Adult Education
Learning and engaging with our rich intellectual tradition is important to us as a community. We are constantly creating new offerings for our members to learn in different ways, often inspired by requests from the community. Below are some of our core learning programs that are always supplemented with new opportunities.
Arguments for the Sake of Heaven with Rabbi Rheins
Tuesdays, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Our new weekly VIRTUAL text study will focus on the important book of Arguments for the Sake of Heaven by Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks zl. His books are always thought provoking, and this one is especially timely as it explores the rift between Orthodoxy and Reform, particularly in America. It also reviews the parallel conflict between ultra-religious and secular groups in Israel.
For each class, we will read a section of the book and take time to discuss and share our thoughts. Over the years, these text classes have given opportunities both to learn and to create wonderful friendships.
A weekly email is distributed with a PDF of the week’s text along with Zoom class link information. Zoom details are also available HERE for easy access.
Rabbi Zwerin Mishnah Avot Study
Saturdays, 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Avot is a compilation of the ethical teachings and maxims from Rabbinic Jewish tradition. It is unique in two ways: it is the only Mishnah tractate that deals solely with ethical principles, and it is the only Mishnah tractate that does not appear in either the Jerusalem or the Babylonian Talmud. Avot consists of five chapters dated from the time of Simon the Just (c. 160 BCE) to Judah HaNasi (c. 200CE). There is also a sixth chapter that is a repeat of a section from tractate Kallah; it is added to Avot because its content and style are similar to that in Avot. We do believe that all will enjoy this very interesting section of the Oral Law.
Weekly Avot Study is hosted online. Zoom details are available HERE for easy access.
Lunch and Learn
Thursdays, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Join Rabbi Rick Rheins or Rabbi Michael Shields each Thursday for a conversation about texts, tradition, and how these interpretations and lessons can apply to our daily lives.
Unable to make it in person? Join Lunch and Learn online. Zoom details are available HERE for easy access.
Adult B'nei Mitzvah
If you never have had the joy of leading a Shabbat service and reading from the Torah as a Bar or Bat Mitzvah, now is the time! Over the years, hundreds of Sinai adults have participated in this program.
Our Adult B’nei Mitzvah is a two-part program. The first part will help adults learn prayer book Hebrew. The second part will help adults lead a Shabbat service and read from a Sefer Torah as they celebrate becoming a Bar/Bat Mitzvah. Even if you have never studied Hebrew before, this is a wonderful opportunity to embrace and enhance your Jewish heritage!
If you are interested, please contact Lisa Thorner, our Executive Director, at lisa@sinaidenver.org, for more information or to reserve your spot.
Lifelong Jewish Learning
Temple Sinai’s Lifelong Jewish Learning sessions are varied, spanning the gamut from the religious to the secular, but always featuring a Jewish aspect. The lectures are held from 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM. They are free and open to the public. If you have any questions, or ideas for programs, please email Marty Meitus, Committee Chair at martymeitus@gmail.com.