Adult Education
Temple Or Rishon's Adult Education Program offers classes that are intellectually and spiritually satisfying - and fun. They appeal to the different backgrounds and interests of congregation members and are open to all members of the community. Whether you have been immersed in Jewish learning for years, or are just beginning, you are sure to find something that will satisfy your interests and curiosity and support your spiritual and religious life.Scroll down to see the Adult Education offerings for 2025/2026. Please contact Mary Frank, Educator, at mary.frank@orrishon.org or 916 988-4100, for questions and further information.
TORAH STUDY
Torah Study meets every Saturday morning at 9am. Led by Rabbi Rabishaw, Torah Study is a great place to come if you are looking for deeper study, connection, and meaning. On Saturday mornings where there is a Morning Shabbat Service, Torah study will be held in-person at Temple Or Rishon. All other Saturday mornings, Torah study meets on Zoom. Click here to view this week's schedule.
Please note: Adult Education programs are offered at no cost. If you wish to donate to help sustain our programming, click here. Choose General Fund as your donation type.
Monthly Programs
Trope 101 - Learn to Chant Torah!
Select Tuesdays at 7:00pm in person at Temple Or Rishon
Instructor: Cantor Ben Harris
Dates: 10/28, 11/25, 12/23, 1/27, 2/24, 3/31, 4/28, 5/26
Mercha tipcha munach etnachta, mercha tipcha sof-pasuk: No, that’s not lorem ipsum or QWERTY, those are the first two trope phrases that we learn together on our way to chanting Torah! So if you have ever wanted to learn how to help perform this holy deed, come chant Torah with us. (Hebrew mastery is not required, however this class will not be focusing on the letters, so some proficiency in sounding out the words is necessary.) Contact Cantor Ben (cantorharris@orrishon.org) if you have any questions or concerns.
Jewish Spirituality Group
Select Wednesdays at 6:30pm in person at Temple Or Rishon
Led By: Mary Frank
Dates: Monthly on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays (no 11/27 or 12/25 - May 28 not 21); October 23, January 22 and April 23 will be art pased and last until 8:30pm
Join educator, Mary Frank, to delve deeper into the discussion of spirituality through Jewish texts, meditation and mindfulness practices.
CLICK HERE to view Mary's Spirituality Blog
Bringing Jewish Perspectives to Current Events
Select Thursdays at 7:00pm in person at Temple Or Rishon
Led by: Rabbi Alan Rabishaw
Dates: 9/18, 10/16, 11/20, 12/18, 1/15, 2/19, 3/19, 4/16, 5/14, 6/18
We all have perspectives and feelings about what is happening in the world around us. Come be a part of these monthly conversations where we will consider Jewish perspectives on Current Events as well as share our own thoughts, feelings and challenges that come with living in these complicated times.
Registration not required.
Adult Education
Tuesdays @ 7:00pm - October 21, November 4, 11
Shirei Tzion
Instructor: Cantor Ben Harris
Location: Temple Or Rishon
Description: Come sing new songs of t’fillah and praise from contemporary progressive communities in Israel!
Shirei Tzion
Instructor: Cantor Ben Harris
Location: Temple Or Rishon
Description: Come sing new songs of t’fillah and praise from contemporary progressive communities in Israel!
Tuesdays @ 7:00pm - January 6, 13, 20
Book Study: Judaism is About Love, by Rabbi Shai Held
Instructor: Rabbi Alan Rabishaw
Location: Temple Or Rishon
Description: Judaism Is About Love is a sweeping and passionate re-centering of Judaism as a religion deeply rooted in love—not only for God, but also for human beings, the world, and the self. Held argues that love is not peripheral to Judaism, but central to the entire project of Torah. Reading and discussing this book is not just about learning, its about growing, thinking and expanding your foundational
understanding of what Judaism can be all about.
There is no cost for the class, however, READING THE BOOK is required! To order a book through TOR ($18 each), contact the main office.
Fridays @ 5:45pm - January 16, 23, 30
Siddur (Prayerbook) Boot Camp
Instructor: Sara Shakked
Location: Temple Or Rishon
Description: A series of pre-service gatherings to provide opportunity for participants to bring their questions about prayer, praying and our Friday night Shabbat service. Sara will offer her own unique special spiritual insights that have the power to make some of the prayer experience come alive in new and meaningful ways.
Siddur (Prayerbook) Boot Camp
Instructor: Sara Shakked
Location: Temple Or Rishon
Description: A series of pre-service gatherings to provide opportunity for participants to bring their questions about prayer, praying and our Friday night Shabbat service. Sara will offer her own unique special spiritual insights that have the power to make some of the prayer experience come alive in new and meaningful ways.
Tuesdays @ 7:00pm - February 10 and 17
The Development & Growth of Rituals and Customs in the Reform Movement
Instructor: Marty Mechanick
Location: Temple Or Rishon
Description: From “Anatevka” to Sacramento, how did we get from here to there? We will look at how Reform Judaism has changed the way Jews do Jewish here in America. We will also examine how this shift has led to a reclaiming of beloved Jewish rituals and practices–especially for those who might prefer sushi to payos (Jewish sideburns)!
Tuesdays @ 7:00pm - March 24
Seeing Ourselves As Slaves in Egypt
Instructor: Rabbi Alan Rabishaw and Cantor Ben Harris
Location: Temple Or Rishon
Description: How do we see ourselves as slaves in Egypt? The seder is a ritual that takes us from the memory of slavery to the hope of freedom, and even a messianic age. We will discuss how slavery is portrayed in the Haggadah as well as how the Haggadah lifts us out of Egypt and provides the aspiration for the future.
Wed, September 17 2025 24 Elul 5785
