Dive into the vibrant world of Jewish learning at Temple Ner Tamid! From thought-provoking book clubs to opportunities to lead services, there’s so much to explore and enjoy. Whether you’re deepening your knowledge, connecting with the community, or sharing your voice, these programs offer a unique blend of education, spirituality, and fun.
Check the calendar for upcoming events and discover your next meaningful experience!
While the notion of B’nei Mitzvah is often linked with teenagers, it holds profound meaning at any stage of life. Whether you’re a Jew-by-choice seeking to deepen your connection or missed this rite of passage earlier in life, we welcome you to explore our Adult B’nei Mitzvah course. This enlightening journey unfolds weekly starting with foundational teachings about Judaism and progressing to crafting a D’var Torah, mastering Torah reading, and leading segments of the Shabbat service. It offers a transformative and enriching experience for all participants. This class is offered every few years and runs for approximately 15 months. Please check with the office to sign up for the next session.
This course is designed to introduce or reintroduce Hebrew for those who never learned it or have long forgotten the language. It is offered every few years and runs for approximately 2 years. Please check with the office to sign up for the next session.
Held monthly on Wednesday mornings, Rabbi Katz brings virtual study to congregants that live outside the immediate area. Together they look at lesser known stories, including content that may not have been suitable when congregants were in religious school.
Elul Beach Read
Each summer, the Rabbi selects a secular book with themes that align with the spirit of the High Holidays. A lively discussion is held about one week before Rosh Hashanah, offering participants a meaningful way to prepare for the season. Previous books include The Measure, Yellowface, and The Anomoly.
Lunch with the Rabbi
Embark on a captivating journey of learning with Rabbi Marc Katz in his engaging monthly series, Lunch with the Rabbi. Held mostly on the second Tuesday of each month, this group collectively reads and delves into the themes and values of a selected book throughout the year, fostering insightful discussions and exploration. Newcomers are warmly embraced into this enriching experience. Please bring your own dairy or pareve lunch as we gather for an intellectually stimulating and nourishing discussion.
Friday Morning Book Club for Parents
Join the Rabbi monthly, October through May, for engaging discussions on the year’s chosen book. Each session dives into set chapters, which could explore themes like the diversity of American Jewish denominations, identifying and confronting Jewish hatred, and understanding what it means to be Jewish today. By the end of the series, participants will have read and discussed the entire book. These lively and thought-provoking conversations are so energizing they might even replace your morning coffee!
Once a month, lay members of the Temple lead a Casual Minyan Shabbat service in the Chapel @10am, offering a relaxed and intimate setting for Shabbat morning worship. Participants are invited to lead services, chant Torah or Haftarah, or facilitate a Torah study, with full support provided, including cue sheets, chant recordings, and study resources. The service concludes with a communal lunch and engaging discussion or guest speaker, known as a Tish, fostering connection and reflection.
This group offers a vibrant space for artists of all kinds—visual artists, musicians, writers, photographers, and more—to draw creative inspiration from Jewish texts. Each session begins with a text study, inviting participants to explore and interpret meaningful narratives. The second half is dedicated to sharing creations and engaging in constructive critique within a supportive community, fostering both personal growth and artistic innovation. This group is co-led by Clergy Associate Ronni Pressman and a monthly guest co-teacher of text.
Are you looking for a deeper understanding of what it means to be Jewish? The Melton class sets the standard for high-quality, text-based, interactive Jewish study by offering a world-class curriculum that informs and inspires students from all knowledge-levels and backgrounds. Taking place virtually on Wednesday mornings with Rabbi Katz. For more information or to register please email Rhoda Lilienthal at rlillianthal@jccmetrowest.org or call 973-530-3519.
Tikkun Middot is a transformative spiritual practice focused on developing ethical traits like patience, generosity, and gratitude through self-reflection and mindfulness. Rooted in Jewish tradition, participants explore ways to align their actions with core values and integrate these traits into everyday life. Meeting monthly, Tikkun Middot groups, called Va’ads, are composed of both beginner and experienced practitioners. The program runs from October to June, providing a meaningful space for personal growth and community connection.
Celebrate renewal and connection with the Rosh Chodesh Chavura, welcoming the new moon each month from Elul (Aug.-Sep.) to Sivan (May-June). Guided by Cantor Greenberg, the group explores a yearly theme through study, chant, drumming, singing, dancing, artistic expression, and ritual. Open to all, participants are encouraged to join monthly or as their schedule allows—friends are always welcome!
The TNT Jewish Short Story Group meets virtually via Zoom on the third Thursday of each month at 1:30 PM. Stories are provided in advance, and Zoom details are shared in the weekly TNT Egeret under “Adult Education.” To join the email list and stay updated, reach out to Norman Pollack. No registration required—just read, log in, and enjoy engaging discussions!
Summer services at Temple Ner Tamid are a special opportunity for members to step up and lead the community in prayer. For two months, while the Clergy takes a well-earned break, over 40 congregants take on roles like delivering the weekly D’var, chanting prayers, and sharing musical talents. It’s a relaxed, collaborative way for members to connect and contribute to Shabbat services. Ready to be part of this summer tradition? All are welcome!
This cadre of TNT lawyers and law lovers delve into the world of the Talmud. Matching the curriculum with the legal subspecialty of the students, this group looks at issues from the death penalty to landlord-tenant law, from zoning to education law. Meets once a month on Friday mornings.
Every week, join a dedicated group of members virtually as they study that week’s Torah portion. Led by volunteer members, the conversation serves to inspire your week and Shabbat practice, 8:30-9:30 am Saturdays.