Adult Education

Living Judaism: A Guide to Jewish Awareness and Practice

Join Rabbi Blumofe for this dynamic class which introduces or refreshes many areas of Judaism and Jewish life including history, holidays, lifecycle events, philosophy, theology and Israel. This class is for Jews and non-Jews. Class is held three to four times per month beginning in early October and continuing through May. Class begins with minyan at 6 pm on Wednesday, in the Mikdash Ma’at (chapel). Tuition is $150 plus books. Contact Jane Weiss for registration at 512-735-8404 or jane.weiss@caa-austin.org.

Shabbat Limmud

Shabbat Limmud is a Saturday morning study group that began in 2008. It meets at 8:30 a.m. Saturdays at in Mikdash Ma’at or chapel. Led by Rabbi Blumofe, the class advances carefully through the text, sharing ideas and understanding about the words of Torah. In 2011-2012, the class is studying Rashi’s commentary on Genesis. No experience necessary. The meaning of Hebrew words is discussed in English. Ability to read Hebrew not necessary and there is no cost.

Downtown Study Group

Talmud and Midrash are the focus of the Downtown Study Group, which meets on the third Wednesday of each month, under the guidance of Dr. Harvey Raben, Director of Congregational Learning. Based on the text “Learning to Read Midrash,” by Simi Peters, the class is learning the strategy and method of understanding different kinds of midrashim. Knowledge of Bible is helpful but not required. There is no cost. Meets downtown at 100 Congress Avenue. Contact Dr. Raben, 512-735-8420 or email Harvey.raben@caa-austin.org

Friday Morning Study

Following the Friday morning 7:00 a.m. minyan in the Mikdash Ma’at (chapel), it is our tradition to meet and eat a light breakfast. Rabbi Blumofe leads a spirited discussion (the group recently completed study of Mishnah Torah. No experience or special knowledge necessary. There is no cost.

Kollel Hadash

A new concept in Jewish education, Kollel Hadash comprises four four-week-sessions per year on specific topics. Teachers are congregants who have studied specific areas of their passion for Jewish study. Classes begin directly after minyan (6:25 p.m.) and at 7:30 p.m. and last about 45 minutes. Most topics are four weeks in length. Classes may require readings or purchase of a text. Cost for the four-week semester is $18.

Hebrew Classes

Join Roberta Long and Sarah Strigler for a variety of introductory and imtermediate Hebrew classes. Roberta coordinates learning in Hebrew and Biblical Studies on Sundays; Sarah teaches Wednesday and Thursday evenings. Skills build Hebrew literacy, grammar and the reading of classical and modern texts. Contact Dr. Raben 512-735-8420 or at harvey.raben@caa-austin.org.

Lunch and Learn

Through occasional weekday lunch-and-learns, congregants deepen their knowledge of Jewish wisdom. Primarily for adults, these topics have included: "Refuat Ha-Nefesh, Refuat Ha-Guf: Meeting Adversity in Our Lives,” and “Jewish Geneology.” Cost is about $8 for lunch.

Online Learning

To help all become more knowledgeable about their traditions and to increase their participation in Jewish life, Rabbi Neil F. Blumofe has recorded prayers, blessings, Torah cantillation and sacred readings. Visit our online learning page.