Adult Education

In this study group, we will follow Harvard professor James L. Kugel’s recreation of the world of ancient Jewish biblical interpreters. Utilizing the most famous stories of the Torah, we will be able to study excerpts from the original commentaries created by a wide range of Jewish thinkers, writing roughly 2,000 years ago. Kugel has collected an enormous range of primary sources, which includes the ancient Jewish philosopher Philo of Alexandria and the Jewish general and historian Josephus, as well as individual documents from the Dead Sea Scrolls, material from the Talmud and Midrash, and many types of esoteric books that are fascinating in their own rights. While they come from different places and have very different approaches, these works all share a body of traditions about what the biblical texts meant.

$50 for Members $75 for Non-Members

Participants must purchase James L. Kugel’s, “The Bible As It Was” for this course.

Interested in learning the basics of Judaism? Have questions about why and how we do what we do?  This 18 week course is designed to teach all the basics of Judaism’s rituals, history, holidays and traditions. No prior Jewish knowledge is required.  This course meets the requirements for individuals interested in converting to Judaism.

 Fee is $175 for Members $225 for Non-Members

Coffee and snacks provided