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 open to the community and may include a nominal fee.
Following God’s Footprints: A Creative Thinking Workshop
November 1, 8 & 15 • 9:45 to 10:45am • $18 per person
Show your appreciation of God’s divine creativity by enhancing the creative potential placed within you. In this 3-session workshop, Miriam Furst shares fun, unique activities designed to keep your brain strong, agile, and flexible. If you know you’re creative, you’ll love it. If you doubt you’re creative, you’re in for a big surprise!
Please RSVP by Friday, October 30, so we have enough materials prepared. RSVP here
CRAFTernoons with Rabbi Metz
Sundays, November 22 & December 13 • 12:30pm
Bring your knitting, crocheting, needlepoint, sketchbook, or any craft you’re working on, and join Rabbi Metz for a relaxing afternoon of conversation, creativity, and a little time to connect.
Please RSVP by the Thursday before each date so we can reserve enough seats. Location provided with RSVP. Be sure to bring cash or card for food and drinks. RSVP here
From Clay to Karpas
Tuesdays, December 1 & 15 • 6:00pm • $80 per person, all materials included
Cantor Falkow Lounge
Join local artist Julie Szerina Stein for a two-session clay workshop. In the first session, we’ll learn hand-building techniques and form our own pinch pot, then return to paint and decorate it in the second. Pots will be finished before Tu B’Shvat, and ready for planting our parsley (karpas) seeds.
Participants must attend both sessions. Limited spots are available! Please RSVP by Monday, November 23. RSVP here
Ongoing
Exploring the Talmud: The Stories That Shape Us
Thursdays at 10:00am on Zoom
Upcoming dates: 10/29, 11/5, 11/19, 12/3, 12/10, 12/17
Join our Thursday study group as we explore 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.
Zoom and other links are available in your email. Call (520) 745-5550 for more information, to be added to our email list, or to pick up books for home use.
Continuing Hebrew Class
Thursdays, October 8 to November 19 • 6:00 to 7:00pm
After evening Minyan in the Rabbi Eisen Beit Midrash
Join Eva Kvaloesund after Thursday evening minyan for an Adult Education Hebrew class focused on building your skills to follow the prayers and Torah reading with confidence. All levels are welcome!
We invite a suggested donation of $90 per person. Contributions of any amount help sustain the program and support a safe and welcoming environment. Please come as you are. Everyone belongs here. RSVP here
Read It & Meet Book Discussions
Monthly after kiddush • about 12:30pm • In person only
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.
2026-2027 Schedule
| Date | Book & Author |
|---|---|
| November 7 | Button Man by Andrew Gross |
| December 12 | Fifth Avenue Glamour Girl by Renée Rosen |
| January 9 | On Her Own by Lihi Lapid |
| February 6 | Vera, Or Faith by Gary Shteyngart |
| March 6 | Uncomfortable Conversations With a Jew by Emmanuel Acho & Noa Tishby |
| April 3 | Isola by Allegra Goodman |
Watch your email for details!
Medinat Yisrael: The Book Club
Wednesdays, November 18 & December 16 • 6:00 to 8:00pm
Location given with RSVP
Join Eva Kvaloesund to delve into the rich world of literature concerning the State of Israel, its triumphs and woes, its people(s) and its challenges. Once a month, the club will meet to discuss a few chapters of the month’s book, and learn more about the topic of the book in depth. If you’ve ever read an article about Israel and thought you’re missing some of the story, this space is for you. Let’s learn together!