Lifelong Learning

Main Line Reform Temple is an inclusive learning community, committed to the shared practice of lifelong Jewish study that is nourishing to the mind, heart, and soul. Our goal is not only to gain Jewish knowledge, but to understand how Judaism can help us live better, more joyful, and purposeful lives.

Our vibrant and active program of Lifelong Learning responds to the diverse and changing interests of our members. One thing remains constant: a high standard of education that translates into interesting and engaging conversation and a deep understanding of our culture and our people.

Main Line Reform Temple offers classes for all ages and schedules, casual learning opportunities, and social gatherings for adults designed to bring Jewish values, culture, rituals, and texts into our everyday lives. We expand our social and cultural horizons with visiting Jewish scholars, professors, Jewish authors, political pundits, artists, journalists, rabbis, and more.

Main Line Reform Temple’s learning opportunities are designed to build relationships, helping us connect more deeply with our history, with the traditions of the Jewish people, and with one another. Learning at Main Line Reform Temple is structured as a journey that is both accessible and challenging, inviting those at every level to progress and grow in their Jewish knowledge and practice.

Classes, Studies, and Programs

In order to provide a safer environment for our Temple family, backpacks and large bags are prohibited at our services or programs. Medically necessary items will be allowed in after an inspection by a member of our security team. Thank you for understanding.

KEEPING IT REEL
WITH RABBI NEWBURGE
🎞Monday, March 25 at 8:00 pm – Maestro (Netflix)
On the verge of securing a golden opportunity, American conductor Leonard Bernstein begins a tumultuous relationship with actress Felicia Montealegre, upturning their lives.
🎞Monday, April 15 at 8:00 pm – I Am Not Your Negro (Netflix)
Based on James Baldwin’s unfinished manuscript Remember This House, this film explores the history of racism in the United States through Baldwin’s recollections of civil

Click here to join the discussions.

LUNCH WITH THE RABBI
March 18 and April 15 at 12:15 pm

Take a break for lunch while Rabbi Newburge leads a thoughtful conversation on Zoom and in person at MLRT.
Join the Zoom here.

 BERNIE KLEINMAN BOOK CLUB
Tuesday, March 26 at 7:30 pm in person and on Zoom
We will use “The Book of Esther” to discuss antisemitism, women’s rights, her role in a marriage, her future leadership, the codification of our sacred texts, the Babylonian exile and the beginning of the Diaspora. If you have any questions, please contact Norm Fienman at nfienman@gmail.com.

📚Short Story Discussion Group
Thursdays, March 14 and April 11 at 12:15 pm in person & on Zoom
March’s discussion will focus on “Paskudnyak” by Sonia Pilcer, the author of “2G,” the oft-reprinted essay about the psychological scars of children of survivors. Our last meeting before the summer will be about “The Judgment of Solomon” by Yehuda Yaari. Yaari goes back to King Solomon’s time and presents the famous struggle of two mothers over the custody of their one son as basically insoluble from the human point of view, even if it can be resolved legally.

BROTHERHOOD SHABBAT WITH AUTHOR JOSH WEISS
Friday, March 22 at 6:30 pm
Last year’s Brotherhood Shabbat speaker, author Josh Weiss, is back to introduce his sophomore novel,
Sunset Empire! Join Josh, Brotherhood, and MLRT for an interesting Shabbat.
December, 1959: The Korean War rages on. Protesting the bloody conflict, a Korean-American man by the name of William Yang suddenly blows himself up in the middle of a Los Angeles department store just before Christmas, which leads the U.S. government to reopen the internment camps used during World War II. President Joseph McCarthy’s America has never been more on edge, paranoid and, above all, dangerous.
Several weeks later, a woman hires Morris Baker, now working as a private investigator, to track down her missing husband — Henry Kissinger —who may have a shadowy connection to Yang’s purported terrorist attack. The ensuing investigation for the missing State Department consultant working for Vice President Richard Nixon sends Baker on another thrilling adventure of deceit, intrigue, sex, murder, and conspiracy where the safety of the entire world may hang in the balance.
Join us in person at MLRT or online at mlrt.org/livestream

JEWISH BOOK COUNCIL AUTHOR NETWORK
Main Line Reform Temple is a member of the Jewish Book Council. This marvelous organization makes it possible for us to bring in Jewish writers to highlight their wonderful new books. We hope you will be able to meet and greet these diverse and interesting authors who have written about the many facets of our rich Jewish life.