Adult Education
To see our online and in-person opportunities, please visit our Services and Affiliate Groups, pages. For a complete list of events and services, visit our Events Calendar.
Continuing education is a vital part of Judaism and can deepen one's understanding of Jewish history, heritage, culture and traditions.
Kollels
Kollels (classes) on a variety of interesting topics and Jewish history seminars are held several times a year and usually take place over the course of several weeks. Some are offered for a nominal fee, others are free; all are open to the entire community.
Special Programs/Visiting Scholars/Holiday Programs
Throughout the year, CAI hosts visiting scholars who offer a variety of Judaic topics. Generally, the scholar-in-residence participates in a Shabbat service, followed by a Shabbat dinner, and his/her presentation. As part of the Shabbat morning service he/she may deliver the D’Var Torah and lead our Torah Study that afternoon. Some visiting scholars also lead family workshops. Portions of a scholar’s visit are https://caiaz.org/lifelong-learning/scholar-in-residence/ open to the community and may include a nominal fee.
Sunday, April 19 • 3:00-4:30 pm
Congregation Anshei Israel • Professor Leonard M. Hammer
Edwin & Alma Lakin Chair on the Holocaust, Human Rights, and Comparative Genocide
This interactive workshop will examine claims that Israel has committed or is committing genocide, in the current war agiant Hamas and in earlier conflicts. Prof. Hammer, an expert in international law and genocide studies, will guide the discussion. Participants will learn the legal definition of genocide under the 1948 United Nations Convention and how it is applied in international law. The workshop will conclude with case studies, including Israel and Gaza, to evaluate these claims.
Preregistration required for security purposes.
Notice: This Lecture Will Be Recorded. By attending, you consent to being recorded. Event Guidelines and Code of Conduct: Registration is required but does not guarantee attendance. The organizers reserve the right to refuse entry or to remove any person, at their discretion. To ensure a respectful and enjoyable experience for all attendees, we kindly ask that you observe the following guidelines: Disruptions or arguments during the presentation will not be tolerated. During Q&A sessions, all dialogue must remain respectful. Confrontational behavior, including yelling, profanity, or argumentative conduct, will result in removal from the venue. Failure to comply with removal requests may lead to further action. Venue Policies: All bags are subject to search upon entry. Unauthorized cell phone use during the event is strictly prohibited. Unauthorized filming and/or audio recording of the event is not allowed. Flags, signs, and banners are not permitted inside the venue.
Ongoing
Thursdays at 10:00am on Zoom
Starts January 8, 2026
See Calendar page for schedule.
We’re kicking off the secular new year with our Thursday study shifting
to the Talmud, home of deep wisdom, spirited debates, and stories so
quirky you’ll wonder if the rabbis missed their calling as comedians.
Each week we’ll explore one tale and what it can teach us today. No
background needed, just curiosity and a sense of humor. Come learn,
laugh a little, and discover timeless meaning in these ancient stories.
Zoom and other links are available in your e-mail.
Call (520) 745-5550 for more information or to be added to our email list
or to pick up books for home use.
Read It & Meet Book Discussions
Monthly After Shabbat Morning Services
(In-Person Only)
​First session – Saturday, September 6 at approximately 12:30pm in Rabbi Breger Hall
Book discussions are held once a month and are open to all. We discuss selected books by Jewish authors and/or with Jewish content, and share our experiences, reactions and ideas. Moderators facilitate each discussion.
| DATE | BOOK & AUTHOR |
|---|---|
| Saturday, September 6 | The Boy with the Star Tattoo by Talia Carner |
| Saturday, November 8 | People Love Dead Jews: Reports From a Haunted Present by Dara Horn |
| Saturday, December 13 | Rules for Ghosting by Shelly Shore |
| Saturday, January 10 |
The Klansman's Son: My Journey from White Nationalism to Antiracism: |
| Saturday, February 7 | The Queen's Cook by Tessa Afshar |
| Saturday, March 7 | Only the Beautiful by Susan Meissner |
| Saturday, May 2 |
How to Share an Egg: A True Story of Hunger, Love, and Plenty |
Watch your email for details!