Adult Education
Learning enriches Jewish life and grows Jewish identity. The rabbis also teach us that when two people sit together to study Torah, the presence of God rests between them (Pirke Avot 3:3). At Har HaShem, whether you seek more knowledge, a connection to community or spiritual growth, we believe that these opportunities should exist at every age. We offer both formal and informal learning opportunities for our young people and adults.
For information about Adult Jewish Enrichment offerings, contact Rabbi Fred Greene at fg@harhashem.org.
High Holy Day Classes
Elul: Opening Your Heart with Psalm 27
8/26/25, 9/2/25, 9/8/25, 9/16/25 | 9-9:30am | Online | Led by Rabbi Fred Greene | Register Here
Using Opening Your Heart with Psalm 27: A Spiritual Practice for the Jewish New Year by Rabbi Debra Robbins (get the book or the app), we will introduce ourselves to meditate on the deeper meaning of Psalm 27, traditionally read each morning during the month of Elul. We will use this book/app to help us reflect on our choices, beliefs, and practices, considering where to make repairs, adjustments, and atonement. We will be reading the Psalm and Reflection for Focus together from the book, then engaging in conversation. After our 30 minutes of talking, participants are encouraged to journal on their own.
Elul: Healing and Wholeness for the New Year
Wednesday, 8/27/25 | 6:30-8pm | Hybrid (South Building - Community Room & Online) | Led by Rabbi Fred Greene | Register Here
It's been a year! We are hurting from all that we have witnessed this year – in our families, in our community, in our political systems. Sometimes it feels like it is just too much. Does Judaism really have something to say to me when I am feeling unanchored and ungrounded. This is an exploration of Jewish sources and ideas that can help us feel grounded and open a new door to hope.
Forgiveness: Should We? Can We? How Do We?
Thursday, 9/11/25 | 12:30-2pm | North Building - Classroom 4/5 | Led by Rabbi Ruthie Gelfarb | Register Here
The High Holidays are a time where we reflect on our actions and where, at times, we have missed the mark. We seek forgiveness and we are encouraged to forgive. In this ELUL session, we will explore what Judaism teaches about forgiving-specifically, should we; can we, and how do we.
Multi-Session Class Groups
Exploring Your Jewish Self Through Art
9/7/25, 9/14/25, 10/26/25, 11/2/25, 11/16/25, 12/7/25 | 10am-12pm | South Building - Art Studio | Led by Leah Friedman | Register Here
Art making can be used for self expression, to explore a question, or create a wordless prayer. Beginning with text study in community, and following the Jewish Studio Process, we will collectively seek creative outlets for communicating visually. Together, we will allow the creative process to unfold along with deepening and meaning making within our community - NO prior experience or skill required! Please come as you are; with curiosity, facing hardship or uncertainty, bursting with creativity, or exhaustion. All are welcome!
Jewish Cinema Series
12/7/25, 01/25/26, 02/22/26, 03/29/26 | 4-7pm | North Building - Social Hall | Led by Professor Hannah Shell | Register Here
What’s better than a winter’s afternoon movie? Come together for popcorn, a Jewish movie, and a discussion with your HHS community. What makes a movie Jewish, you ask? In all four of our movies, the characters are Jewish, and trying to work out what Judaism looks like to them and how they relate to it.
The Home We Build Together
10/26/25, 11/2/25, 12/7/25, 1/11/26, 2/8/26, 3/8/26, 4/12/26 | 10:15-11:45am | South Building - Community Room | Led by Rabbi Fred Greene | Register Here
How do we build the home we seek? Our homes aspire to be so many things: a warm physical structure, a site of comfort, love and romance, perhaps an educational space for children, a welcome table for guests. How can we do this? Unlike our professional lives, where we have received education, training, and mentorship; building a home is something we often do without sufficient reflection. It is a task that is at once sacred and daunting, joyous, and excruciating. No background is necessary for this series, just a willingness to read, think, and talk to people who are also building homes.
Death and What Comes Afterwards
3/3/26, 3/10/26, 3/17/26, 3/24/26 | 6-7:30pm | North Building - Classroom 4/5 | Led by Doug Sparks | Register Here
This four-session course explores how Jewish views of the afterlife have developed over the past 4,000 years and what they might mean today. We'll begin with the biblical concept of Sheol, continue through apocalyptic resurrection beliefs of the Second Temple period, examine rabbinic and medieval interpretations, briefly explore Hasidic perspectives, and conclude with modern theological and psychological approaches.
The Basics
This survey of Judaism course teaches fundamentals of Jewish thought, tradition and practice from a pluralistic and non-denominational perspective. Topics include Jewish history both ancient and recent, texts, holidays, great Jewish thinkers and writers, and some of the practicalities of Jewish life. ITJ is particularly well-suited for interfaith couples who wish to learn more, adults considering conversion, and Jews looking for an adult-level introduction or refresher
Cost:
$360 donation per household, which includes: digital copies of all texts and access to class recordings.
For more information, visit www.BoulderHaver.org, where you can sign up. Or contact Stacey at HaverInbox@gmail.com.
Hebrew
Level Two: Learn Prayer Hebrew with Stuart Feinhor
Sundays | 10:15-11:45am | North Building - Conference Room | Register Here
Familiarity with Hebrew can be a key to feeling at home in the Jewish community. This course builds on basic reading and prayer introduction from Level I, giving students greater insight and comfort with the prayers in worship services. Level I is not a pre-requisite as long as you remember or have some of the basic skills.
Cost: $180 donation per student
Level Three: Hebrew Mastery with Stuart Feinhor
Sundays | 12-1:30pm | North Building - Conference Room | Register Here
For those who have nailed down the service and are ready for the next step, adult Hebrew learners can continue down the path. Most suitable for people who have completed levels one and two.
Cost: $180 donation per student
Engaging with our Sacred Texts
Torah Chanting
Tuesdays, (10/21/25-12/23/25) | 7-8pm | Location Provided After Registration | Register Here
Trope is the system of symbols that identify the melodies to which Torah is chanted. In this class, you will learn to identify those symbols and how to chant the words of Torah based on the music associated with each symbol. You will also learn how to actually chant from the Torah scroll (which has no vowels, punctuation, or tropes!). Hebrew comprehension is not required, but students do need to be able to read Hebrew with vowels (slowly). This class will prepare you for the joyful obligation of chanting Torah for the community, and doing so is an expectation for successful students - and you will certainly be successful! Class will be taught at the home of our expert teacher Sara-Jane Cohen - address provided upon registration.
Torah Study
Saturdays; 9:00am | Led by Rabbi Fred Greene
Looking for a bit of learning, a bit of casual conversation, a chance to build your skills and comfort with traditional texts in English? Join a friendly group of members and volunteers for an exploration of a Jewish story, a portion of Torah, a bit of Talmud, or perhaps a contemporary text. Bring your curiosity. Take a break. Have some fun with our tradition. Torah study is meeting in our tent and also available on Zoom.
Kabbalah Reading Group
Wednesdays, 6:30-8:00pm | Led by Ira Greschler & Wayne Zirkin
The Har HaShem Kabbalah Reading Group focuses on Jewish mysticism generally and as applied in everyday life. The idea of studying Jewish mysticism may seem out of reach to some, but no prior kabbalah experience or extensive Jewish study is required to participate in the group.
This year we will read and discuss books by two important thinkers who began their writing and teaching in the area of Kabbalah at the age of 20 (half the age at which traditionally they would be able to begin their studies).
- We will read The Palm Tree of Devora by Moses Cordovero (the RAMAK).
- On alternate weeks we will read from 138 Openings of Wisdom by Rabbi Moshe Luzzatto (the RAMCHAL) 1701-1746.
Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion Courses
College Commons
HUC-JIR is the Reform movement’s seminary and graduate school. They now offer free online courses for adults and teens investigating a central Jewish theme through conversations with HUC-JIR scholars and academic experts.
Learn more here.
HUC Connect
HUC Connect brings together those who love to learn. With over 130,000 views and listens to our webinar and podcast, HUC Connect invites you to join participants from 55 countries to discover something new about Judaism and about yourself. Click here for more information.