Adult Education at Temple Shalom

Florence Melton School of Adult Jewish Learning

Engaging adult learners in life-enhancing study of Jewish texts, Melton is the largest pluralistic adult Jewish education network in the world and Temple Shalom is the only location in Southwest Florida where you can take advantage of this innovative, professionally developed curriculum. This year, Temple Shalom is offering three courses taught by Rabbi Adam Miller and Rabbi Ariel Boxman. Classes begin soon.Visit our website at www.naplestemple.com for more information or contact the Temple Shalom Education Department at 239-455-2233.

Jewish Spirituality

Beginning Jan. 9 at 1 p.m.

Missy Balsam, a member of Temple Shalom and a yoga instructor, leads this class centered on tikkun middot (spiritual and ethical traits), meditation and various mindfulness practices. These sessions take place every other Thursday for eight weeks. Visit our website at www.naples temple.com for more information.

Scholar-in-Residence

Friday, Jan. 17 & Saturday, Jan. 18

Dr. Jason Kalman is professor of Classical Hebrew Literature and Interpretation at Hebrew Union College in Cincinnati and a research fellow at the University of the Free State in South Africa. He is the author, most recently, of “The Book of Job in Jewish Life and Thought” (Hebrew Union College Press, 2021) and “The Commentary of Abraham Ibn Ezra on the Book of Job: An Annotated Translation” (Medieval Institute Publications, 2024). The Scholar-in-Residence program is generously supported by The Shirley and Henry Kraus Scholar-in-Residence Fund. Visit our website at www.naples temple.com for more information.

Author Lee Yaron

Tuesday, Feb. 4 at 2 p.m.

We welcome Lee Yaron, author of the book “10/7 – 100 Human Stories.” The book is a definitive account of the 10/7 massacre as told through the stories of the victims and the communities that they called home. These stories are the product of extensive interviews with the survivors, the bereaved and first responders in Israel and beyond. This event is co-sponsored by the Temple Shalom Sisterhood. In partnership with the Jewish Book Council.

From Despair to Hope: The Music of “Schindler’s List”

Monday, Jan. 27 at 2 p.m.

Dr. Tom Cimarusti delves into the acclaimed musical score of “Schindler’s List,” composed by John Williams. This exploration highlights how Williams’ evocative music deepens the film’s narrative, accentuating themes of sorrow, resilience and Jewish identity.

Sunday School for Adults

Sundays, Feb. 2 & 9 at 10 a.m.

From David to Solomon: Tales of the Ancient Jewish Monarchy

Rabbi Emeritus James Perman returns with his beloved Sunday School for Adults series. This year, Rabbi Perman will delve deeper into the fascinating history of ancient Jewish monarchs.

If You think Living in Naples is Paradise, You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet: Jewish Views on the Afterlife

Wednesdays, Feb. 5, 12, 19 & March 5 at noon

Rabbi Frank Muller leads this series that reviews the classic Jewish positions on the concept of an afterlife, followed by an examination of contemporary liberal theologians.

Artist-in-Residence

Friday, March 2-Saturday, March 22

Cantor Benjie Ellen Schiller serves as the Rabbi Lawrence A. Hoffman professor of Liturgy, Worship, and Ritual and professor of Cantorial Arts at the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion Debbie Friedman School of Sacred Music, and as Cantor of Bet Am Shalom Synagogue in White Plains, New York. She is certified by the Institute for Jewish Spirituality as a Jewish mindfulness meditation teacher. Artist-In-Residence weekend is generously underwritten by Dr. Paula Brody and Merrill Hassenfeld Artist-in-Residence Fund. Visit our website at www.naplestemple.com for more information.

Israel Book Discussion Group

Fourth Tuesday each month at 11 a.m.

The Israel Book Discussion Group meets monthly via Zoom to discuss a selected fiction or nonfiction book about Israel, and to relate what we learn from it to more current events regarding Israel. Please contact Michael Rubner at exfgomsu@aol.com for more information.

Saturday Morning Torah Study

Weekly at 8:30 a.m.

Study the weekly Torah portion with the guidance of clergy and lay-leaders via Zoom. Learners of all levels are welcome.

For more information, contact Temple Shalom at 239-455-3030.