3405 Gulling Road, Reno, NV 89503

Adult Education

Lifelong Jewish Learning at Temple Sinai

Welcome to our Adult Education hub—your gateway to vibrant, thoughtful, and enriching Jewish learning.

Whether you’re new to Judaism or a longtime member of the Temple Sinai community, we invite you to explore meaningful opportunities to deepen your Jewish knowledge, engage with sacred texts, and find inspiration at every stage of life. Learning is a lifelong journey, and we’re here to walk it with you.

Each week, our Torah Study group meets via Zoom to explore the Torah verse by verse, delving deeply into the original Hebrew, classical rabbinic commentaries, and contemporary interpretations. Together, we investigate the text, draw on centuries of Jewish wisdom, and wrestle with its meaning for our lives today.

Throughout the year, we also offer a variety of dynamic classes covering everything from Jewish history and ritual, to ethics, Hebrew, and contemporary issues. Taught by clergy, guest educators, and fellow congregants, our programs are designed to be accessible, engaging, and relevant.

Scroll down to explore current offerings, learn more about Torah Study, and discover ways to grow your Jewish knowledge in a community of learners.

Torah Study at Temple Sinai

Every Shabbat morning, at 10:00 am (Pacific Time) on Saturdays, we gather on Zoom to explore the Torah verse by verse—unpacking its wisdom, debating its meanings, and discovering its relevance to our lives today. Our group includes both congregants and visitors, Jews and non-Jews, all coming together in an open and thoughtful conversation. We dive deep into the Torah, verse by verse, exploring the original Hebrew text alongside traditional and contemporary commentaries.

Image of a magnifying glass examining a Torah scroll.

Join Us for Torah Study

🕙 Saturdays at 10:00 am (Pacific Time) via Zoom

To participate, use one of the options below. The meeting ID is 865 2046 4592, and a password is required. Please contact the Temple office during the week (Monday–Friday, 9 am–3 pm) at 775-747-5508 or [email protected] to receive the password.

We look forward to learning with you!

View Our Torah Study Blog

Each week, our Torah Study blog captures the highlights of these rich discussions—perfect for catching up or simply getting a taste of what we’re learning together. Special thanks to Deborah Achtenberg, who founded this project and continues to be a frequent and thoughtful contributor.

2020-02-11 Rabbi Benjamin Zober teaching the Introduction to Judaism class. Photo by Steve Weidman.

Ongoing Classes

Each year, we have many adult educational opportunities that vary, and others that are regular offerings. Members of Temple Sinai enjoy discounts on all adult educational offerings. 

Hebrew Classes for Adults

Alef Bet

  • Description: This course will cover identifying and reading Hebrew block consonants and vowels, and sounding them out without struggle.
  • Textbook: Alef Isn’t Tough (available for sale in the Gift Shop)
  • Location: Virtually offered over Zoom
  • Course Fee: $50 + book (approx. $82 total)
  • Prerequisite:  NONE
  • Time: TBD
  • Dates: TBD, 20 weeks
  • Next Cohort Begins: TBD, when we reach at least 4 people signed up
  • Enrollment: Fill Out Interest Form Here

Basic Sentence Structure and Translation

  • Description: This course will cover basic translation skills and grammar using mostly liturgical texts. Topics covered include: simple sentences, gender and number, word pairs, participles, nouns, adjectives, prepositions, and pronouns.
  • Textbook: Alef Isn’t Enough (available for sale in the Gift Shop)
  • Location: Virtually offered over Zoom
  • Course Fee: $50 + book (approx. $82 total)
  • Prerequisite: Must be able to read and identify Hebrew block consonants and vowels and sound them out without struggle.
  • Time: TBD
  • Dates: TBD, 20 weeks
  • Next Cohort Begins: TBD, when we reach at least 4 people signed up
  • Enrollment: Fill Out Interest Form Here

Translation and Text Study

  • Description: This course will cover essential translation skills and grammar using mostly biblical texts. Topics covered include: biblical commentary stemming from an understanding of Hebrew grammar, verb forms and binyanim.
  • Textbook: Bet is for B’reishit (available for sale in the Gift Shop)
  • Location: Virtually offered over Zoom
  • Course Fee: $86.00 ($50 + $36 for the book)
  • Prerequisite: All students must have completed Hebrew 2 with Rabbi Sara, OR come speak to her directly to be assessed and placed in Level 3 Hebrew.
  • Time: 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
  • Dates: Tuesdays, October 14, 2025, through April 7, 2026 (15 weeks)
  • Next Cohort Begins: Tuesday, October 14, 2025, when we reach 4 people signed up.
  • Enrollment: Register for Hebrew 3 Here

Class Schedule

  • 10/14/25 — Chapter 1
  • 10/28/25 — Chapter 2
  • 11/04/25 — Unit 1 Review
  • 11/11/25 — Chapter 3
  • 11/25/25 — Chapter 4
  • 12/0925 — Unit 2 Review
  • 01/06/26 — Chapter 5
  • 01/13/26 — Chapter 6
  • 01/27/26 — Unit 3 Review
  • 02/03/26 — Chapter 7
  • 02/10/26 – Chapter 8
  • 02/24/26 — Unit 4 Review
  • 03/03/26 — Chapter 9
  • 03/10/26 — Chapter 10
  • 04/07/26 — Unit 5 & Siyyum

Advanced Translation and Text Study

  • Description: This translation-intensive course will cover advanced translation skills and grammar using a variety of texts throughout Hebrew literature. Topics covered include: stylistic differences between different versions of Hebrew, discrepancies and exceptions to grammatical rules, verb forms and binyanim continued, and clause translation.
  • Textbook: Tav is for Torah (available for sale in the Gift Shop)
  • Location: Virtually offered over Zoom
  • Course Fee: TBD
  • Prerequisite: Adult Hebrew Level 3
  • Time: TBD
  • Dates: TBD, 20 weeks
  • Next Cohort Begins: TBD, when we reach 4 people signed up.
  • Enrollment: Sign Up Form Here

Advanced Translation and Text Study

  • Description: This course will cover identifying trope markings and their names. Both Torah trope and Haftarah trope will be taught.
  • Textbook (optional): The Art of Torah Cantillation, The Art of Haftarah Cantillation
  • Location: Virtually offered over Zoom
  • Course Fee: TBD
  • Prerequisite: Must be able to read and sound out Hebrew letters with vowels. 
  • Time: TBD
  • Dates: TBD
  • Next Cohort Begins: TBD, when we reach 4 people signed up.
  • Enrollment: Sign Up Form Here

Advanced Translation and Text Study

  • Description: This course will cover chanting both Megillat Esther and Megillat Eicha.
  • Textbook: The Art of Haftarah Cantillation
  • Location: Virtually offered over Zoom
  • Course Fee: TBD
  • Prerequisite: Must be able to read and sound out Hebrew letters with vowels 
  • Time: TBD
  • Dates: TBD
  • Next Cohort Begins: TBD, when we reach 4 people signed up.
  • Enrollment: Sign Up Form Here

Introduction to Judaism

A Non-Traditional Approach to an Ancient Tradition

This is a 16-week course with Rabbi Benjamin Zober, and is a hybrid course with some sessions held in person with the rabbi and some sessions held remotely. Please register your interest in the class below. Questions? Contact the rabbi for more info.

Converting to Judaism

Fill Out the Intake Form

Converting to Judaism is a big step. If you would like our rabbi to contact you about starting your conversion journey, please use this link to complete a brief intake form. You can also access self-guided conversion education materials below.

If you have not yet started on the path toward conversion, you are already welcome to attend and participate in all Temple services and community events. 

List of Website Resources

  • reformjudaism.org – The main website of the Union for Reform Judaism. It has lots of articles, explanations, and other things, all from a Reform perspective.
  • myjewishlearning.com – More great articles and information, good at explaining a lot of perspectives and traditions.
  • sefaria.org – a collection of Jewish texts, many in English (also great for Torah study).
  • There is also Jewish Encyclopedia – kind of what the name says. Dry, a bit older, but good content.
    Jewish Virtual Library is also a good general source.

Books for getting started (any one of them is great!)

  • To Life! by Rabbi Harold Kushner (A classic from the author of When Bad Things Happen to Good People. This is his love letter to Judaism.)
  • Here All Along by Sarah Hurwitz (She was a speechwriter for Michelle Obama. She grew up Jewish but not really connected, so she went around to various scholars and thinkers to learn more and reconnect.)
  • Living a Jewish Life by Anita Diamant. (A good overview of what it is to be Jewish.)
  • Surprised by God by Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg (How an atheist, punk kid became Twitter’s favorite rabbi and an amazing teacher.)

Recommended Alternate Online Intro to Judaism Classes

Tikkun Leil Shavuot: A Night of Study with URJ Small Congregations starting 5 PM Thu. May 21 to 9 AM Fri. May 22 PT. Join members of URJ small congregations and learn from 26 unique sessions led by rabbis and cantors, as we explore themes connected to Shavuot, biblical texts, Israel, and liturgy. Click below to RSVP.
Tikkun Leil Shavuot: A Night of Study with URJ Small Congregations starting 5 PM Thu. May 21 to 9 AM Fri. May 22 PT. Join members of URJ small congregations and learn from 26 unique sessions led by rabbis and cantors, as we explore themes connected to Shavuot, biblical texts, Israel, and liturgy. Click below to RSVP.
Celebrate Shavuot with Temple Sinai on May 22! Enjoy family ice cream making for kids at Northgate Park at 6:00 pm, followed by Kabbalat Shabbat and a community Cheesecake Oneg at 7:30 pm. at the Temple. Bring your favorite cheesecake!
Celebrate Shavuot with Temple Sinai on May 22! Enjoy family ice cream making for kids at Northgate Park at 6:00 pm, followed by Kabbalat Shabbat and a community Cheesecake Oneg at 7:30 pm. at the Temple. Bring your favorite cheesecake!
Taco B'Omer! A Sizzling Lag BaOmer & Cinco de Mayo Celebration! May 5, 2026 @ 6:00 pm. Bonfire | Archery | Taco Bar. People are encouraged to BYOB. at Temple Sinai, 3405 Gulling Road, Reno.
Tradition meets tacos! Celebrate Taco B’Omer on May 5th at 6:00 PM. We’ll have child-safe archery, a blazing bonfire, and a full taco bar. BYOB—see you at Temple Sinai!
Introduction to Judaism: A Non-Traditional Approach to an Ancient Tradition with Rabbi Benjamin Zober 7-8:30 pm Every Tuesday Night for 16 weeks, starting April 28, 2026. Cost: $180 Non-Members | $120 Sinai Members.
Introduction to Judaism: A Non-Traditional Approach to an Ancient Tradition with Rabbi Benjamin Zober 7-8:30 pm Every Tuesday Night for 16 weeks, starting April 28, 2026.
Promotional image for Temple Sinai’s “Who Nu? An Exploration of the Jewish Experience,” a Sunday afternoon series running from September 14, 2025 to May 3, 2026, 1:00–3:00 pm. The flyer lists ten engaging session topics, including Jewish learning, social justice, immigration, environmental stewardship, Holocaust remembrance, reproductive rights, and women’s empowerment. Sessions are held in the sanctuary with light refreshments afterward. On the left side is a whimsical image of an owl wearing a blue kippah,. Event is funded by Jewish Nevada.
Who Nu? Jewish education and community series at Temple Sinai Reno, Sundays from September 14, 2025 to May 3, 2026, 1–3 pm. Topics include Jewish learning, social action, Holocaust remembrance, immigration, environmental responsibility, and community empowerment.
A twilight-themed flyer for "Shabbat Under the Stars," featuring a silhouette of a family sharing a Shabbat meal. It lists dates and locations for four summer evening in-person services in Reno’s Northgate and South Valleys parks.
Celebrate Shabbat outdoors with Temple Sinai this summer in Reno! Join us for "Shabbat Under the Stars," including a picnic dinner and services, happening the last Friday evening each month from May to August in local parks.