December 9, 2025 -

Adult Education

Adult education meets each Sunday morning the Jewish Cultural School is in session, usually weekly each month, from September through May.  We engage in lifelong learning as we listen to our fellow members and guest speakers on a variety of topics centered around themes of Judaism, Humanism, and other social, humanitarian, or personal issues.  There is always plenty of time for questions and discussion.

Adult Education Program Objectives

  1. Help Machar members to increase their access to the best of Jewish and Secular Humanist perspectives and practices;
  2. Complement Machar’s educational programs for children and teens, Shabbat and holiday programs, community service, social action, and other activities;
  3. Tap into the vast array of skills and talents of the members of our congregation;
  4. Reflect the diversity of interests and backgrounds of the members of Machar;
  5. Incorporate principles and practices of effective adult education;
  6. Contribute to strengthening the sense of community within Machar;
  7.  Introduce Machar to a wider audience.

Adult Education Recordings

  • December 17, 2024 – In time for Hanukkah in 2024, Rabbi Jeremy asks — why is Hanukkah important for the history of Judaism and Christianity?
  • December 15, 2024 – Guest Speaker: Alan Dell — the former owner of the iconic Katz’s Deli in New York City
  • December 8, 2024 – Guest Speaker: Galia Steinbach — A story of humanity and courage, Bulgarian Jews in WWII
  • November 24, 2024 – Three Jewish Students Discuss Being Jewish on Campus Post October 7th
  • October 27, 2024 – Guest Speaker: Adav Noti and Eric Kashsan – The Election Panel and Voting Rights
  • September 29, 2024 – Guest Speaker: Avia Halevi – Talk about Yeminite Jews
  • September 22, 2024 – Rabbi Jeremy and Rabbi Cohen – Humanistic Jewish Approaches to Death and Dying
  • September 15, 2024 – 3 Rabbis – Rabbi Ariel Tovlev of Kehila Chadasha, Rabbi Jeremy Kridel of Machar and Rabbi Deborah Cohen of Beth Chai will be on a panel answering questions about their beliefs and approaches to Judaism.
  • May 12, 2024 – Guest Speaker: Michael Podhorzer – What’s Ahead for American Labor Activism?
  • May 19, 2024 – Guest Speaker: Maggie Paxson -Bomb Shelter Cafe
  • April 14, 2024 – Guest Speaker: Paul Golin – Jews for a Secular Democracy: Topics in 2024
  • February 25, 2024 – Guest Speaker: Mike Zamore – Fixing the Filibuster, Saving Democracy
  • February 11, 2024 – Guest Speaker: Howard Sumka – Israel-Palestine, An Update