Not Everything Can Be Found in the Self-Help Aisle

As a culture, we have become fascinated with the notion of self-improvement.  One need only take a brief stroll through any bookstore to reveal books claiming to help you eat better, enhance your physical fitness, organize your personal schedule, and generally improve yourself in only a few easy steps.

While improving ourselves in these different areas is important, one subject that has yet to be covered in a self-help book is “Developing Your Adult Jewish Identity.”  During my Rosh Hashanah sermon, “We Are Beth Am,” I noted that a successful synagogue has to create learning opportunities for its adult members.  After all, our Jewish experiences do not end when we are children, so why should our Jewish education?  Adult members of our community want to take classes for a variety of reasons–some want to explore their Jewish heritage; some desire to model the importance of Judaism and Jewish learning for their children; still others simply seek answers to their questions.    

Whether you are motivated by one of these reasons, or you have your own goals to fulfill, I want to share with you some upcoming adult educational opportunities at Beth Am, and how you can contribute to the future of adult education at Beth Am. 

On February 28^th, Beth Am will co-sponsor the “Taste of Me’ah” event along with Beth Sholom, the Metrowest JCC, and Temple Israel of Natick which will host the program.  This one night session offers a chance to sample from the Me’ah program, an extension of our Adult Education programming.  Me’ah can serve as a jumping off point for beginning learners or as an enhancement for those seeking to explore Judaism from a new perspective.  Provided by Hebrew College, and made possible by a generous subsidy from Combined Jewish Philanthropies, all classes are taught by a faculty of gifted scholars.  Our synagogue has been a sponsor of the Metrowest Me’ah program for the past 10 years.  During that period of time, over 125 adults from the Metrowest Jewish community have participated in this outstanding adult education program.  These students of Judaism have not only broadened their personal Jewish horizons, but they have contributed positively to our community – by accepting roles in leadership and raising the level of Jewish knowledge among the adults at Beth Am.

Later this Spring, I will begin teaching a series of three lunch and learn programs.  These classes will be offered twice a month, with one in the Boston area, and another in Metrowest.  Participants will bring their own lunch, and engage in a discussion with one another.  Students of all levels are welcome to attend, and the sessions will be open to non-members, feel free to invite your friends to join us.  Look for upcoming flyers with dates and locations. 

In addition to these programs and classes, we are working to improve our adult education offerings.  You will soon receive a copy of a survey from our Adult Education Task Force, chaired by Allan Alter.  The data collected from this process will be used to help design and implement an improved educational program next year with subjects that appeal to our members, and at times that are most desirable. 

Although there is no self-help book to guide us, the journey of adult learning is one filled with immeasurable rewards.  Adult learning renews connections with our Jewish heritage, while strengthening one’s Jewish identity.  I welcome your input as we develop our adult education program at Beth Am, and I look forward to studying with many of you in the months and years to come.  
 

L’shalom,

Rabbi Adam F. Miller