Adult Education

Our dynamic adult education programs enhance knowledge of the Jewish people.

Wide Ranging Programs

Formal and informal programs explore our traditions, customs, and culture as well as the wider contemporary Jewish world as we study the contours of Jewish life past and present. Most adult education programs are open to the community, free of charge and on our YouTube Channel.

Scholar in Residence Shabbat
May 31, June 1
featuring Cantor Magda Fishman
from B’nai Torah in Boca-Raton, Florida

Temple Israel will feature one of the premiere contemporary cantors in the United States, Cantor Magda Fishman. Cantor Fishman brings vibrant experience to Jewish music through a unique blend of traditional and contemporary styles. Her repertoire includes liturgical masterpieces, Israeli songs, jazz, musical theater, as well as her own compositions.

Cantor Fishman will lead the May 31 Friday night service infusing familiar melodies as well as music that features her virtuoso strength. She will engage the congregation seeking everyone to join her. She will continue Shabbat morning June 1, by being the lead vocalist in the service. She will teach us about the history of our most familiar melodies as well as nontraditional music that inspires and reflects our tradition. She will also engage everyone in music and dialogue after kiddush lunch.

Cantor Fishman has performed extensively throughout the United States, Israel, Europe, and Canada. She had a lead role in the Prague State Opera, and she performed during the annual America-Israel Cultural Foundation Gala at Jazz at Lincoln Center and at a National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene event honoring Elie Wiesel. She was featured in Folksbiene’s popular Soul to Soul concert at the Central Park Summer Stage NYC and at the Saban Theatre in Los Angeles with Maestro Placido Domingo and Melissa Manchester.

Prior to her investiture in May 2011, Cantor Fishman served in the Israeli Army Orchestra as a vocal soloist and trumpet player. She came to the United States as part of the Tel-Aviv Broadway Musical Theater Project and was the recipient of the prestigious America-Israel Cultural Foundation scholarship. Cantor Fishman believes that music and prayer offer people hope. She brings an infectious enthusiasm and Broadway-quality vocal ability to her congregational leadership, and she says that what she loves the most about her work—and prioritizes above all—is forming relationships. She will bring this experience, warmth and talent to our bimah.

Rabbi's Lecture Series

2024 Lecture Series on Hannah Arendt

Talks are on the following Sunday schedule from 9:30am to 10:30am in-person in the sanctuary. (and also available on livestream for TI members)

January 21, February 4, March 3 & 10, April 14, May 5, June 9 & 16

The annual thematic lecture series spearheaded by Rabbi Fine is one of our most popular adult education programs. The presentations are lively, invite audience participation, and often end with a cliff-hanger, inspiring everyone to come back for more. Rabbi Fine holds a doctorate in modern European history from The City University of New York (CUNY) and brings university-level depth to his presentations. Past topics have included:

  • German Jewish History
  • History of Israel
  • Jewish Life in Muslim Lands
  • American Judaism
  • Anti-Semitism

Adele Rebell Memorial Scholar-in-Residence

Each year, we invite a distinguished scholar to join us for a Friday evening and Saturday morning weekend of learning. Past speakers have included:

  • Dennis T. Olsen (Princeton Theological Seminary)
  • Gerald Cohen (Jewish Theological Seminary)
  • Patricia Klindienst (author)
  • Benjamin D. Sommer (Jewish Theological Seminary)
  • Deborah Waxman (Reconstructionist Rabbinical College)
  • Benjamin R. Gampel (Jewish Theological Seminary)

Rabbi Selig Salkowitz Memorial Distinguished Speaker Series

This series is in memory of Rabbi Selig Salkowitz. Rabbi Salkowitz was a valued member of our synagogue who encouraged us to collaborate with the Reform movement. Last year’s speaker was Rabbi Daniel Friedlander, speaking on the “disorganization” of organized Judaism.

Town Halls

Forums held throughout the year allow congregants and community members to bring their expertise to topics of current interest. Past topics have ranged from whether the Exodus actually took place, planning for the end of life, and interactions with local elected officials.

Rabbi Moser’s Classes

Rabbi Moser, of our sister congregation, Reconstructionist Congregation Beth Israel, teaches weekly sessions using texts from the Zohar to look at the week’s Torah portion. She also hosts a weekly reading group and other classes.

Fireside Chats

Rabbis Fine and Moser team up to explore the prayers in our siddur, why they were chosen, and why different prayers are highlighted by Reconstructionist and Conservative Judaism.

Temple Library

Temple Israel’s library provides access to a wealth of knowledge. Materials include reference works, nonfiction, fiction, children’s books, and recorded literature and films

Adult Education Events