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
3:30pm - 5:00pm
Are you tired of relying on transliteration in the service? Interested in dipping your toes in Hebrew, Lashon Hakodesh (the holy language)? Join Rabbi Meredith Cahn and sister/brother congregants in an engaging class that will take us through half the alphabet—the most commonly used letters - to start you on the way. All are welcome. This class is a prerequisite if you are considering an Adult B’nai Mitzvah.
Rabbi Meredith Cahn interned with CST in 2009-2011 and now works primarily as a chaplain at Kaiser Santa Rosa and at St. Paul’s Towers, a retirement community in Oakland. She served as rabbi of North Tahoe Hebrew Congregation, and at J School for B’nai Israel and Ner Shalom. Rabbi Cahn received a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania, a Master of Public Health from UC Berkeley and a Master of Rabbinic Studies and ordination from the Academy of Jewish Religion California, a transdenominational seminary. $180.00 for the 9-week course, please RSVP to the office, [email protected] or (707)578-5519.
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].
Wednesday, November 7
12:00pm - 2:00pm
INTIMACY AND SEXUALITY WHILE AGING (LUNCH INCLUDED)
Wednesday, December 5
11:00am - 2:00pm
Sex Therapist Diane Gleim will discuss how generational differences affect sexual expectations and relationships as we age. She will also explore the biological, social and psychological issues that affect sexuality over time.
Diane Gleim, MFT, CST, is an experienced and sex-positive Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Certified Sex Therapist located in Santa Rosa. She works with individuals and couples ages 18-80 and beyond helping with the many diverse issues relating to sexual identity, sexual expression, sexual behavior, and sexual relationships. $12 for the class and lunch, please RSVP to (707)578-5519 or [email protected].
Led by Ronnie Campagna
Wednesday, December 12
7:00pm - 9:00pm
Rugelach, an addictive Jewish pastry, is easy to find in Jewish bakeries in New York, Los Angeles and all over Israel, but it’s almost impossible to buy in Sonoma County. In this first in a series of Jewish cooking and baking events, participants will learn about the history and varieties of rugelach while creating this sweet treat from start to finish (in two hours!!).
Attendance limited. RSVP to Ronnie Campagna at [email protected].