Upcoming Classes
Questions and Many Answers: Based on Moment Magazine’s Book Can Robots Be Jewish (Locally Designed)
In this two-part class, based on Moment Magazine’s Book Can Robots Be Jewish we will address difficult and provocative issues of our time and rely on rabbis spanning the range of modern Jewish thought, from Humanist and Reform to Orthodox and beyond. Questions we will discuss include (but are not limited to), should Jewish children sing Christmas carols? Should we edit our children’s genes? Are we commanded to vote? Are there things that can't be forgiven? What does Judaism say about love?
- Dates: Thursdays | Oct. 16 & 23
- Time: 6:45-8:15 p.m. CT/7:45-9:15 p.m. ET
- Location: Zoom
- Faculty: Rabbi Amy Wallk
- Fee: $36
War in the Middle East (Locally Designed)
In this 4-part discussion-based series, you’ll hear updates on the War in the Middle East and the conflicts with other allies of Hamas in the region. The class will also include discussion on the conflict between Israel and Iran. Each class will cover the weeks previous events in Israel and the Middle East, and the impact these events have and how the events are connected.
- Dates: Tuesdays | Oct. 21, 28, Nov. 4 & 11
- Time: 7:00-8:30 pm
- Location: KI Synagogue
- Faculty: Bill Greenberg
- Fee: $100 | Special discount for KI members
Americans and the Holocaust (Locally Designed)
Holocaust history raises important questions about what Europeans could have done to stop the rise of Nazism in Germany and its assault on Europe’s Jews. Questions also must be asked of the international community, including the United States. What did the US government and the American people know about the threats posed by Nazi Germany? What responses were possible? And when? These two classes will explore these topics and raise important questions about our responsibility toward the world community in times of crisis.
- Dates: Tuesdays | Dec. 2 & 9
- Time: 11:30 a.m. -1:00 p.m.
- Location: Jewish Community Center Campus
- Faculty: Dr. Shelly Cline
- Fee: $36 | Scholarships available
Exodus (Shemot) Part I - From Slavery to Sinai (Melton)
Tales of oppression, slavery, bravery—and a dramatic rescue that ends with (spoiler alert) the Egyptians being swallowed by the sea. Over 10-sessions, we’ll explore the defining stories of Jewish existence, leadership, and perseverance. Before becoming the greatest leader of the Jewish people, Moses was the adopted son of the pharaoh’s daughter. The story of his unlikely rise to power is filled with twists and turns, miracles and treachery. This course provides context for understanding the ideal Jewish leader, the traditions of our annual seder ritual, the origins of the phrase “Manna from Heaven” and much, much more.
- Dates: Thursdays | Jan. 8, 15, 22, 29; Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26; March 5, & 12
- Time: 7:00-8:30 p.m.
- Location: KI Synagogue
- Faculty: Rabbi Moshe Grussgott
- Fee: $295 | Special discount for KI members
Between the Lines: From Text to Life
Jewish texts have informed Jewish thought and practice for over 3,000 years. But how do we connect to words written so long ago? What do they reveal today? And how do they inspire action? In this course, we will examine the many ways that we bring the words of our texts into our daily lives. We’ll look at the hints and clues in the letters of sacred Jewish texts: the Torah, the Prophets, the Talmud (no previous Hebrew knowledge required). We’ll exam structure and authorship. We’ll discuss the commentary of yesterday. We’ll share where we stand today.
- Dates: Wednesdays | Jan. 28; Feb 4, 11, 19, 25; March 11
- Time: 7-8:30 p.m.
- Location: Jewish Community Campus
- Faculty: Rabbi David Glickman
- Fee: $179 | Special discount for Congregation Beth Shalom members
Jewish Answers to Life’s Most Challenging Questions (Melton)
This your invitation to join the conversation as we grapple with some of life’s toughest questions, like “Why do good people suffer?”, “Is everything that happens pre-ordained?” and “Can’t God make a miracle for me?” In this six-part course, we’ll explore multiple understandings of these timeless questions through the eyes of the rabbinic sages as well as those of modern thinkers — including our own.
The course is based on “Where’s My Miracle: Jewish Traditions for Dealing with Tragedy,” by Rabbi Dr. Morey Schwartz, Melton’s International Director.
- Dates: Tuesdays | Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24; March 10, & 31
- Time: 7:00-8:30 p.m.
- Location: Jewish Community Center Campus
- Faculty: Rabbi Benny and Tehilla Feldman
- Fee: $179 | Scholarships available
Members of the Tribe: Cornerstones of Jewish Identity (Melton)
What does it really mean to be Jewish today? In a world where identity is constantly questioned and belonging is complex, this six-session course offers a powerful exploration of what ties us together as a people. More than a history lesson, this is a vital conversation about what it means to be Jewish right now. From the story of the Exodus to the meaning of "Chosenness," from daily rituals like Kashrut to the role of Israel as a central focus for Jewish identity, we’ll unpack the values, symbols, and struggles that shape our people and find their connection to our daily lives. Together, we’ll wrestle with big questions, discover personal meaning, and uncover how understanding "the Tribe" – our shared history, values, and responsibilities – gives us tools to respond to the challenges of our time, both individually and collectively. Join us on this journey to empower us to live more meaningful Jewish lives and create a more just world.
- Dates: Thursdays | Beginning March 12
- Time: 6:45-8:15 pm CT/7:45-9:15 pm ET
- Location: Zoom
- Faculty: Rabbi Amy Wallk
- Fee: $179
More classes are added regularly - Check this page to stay up to date!
