Adult Education

Ohr Kodesh provides Lifelong Learning opportunities for all members of the congregation.
Look below for upcoming learning and engagement opportunities, as well as weekly classes.

The Genesis of Drama - January, Thursdays at 11:00 am
Over the next two months, as we read the Book of Genesis, we’ll take a look at several key stories from the beginning of the Torah: Cain and Abel, Sarah and Hagar, Sodom and Gomorrah, the Binding of Isaac, and Jacob the Wrestler. 

Who are the Leaders of Jewish Tradition? Part 1: From Moses to the Judges - February, Thursdays at 11:00 am
We stand on the shoulders of giants. Our Jewish tradition is built on the foundations our ancestors. From Moses, to the Judges, to the Priests, to the Kings, to the Prophets, and ultimately to the rabbis. Over the course of the next two years, we’ll delve into each of these core groups of leaders starting with Joshua and the Judges. Each semester will afford us the opportunity to zoom in on these figures, their teachings, and the world in which they lived. Texts will be provided in English and Hebrew.

Check out our feature in Washington Jewish Week HERE.

Meshorerim Collective, various Tuesdays at 7:30 pm

Meshorerim, literally meaning, "singers", are a group of congregants who will gather for a melody and song circle to get familiar with the tunes we use throughout the High Holiday season and beyond. Participants will get the chance to make music together, discuss prayer, and reflect outside of the formal services. We will build and bolster our sacred community, making connections that transcend demographics, life stages, and politics, through communal song. These congregants will then be able to support the kahal during services, sitting together and elevating the music and communal energy of our tefillah. Find more information here. 

Talmud Text Class, Sundays at 8:00 am

Study the original text of the tractate Megillah and encounter many discussions of the origins of synagogue practices including Torah reading. 

Biblical Hebrew and Grammar, Wednesdays at 11:30 am

By studying the grammar and syntax of the narrative portions in the Torah, we gain greater facility in reading the text of the Torah in its Hebrew original. We also explore how Biblical words are used in contemporary Hebrew. Texts are distributed electronically.

Jews for Exegesis: Rashbam's Commentary on the Torah Portion   Shabbat, during Kiddush

An in-depth and lively exploration of the weekly Torah portion with the commentary of Rabbi Ovadiah Sforno.  Texts are bilingual, and discussion, questions, and disagreements are welcome. For further information, contact Richard Friedman.

Havrei Moshe Talmud Class-Masechet Shabbat (formerly Tuesday Talmud Class)   Tuesdays at 8:30 pm

The Talmud consists of discussions among the Rabbis, from about 100 BCE to 500 CE, of law, legend, morality, and theology.  We are studying a volume on Shabbat; our discussions are lively, and range from legal details to the theology of commandments. All questions are fair; no belief is assumed except that study of Torah is worthwhile. Texts are in Hebrew/Aramaic and English. Participants include people who have studied Talmud before and people who have not.  This class is named in memory of a long-time dedicated participant, Murray Rottenberg a"h, Moshe Ze'ev. For further information, contact Richard Friedman. 

Women's Torah Study Class  Parashat Hashavuah Class  Every other Friday at 9:30-11:00 am

The class is taught by Hadar educator, Rabbi Avi Strausberg.  Each class delves into one piece of each week’s parasha (weekly Torah portion) and examines it critically with commentary from our sages. No prior experience, knowledge or participation necessary; all welcome, OKC members and non-members. Registration required.

Learner’s Minyan with Rabbi Glazer    Sundays, 9:00-9:45 am when ABRS is in session

On Sunday mornings when the Religious School is in session, our morning service is also a learner’s service with an opportunity to explore the meaning, practice, structure, and experience of davening.

A Bisl of Torah    Shabbat, between Minchah and Ma'ariv

Join us each week as a guest educator engages the community in study and discussion as we learn, share a light meal,  and prepare to transition from the end of the peace of Shabbat to the week to come.