and Assoc. Dir. of Cong. Learning Tehilah Eisenstadt, welcomes all who are interested in learning more about Jewish tradition and wisdom. In approx. 30 sessions, it will provide the basis for further learning or a Jewish life. Sessions will take place online from 12:00-1:00pm on Thursdays: Oct: 8, 15, 22, 29; Nov: 5, 12, 19; Dec: 3, 10, 17; Jan: 7, 14, 21, 28; Feb: 4, 11, 25; Mar: 4, 11, 18, 25; Apr: 1, 8, 15; May: 6, 13, 20, 27; June: 3, 10. 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.

_________________________________________________

Adult Study — Joyful Judaism

Weekly Programs

Fridays at 5:00 with Rabbi Josh
Join Rabbi Josh every Friday for meditation or thoughtful conversation:
— Mindfulness — First Fridays (monthly, in person)
Join Rabbi Josh in the EET library for quiet reflection, followed by the recitation of Mi Shebeirach, and the Mourner’s Kaddish. This is an offering specifically for adults.
— Politics & Power — all other Fridays (in person)
We will look at Jewish approaches to power and politics through the books of Joshua, Samuel and Kings. (2nd through 4th Fridays at 5pm.) Study the Books of Joshua, Samuel, and Kings and reflect upon approaches they suggest (or critique) to power, politics, and public life. Learn about the leadership styles of Joshua, Saul, David, and Solomon and reflect upon their dilemmas, choices, missteps, and impact on society.

Monday Midrash/Tuesday Torah with Tehilah Eisenstadt
Mondays at 12:00pm (Zoom)
Tuesdays at 6:45pm (in person)
Our Torah and life classes continue! In this class (same topic on both days each week), we will look at the weekly Torah portion read by Jews around the world. We will weave in ancient and contemporary Midrash (Torah fan fiction, or exegesis) with our own understanding of how the weekly Torah portion speaks to our own lives, our challenges, questions, and visions for the future.
Cost: $36/person for members / $72/person for non-members

Adult Hebrew (Reading, Prayers, and/or Bet Mitzvah)
This year we would like to offer 3 different adult Hebrew experiences. All three classes require a minimum of 10 students per class for us to run the class — please email teisenstadt@eastendtemple.org to let us know you’re interested:

— Hebrew Reading (with Elyssa Mosbacher)
Tuesdays from 6:30-7:30pm (in person, approx. 30 sessions)
Learning the letters and how to read. Cost $360/student
— Hebrew Prayer Reading (with Mindy Sherry)
Tuesdays from 7:00-8:00pm (in person, 6 sessions)
Each session focuses on a different selection of prayers from the siddur (prayer book) and includes reading practice with an experienced instructor and a classroom community. We will also explore the meaning of the prayers, learn key Hebrew prayer vocabulary, and hear common prayer melodies. Our course assumes participants are familiar with the sounds and shapes of the Hebrew letters and can slowly sound out Hebrew words. Cost $180/student.
— Adult Bet Mitzvah (with Tehilah Eisenstadt)
Thursdays from 6:30-7:45pm (in person, approx. 30 sessions)
This skill-based, community-building, and meaning-focused class is a 1-year deep dive into what it means to live as a Jewish adult who wants to bring greater knowledge and know-how into your life and your community. If you have questions please reach out to Tehilah (teisenstadt@eastendtemple.org).
Basic Hebrew reading skills required. Cost $540/student

Monthly Programs

Choir
Tuesdays from 6:30-8:00pm
Join Cantor Olivia for a community choir, focusing on Jewish liturgy, exploring the meaning of various prayers, and, of course, on creating beautiful music. The choir will be invited to help lead various special Shabbat services throughout the year and participate in broader Jewish community outreach. No previous experience required, and all ages (high school and older) are welcome!

  • Dates: Oct 6, 20; Nov 3, 17; Dec 1, 15; Jan 5, 19; Feb 2, 23; March 9, 30; April 13; May 18; June 1, 15

The East End Lens: “Bringing the World Into Focus” with Joy Newman
Evenings from 6:30-8:30pm
The film club will serve as a community window onto the wider world, as we watch documentary films and discuss them together. 

Complex Conversations with the Cantor
Thursdays from 7:00-9:00pm (in person, location with RSVP)
Join Cantor Olivia to chat 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! 

  • Space is limited, so RSVP is required to Cantor Olivia
    (obrodsky@eastendtemple.org). Dates: Nov. 5, Dec. 17, Jan. 28, Feb. 18, Mar. 25, May 6, June 17

Other Programs

Challah Baking with Rabbi Joel Mosbacher
Sunday, October 25, 3:00-5:00pm for Religious School parents: $36/person, includes babysitting. Register here
Sunday, February 28, 3:00-5:00pm for everyone (ages 10 and older): $18/person. Register here

We are sustained as human beings by many essential things, but two of the prime ingredients are food and sacred stories. In this workshop, we’ll have a chance to share both! Join our community for a challah workshop with Rabbi Joel Mosbacher, founder of All Rise Community, as we explore the intersection of sustenance and sacred story. In this 2-hour workshop, participants will have fun together, learn how to prepare challah dough, and go home with ready-to-bake loaves. In addition, we’ll also come away knowing more about each other, what we each need to thrive in our lives, and what our sacred stories can tell us about who we are and what we can envision for the future.

Sacred Service: Caring for Our People with Mindy Sherry and Sharon Shemesh
5 sessions (dates TBD) from 6:30-7:30pm (in person)
Our largest generation is aging, which means many of us are taking care of our parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and chosen family. This five-class series will help us prepare and navigate our sacred duty in the next phase of our relationships. These are stand-alone sessions — join one or join all. These are the topics we will cover:
Tues., Nov. 10 — Advance planning for end of life Jewishly (with Plaza Jewish Community Chapel)
Date TBD — Estate Planning
Date TBD — Palliative Care and Hospice /Assisted Living
Date TBD — Navigating Medicare and Medicaid
Wed., May 5 — Chevra Kaddisha (care for the body after death)

Jewish Tapas: A “Taste” of Judaism
Thursdays from 7:00-8:00pm: Nov. 19, Dec. 3, Jan. 21, Feb. 25
This course is designed to give a space to parents or adults who are new to Judaism and are raising Jewish children of any age. We will cover topics that most frequently bring stress to multi-faith families, so that adults can feel better prepared and even excited for Jewish life. Over the four sessions (including dinner) we will cover:

  • Building interfaith Jewish community
  • Jewish holidays
  • Life cycles with a focus on Bet Mitzvah
  • Creating a Jewish home and roles
  • Jewish rituals around death and dying

With the intention to build deep community, this class has a cap of 20 students (priority will be given to EET members) and will only meet in person. 

The Joys and Oys of Raising Young Adults with Mindy Sherry and Elyssa Mosbacher
Wednesday, Dec. 2 and Thursday, Feb. 4 from 7:00-8:00pm (in person)
Parenting any age is always an adventure, and parenting young adults can be especially adventurous! In some cases our children are leaving the nest later and later, meaning our active parenting is not done when we expect. In other cases our children are leaving just as we expected, but it’s still hard. Join us as we come together to share and learn from Jewish texts, rituals, and each other.

Hamantaschen Baking
Sunday, March 14 from 3:00-5:00pm
Bring friends and learn how to make these favorite Purim treats!
$18/person

“Bark” Mitzvah with Cantor Olivia and Tehilah Eisenstadt
Dates TBD in April/May/June from 6:30-7:30pm (in person)
Do you feel like you and your pet (not just dogs!) have been missing out on a key Jewish life cycle ritual? Join us for 3 classes (people-only at EET), 1 rehearsal and 1 “Bark” Mitzvah ceremony (in the park). We will cover Jewish texts on pet ownership and other relevant topics. One of our goals is to create a joy-focused, intergenerational micro-community of EET pet owners.

Adult Trip to Mexico City
We are gathering information and will send more details soon about this exciting opportunity!