Learning

As a Beit HaMidrash/house of study, Temple Israel sponsors and operates a variety of learning and educational programs and events for children, youths, and adults.

Our renowned Michaelson Early Childhood Center (ECC) features educational and enrichment opportunities for different age groups. In addition to our standard Nursery School program and early dropoff/late pickup care, we are especially proud of our Hebrew Enrichment offerings. Please visit our ECC page to catch up on the latest happenings.

For older children, Temple Israel offers a ruach-filled Sunday educational program, Kesher TI, during the school year. Once a month, the Kesher TI crew is joined by even more kids for a longer Givah b'Shana program, staffed by counselors and drawing on traditions from our award-winning Machaneh Givah summer camp. Kesher students also receive customized midweek tutoring opportunities, leading up to B-Mitzvah tutoring.

Teenagers can work as Kesher madrichim or assistant teachers, enjoying new leadership opportunities and special learning with the Rabbi. They can also enroll in classes at Mifgash Jewish Community High School, which meets at the nearby Albany JCC.

Adults can select from a variety of classes and formats. Rabbi Anderson teaches a weekday Talmud class (with both in-person and Zoom attendees), a monthly Lunch and Limmud after Shabbat morning Kiddush, and special offerings for holidays and other events. Cantor Marx offers regular classes on Torah cantillation and various aspects of Jewish music and worship. We are delighted to host guest speakers and scholars throughout the year and to co-sponsor programs with other area Jewish institutions. We are also members of the Jewish Virtual Learning Consortium, alllowing us to offer our members an even wider array of classes and lectures via Zoom. And seniors are invited to join our monthly Senior Schmooze lunch and speaker series, sponsored by the Strauss Senior Center. There's something to stimulate everyone's intellect and spirituality!

For more information about adult education, click here for our Jewish Learning Center.

For more information about youth education, click here for information about Kesher and Givah b'Shana.