“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

Unlocking The Secrets of the Siddur

Starts Oct. 8 | Tuesdays from 9:30 - 11:00 am
Taught by Rabbi Richard Camras and Rabbi Stewart Vogel

Join Rabbi Camras and Rabbi Vogel as they dive into the deep meanings inherent in our daily prayers, using the Conservative movement siddur, or prayer book, Siddur Lev Shalem. In an in-person, supportive setting, together with the rabbis, the class will explore the development of Jewish prayer and how these ancient texts still have meaning for us today.

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Cultivating The Soul Through Mussar Practice

Starts Nov. 5 | Tuesdays from 5:00 - 6:30 pm
Taught by Barry Cohn & Brad Weber

This class will introduce a transformative approach to refining our character traits, enabling us to serve others with ever-increasing joy and purpose. Our focus on Middot (character traits) goes beyond self-improvement; it is about embracing the responsibility to uplift and care for others.

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Wise Aging 3: Getting Good at Getting Older

Starts Nov. 4 | Mondays from 2:30 - 4:30 pm
Taught by Valerie Edwards

In this introductory course in the Wise Aging Series, we will explore the later stage of life through topics that will include reflecting on our life stories, relating compassionately to our changing bodies, cultivating spiritual qualities that can sustain and uplift us, building nourishing relationships, and living with loss while finding light and purpose.

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New Moon Rising

Starts Nov. 5 | First Tuesday of the month from 7:00 - 9:00 pm
Taught by Malka Rappaport and Renee Cohn

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

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