Adult Education

Westchester Reform Temple offers a variety of educational options for adult learners at all levels. Through year-long Hebrew classes, adult B’nei Mitzvah, weekly Torah study, special lectures and presentations, book groups, film screenings, cooking courses, and more, our programming is a way to discover the power of Jewish learning, deepen your Jewish identity, and investigate milestone moments. Classes can be chosen on an individual basis or as part of a multi-year, personalized curriculum.


Adult Learning: Talmud Shiur (Class)
Led by Rabbi Jonathan Blake
Thursdays, November 30, January 4, 11, 25, February 1, 8 and 15 at 10:15 am (Zoom)

Every Thursday morning, eager learners from our WRT community gather with Rabbi Blake to learn Talmud together. During the current crisis between Israel and Hamas, Rabbi Blake will be teaching on subjects related to the war. Class meets for 90 minutes, over Zoom. (Click HERE to register for zoom link) 

All are welcome; no prior experience with Jewish learning is required; texts are presented in English (with Rabbi Blake often referencing the Hebrew and Aramaic text for clarity).  

If you have any questions, or would like to learn more, drop Rabbi Blake a line at office@wrtemple.org.


Rosh Chodesh 5783
Led by Cantor Amanda Kleinman and Cantor Danielle Rodnizki
Tuesdays, December 12, January 16, and February 13 at 11:30 am

Join our cantors and a diverse group of women for a monthly, midday infusion of study and sharing as we mark each new month on the Hebrew calendar. We will come together as a community to celebrate happy occasions, and to hold space for one another in times of challenge or healing.


Meditation Lab
Led by Rabbi Baken and Norm Goldstein
Fridays, December 22, January 26, and February 2 (CJL Living Room), 11:00 – 11:45 pm

Are you curious about meditation? Are you wondering how meditation connects to Judaism? Believe it or not, meditation has been utilized by Jews for centuries, benefiting our ancestors (and us!) in mind, body, and spirit. Meditation can enhance calm, clarity, and creativity. You can try it yourself! 

Come join Rabbi Baken, and congregant (and mindfulness meditation practitioner and guide) Norm Goldstein on Friday mornings to explore meditation and the ways in which Jewish life can inform this practice. Beginners (and more experienced meditators) are warmly welcome!


Judaism on the Vanguard of the Future:
A Special Adult Learning Course with Rabbi Geoffrey A. Mitelman of Sinai and Synapses
Thursdays, January 11, 25, February 1, 8, and 15 (via Zoom)
10:15 – 11:45 am

You won’t want to miss this special mid-winter online (Zoom-only) learning opportunity with a distinguished and brilliant teacher who works at the intersection of science and spirituality. Rabbi Geoffrey A. Mitelman has been a featured guest teacher at WRT for years, elevating both the minds and souls of our congregants and community. Over five sessions taught on Thursday mornings, 10:15 – 11:45 am in January and February, Rabbi Mitelman will engage us in the exploration of how Judaism will grapple and interact with unprecedented developments in new technologies and discoveries (AI, genetic engineering, new theories of the origins and size of the cosmos) that are already shaping the 21st century. How will our spiritual tradition change along with changing times? What time-honored wisdom does Judaism offer us as we contemplate a future almost inconceivably different from the present?

For more information and to sign-up, click here


Advanced Hebrew Bible Class: A Study Of Tanach
Led by Jane Roberts
Wednesdays, from 10:00 am to 11:30 am

Students must have knowledge of Torah, Hebrew roots and basic Hebrew vocabulary, and a familiarity with the Siddur. For more information about sign-up and fees, please contact Jane Roberts at janerteach@aol.com.


Additional Classes, Special Lectures, Events, and Trips    
Each season, new and special classes, lectures, and events are led by our clergy and guest teachers on a variety of topics. Please check our quarterly bulletin (via the button at the bottom of our homepage) to see the exciting programs offered this season!