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

  • High Holy Days Cantillation Prep

    Cantor Jen Benrey
    Saturdays, 7/26/25-8/9/25
    (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 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.

    *Please note: The content of the course proved too rich for just two sessions; as such, a third class has been added to allow participants the time and space to fully engage with the materials.

  • Hebrew Marathon

    Cantorial Soloist Emerita Marjorie Hochberg
    Sunday 9/7/25 & Monday 9/8/25
    (Hebrew Lanaguage)

    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.

  • A Preview to Introduction to Judaism

    Sharon Glassberg
    Wednesday, 9/3/25
    (Judaic Course)


    Thinking about taking Introduction to Judaism but not sure if it’s right for you? This free preview session offers a chance to meet the instructor, experience the teaching style, and get a feel for the course before committing to the yearlong journey. There’s no pressure — just a warm, open space to ask questions and explore whether this learning opportunity is the right next step for you.

  • Introduction to Judaism (In Person)

    Sharon Glassberg
    Sundays, 9/7/25 - 4/26/26
    (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!

  • Introduction to Judaism (Zoom)

    Sharon Glassberg
    Mondays, 9/8/25 - 4/27/26
    (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 Art of Forgiveness: A Path to Renewal Through Art & Ritual

    Lynn Rae Lowe aka Shoshana Ha Cohenet
    Sunday, 9/14/25

    (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.

  • Beginning Prayerbook Hebrew

    Cantorial Soloist Emerita Marjorie Hochberg
    Wednesdays, 10/15/25-12/3/25
    (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.

  • 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!

  • Joseph: A Story of Passion, Jealousy, Revenge, and Love

    Rabbi Miri Fleming
    Thursdays, 11/6/25-11/20/25
    (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.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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

  • 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!