Tag: Adult Jewish Learning & Growth

Over the last few weeks, I have been sharing vignettes from my five-week stint in Jerusalem studying at the Hartman Institute… Through my short stories, I tried to open a window into the Israeli experience, to capture a snapshot of the compassion, resilience, and ingenuity I encountered in Israel, despite the ever-present grief and fear of this past difficult year. Here is the final installment of my Summer in Jerusalem series: “The Brothers from Shuva.” - Dr. Bella Tendler Krieger, CAJE’s Director of Adult Learning and Growth

One afternoon, my cohort at Hartman was invited to the home of Nissimmi Naim Naor for some therapeutic baking. Nissimmi, a celebrated Israeli chef, had just completed his rabbinical training, and our program directors thought we could learn a thing or two from a rabbi-chef. As we climbed the steps to his apartment, the most incredible scent of baking bread wafted towards us. We followed our noses to his front door, where he waited, bearded, aproned, and grinning contagiously.

There was an oversized banner of Karina Ariev, a 19-year-old hostage, hanging on the street outside my apartment in Baka. It read, “Karina, we are waiting for you, and for all the hostages, at home.” The poster was not unusual. Most of the wall space in Jerusalem, not to mention, the billboards and street signs, were plastered with images of the abducted Israelis. But this poster was very large and, hanging at a busy pedestrian intersection I passed several times daily, made a particular impression on me.

In her new role at CAJE, Bella is eager to unite her business acumen and love of learning to develop high-level educational opportunities throughout Miami-Dade. She believes that our region is one of the most culturally diverse, creative, and yet underdeveloped adult Jewish learning communities in the United States, and that the time is ripe for actualizing our potential.

On Monday night, April 22nd/15th of Nisan, Jews traditionally gather to celebrate Passover and commemorate the exodus from Egypt. We reenact the exodus through story, discussion, and song at the seder table. CAJE's Department of Adult Learning and Growth, in partnership with our faculty, has compiled Passover insights and teachings designed to help you spiritually prepare for the holiday. We have also included links to resources that you can share around your seder tables to spark meaningful conversations.

For centuries, the themes of the Passover seder has served as a beacon of hope and resilience in times of uncertainty. The seder experience transcends mere ritualistic observance; it is a dynamic educational opportunity that invites participants to engage with timeless themes and teachings in the context in which we find ourselves.

CAJE’s Department of Adult Learning & Growth fosters a community where the magic of Jewish education becomes a pathway to see the world through a Jewish lens. Embark on a journey with an amazing community of learners where each moment brings the opportunity to connect deeply to a rich tradition, forge strong bonds with others as you unpack the wisdom of Jewish learning and stimulate your mind and engage your soul.

In a vibrant landscape of cultural events, the Miami Jewish Film Festival (MJFF) stands out as a beacon of cinematic excellence, not only for its captivating array of films but also for its dynamic educational component. Behind this synergy is CAJE’s Department of Adult Learning and Growth, responsible for curating these encounters and enhancing the movie-watching experience for audience members.

In the midst of what is transpiring in our homeland of Israel, CAJE’s many departments are working diligently to help our schools and constituencies with resources to help support Israel, find comfort, talk with children and students, and take action.

On Simchat Torah, we celebrate the Torah’s timeless teachings and its power to transform individuals on both a personal and communal level… Just as the Torah is read in a perpetual cycle, so too should our quest for knowledge and self-improvement be continuous… guided by the wisdom of Torah and Jewish learning.

"My Adult Learning journey has been nothing short of amazing. Not only has the experience been an enriching one, but it is something I love to share with others… I encourage anyone who can give the gift of Jewish learning, to do so. One class can change a life!"

It’s hard to describe the naches felt at a Melton Adult Learning graduation. You may not find the traditional “pomp and circumstance” of a College graduation, but you will find personal transformation, accomplishment, and heart bursting pride – something each Melton lifelong-learner experiences.

Every week, close to 150 adult learners are inspired as they participate in courses offered by CAJE’s Department of Adult Learning & Growth. Our faculty serve as guides on a stimulating journey, and our students engage in discussions that are insightful and powerful.

It’s no secret that antisemitism is on the rise, both nationally and worldwide. As Yair Rosenberg recently wrote in his blog Deep Shtetl, “Every single year since the FBI began recording hate-crime statistics, Jews have been the target of more anti-religious attacks in the U.S. than all other religious groups combined.”

In the spirt of Simchat Torah next week, as we begin again the ageless cycle of Torah with Bereshit (Genesis), we invite you to start your own personal cycle of learning with us.

Join Dr. Robert Watson on Wednesday, May 11 at 7PM for a program of meaningful insight into the rise of Antisemitism today and the long history of hate that has followed the Jewish people throughout history. He will address the rise of micro-aggressions on college campuses and will include resources for how to engage in dialogue to combat the vitriol and hatred.

Our Melton & More / Adult Learning faculty shape the lives of our learners by creating powerful spaces for inquiry, discovery and connection. They design courses using centuries-old sacred texts and teachings and transform them into relevant wisdom that serves as inspiration to help navigate our modern world.

Jewish learning goes beyond the quest for answers. It’s the connection between teacher and student that enhances the journey towards finding greater personal meaning in Judaism and seeing the world through a Jewish lens.