Lifelong Learning

upcoming Adult Education Classes

Complete Class Descriptions

Soulful Jewish Living

Tuition: $216; Register here

Soulful Jewish Living (SJL) is an intro to Judaism course focused on the foundations of building and living a Jewish life. Together we’ll explore Jewish time and look at Jewish holidays, practices, and life cycle moments. This course is geared towards anyone who wants to learn more or delve more deeply into Jewish practice including those who want to update (or unlearn) their Hebrew School education, interfaith couples, and those returning to or interested in exploring Judaism. SJL is the first of two 12-week courses that form an intro to Judaism sequence which is required for conversion students at Shir Tikvah. We’ll be offering SJL in two formats this fall:

  • If you’re excited to learn in person with Jayce Koester, we’ll offer SJL at Shir Tikvah on Thursday nights at 6:30PM on 10/30, 11/6, 11/13, 11/20, 12/4, 12/11, 12/18, 1/ 8, 1/15, 1/22, 1/29, 2/5.

  • If you’re excited to learn virtually with Rabbi Gray Myrseth with students from progressive synagogues across the country, we’ll offer SJL on Tuesday at 6PM CST 10/21, 10/28, 11/4, 11/11, 11/18, 11/25, 12/2, 12/9, 12/16, 12/23, 12/30, 1/6. 

Adults Embracing B’Mitzvah: Join Our Spring Cohort with Steve Greenberg

Tuition: $300; Register here

Time: Alternating Mondays from 7:30-8:45 PM starting on Nov. 3rd and occasional Saturdays (dates TBD) on zoom with some in person rehearsals

If you never had a b’mitzvah as a youngster or wish to embark on the journey again, but as an adult, Shir Tikvah is convening a cohort of adult learners to journey toward a joint Adult B’Mitzvah scheduled for spring of 2026. You are eligible to join this group if you have at least a beginner’s knowledge of reading Hebrew and an introduction to Torah cantillation. Alternate classes might be substituted for these prerequisites upon approval by instructor. The focus of our studies will be each of us choosing a 3- or 4-verse aliyah and learning to chant it from Torah, along with learning to lead prayers from the pulpit, writing and delivering a d’var Torah (brief speech). Students who register for this course must be members of Shir Tikvah and Jewish - if you have questions about your Jewish or membership status or other questions about the class, you can contact Rabbi Joey at rabbijoey@shirtikvahmn.org.  

Reading Hebrew for Beginners: Alef Isn’t Tough with Steve Greenberg

Tuition: $216; Register here

Time: Mondays from 6-7:15PM starting on Nov. 3rd 

If you would like to learn to decode (read) Hebrew, the class and textbook “Alef Isn’t Tough” offers extensive opportunities to learn and practice reading. This is a great course for those returning to or coming into their Judaism. Whether you’re on a path towards adult B. Mitzvah or simply wanting to better follow along at services, please consider joining! We request that students purchase this textbook before the first class.  

Seeds of Mussar — A New Va’ad/Group with Laurel Riedel

Tuition: $360 with scholarships available

At Shir Tikvah from 4-6PM on 10/19, 11/2, 11/16, 11/30, 12/14, 1/11, 1/25, 2/8, 2/22, 3/8, 3/22, 4/5.

To learn more and express interest in joining this Vaad, please complete this Interest Form

Curious about Mussar but not sure where to start? Seeds of Mussar offers a welcoming, small-group introduction to this timeless Jewish spiritual path of character development. Together, we’ll explore Jewish wisdom and learn practices to live our values, cultivate virtues, and shape the world one interaction at a time. 

Participants will:

  • Deepen their connection with Judaism and its teachings.

  • Gain self-awareness and insight into their character.

  • Practice living ethically and compassionately in daily life.

  • Build meaningful connection within a caring community.

The Courageous Path: a Mussar group with Barry Epstein

Tuition: $360 with scholarships available

At New City Center (3104 16th Ave So, Minneapolis) on Thursdays 6:30PM-8:30PM on 10/9, 10/23, 11/6, 11/20, 12/4, 12/18, 1/8, 1/22, 2/5, 2/19, 3/5, 3/19.

To learn more and express interest in joining this Vaad, please complete this Interest Form.

For learners with several years of Mussar practice, The Courageous Path offers a chance to deepen understanding, strengthen character, and live more fully from your values. This ongoing va’ad focuses on ometz lev (courage), slicha (forgiveness), ka'as (anger), gevurah (strength/boundaries), and joy (simcha) - helping participants translate wisdom into meaningful action.

Through reflection, study, and practice, you will:

  • Expand self-awareness and ethical living through a Jewish lens.

  • Explore practical ways to embody virtues in daily life.

  • Connect with peers committed to growth and Mussar learning.

MahJong 101 with Marybeth Weisberg

Free!; Register here

At Shir Tikvah’s library on Wednesdays  6:30PM-8PM on Oct. 22, Oct. 29, Nov. 5 and Nov. 12.

Mahjong 101 is the perfect introduction to this fun, fast-paced game of skill, strategy, and a little bit of luck!

In this beginner-friendly class, you’ll learn:

  • The basic rules and flow of American Mahjong

  • How to read the National Mahjong League card

  • Tile names, suits, and simple strategies

  • How to set up, deal, and start playing with confidence

No experience needed. While the class will be offered free of charge, Marybeth requests that all students order a 2025 Mah Jong card before the first session.  

Free, Ongoing Offerings

Ongoing Torah Study: Our People's Journey

2nd & 4th Fridays of the month with Gayle Zoffer

12:15pm-1:30pm (Zoom)

Scholars believe that the Psalms were written by different people over several centuries; these prayer-poems express a range of feelings and motivations–including awe, gratitude, hope, a desire for comfort, grief, and despair. The group will consider different translations of the text as well as associated commentaries; this phase of study will also give us the chance to dip into musical settings of certain verses or entire psalms. We’ll also have a chance to think about the various metaphors for the Divine that are found in the text and see what resonates most for each of us. To be added to the email reminder list contact Gayle Zoffer. All are welcome to participate.

Torah for Tough Times – Nourishing our Souls

Monthly Torah Study with Rabbi Sharon Stiefel, MSW

6/26, 7/24, 8/28 at 12:00pm (Zoom)

Join me for a monthly Torah study group that provides support for individuals facing challenging ongoing hardship, grief and illness.(your own or someone you are caregiving for.) By coming together to look at the weekly Torah portion, we will nurture seeds of hope and resilience from our tradition as well as create space for support from our community.

Scholarship

Shir Tikvah is committed to finances never being a barrier to your ability to access our classes, events, or services. If you have interest in a scholarship, please use this form and we will follow up shortly. Thank you!