What’s a Jew Doing at Yale Divinity School?
Tuesday, September 8 at 10:00 a.m.
Join Bari Dworken for the first of this year’s ‘Coffee and Conversation’ series as she shares her experiences leading spiritual direction groups for Yale Divinity students, and her perspective as a Jew both teaching and learning with Christian students, many of whom are preparing for life as Christian clergy.

A Christian’s Sojourn in Israel
Tuesday, October 20 at 10:00 a.m.
Join Reverend Suzanne Wagner for reflections from her sabbatical in Israel where she learned about the complicated life of Jerusalemites, the joy of the everyday and found the Holy in the most unexpected places. Rev. Wagner was ordained as a minister with the United Church of Christ, and currently serves Olivet Congregational Church in Bridgeport. Prior to her sabbatical in Israel, she was the Associate Pastor at First Church Congregational, Fairfield.

Return to Adult Jewish Learning

Gathering Family with Ruth Brennan
Tuesday, November 17 at 10:00 a.m.
Ruth Brennan’s memoir, Gathering Family is a story of survival: how three generations of women demonstrated courage in the face of extraordinary circumstances, how these remarkable women and the men they loved arrived in New York City’s lower east side at the turn of the 20th century as true pioneers, not in covered wagons but in steerage, without education, in most instances without language or means of support, but with a need to survive, to progress and to thrive.

Ruth Brennan holds a doctorate in political communication from Temple University. She is the keeper of the family stories, which she has researched, edited and fit together to tell the immigrant story from her family’s perspective. Joining Ruth in the reading will be Leslie Rottner, who has read several titles for Books for the Blind and been featured in many works for Orchestra and narrator. Selections from Gathering Family will be read aloud, followed by a question/answer session.

Return to Adult Jewish Learning

Lighting up the Darkest Time of Year
Tuesday, December 15 at 10:00 a.m.
From the Book of Maccabees to the stories of Isaac Bashevis Singer, the winter solstice has produced
its share of compelling tales! Join Rabbi James Prosnit for story telling and discussion on both the ancient and contemporary themes of the season.

Return to Adult Jewish Learning

The Drama of Growing Up in Israel
Tuesday, January 19 at 10:00 a.m.
Dvir Dor and Keren Shemesh are Young Emissaries from Israel to the greater Bridgeport Jewish Community. They have graduated High School and are doing Shanat Sherut – a year of service – before beginning their service in the Israel Defense Forces. Join them for an exploration of what Israel
looks like today through the eyes of young adults!

HERstory
Tuesday, March 16 at 10:00 a.m.
March is Jewish Women’s History Month, and Elaine Chetrit will introduce us to women who have made pivotal contributions to the creation and growth of the State of Israel. Meet a woman who ran a World War I spy ring in Palestine, a poet who shaped the way Israelis see themselves, andothers who have changed their corner of the world.

Return to Adult Jewish Learning

Dipping into the Mikvah Experience
Tuesday, April 20 at 10:00 a.m.
In recent years, the Jewish ritual of mikvah (ritual immersion) has undergone something of a revival. We’ll learn about the history of the mikvah, how one is built, and hear some moving stories of how mikvah has been used for many different purposes: to help people going through changes in their lives, heal from traumas and sadness and prepare for new beginnings. We will meet at B’nai Israel. We hope to visit our newly-renovated community Mikvah on Stratfield Road, less than 5 minutes from the Temple. With Rabbi Gurevitz.

Return to Adult Jewish Learning