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.
Fall 2026 JLL Courses
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Introduction to Judaism - Preview Session
Monday, August 17 at 6:30 PM
(via Zoom)Join our FREE online preview session to meet the instructor, get a feel for the course and ask questions before committing to the year-long journey.
Register here: https://katucson.shulcloud.com/event/Intro-to-Judaism%20Information%20session
In-person: Sundays, 8/23/26-5/2/27
Online: Mondays, 8/24/26-5/3/27Explore Jewish life, values, celebrations, history, theology, and spirituality. Ask questions, discover multiple answers, and find out how 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!
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Welcome to the World of Jewish Mysticism - the Zohar
Rabbi Sandy Seltzer
Thursdays, 9/24/26-4/15/27
(Jewish Texts)The crown jewel of Jewish mysticism, the Zohar is a remarkable text that delves into everything from the structure of the universe to the mysteries of palm reading, offering profound insights into both the spiritual and everyday aspects of life.
Drawing on his deep knowledge of Jewish tradition, mysticism, philosophy, and literature, Rabbi Seltzer brings this intricate work to life through thoughtful discussion and accessible teaching. No prior knowledge of Jewish mysticism is required—just curiosity and a willingness to explore.
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Hebrew Marathon
Cantorial Soloist Emerita Marjorie Hochberg
Sunday, October 11
Monday, October 12
(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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A Taste of Judaism®
Rabbi Paul Tuchman
Wednesdays, October 14, 21 & 28
(Judaic Course)Are you curious about Judaism? A Taste of Judaism® offers the opportunity to explore in the company of other learners. The course is just three sessions with no course books, no homework and assumes no previous knowledge about or exposure to Judaism.
Each session explores a different aspect of Judaism:
· God and Jewish spirituality
· Torah and Jewish values
· Jewish community
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Our Desert and Judaism
Rabbi Mike Comins
Tuesdays, October 13 & 20
Saturday Hike, October 24Discover the profound connection between Judaism and the natural world with Rabbi Mike Comins, Israeli-ordained Reform rabbi, desert guide, and founder of the TorahTrek Center for Jewish Wilderness Spirituality.
Through two engaging evening classes and a Shabbat morning experience in Saguaro National Park, you'll explore how the wilderness has shaped Jewish spirituality from Sinai to today. Along the way, enjoy meditative walking, meaningful discussion, music, and fresh perspectives on Jewish spiritual practice.
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Beginning Prayerbook Hebrew
Cantorial Soloist Emerita Marjorie Hochberg
Tuesdays, 10/20/26-12/1/26
(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.
Think Tank Thursdays —
Monthly Guest Speaker Series
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Soul Architecture: Practical Mussar and Stoic Grit for the High Holy Days
Shoshana Hacohenet (aka LynnRae Lowe)
Thursday, August 20 at 5:30 PM
(In-person only)Prepare for the High Holy Days with a practical workshop that combines guided reflection and actionable tools to help align your daily life with your highest values.
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Honor Today - A Lost Virtue or a Timeless Impetus?
Dr. Albrecht Classen
University Distinguished Professor, Director of Outreach and Faculty Advisor for Undergraduate Studies, Department of German Studies, University of ArizonaThursday, September 17 at 5:30 PM
(In-person & via Zoom)Honor was once a cornerstone of society. Explore how this enduring value shaped the past and what it can still teach us about building stronger communities and more meaningful lives today.
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Human-Centered Generative AI: How to make AI work for us
Betül Czerkawski
Professor of Learning Design and Technology, College of Informational Sciences, University of ArizonaThursday, October 15 at 5:30 PM
(In-person only)Explore the opportunities and challenges of generative AI through a human-centered lens. This presentation examines how AI can align with individual and community values while offering a balanced approach to using emerging technologies in practical, positive ways.
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Hidden in Plain Sight: The Crypto-Jews of Spain
Ron Duncan Hart, Ph.D.
Thursday, November 19 at 12:00 PM
(Zoom only)Journey through the remarkable history of Jewish life in medieval Spain, from a flourishing center of culture and scholarship to the challenges of persecution, expulsion, and hidden Jewish identity.
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Eugenics: Past to Present
Jennifer Roth-Gordon, University of Arizona Associate Professor Emerita
Thursday, December 17 at 5:30 PM
(In-person only)Discover how the history of eugenics shaped modern ideas about race, science, and public policy—and why its influence still matters today.
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 JLL Courses
Our Jewish Lifelong Learning program offers something for everyone — from multi-session courses and book discussions to guest lecturers and timely conversations on Jewish texts, history, Israel, spirituality, and current events. Explore a selection of past offerings, and join our interest list to hear about future programs.
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Welcome to the World of Jewish Mysticism - the Zohar
High Holy Days Cantillation Prep
Joseph: A Story of Passion, Jealousy, Revenge, and Love
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The Art of Forgiveness: A Path to Renewal Through Art & Ritual
Preserving Your Family's Legacy of Values
A Taste of Judaism®
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Water Issues In Our Community
Oys & Joys of Caregiving
The Many Faces of Zionism: Origins, Evolutions, and Schisms
Stumbling Stones of Memory: The Many Sides of the Stolpersteine Holocaust Memorial
Keshet LGBTQ Community Training
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!