The mission and purpose of Lifelong Learning is to offer educational opportunities for adult congregants of all age groups and all levels of Jewish learning. While program topics vary widely, they will include a connection to Judaism, Jewish life, or issues of importance to Jews.

For a list of recent and upcoming Lifelong Learning programs, scroll down or check:

• The VIEW, our annual guide to Shomrei Torah programs
• The Voice, our monthly newsletter
• The CST Calendar

Torah study sessions are held every Shabbat morning at 8:45AM in our Kolbo Room.

All are welcome, of any age, including beginners to Torah study. Sessions are led by Rabbi George, Rabbi Kramer, and by lay leaders.

This is the best opportunity for ongoing, in-depth discussion of Torah and related writings.

ISRAAID WORKSHOP SERIES

As we approach the one-year anniversary of the devastating wildfires, join us for a series of state of the art workshops designed to provide support and learning opportunities. Discover how a well-rounded self-care system can help when dealing with stress, discomfort and anxiety.
Learn practical tools to ease our minds, become more present, resilient and compassionate for ourselves. This program is generously supported by the Jewish Community Federation of San Francisco and IsraAID. All workshops are free, but please RSVP to the temple office: [email protected] or (707)578-5519.

Upcoming Sunday Workshop Dates (5:00-7:00PM):

• October 7 - Building Strength & Resilience
• October 21 – Coping Among Children Post-Fire, a workshop for parents.
• November 4 – A Way of Joy Qigong
• November 18 – Healing Power of Music
• December 2 – Art & Resilience for Families, family-friendly, bring the kids!)
• December 16 – Psycho-Drama

For more detailed information about each workshop, visit our website.

LEHRHAUS TALMUD CIRCLE
Tractate Ta’anit–Acts of God: Religious Responses to Natural Disasters

Sundays: October 7, November 11, December 2, January 6
3:00-5:00PM
$80 for the class

Rabbinic tales of drought, disaster, and charismatic holy men illuminate critical questions about power, ethics, and ecology in Jewish late antiquity. Through a reading of the Babylonian Talmud tractate Ta’anit (on fasts in response to drought) we will discuss how the Talmud challenges Deuteronomy’s claim that virtue can assure abundance and that misfortune is an unambiguous sign of divine rebuke.

Students must also purchase the Koren Talmud Bavli Noé, Vol.12: Ta’anit/Megilla, Hebrew/English. To register, please visit https://catalog.lehrhaus.org/course/2018/fall/TC850-ST/

INTRO TO PRAYER BOOK HEBREW AND JEWISH LITURGY
Rabbi Meredith Cahn

Literary Circle

Thursdays: October 18, November 15, December 20
6:15–8:00PM (Free)
A group has formed to read Jewish literature and other published material in an atmosphere of stimulating discussion. Participants will choose the reading selections. All are welcome, please RSVP to the office.

Sunday, October 21, 3:00pm – 5:00pm

Revolutionary breakthroughs in genetic research are changing what we know about cancer prevention and treatment – especially for Jewish people. This free panel discussion will focus on risk factors, risk-reducing strategies and the future of breast cancer treatment.

• Panelists include:
  Dr. Charles Elboim, MD, FACS, a surgeon specializing in breast cancer who has worked extensively with women and men with hereditary (genetic) risks.
• Kathleen Mott, RN, MS, NP, Advanced Practice Nurse in Genetics, a specialist in cancer risk assessment, genetic evaluation and management.
• Ann DuBay, CST member, a cancer survivor with BRCA1 genetic mutation.

Sponsored by Jewish Community Center of Sonoma County, Congregation Shomrei Torah and St. Joseph Medical Group. Free, but RSVP required: [email protected] or 707-578-5519.

Psalms of the Heart with Rabbi Mordecai Miller

Thursdays: October 25, November 1, 8, 15
10:30AM-12:30PM (Free)

An exploration of Psalms 1, 8, 15, 16 and 139 in Hebrew and English. Over the four sessions, we will attempt to gain a better understanding of the unique language–its connotations as well as its denotations - of the Psalms in order to find ways to use the Psalms as an instrument for personal meditation and expression.

In addition to being the spiritual leader of our neighbor, Congregation Beth Ami, Rabbi Mordecai Miller is a talented teacher with over 45 years experience teaching Bible and Talmud in youth and adult settings including the Solomon Schechter Day School, the Adult Melton mini-school and the Robert P. Jacobs Adult Institute.

Rabbi Miller received his B.A from the University of Natal, Durban, South Africa in 1970 and an MA in Hebrew Letters and ordination from HUC-JIR, Cincinnati in 1974. RSVP to the office.

MINDFULNESS MEDITATION - BUDDHIST PRACTICE, JEWISH WISDOM

Led by Rabbi George Gittleman

Four Wednesdays: November 7, 14, 28, December 5
7:00PM-8:30PM

Mindfulness Meditation is the practice of cultivating our attention on the present moment; body sensations, mood, and the never ending stream of thought that flows through our minds. Through focused attention – meditation – we become more aware of what is true for us and the degree to which our thoughts, habits and life patterns serve our goals and higher aspirations. Are we happy? Are we living the life we want to live?

As we learn to see our truth more clearly a path opens to living a fuller, happier, healthier life. Jewish Mindfulness adds the teachings of our tradition to compliment and deepen the experience.
This 4 session course will include teaching, meditation instruction and periods of silence. No previous experience is necessary. All are welcome. $36 for the four-week class, please RSVP to (707)578-5519 or [email protected].