Adult Education is an important part of Temple life and we support lifelong learning for all ages and stages. Connect with others in our One Family while taking a class, participating in a discussion group, coming to hear a speaker, or screening a film. Adult programming includes both one-of-a-kind events and on-going learning opportunities such as the following:
View the 5784/2023-2024 Temple Shalom Adult Education Catalogue
Florence Melton School of Adult Jewish Learning
Take your seat at the table and join the great Jewish conversation. Are you looking for a profound understanding of what it means to be Jewish? The Melton School sets a high standard for interactive, text-based Jewish learning. Temple Shalom is proud to offer these inspiring classes for learners of all knowledge levels and backgrounds.
Register for the upcoming courses:
Jews in America: Insiders and Outsiders
with Rabbi Adam Miller
January 4, 2024 - March 7, 2024
Thursdays 10:00am-11:30am
Our version of a Jewish-American “Stuff You Missed in History Class.” In 10 engaging sessions, learners will discuss seminal developments in American life, such as the Jewish contributions to American culture, American literature, and the Civil Rights Movement, through the lens of Jews straddling their status as both insiders and outsiders. The course will also examine antisemitism and the Holocaust, and the changing place of Zionism in the shaping of Jewish American identity. Sharing tales from immigrants, their children, and grandchildren, learners will debate the meaning of this ongoing saga.
OMG, Can You Believe?!
with Rabbi Adam Miller and Rabbi Ariel Boxman
January 8, 2024 - February 12, 2024
Mondays 10:00am-11:30am
In this six-week exploratory course, we’ll dive into the BIG questions around God and God’s relationship to Humankind. We’ll examine the many different understandings of God, free will, and mitzvot expressed by Jewish philosophers, rabbis, leaders past and present — and you. We’ll explore the divine, the prophetic, and even the supernatural, as we amplify and dissect your deepest God-questions. Just do not expect to leave with any final answers.
Rabbi Harold Kushner Book Review Series
with Rabbi Frank Muller
Sundays - November 12, December 10, January 7, February 11, March 3, April 21 and May 5 at 10:30am
Rabbi Muller will commence a year-long series on the books of Rabbi Harold
Kushner. In recognition of Rabbi Kushner‘s literary achievements, and to make the wisdom in his books accessible to all, a monthly series on Sunday mornings from
October to May will be offered at Temple Shalom, each session devoted to
studying one of Rabbi Kushner‘s books in depth.
Ongoing Programs
Saturday Morning Torah Study at 8:30am
Explore the weekly Torah portion virtually with the guidance of our clergy. Text sheets will be shared via Zoom. Learners of all levels are welcome. Torah study is being held virtually only until further notice. Please contact Rabbi Boxman at aboxman@naplestemple.org to let her know your interest.
Jewish Yoga
Mondays from 10:30am to 11:30am. Via Zoom
6 sessions - Next session begins Monday, November 13
Yoga instructor and Temple Shalom member, Missy Balsam, guides you through an all-levels, gentle yoga stretch session interwoven with Jewish spiritual teachings. This class is designed to relieve stress and calm the mind. There is a $72 cost. Space is limited.
Register here.
Israel Book Discussion Group
The group meets every 4th Tuesday of each month. Please contact Michael Rubner for more information and the Zoom links.
Jewish Spirituality
Temple Shalom member and yoga teacher, Missy Balsam leads this class focusing on tikkun middot (spiritual and ethical traits), meditation and other mindfulness practices.
Every other Thursday
January 11 - April 18 at 1:00pm
$72 / 8 sessions
Wise Aging
A groundbreaking program specifically designed to meet the social, emotional and spiritual needs of Jewish seekers entering second adulthood!
Every other Thursday
January 18 - April 25 at 1:00pm
$72 / 8 sessions
Intro to Judaism
Are you interested in exploring Judaism? Do you know someone who is? Our Intro to Judaism class is perfect for those who never had a Jewish education, individuals who want to explore their Jewish roots, individuals raising Jewish children, or those who or want to explore Judaism on an adult-level.
Classes are led by Rabbi Adam Miller and Cantor Donna Azu. Call 239-455-3030 email if you are interested.
Adult B'nai Mitzvah
It is never too late to take your turn on the bimah. Whether you never completed the process years ago or are starting from scratch, this is a meaningful learning opportunity which will culminate in a special Shabbat service and ceremony.
Call 239-455-3030 or email if you are interested in joining a B'nai Mitzvah class.
Foodie Films
Foodie Films presents a movie related to Jewish food followed by either a hands-on cooking class/experience or meal. Watch for the next Foodie Films program.
The Rabbi James and Jane Perman Library at Temple Shalom
Temple Shalom houses the only comprehensive Judaica library in Collier County. Come on in, have a cup of coffee and peruse the shelves. We’re also looking for a volunteer or two to help with reshelving books and cataloging new ones. Let us know if you can help out. 239-455-3030
Did you know…?
Reformjudaism.org is a great resource for information on the Jewish holidays, social justice, Jewish life and practice as well as Israel and learning opportunities. Parents can find age appropriate resources for children such as Shaboom! videos which teach children about Jewish values like visiting the sick, tzedakah and asking forgiveness. There are recipes for the holidays, links to Jewish music, information on lifecycle events and rituals and more.
