Adult Jewish Learning

Classes and discussion groups with skilled educators on traditional texts, art, literature, history and current affairs.

Origins of Zionism Mobile Slider

THE ORIGINS OF ZIONISM

With Rabbi Andy Bachman
JCA Boardroom, 1342 Congress Street, Portland
Thursdays, May 11, 18, 25; June 1 | 7:00 - 8:30 PM
$18.00 - JCA Members / $36.00 - General Public

Are the Jews defined only by Judaism and religion? Or are the Jews a people, a culture and a nation? During this 4-week course, we will explore the foundational ideas that influenced the creation of Zionism and the Jewish state. From political emancipation of the Jews in early 19th century Europe to Israel’s Independence in 1948, we will examine a number of documents, essays and events that were essential to understanding the idea of Jewish nationalism and the creation of the first Jewish state in two thousand years. All backgrounds and opinions are welcome. 

Andy Bachman is founder of Water Over Rocks and the Center for Midwestern Jewish Communities, a unique entity devoted to the preservation of history, memory and civic responsibility.  He is also Senior Consultant to the Jewish Community Legacy Project.  From 2018-2022 he was executive director of the Jewish Community Project of Lower Manhattan, a growing, open, pluralistic center for Jewish life in Tribeca.  He was Senior Rabbi at Congregation Beth Elohim in Brooklyn, New York from 2006-2015, executive director of the Edgar M. Bronfman Center for Jewish Student Life at New York University from 1998-2004.  He is also the founder of Brooklyn Jews, an innovative social organizing engine for young, unaffiliated Jews and their partners in Brownstone Brooklyn. Andy currently lives in Portland, ME, and is father to three daughters, Audrey, Lois and Minna and a dog, Bob Capa.

Torah Study Genesis Into the Light Yoram Raanan

Torah Conversations

A weekly online study group facilitated by Ellie Miller
Thursdays, 10:00 – 11:00 AM on Zoom 

All participants should RSVP to our volunteer Diane Newman to join this year's email list, and receive the new Zoom link, weekly readings and schedule updates (even if you have participated in the past). New participants are welcome!

We continue our journey through the the Torah,  engaged in a careful reading of every word of the text. We focus on language and structure along with the stories and values the text imparts. 

Adult Ed Offerings from the Community

Spirits & Spirits in the Sukkah

Oct 05, 2023 5:30PM—7:00PM

Temple Beth El - Susan T. Goldberg Courtyard

Death and Dying in the Jewish Tradition

Oct 12, 2023 7:00PM—8:30PM

Moser Family Library at the JCA of Southern Maine 1342 Congress St. Portland, ME 04102

From the Depths: Teachings of Rabbi Kalonymus Kalman Shapira during the “Years of Wrath”

Oct 15, 2023 10:30AM—11:30AM

Temple Beth El, 400 Deering Ave, Portland ME

Israel Reading Group

Oct 17, 2023 7:00PM—8:30PM

JCA of Southern Maine 1342 Congress St Portland ME 04102

Death and Dying in the Jewish Tradition

Oct 19, 2023 7:00PM—8:30PM

Moser Family Library at the JCA of Southern Maine 1342 Congress St. Portland, ME 04102