Adult Education
At all ages and life stages, learning offers us the opportunity to enrich our souls, challenge our intellect, connect us to community, find moral guidance, and further our understanding of our tradition. Temple Emanu-El’s learning opportunities are designed to help our adult members wrestle with their Judaism, build relationships, connect more deeply with our history and our people, and develop their spiritual lives. We strive to make our learning both accessible to all and challenging enough to further all of us on our paths of enriching education.
Temple Emanu-El offers many different paths of learning from weekly Torah Study and coffee with the Rabbi, to courses taught by our clergy, to Torah for the Table—a class that combines learning with culinary instruction (and lots of food!). There are many classes and opportunities, so be sure to watch the Bulletin and calendar for upcoming events! And if you have any ideas for learning opportunities you would like to see Temple Emanu-El bring, please contact Rabbi Benj!
Movies
Torah For The Table
Music with Michelle
Coffee With Rabbi
Introduction to Hebrew
Movie Matinees
Join temple member Andy Friedenberg, a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences, for cinematic journey of Jewish stories based in Europe during the mid-1900s. Andy will a lead discussion after the screening.
March 24, 2026: The Song of Names
May 19, 2026: Farewell Mr. Haffmann
June 23, 2026: Never Alone
July 21, 2026: Life is Beautiful
Register HERE.
Introduction to Hebrew
Learn to read and write Hebrew in just 7 sessions with Michelle Jirkovsky! Introduction to Hebrew meets on Sunday from 3 – 4 pm on the following dates:
- October 11
- October 18
- October 25
- November 8
- November 15
- December 6
- December 13
f you are interested in participating in the Adult B’Nei Mitzvah program beginning in January 2027, you will be required to read Hebrew. This course will prepare you to meet that requirement if you cannot already read Hebrew.
For any questions contact music@teesd.org.
Register HERE.
Music with Michelle
Come discover the melodies that connect generations!
Every Tuesday morning at 11 am
Join Music Director Michelle Jirkovsky on Tuesday mornings at 11 am for a new weekly series exploring the stories, songs, and soundtrack of Jewish life.
Journey through Jewish music history—from ancient melodies and cantorial greats to Broadway composers, camp songs, contemporary Jewish artists, and secular
musicians with Jewish roots. Listen, learn, reminisce, sing, and share memories of the music that has shaped our identities and communities.
Whether you love Debbie Friedman, Neil Diamond, synagogue choir music, or simply enjoy great conversation over coffee, all are welcome—no musical experience required!
There is no cost for the class but registration is preferred. Sign up HERE.
Torah for the Table
Jewish learning meets culinary school as Barry Lander and Rabbi Devorah lead you through lessons where you learn how to cook delicious Jewish meals and learn about our tradition. Fun and delicious!
November 12, 2025
December 10, 2025
January 14, 2026
February 11, 2026
March 11, 2026
April 22, 2026
May 13, 2026
June 3, 2026
Sign up HERE.
Scholar in Residence
Once a year, we are privileged to host a weekend of Jewish learning and community building by welcoming a Jewish academic to our synagogue to lecture, lead conversation, and engage thoughtful dialogue on relevant topics related to religion, Jewish identity, and our place in the world.
Check back for more details about our next Scholar in Residence.
Introduction to Judaism
Introduction to Judaism is an engaging 18-session course for anyone interested in exploring Jewish life through a Reform lens.
Open to all, 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.
Topics include holidays, life cycle celebrations, theology and core beliefs, Hebrew, prayer, the Bible and other sacred texts, history, anti-Semitism and the Holocaust, Zionism and Israel, the American Jewish experience, and the tapestry of the Jewish people today.
Tuition for the 18-session course is $360. The tuition fee allows for either one or two people to attend, and couples are encouraged to attend together.
Register HERE.
Coffee With The Rabbi
Join us every Wednesday from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM for “Coffee With Our Rabbi”! This is a wonderful opportunity to engage in casual and meaningful conversations with our esteemed Rabbi. Whether you have questions about our temple, our Jewish traditions, or simply want to connect, this is the perfect time. Please email office@teesd.org for the Zoom link!
Adult Ed Website Streaming Resources
Jewish institutions, organizations, and synagogues have been streaming Jewish classes, concerts, films, lectures, museum tours, and podcasts ever since the pandemic began. You can find calendars for much of this programming below.
Jewish institutions, organizations, and synagogues have been streaming Jewish classes, concerts, films, lectures, museum tours, and podcasts ever since the pandemic began.
You can find calendars for much of this programming at:
My Jewish Learning (daily)
San Diego Jewish World (weekly)
WHAT'S HAPPENING
Bulletin
Read the official newsletter for Temple Emanu-El, Ha-Sofer (The Scribe).
ON DEMAND STREAM
Services & Events
Stream live services and past events on YouTube.
6299 Capri Drive, San Diego, CA
(619) 286-2555
temple@teesd.org