Adult Education

We are delighted to offer a wide range of in-person and online courses and events, including these topics: Jewish arts and culture, text study, singing, social action, history, Israel, food, and literature--something for everyone. For more information about these programs, contact us at wct@wct.org

Talmud Study Group: Wednesdays 12:00-1:00 pm (throughout the year on Zoom)
If you're looking for some ongoing, lively discussion of Jewish text, come join our weekly study of the Talmud facilitated by Martin Irwin. In exploring the traditional teachings of our ancient rabbis, we find remarkable contemporary relevance.  We are studying Tractate Megillah which explores the Purim story.  

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Woodlands Webinars with Your Clergy and friends!
Wednesdays throughout the year on Zoom
Take an hour and join your clergy and invited guests for an hour of learning online. Each month, we'll meet either for a lunch break (1:15 pm sessions) or dessert (8:00 pm sessions). Grab a nosh and get in front of a computer. We'll meet in real time and discuss lively topics together.

2022-2023 Schedule 

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Book Club
3rd Wednesday of every month starting Sept 21 from 2:00-3:30 pm in Person and on Zoom
Join us every month for our book club, facilitated by different members of the group. 

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Hevra Torah Learning
Shabbat mornings, 9:15-10:15 am in the Library and on Zoom
On Saturday mornings, whether you bring a little one to our Kesher education program or you're just taking it easy at home, why not come spend an engaging, stimulating and uplifting hour talking Torah? Some really nice folks come together and sit with our clergy to explore the Torah portion of the week. 

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Is it Judaism? Exploring Laws and Customs with Harriet Levine
Thursdays from 10:00-11:30 am weekly starting Oct 6 in Person and on Zoom
Open to newcomers. Contact Harriet at hl19845@gmail.com 

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Holocaust Memory Project
Facilitated by Rabbi Mara and Melanie Roher
If you are related to someone who died during the Holocaust, or to someone who survived, let us know! We are gathering folks who want to share their family's story with other descendants of Holocaust victims/survivors and then brainstorm ways to share those stories with the congregation. Whether you are the child, grandchild, cousin or friend, we hope you'll help in the ongoing preservation of their stories by joining this group. Email rabbimara@wct.org with your interest.

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The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story by Nikole Hannah-Jones 
Begins Tue, Oct 25, 7:30–9:00 pm, on Zoom, & last Tues. of each month thereafter
Each month, we will read another chapter of this controversial book, which attempts to reframe our understanding of American history by placing slavery and its ongoing legacy at the center of our national narrative. Participants are invited to volunteer to take turns facilitating discussion. Register HERE

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Racial Justice Task Force/Adult Education Series (All events on Sundays)
Contact rjtf@wct.org for more information.

Nov 13 at 4:00 pm Racial Justice Book Discussion: In advance, we'll share a list of five books about racial justice, and participants will choose one to read. On Nov 13 we will meet for small group book discussions.  

Apr 16 1:00-2:30 pm Visit to Enslaved Africans Rain Garden in Yonkers

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Scholar-in-Residence: Rahel Musleah
December 2&3 in person at WCT
Rahel is an award-winning journalist, critically acclaimed author, singer and educator, born in Calcutta to a family that traces its roots to 17th-century Baghdad. She grew up mostly in the United States. Rahel's programs both educate and entertain as she takes adults and children on a personal, historic and musical journey to Jewish India that features stories, authentic photographs, memorabilia and more. She offers an opportunity to deepen an understanding of the diversity as well as similiarity of Jewish communities around the world.

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Jews and Jazz
Wednesday, Dec 7 from 7:30-9:00 pm
Led by Henry Sapoznik
This class is in collaboration with Temple Beth Abraham. 
When one thinks of "Jews and jazz" names come to mind such as Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw, Stan Getz, Mezz Mezzrow, etc. All American born. But what of the earlier generation of European born Jewish musicians--klezmorim--who, upon arrival, were obliged to learn two new languages: English and jazz? How did they navigate through a new challenging soundscape in an effort to become viable parts of their new land? By examining the nascent "jazz" offerings of pioneering performances, we witness for the first time how that first generation took to jazz as both a social and musical gateway to speed up and encourage their--and their audience's--acculturation in transition from old world to new.

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Crip Camp Documentary and Panel Discussion
Sunday, Jan 8 from 4:00-6:45 pm
The award winning documentary Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution (cripcamp.com) shares with insight, clarity, humor, and beauty the experiences of one group of disabled young people and their journey to activism and adulthood, and in doing so, provides an opportunity for all to delve into the rich and complicated history of disability activism, culture, and history. After viewing the film, we'll engage in a panel discussion. 

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Ask Big Questions: What Does it All Mean? Diving into the Jewish ethics of aging and legacy making
3 Thursdays: Jan 26, Feb 2, Feb 9
8:00-9:30 pm on Zoom
Facilitated by Rabbi Mara and Gary Levine
As our parents age, as we age, we may ask ourselves: what legacy am I leaving? How are we supposed to approach the aging process and how do we make sure we make our time on earth mean something? Come tackle these big questions with us. We'll see what our texts have to say and start to tackle our "ethical wills" together.

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Adult Education Planning Brunch
Sunday, Feb 12 from 11:30 am-1:00 pm
Join us ready to share ideas of what you'd like to see educationally for adults in our congregation. What's worked? What's missing? What types of programs would engage you and your friends? 

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A Conversation about Antisemitism with Rabbi Mara and Scott Richman from the ADL
Thursday, March 2 from 7:30-9:00 pm
Join us in this important conversation about the rise of antisemitism led by Rabbi Mara and Scott Richman, ADL NY/NJ Regional Director.
This program will be held at WCT and online and is open to members and the wider community.
Click here to register in advance.

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Israel Course: For the Sake of Argument
3 Thursdays, Apr 13, 20, 27 from 7:30-9:00 pm
Facilitated by Rabbi Joan Farber
We live in a divided world, avoiding conversations which could develop into arguments. We have forgotten how to disagree with and challenge each other and still talk to each other at the end of the day. Within the Jewish community, this is especially true about Israel. Using stories and a program developed by Robbie Gringras and Abi Dauber Sterne, we will provoke arguments and disagreements and hopefully reclaim arguments for a better world.

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Newport, RI Day Trip
Sunday, April 23, 7:30 am - 6:30 pm
The Adult Education committee hopes that you will join us on a one day trip by bus to Newport Rhode Island to visit the Touro Synagogue. This synagogue was first dedicated on December 2, 1763 (the first night of Hanukkah) and is the oldest and only surviving synagogue dating to the colonial period. It is a Sephardic synagogue and in 1946 it was declared a National Historic Site.

Once in Newport we will have a guided walking tour of the area and then a guided tour of the synagogue. Afterwards, there will be free time for lunch and to explore Newport. The cost of the trip will be $60. This will be an exciting, educational, and memorable day. So mark your calendar and join us!
Click here to register for the trip.

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Woodlands Singers
We hope you’ll consider joining Cantor Jenna and our Woodlands Singers, who delight and enrich services and other special events. Rehearsals are on Wednesday evenings, 8:00-9:15 pm. If you can carry a tune and like group singing, this is the place for you. Contact Cantor Jenna (cantorjenna@wct.org) for more information.