Adult Education

Come and partake of the highest mitzvah of all! Feast on the ultimate soul food…. study! The Columbia Jewish Congregation is pleased to offer a variety of adult courses guaranteed to feed the soul, stimulate the brain and, in some cases, even nourish the body and the taste buds, as well.

Classes are free to members, except when a materials fee is noted. It is essential that participants register no later than one week before the class begins. Some classes require a minimum number of participants. To register for any and all of this season’s classes contact the CJC office, 410-730-6044 or cjc@columbiajewish.org.

FALL 2019 Course Offerings

• Introduction to Shabbat Morning Services: A year-long class to explore prayer, understand the meaning, appreciate the history, learn the body language and lead prayers.
• The Amazing Influence of Hebrew on the English Language
• The Enigma of Martin Buber
• Rabbis and Prostitutes: It’s not what you think
• The Book of Joshua with Tom Laufer
• The Book of Numbers with Rabbi Sonya Starr
• Parshat Hashavua — The Weekly Torah Portion with Rabbi Martin Siegel

What is Reconstructionist Judaism?

Judaism Through a Reconstructionist Lens, an interactive learning program

Learn about the philosophy of Reconstructionist Judaism in this self-paced, three-unit program. Explore the thinking of Rabbi Mordecai Kaplan, who understood Judaism as an evolving religious civilization. Find out how Reconstructionist Judaism differs from other branches of progressive Judaism. Hear the thoughts of real-world Reconstructionist rabbis and congregants. No Hebrew is required. You will discover the concept of Judaism as an “evolving religious civilization” and examine questions such as:

• Are the Jews a “chosen people?”
• In a scientific age, how do I understand evil and suffering?
• What obligation do I have to help heal the world (tikkun olam)?
• How do I decide which Jewish holidays or rituals to observe?

Each unit presents one of the fundamental perspectives of Reconstructionist Judaism established by the movement’s intellectual founder, Rabbi Mordecai Kaplan: belonging, believing and behaving.

Your guide for the program is Rabbi Nancy Fuchs Kreimer, Ph.D., ’82, director of multifaith studies and initiatives at RRC. You have opportunities to read, question and reflect on Judaism in the 21st century, as you move through at your own pace and explore probing questions.

Fees and Registration

You can have a full year of access to the course for $4.95. Registration is available online only, on our secure server. As a new member, this course is being offered complimentary. Please email robin@columbiajewish.org for a registration code. To register, click here!