Adult Learning

Adult Learning at Sinai

Life-long Jewish learning has always been a core value of Temple Sinai.
Our founding rabbi, Beryl D. Cohon, referred to Temple Sinai as “a teaching synagogue,” a place where Jews could draw from the “Well of Jewish Learning” by pursuing higher Jewish education well into adulthood.
In addition to our regularly scheduled programs and annual events, Temple Sinai offers a wide variety of additional learning and cultural opportunities throughout the year.
Check our website calendar to see what’s coming up soon!
Contact info@sinaibrookline.org or call 617-277-5888 for zoom links and more information.

Talmud Study Group

This lively study group meets every Sunday at 9:00am, on Zoom only, to study one page of Talmud a week (daf shevui).

Contact Karen Keely to be added to the weekly meeting email list.

Scholar-in-Residence

Temple Sinai is honored to host our annual Scholar-in-Residence weekend — a special opportunity to learn from a distinguished guest scholar, author, and teacher. Each year, our Scholar-in-Residence brings unique insight to a timely and thought-provoking theme, explored through a series of engaging events open to the entire community.

Weekend programs may include:

  • A guest appearance at Rabbi Vogel’s Thursday morning class

  • A keynote teaching during Erev Shabbat Services on Friday evening

  • Shabbat morning study discussions, talks, or brunch events

  • A Sunday morning learning session

  • Additional lectures, workshops, or community gatherings

Whether you attend one session or participate in the full weekend, this is a meaningful chance to engage deeply with Jewish learning and contemporary issues in a welcoming, thoughtful setting.

Our next Scholar-in-Residence weekend will be November 21-23, 2025, and February 6-7, 2026.

Cohon Lecture Weekend

This special lecture honors the memory of Rabbi Beryl D. Cohon, Temple Sinai’s founding rabbi, who served our congregation until 1964. Established in his memory, the Cohon Lecture brings leading voices from the Jewish world and beyond to share thought-provoking ideas, stories, and scholarship with our community.

The event is presented by Temple Sinai’s Adult Jewish Learning Committee and is generously supported by the Cohon Memorial Lecture Fund.

“Building Bridges” Series

Join us for our ongoing discussion with Rabbi Golan Ben-Chorin, an Israeli Reform rabbi who lives in Haifa, who helps us explore current issues in Israeli society, including social justice and democracy, prayer and ritual in Israeli Reform Judaism, societal issues related to the war, LGBTQ and inclusion issues, and more.

View our calendar for upcoming sessions.

Introduction to Judaism

Join us for Introduction to Judaism, a 16-session course held Wednesday nights from January to May 2026. Taught by Rabbinic Intern Abi Oshins, Rabbi Vogel, Rabbi Stein, and guest educators, this engaging series is open to the wider community and offers a welcoming space to explore Jewish history, beliefs, rituals, and culture.

Whether you’re exploring conversion, interfaith, or simply curious, all are welcome.
Pre-registration required: $275 individual / $375 couple. Financial aid is available.

Click here to register, for the full course schedule, and more details.

All inquiries: abi@sinaibrookline.org

Thursday Study Group

Join us each Thursday, October – June, from 10:15-11:45am, for a lively and friendly class with Rabbi Andy Vogel.

We study a wide variety of topics, rotating to a new field of study about every six weeks or so. Thursday Study includes discussions, films, text study, and an occasional guest speaker. Join us each Thursday or feel free to drop in just once! All are welcome. Join us either on Zoom or in person. Contact the Temple office to be added to the email list for information about each week’s session and link.

Saturday Morning Torah Study

Led twice a month on Shabbat mornings by either Rabbi Andy Vogel or Rabbi Talia Stein, from 9-10:30am.

We gather to discuss the ideas presented by the week’s Torah portion. We begin with a light breakfast and singing and then then explore the Jewish ideas that emerge from the weekly Torah reading. In person or on Zoom.

Queer Torah Study

Queer Torah Study meets about 5 times per year, on Saturdays at 5:00pm. Queer Torah Study is sponsored by the Temple Sinai Rainbow Committee.

Queer Torah Study is an opportunity to gather to explore Jewish ideas from an LGBTQ perspective. During our study, we affirm the journey for those who are LGBTQ Jewish individuals and allies in the context of Jewish sacred text. We will also sing Havdallah blessings to mark the conclusion of Shabbat. All are welcome!

Mussar Study Group

Mussar is a Jewish tradition that helps each of us cultivate and practice our ethical understanding. Come and explore Jewish ethical teachings – such as gratitude, patience and compassion – through study, conversation and practice. Regular meetings will be every two weeks throughout the fall (view the calendar for specific dates) at Temple Sinai.

Contact Merry Arnold if you are interested in joining the group.

Adult B’nai Mitzvah Class

Our Adult B’nai Mitzvah class resumes in September 2025 for currently registered participants only. Look for more information about the group’s celebration date on Saturday, December 6, 2025, when our adults will be called to the Torah and lead a festive Shabbat service to honor their 15-month long Jewish study journey together.

Taught by Robin Orwant, Rabbi Stein & Rabbi Vogel.

Contact the Temple Office for more information.