Jewish Lifelong Learning

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!

Dr. Daniel Arnon
Tuesdays, starting Nov. 4th

Zionism 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.

Join Dr. Arnon for a free, three part journey through the evolving story of Zionism — from bold 19th century vision to thriving national reality. 

— Session 1 (Nov. 4th): Discover the many faces of pre-state Zionism, in both Palestine and the diaspora. 

— Session 2 (Nov. 18th): See how statehood transformed Zionism in Israel and beyond. 

— Session 3 (Nov. 25th): Join Rabbi Malcolm and Assistant Professor Arnon for an open, personal conversation — ask your questions, share your thoughts, and explore what these changes mean for the Kol Ami community today.

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.

Professor Ruth Mandel
Sunday, Nov. 9th
9:30 - 10:30 AM

Professor Ruth Mandel teaches in the Department of Anthropology, University College London. She has been carrying out multi-sited research on German artist Gunter Demnig’s Stolperstein (‘stumbling stone’) Holocaust memorial project since 2017. She has travelled with the artist in many countries, observing and participating in dedications and installations, studying the improvised rituals that descendants and others create to accompany the dedications. Her research explores the range of narratives about local and national roles in WWII, and how acceptance or rejection of Stolpersteine sometimes reveal troubling understandings of history and memory. The talk presents insights from this research experience and findings.

This free session is hosted by Kol Ami Synagogue, with generous support from our community partners, The Tucson Jewish Museum & Holocaust Center, the Tucson Jewish Community Center, and Congregation Anshei Israel.

Monica Bauer
Friday, Nov. 14th
5:30 - 6:15 PM

Join us for an engaging afternoon with playwright and author Monica Bauer, a Kol Ami congregant and the creative mind behind The Book of Brad. Monica will share insights into her inspiration and writing process, followed by an audience Q&A and book signing.

 This event offers a unique opportunity to hear directly from the author about the humor, heart, and humanity woven throughout The Book of Brad—a story that explores identity, love, and belonging through the intersecting experiences of Jewish, African-American, and LGBTQ families. Books will be available for purchase for $15 each. 20% of the proceeds from the sale that evening will benefit Cantor’s Discretionary Fund for the music program.

 Schedule:

— Author introduction and talk (20–25 minutes)

— Audience Q&A (15 minutes)

— Book signing to follow

Joy Villarreal-Belford (she/her)
Sunday, Nov. 23rd
1:00 - 2:30 PM

Join Joy Villarreal-Belford (she/her), Keshet’s Southwest Education & Training Manager, as we explore the importance of and best practices for fostering LGBTQ+ belonging at Kol Ami Synagogue. This free training will explain different identities within the LGBTQ+ community; the importance of using affirming language; how to support LGBTQ+ loved ones; and what Judaism says about it all.

There is no prerequisite to attend: All are welcome, regardless of prior education around LGBTQ+ terms and topics.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Sharon Glassberg
Fall 2026
(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.

Ellen Solot, MA
Fall 2026

Community 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.