Adult Learning Committee Objectives

Revised August 2006

The Adult Learning Committee at Temple Beth Zion has resolved that adult learning efforts in the congregation be consistent with the majority, if not all, of the objectives below:

• Literate: We study Jewish texts, history, and liturgy to enable us to grow intellectually and spiritually. We also study texts and literature germane to the Jewish experience. We strive for a formal knowledge of the Hebrew language. We view the holidays as stages in the cycle of the year, and as metaphors for broader issues. We are open to exploring contemporary Jewish issues, politics, and the arts.
• Question centered: At TBZ we engage in Jewish learning as an exploration, not a catechism. We read to discuss and to question, respectful of tradition but constantly challenging tradition to both meet the needs of and to find meaning in our current lives. We welcome intellectual challenge, open debate, and grappling together with ideas, philosophy and text.
• Experiential: Through ‘doing’ we learn and grow more mindful of our spirit and Jewishness. To that end our learning opportunities usually have an experiential component.
• Shabbat centered: Our learning efforts focus on building a Shabbat consciousness and an awareness of a rhythm to our week. Learning at TBZ highlights Shabbat as a time set apart for reflection, active inquiry, Torah study, spiritual renewal, and building our community.
• Community centered: Our small group learning opportunities, as well as larger ones, promote the building of an intergenerational community of members who get to know each other, are responsive to each other especially through times of joy and sorrow, and engage in social action in the broader community. We encourage members to share their expertise at learning venues within our community. We use the above learning objectives and criteria to guide our decisions about adult learning programs.