Jewish Lifelong Learning
The Jewish Lifelong Learning (JLL) program provides relevant, vibrant and meaningful Jewish learning experiences to meet the diverse needs of all our congregants. In addition to formal educational opportunities, there are a variety of informal educational experiences such as Torah and Talmud study. The scope of class offerings is extraordinary. The class schedule includes semester long and multi-year courses, as well as occasional short-term courses.
Please Note: The decision to run a class is based upon the number of students enrolled. You will be notified if a class has been postponed due to insufficient enrollment, and if it has been rescheduled for a later date. If you are planning to attend a class, please register so that we know there are enough students to run the class.
2025-2026 JLL Courses
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High Holy Days Cantillation Prep
Cantor Jen Benrey
Saturdays, 7/26/25-8/2/25
(Jewish Texts Course)
Would you like to learn how to chant Torah using the special melody for the High Holy Days? Now is your chance! Join Cantor Jen in a 2-session masterclass focusing on learning Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur morning cantillation/trope. This class will meet right after Shabbat Services (around 12:30) for about 90 minutes. -
Joseph: A Story of Passion, Jealousy, Revenge, and Love
Rabbi Miri Fleming
Thursdays, 8/14/25-8/28/25
(Jewish Texts Course)
A key feature of Joseph’s story is its cast of characters, regular human beings who display an array of our yearnings, faults, vices, and dreams. We recognize the relationships among them because we’ve experienced them or witnessed them in our lives: favoritism, jealousy, abiding love, and reconciliation. -
Preparing for the High Holy Days
Rabbi Helen Cohn
Mondays, 8/18/25-9/18/25
(Judaic Course)
During the holidays we face our shortcomings and mortality, as we also strive to become our best selves. This year Kol Ami offers a way to prepare for the High Holy Days with four sessions leading up to Rosh Hashanah. Our theme is “While We Are Alive.” We will honestly assess different areas of our lives and consider how the themes of the holidays can help us change and grow. -
Welcome to the World of Jewish Mysticism - the Zohar
Rabbi Sandy Seltzer
Thursdays 10/30/25 - 5/14/25
(Jewish Texts Course)
Join Rabbi Sandy Seltzer for a fascinating journey through the Zohar, the crown jewel of Jewish mysticism. Using the English Pritzker edition, we’ll explore its insights on everything from the cosmos to palm reading—no prior knowledge needed!
Continuous Learning
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Torah on Tuesday
Tuesdays at 4:00 PM
Join Rabbi Malcolm and a variety of other rabbis to delve into the depths of the weekly Torah portion. Bring your Jewish knowledge and/or life experience and expect to learn from the facilitator and each other while getting to know other learners as people, not just as students.
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Project Zug - Havruta Learning
Independent Study
Kol Ami Synagogue has partnered with Project Zug to offer havruta (paired) style online learning. This collaboration encourages meaningful connections and in-depth exploration of Jewish wisdom, regardless of participants' levels of knowledge. -
Jewish eLibrary
Independent Study
In our eLibrary you will find assorted ebooks that would be available for check out. Just like any library, you will borrow the eBook for a limited time (7, 14 or 21 days depending on the terms of each book) using various devices such as computers, Kindles, tablets, and phones. -
Shabbat Torah Study
Saturdays from 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Join us for our lay-led Torah Study every Saturday morning in-person or via Zoom!
Bring your Jewish knowledge and/or life experience and expect to learn from the facilitator(s) and each other while getting to know other learners as people, not just as students.
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Talmud Study
Tuesdays at 10:00 AM
Join a welcoming community of curious learners for an engaging weekly dive into the Talmud. No prior experience with Talmud or Torah study is required—just an interest in thoughtful discussion and a willingness to explore ancient texts through a modern lens. Guided by a rotating group of facilitators, discover how the process of questioning and conversation can be just as meaningful as the answers.
Past Courses
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Torah Trope & Haftarah Cantillation
Spring 2025
Ever wanted to learn how to chant Torah, Haftarah, or Megilat Esther? Join Cantor Jen’s fun and empowering 10-session cantillation class and become part of our Yad Squad! We’ll start with Shabbat/weekday trope and Haftarah, then move on to High Holy Day and (if time allows) Esther trope. Some basic Hebrew reading is helpful. Come chant with us! -
Preserving Your Family's Legacy of Values
Spring 2025
Join Rabbi Emeritus Thomas A. Louchheim for a 3-session course exploring Jewish perspectives on legacy and the afterlife. Topics include ethical wills, rituals like Shiva and Yahrzeit, and rabbinic teachings on what comes next. Come reflect on what we pass down—and what we carry forward.
Have a Question?
Reach out to Kol Ami Education Director Rina Liebeskind by emailing her at educationdir@katucson.org
Or call Kol Ami Synagogue at 520-327-4501
Suggest a Course
For information on any of our programs or to suggest new ideas, please send us the details via our handy submission form!
If you would like to donate
to the JLL program, click here!