“Lifelong learning is a fundamental Jewish value. Indeed, we are obligated to study and to learn until we breathe our last breaths, says 12th century sage Maimonides in his code of Jewish law, Mishnah Torah. We are never too old to learn." - Rabbi Dara Lithwick

Hamakom’s Vision for Lifelong Learning

Lifelong learning serves as a transformative experience, enhancing how we understand ourselves and deepening our relationships with Jewish life, the community, and the world. Adults are the parents and grandparents in our communities, as well as the donors, the agency leaders, the creators and the entrepreneurs. They are the primary role models for our children and young people. So imagine how the world might change if more adults engaged in lifelong Jewish learning and found personal meaning in Torah! Hamakom strives to make this possible by offering adult education opportunities that are inspiring, uplifting, challenging and accessible to adult learners in all stages of life.

The Adult Education Programming Process

Each year, Hamakom’s Adult Education Committee prepares a list of recommended courses, series and events to be offered to Hamakom’s community of adult learners. This list, typically a diverse array of classes taught by Clergy and lay people, courses and events featuring topics of interest to our adult community, and suggestions for courses and events from the Hamakom membership, is reviewed, finalized and calendared with HAMAKOM’s Programming Committee. The season’s Adult Education programs are then announced and advertised to Hamakom’s membership.

Do you have an idea for an educational program? Is there a class that you want to teach? Is there an adult education topic that Hamakom should cover? Is there a teacher or speaker that you want invited to Hamakom?

To propose an idea for an educational program, class, or event, please use this form.

Hamakom Adult Education Preference Survey Results

In the spring of 2024, Hamakom’s Adult Education Committee conducted a survey that asked the membership about their preferences for adult education classes. The results of this survey inform Hamakom’s annual Adult Education Programming Process.

To view the summary survey report, click here

To view the full survey report, click here

Introduction to Reading Hebrew
8 sessions starting Thursday, July 10 | 6:30-7:30 pm | Zoom Only
Taught by Barbara Klaristenfeld

This class is for those who have never learned to read Hebrew or have forgotten the Hebrew they learned in Religious School. For those interested in the Adult B'nai Mitzvah program (starting Sept. 4) who are not Hebrew readers, this Introduction to Reading Hebrew class is REQUIRED.
Register

Torah Trope Class
8 sessions starting Thursday, July 10 | 7:45-8:45 pm | In Person Only
Taught by Hazzan Mimi Haselkorn and Hazzan Joel Smith

Have you ever thought about reading Torah in synagogue? This class is for those people who are proficient Hebrew readers and want to learn how to read Torah. The class will focus on the Torah trope that allows people to read Torah on their own.
Register

Adult B'nai Mitzvah Class
Year-long class starting Thursday, Sept. 4 | 6:30-8:45 pm
Taught by Hamakom Clergy for Members Only

For those members who have never celebrated a bar or bat mitzvah, this is your opportunity to participate in the sacred ceremony acknowledging your connection to the Jewish people. The first hour will be taught by one of our rabbis and will cover a variety of Jewish topics. The second hour will be taught by Hazzan Mimi, who will teach prayers, Torah reading, and Haftarah. Classes will continue into Fall 2026 and will culminate with an Adult B'nai Mitzvah ceremony on a Shabbat morning. For those interested in the Adult B'nai Mitzvah program who are not Hebrew readers, the Introduction to Reading Hebrew class is REQUIRED. 
Register

New Moon Rising

First Tuesday of the month from 7:00 - 9:00 pm
Taught by Renee Cohn

Explore the known and unknown Jewish women of our ancestry at this monthly Rosh Chodesh group.

More Info & RSVP