Lifelong Learning

Every time we say the Sh’ma, at the central moment of the service, we have prayers just before and just after that speak of the value of learning. Before the Sh’ma is the Ahava Raba in the morning, and the Ahavat Olam in the evening, both of which describe how God manifests love for us through the gift of Torah (which in this case means teaching writ large). And after the Sh’ma we continue with the V’ahavta which reminds us of all the ways that we express our love for God by repeating the words of Torah twice daily, everywhere we go and in every place we enter.

Every time we study a text, hear a lecture, watch a movie, discuss or share an idea, listen to a sermon, react to a lesson, or especially ask a question we are engaged in the business of learning: la-asok b’divrei Torah. This institution and our Lifelong Learning program exist to provide as many opportunities as possible for people to engage in that business.

Just as the liturgy shows us loving is a two-way street (God loves us, and we have to love God back), so too is learning in community a two-way street. We can provide as many opportunities as possible, but you have to take us up on the offer. So please, put aside whatever may be obstructing your path to learning and sign up. Whether it is a busy schedule, a feeling of inferiority, a sense of confusion about where to start, or a concern about being lonely or left out, we can do our best address any of these things. But you have to take the first step.

If you do not know where to begin, contact ShowClick Here to View Contact Information, ShowClick Here to View Contact Information, or any member of the staff, and tell us and we will help you find your way to a life enriched by the power of Torah. Join us and enjoy the fruits of learning.

It is a tree of life to them that hold fast to it, and all its supporters are happy.

Torah Service, adapted from Proverbs 3:18

Catalog of Courses

Introduction to Judaism

Do you want to learn about Judaism or increase your Jewish knowledge? Then the Introduction to Judaism class is for you. This course is perfect for interfaith couples, those raising Jewish children, spiritual seekers, individuals considering conversion, and Jews who want a meaningful adult Jewish learning experience. This 18 week course will give you a solid foundation in Jewish holidays, theology and core beliefs, life cycle celebrations, the Hebrew Bible and other sacred texts, history, antisemitism, Zionism and Israel, even Jewish food.

The class will be held on Zoom (plus one in-person Shabbat dinner and service here at NVHC, and possibly 1-2 other in-person meetings). It will meet on Thursday evenings, 7-9pm and runs from September 23, 2021-February 3, 2022. It will be taught by Rabbi Susan Warshaw.

Cost for the class is $360 which can include one partner. Click here to register! Once you have registered, you will receive a book list, syllabus, Zoom link, and other information.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact Rabbi Susan Warshaw at ShowClick Here to View Contact Information.

Morning Mindfulness Practice with Cantor Caro

with Cantor Caro
Thursdays, 9:00-9:45am

A blend of personal reflection and practice to be present to the holy in every day, based in Jewish teachings and ideas.

Mindfulness practice is meant to open ourselves to the awareness that arises through paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, non-judgmentally, in the service of gaining wisdom and clarity to act in the world. This is a time to pause and to open ourselves to the experiences of holiness, connection and presence that are around us all of the time.

Click here to listen to audio recordings from past sessions to get an idea of what our practice is like, or to find a moment of stillness whenever you need it.

Adult Hebrew

At NVHC, we have a robust Hebrew program for adults featuring a variety of classes to satisfy a wide range of interests and skill levels. Our classes are open to anyone interested in learning Hebrew or continuing their Hebrew studies. Members, non-members, Jews, and non-Jews are welcome! Whether you have no previous exposure to Hebrew, want to feel more comfortable with Hebrew during services, become adept at Biblical translation, or learn to speak conversational Hebrew: we have a class for you! If you need help selecting the right class, please ShowClick Here to View Contact Information. If you can’t find a class that fits your needs, please let us know — we will form new classes if we have a minimum of 5 students.

We are currently working on scheduling fall Adult Hebrew classes. Check back later in the summer for updates!

Fees & Registration

Many of our Lifelong Learning programs are free and require no registration. Any applicable fees for members and non-members are indicated in the program description. For programs that require registration we ask that you register early; we will cancel classes with insufficient enrollment.

Lifelong Learning at NVHC is supported by donations to the Seldon and Ruth Kruger Fund for Adult Learning and registration fees. Your continued donations to the Seldon and Ruth Kruger Fund for Adult Learning are appreciated.

Register for Judaics Classes
Register for Hebrew Classes

Participation Open to ALL

All of our Lifelong Learning programs are open to anyone who is interested. We strive to offer a variety of learning experiences which will meet the needs and interests of our members. All programs are free for students registered in our Tamid program.

Questions – Contact Ellen Rugel – ShowClick Here to View Contact Information