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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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! -
Geography of the Prayerbook
Cantorial Soloist Emerita Marjorie Hochberg
Wednesdays, 4/15/26-5/20/26
(Jewish Texts Course)Taught by Cantorial Soloist Emerita Marjorie Hochberg, Geography of the Prayerbook explores the structure, meaning, and flow of key prayers like the Sh’ma, Amidah, and Torah blessings. Learn why the siddur (like the seder) is thoughtfully ordered, and how Jewish worship fits together.
No Hebrew required—just curiosity. Perfect for anyone who feels lost during services or wants to deepen their connection to Jewish prayer. All are welcome, especially if you’ve ever felt unsure of where you fit.
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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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. -
High Holy Days Cantillation Prep
Cantor Jen Benrey
Summer 2025
(Jewish Texts Course)
Join Cantor Jen in a multi-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. -
The Art of Forgiveness: A Path to Renewal Through Art & Ritual
Lynn Rae Lowe aka Shoshana Ha Cohenet
Fall 2025(Judaic Course)
Prepare for Rosh Hashanah with a transformative 3-hour workshop on forgiveness, held in the peaceful setting of my home studio and gardens. Through art, ritual, and reflection in nature, we’ll explore how to release resentment and open our hearts for the new year.
Stay after for an optional tea party (5:00–6:00 PM) to connect in community and continue the journey toward renewal.
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Presentation About ELEM
Fall 2025
Join us for a meaningful evening with Liora Attias-Hadar, CEO of American Friends of ELEM, who will share firsthand stories from the frontlines of Israel’s youth crisis in the wake of October 7. Representing ELEM, Israel’s leading nonprofit for at-risk youth, Liora will offer insight into how the organization is helping thousands of teens and young adults recover from trauma, displacement, and daily hardship.
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Hebrew Marathon
Cantorial Soloist Emerita Marjorie Hochberg
Fall 2025(Hebrew Language)
Has it been a minute since you were in Hebrew School? Thinking about joining an Adult B’nai Mitzvah class? Want to follow the prayers without relying on transliteration?
Start with the Hebrew Marathon! In less than 8 hours, you’ll learn all the Hebrew letters and vowels, basic reading rules to start deciphering Hebrew, and 180 common Hebrew words.
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Beginning Prayerbook Hebrew
Cantorial Soloist Emerita Marjorie Hochberg
Fall 2025
(Hebrew Language)Want to help your kids with Hebrew homework? Thinking about Adult B’nai Mitzvah but feeling intimidated? Just want to follow the Hebrew in the Siddur?
Beginning Prayerbook Hebrew is for you! Taught by Cantorial Soloist Emerita Marjorie Hochberg, this class reviews the Aleph-bet, basic reading rules, and key prayers. This semester focuses on the Amidah, Aleinu, and Mourner’s Kaddish—along with their meanings and essential vocabulary.
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Introduction to Judaism
Sharon Glassberg
Fall 2025
(Judaic Course)Explore Jewish life, values, celebrations, history, theology, and spirituality. Ask questions, discover multiple answers, and find out how Reform Judaism could be meaningful to you. This course is open to all – interfaith couples, those raising Jewish children, individuals considering conversion, and anyone who just wants to learn more about Judaism!
The Miller Introduction to Judaism is taught through an educational partnership with American Jewish University.
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Oys & Joys of Caregiving
Ellen Solot, MA
Fall 2025Community Building Through Self-Care
Caring for others begins with caring for ourselves. This unique program invites participants to explore the ups and downs of caregiving through mindfulness, play, and connection. Each session focuses on a unique theme designed to nurture resilience, creativity, and community.
These classes are suitable for anyone involved in Caregiving a Child, Parent or Friend.
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The Many Faces of Zionism: Origins, Evolutions, and Schisms
Dr. Daniel Arnon
Fall 2025Zionism emerged in the late nineteenth century as a radical vision embraced by a small minority of Jews amid seismic geopolitical upheavals in empires, nation-states, and communities worldwide. Over the next century, the convulsions that reshaped global Jewry would shift its population centers, redefine its ideas, and even alter Judaism itself — and with each transformation, the meaning of “Zionism” evolved in turn.
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Joseph: A Story of Passion, Jealousy, Revenge, and Love
Rabbi Miri Fleming
Fall 2025
(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. -
Stumbling Stones of Memory: The Many Sides of the Stolpersteine Holocaust Memorial
Professor Ruth Mandel
Winter 2025Kol Ami hosted Professor Ruth Mandel of University College London for a fascinating presentation on the Stolperstein (“stumbling stone”) Holocaust memorial project. Drawing on years of research traveling with artist Gunter Demnig across multiple countries, Professor Mandel shared powerful insights into how communities commemorate victims, the improvised rituals created by families, and what acceptance or resistance to Stolpersteine reveals about memory and history.
This free program was made possible with support from the Tucson Jewish Museum & Holocaust Center, the Tucson Jewish Community Center, and Congregation Anshei Israel.
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The Book of Brad: Author Talk & Book Signing with Monica Bauer
Winter 2025
An engaging afternoon with playwright and author — and fellow congregant — Monica Bauer, creator of The Book of Brad. Monica shared insights into her inspiration and writing process, followed by a lively audience Q&A and book signing.
Attendees enjoyed the chance to hear directly from the author about the humor, heart, and humanity woven into The Book of Brad, a story exploring identity, love, and belonging through the intersecting experiences of Jewish, African-American, and LGBTQ families.
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Keshet LGBTQ Community Training
Winter 2025
Kol Ami welcomed Joy Villarreal-Belford (she/her), Keshet’s Southwest Education & Training Manager, for an important and insightful session on fostering LGBTQ+ belonging within our community. Joy guided participants through key concepts, including the diversity of identities within the LGBTQ+ community, the importance of affirming language, how to support LGBTQ+ loved ones, and what Judaism teaches about inclusion.
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!
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to the JLL program, click here!