Adult Learning and Gathering

Welcome to a rich offering of adult learning opportunities here at NSCI. Whether you are curious about a topic and have never come to a class, come to everything we offer, or somewhere in between, jump in for a one-time program or an ongoing course of study. From basics of prayer and Judaism to Talmud study to creating new ritual, to delving into deeper meanings of prayer to exploring questions of Jewish identity and faith, to chanting sacred text, we’ve got it—and so much more.

We offer learning in our NSCI building, out in the community, and on the road, too. We teach, welcome stellar visiting teachers, and proudly partner with wonderful community organizations. Come by yourself or bring a friend or a family member.  We can’t wait to learn with you! 

Greatest Hits of the Talmud Spring Session

Mondays, January 12th – March 2nd, 1:00–2:00 pm, in Rebecca K. Crown Social Hall

No class on February 16th

Led by Rabbi Wendi Geffen

Join Rabbi Geffen in studying a selection of the most well known or important sugiyot (talmudic discussions) scattered throughout a variety of talmudic tractates. No experience necessary. Texts will be provided. Please note registration is required.

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Fully Awake: Seeing Ourselves in the Jewish Story

Mondays, January 12th, 19th, 26th, and February 9th, and 23rd

7:00–8:30 pm at NSCI and on Zoom

Led by Neil Rigler

Free for congregants; $85 for non-congregants

Building on Rabbi Geffen’s Yom Kippur reflection on “not being asleep to our uniqueness,” this class invites us to awaken ourselves to the richness of our Jewish identity and heritage. Each session pairs a modern Jewish short story with a Torah or rabbinic text, opening conversation about the beliefs and values that shape our lives, from chesed (kindness) to emunah (faith) to tikkun olam (repairing the world). Reading authors like I. B. Singer, Bernard Malamud, and Edith Pearlman, we’ll explore how imagination and tradition meet.

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Hebrew Reading Review with the Union for Reform Judaism

Sunday, February 8, 2026, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm Central

$30 or $36 sliding scale fee
This is a virtual class

Review and refresh your Hebrew reading skills in this 90-minute online class with Student Rabbi Lizzie Frankel Whether you recently learned the aleph-bet or learned long ago and are feeling a little rusty, Judaism Your Way’s warm and supportive faculty can help you gain a renewed sense of confidence. This course was created in partnership with the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ), utilizing URJ course materials.

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Introduction to Judaism with the Union for Reform Judaism

Wednesdays, January 14th – May 20th, 2026, 7:00–8:30 pm

In-person at host synagogues (BJBE, Am Shalom, NSCI, Sukkat Shalom, and Temple Jeremiah)

$36.00 Registration Fee

Curious about the Judaism of your childhood? In a Jewish family and would like to learn more about Jewish ideas and customs? Considering conversion? Just want to become more fluent in Jewish tradition? Several Reform synagogues on the North Shore of Chicago are coming together to offer another year of Introduction to Judaism. This class is a great fit for someone interested in studying toward conversion, wanting to support their child’s Jewish education, or just hoping to learn more and explore Judaism in a new way.

The class is grounded in the URJ’s Introduction to Judaism curriculum, and together, we will explore some of the essential pillars of Jewish life, including Jewish texts, beliefs and values, holidays and rituals, and history.

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A Conversation with Veteran Israeli Journalist Haviv Rettig Gur

Tuesday, February 3rd, 7:00–8:00 pm at NSCI

Join us for this important conversation with Israeli journalist and host of the podcast "Ask Haviv Anything" – Haviv Rettig Gur.

Haviv Rettig Gur is a veteran Israeli journalist who serves as senior analyst for The Times of Israel. He has covered Israel’s politics, foreign policy, education system, and relationship with the Jewish diaspora since 2005; reported from over 20 countries; served as director of communications for the Jewish Agency for Israel, Israel’s largest NGO; and taught at prestigious pre-military academies.

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Reading Hebrew Prayers with the Union for Reform Judaism

Sundays, February 22nd – March 29th, 2026, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm Central

$200, $225, or $250 sliding scale fee
This is a virtual class

Already learned how to read the aleph-bet? Next, gain comfort and fluency reading Shabbat prayers in Hebrew in this six-session online course with Student Rabbi Lizzie Frankel. Explore the meaning of the prayers, learn key Hebrew prayer vocabulary, and hear common prayer melodies. This course was created in partnership with the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ), utilizing URJ course materials.

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adult b’nei mitzvah: a life-changing journey

The current session of Adult B'nei Mitzvah has begun. Please reach out if you are interested in being added to the next group.

Adult B’nei Mitzvah is a journey of learning and community culminating in a group service led by our students who read Torah and share their thoughts. Class meets two hours/week on Monday nights during the school year, one hour of Hebrew and one of prayer, holiday, theology, and other topics. Adult B’nei Mitzvah draws students from varying backgrounds. Learn and explore your beliefs—you’ll read and study, and reflect on where you are and what you think. It’s a wonderful opportunity to get to know others in our community with whom you might never have met.  

Interested in learning more about it? Rabbi Greene is thrilled to speak with you! If you are interested, please contact Jennifer for more information.

Learning Opportunities from the Union for Reform Judaism

The URJ offers many incredible learning opportunities for individuals of all ages. If you're interested in any of the classes listed below or to learn more about what URJ has to offer, click here.

• Just Add Water: An Introduction to Mikveh
• Being an Ally for LGBTQ+ Loved Ones
• Learn to Read Hebrew (for adults)
• Introduction to Judaism (online)

For the recordings from past programs, click here. For learning resources, click here. To learn about the difference between a mitzvah and a Simcha, read here.