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, 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.
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.
Check back throughout the year for class updates!
Judaics
Taught by: Cantor Caro
Tuesdays, September 9, October 14, November 11, December 9, January 13, February 17, March 10, April 14, May 12, June 2, July 14, August 11
7:00-8:30pm, in person and online
This class will be a monthly exploration of how the calendar of Jewish time provides deep wisdom for our lives, carving out multiple paths to Jewish life and meaning. In each class together, we will learn about the history of the month, discuss various subjects that arise from the nature or events of the month, as well discovering notions for personal intentions for the month, highlighted poetry and music related to the month.
You will need to purchase the book of the same title by Rabbi Dalia Marx, as that will be at the center of our learning together.
Taught by: Rabbi Holzman
Tuesdays, December 2, December 16, January 6, January 20, February 3, February 24
7:00-8:30pm, in person and online
One of the most important aspects of Jewish life is how we approach the Torah text as the center of our tradition. We do not simply read and absorb the words on the page, but we apply different filters to help us interpret and apply the text to our lives.
Julia Watts Belser introduces a fascinating and helpful new lens to contemporary Torah study with her book, Loving Our Own Bones.
Join us as we explore the book and talk about how its thinking could become part of our congregational vocabulary and tradition.
Taught by: Andrew Stein
Sundays, September 14; October 12, 19, 26; November 9, 16; December 7, 14; January 11, 18, 25; February 1, 8, 22; March 1, 8, 15, 22; April 12, 19, 26; May 3
In Person & Online
10:45am-12:00pm
With the end of World War II in Europe in May 1945, civilians and former combatants in formerly Nazi-occupied countries in Western, Central, and Eastern Europe began a long process of taking stock and rebuilding in the wake of what had been the most destructive war in human history. In the Jewish world, over two-thirds of prewar European Jewish communities had been wiped out, and in many instances there was no home or surviving family to return to, or with the division between Soviet-dominated communist rule and the West, survivors had no interest in living under Stalinism and in the bloodlands that had claimed their families and communities. This course will not focus on the Holocaust per se, but rather its aftermath, as the surviving remnant, scattered all over the Middle East, Asia (Shanghai, specially), Europe, and North and South America began to rebuild, and the legacy that this generation bequeathed to the Jewish community over the last 80 years. This includes in the USA, Canada, UK, and Western Europe, and also Poland, Argentina, Australia, and Israel.
Taught by: Andrew Stein
3 sessions in the spring; dates and times TBD
This 3-week course will look at the lives and legacy of two leading 20th century Reform rabbis in the United States, Stephen S. Wise and Abba Hillel Silver. Both were foreign born, from central and eastern Europe, and they brought several changes to the Reform rabbinate compared to 19th century “classical Reform.” They were leading social reformers defending the rights of workers, immigrants, and the urban poor, actively engaged in inter-faith dialogue with Christians, and among the most prominent American Zionists from the Balfour Declaration just after World War I up through the creation of Israel to the end of their lives. They also were leaders in their respective cities, New York and Cleveland, and nationally and internationally, dealing with all U.S. presidents from Woodrow Wilson to Harry S. Truman, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and John F. Kennedy. We will examine their legacy on all of these fronts.
Taught by: Rabbi Holzman
Tuesdays, September 2, 16, 30, October 21, November 4, 18
7:00-8:30pm, online only
Join us as we continue our study of big ideas about faith through the Foundations curriculum from the Shalom Hartman Institute of North America. Where does faith come from? What are the models in Jewish tradition for a complex relationship with God which includes reverence and joy, but also anger and argument? Where does doubt fit into a life of faith? Where do Jews who do not believe fit in? Join us as we delve into these questions and more.
Taught by: Rabbi Holzman
Thursdays, September 4*, 18, October 16, November 20, December 11, January 29, February 19, April 23, May 7, May 21, June 4
12:00-1:00pm, online only
This lunch ‘n learn is named after Shai Held’s recent, masterful volume of Jewish thinking, Judaism Is About Love: Recovering the Heart of Jewish Life. Together we will seek to understand how Held’s ideas manifest in our lives and contemporary Jewish practice. Independent purchase of the book is required, and e-book copies should be paginated like the print edition. (No handouts will be provided.)
*The September 4 session will include a review of the book so far.
Taught by: Rabbi Holzman
Thursday, April 30
Tuesdays, May 19, June 9
6:30-8:00pm, in person and online
This will be a broad survey meant to level-set knowledge for our travelers and provide a foundation for deeper study in the future for everyone.
This summer Rabbi Barrett will gather for an exploration of My Promised Land, Ari Shavit’s powerful reflection on the story of Israel, the meaning of belonging, and the challenges of living within history. Drawing on journalism, personal narrative, and historical reflection, the book invites us into conversations that have long occupied the Jewish people: How do we remember our past? What responsibilities come with a homeland? How do individuals carry the weight of collective dreams and disappointments?
As our tradition teaches, learning is not only about finding answers but about deepening our understanding through conversation and listening to one another.
This book study will be on Wednesday, July 15 and July 22 from 6:00-7:00pm
In Person Only
Click here to register.
Taught by Rabbi Holzman
This book study is on Tuesday, July 21 and August 25
7:00-8:00pm
In Person and Online
Introduction to the Mishnah: Explore this foundational text of Jewish law and ethics, compiled by the earliest rabbis in the 2nd century. A work of clear, concise Hebrew, the Mishnah translates the general laws of the Torah into specific rules for Jewish practice (we will study in English).
Click here to register.
Adult Hebrew
Taught by: Elizabeth Lacher
Thursdays, September 11, 18, 25; October 9; November 6, 13; December 4, 18; January 8, 29; February 5, 19, 26; March 12, 19, 26
6:00-6:55pm, in person only
Prerequisites: Ability to read Hebrew phonetically
Minimum 4 students required for the class to run.
$200 for members, $250 for non-members
For students who want to be able to read, understand, and translate selections from Torah. We will learn Hebrew grammar and to recognize a variety of verb forms and expand knowledge of Biblical vocabulary.
Sunday, September 7
1:30-5:30pm
In person only
As we prepare for the High Holy Days, you’re invited to join NVHC clergy and Hebrew teachers for a marathon session of Hebrew learning! Come and learn the basics of Hebrew, decoding, and common High Holy Day liturgical phrases you’ll hear over the course of the holidays.
This learning event will be perfect for you if you are: unsure of the letters, want to read along with prayers in Hebrew, or are looking for a way to expand your Hebrew.
The registration fee is $10 and includes snacks and all materials.
Go to https://tinyurl.com/hebrew-learning to register!
Advanced Beginner Modern Hebrew
Textbook: Hebrew – A Language Course, Level 1 – https://store.behrmanhouse.com/index.php/hebrew-a-language-course-level-1-shlav-aleph.html
Beginning on Wednesday February 4th @ 7-8pm for 12 weeks
Online only
Taught by Neta Litvin
This course is designed for adult learners who already have some experience with Hebrew and are ready to take the next step. Building on your knowledge of the Hebrew alphabet and vowels, we will work toward greater reading fluency while expanding your ability to understand, speak, and write Hebrew with growing confidence.
Lessons focus on practical vocabulary, everyday sentence patterns, and commonly used verbs, with plenty of opportunities to practice spoken Hebrew from the very beginning. Hebrew is taught with a modern Israeli flavor, emphasizing real-life language and meaningful communication. To support your learning, the course includes fun interactive games, along with custom-made materials created specifically for our students. These tools reinforce class content, encourage practice between sessions, and help make learning Hebrew both effective and enjoyable.
This course is ideal for learners who are past the absolute beginner stage and are ready to deepen their skills while enjoying the process.
Intermediate Modern Hebrew
Hebrew – A Language Course, Level 3 – https://store.behrmanhouse.com/index.php/hebrew-a-language-course-level-3-shlav-gimmel.html
Beginning on Monday February 2nd @ 7-8pm for 12 weeks
Online only
Taught by Neta Litvin
This course is designed for adult learners who are ready to strengthen and refine their Hebrew reading skills while continuing to grow in confidence and comprehension. Using a modern Hebrew textbook, students read engaging short texts and stories that gradually increase in complexity.
Reading selections are rich and varied, ranging from contemporary Israeli stories to Hasidic tales, midrashim, and biblical narratives. Students practice reading, building fluency and independence, while grammatical concepts are introduced clearly and thoughtfully. To reinforce learning, students have access to fun interactive games, along with additional custom-made materials created to support reading, vocabulary building, and grammar practice. These resources help solidify class content and encourage meaningful practice beyond the classroom.
This course is ideal for learners who want continued practice in Hebrew reading, a broader vocabulary, and a deeper understanding of Hebrew structure in a supportive and engaging environment.
Advanced Modern Hebrew
Hebrew – A Language Course, Level 3. – https://store.behrmanhouse.com/index.php/hebrew-a-language-course-level-3-shlav-gimmel.html
Beginning on Tuesday February 3rd @ 7-8pm for 12 weeks
Online only
Taught by Neta Litvin
This course is designed for adults who are ready to engage with Hebrew at a higher level of independence, depth, and expression. Advanced students also use Hebrew – A Language Course, Level 3 as the core textbook, working with the same materials as the Intermediate level.
The course focuses on expanding advanced vocabulary, mastering more complex grammatical structures, descriptive language, and a broad range of verb tenses. To support deeper learning, students have access to interactive games activities and custom-designed supplemental materials provided throughout the course to support reading, vocabulary building, and grammar practice. These resources encourage independent practice and sustained engagement with the language.
This course is ideal for students who want to refine and expand their Hebrew, engage deeply with texts and ideas, and use the language with confidence, accuracy, and cultural awareness.
No prior knowledge needed!
Wednesdays, 6:30-7:30pm
In person at NVHC
Text: Aleph Isn’t Tough (the book will be provided and can be picked up on the first day of the class).
Optional text: Mishkan Tefilah: Shabbat, non-transliterated)
Taught by Elizabeth Lacher
Cost: $200/members, $250/non-members
Dates: 1/28, 2/4, 2/11, 2/18, 2/25, 3/4, 3/11, 3/18, 3/25, 4/8, 4/15, 4/22
Start 2026 off strong by learning something new! In this beginner’s class, you’ll learn the Hebrew aleph bet, vowels, basic reading rules, and prayer vocabulary. You’ll become comfortable reading key prayers from our Shabbat liturgy and for holidays, and you’ll learn the meaning and context for specific prayers. Whether you want to follow along better at services, are going to Israel, or just want to start learning another language, this class is for you!
Registration
Registration is required for all classes and some classes must meet a minimum number of registrants to run. If you have any difficulties with the registration process, please contact Emily Hummel at emily@nvhcreston.org.
Finances shouldn’t be a barrier to learning – if you’d like to take one of our Hebrew classes and need financial assistance, please reach out to Joe Miller at ShowClick Here to View Contact Information.
Lifelong Learning at NVHC is supported by donations to the Talmud (Adult Learning) Fund and registration fees. Your continued donations to the Talmud Fund are appreciated.
