The Temple Israel of Albany Jewish Learning Center (JLC) is the manifestation of our dedication to being a Beit Hamidrash (House of Study). The goal of the JLC is to instill Jewish values and learning through cutting edge Judaic educational coursework that enhances the Jewish experience in the Capital Region. The JLC strives to strengthen the Albany Jewish community by engaging all generations and facilitating interactions between them in order to fulfill the ultimate mitzvah of learning. Our overarching goal is to maximize and transform your Jewish experience by reinforcing the reality of the Jewish people as an extended family of learners.

The JLC features local Judaic scholars teaching courses which revolve around classic and modern Judaic themes in our society. The prestigious faculty are skilled in teaching diverse populations at all levels to meet the needs of their students and are dedicated to the concept of lifelong learning for people of the Jewish community. Our wide variety of subjects is specially designed to bring a well-rounded education to anyone who registers.

We look forward to seeing you in our classrooms soon!

From the President of the
Board of Trustees

Temple Israel has been a community leader on offering exciting, informative, and thought-provoking adult education courses. The Jewish Learning Center is a continuation of that leadership and a bold initiative to better serve our Synagogue members and the greater Albany Jewish Community. Our educators, including our clergy, have developed outstanding courses that participants will find enriching and meaningful.

I thank the Synagogue’s Adult Education Committee Chair Gail Sacco, the professional staff, and all of the volunteers who help the Jewish Learning Center grow and develop. I encourage everyone to review the many different courses available through the Jewish Learning Center and to reach out to us with suggestions for topics and courses that you would like to see the Jewish Learning Center pursue. Thanks to terrific programs like the Jewish Learning Center, Temple Israel will continue to go from strength to strength and generation to generation.

Gary Ginsburg

From the Chair of the
Adult Education Committee

The Jewish people are known as the “people of the book.” We love to learn and argue, discuss and explore. In fact, many of our jokes celebrate this. (When two Jews get together…) Here, at Temple Israel, there are many ways to enrich your understanding of our religion, our history, and our lives in contemporary times. Add enjoyment to your spring with new ideas!

Many thanks go to the Adult Education committee members for their efforts with the spring programming. Abraham Anolik, Victor Asal, Daniel Grossberg, Rabbi Eligberg, Steve Huz, and Sandy Schuman. Federica Francesconi, PhD, Director of the Program and Assistant Professor of History at SUNY Albany, supports us with her expertise. Finally, I would be remiss not to mention our hardworking synagogue staff members including Rachael Schertzer, Jenn Trippany, Jody Shlomo, and Deb Lambert.

B’shalom,
Gail Sacco
Chair, Adult Education Committee