Torah Studies - Adult Education

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A Torah Studies course delving into the modern lessons from the ancient themes of the weekly Parsha.

Torah Studies is a series of stimulating text and discussion-based classes that take place on a weekly basis. These classes will engage and challenge you intellectually, spiritually and emotionally. They explore contemporary issues through a Torah perspective as well as tackling timeless questions in the Jewish tradition.

Each class is a standalone unit, so feel free to come along when you can!

Instructor: Rabbi Mendy Singer.

Registration is free. The student textbook is available on Amazon here.

The classes are held every Thursday at 7:30 pm, in person at Chabad and virtually (without the chicken soup!). Join us on Zoom at www.jewishbristol.com/zoom or watch live on Facebook @ www.facebook.com/chabadbristol.

Weekly: Thursday, 7:30 - 8:30 pm

Thursday, 23 January

How Big Questions Bring Us Closer to G-d

Reframing doubt as a pathway to spiritual growth

Can doubts strengthen belief? This class redefines the role of difficult questions in Judaism, showing how challenges can deepen our understanding and connection to Torah.


Thursday 30 January

Tomorrow’s Questions, Today’s Answers

Passing the torch of faith to the next generation

Explore the meaning behind the Simple Son’s question in the Passover Haggadah and uncover Rashi’s profound insights into the concept of “tomorrow.” This lesson bridges generational divides, offering timeless strategies to connect with those who seem worlds apart.

Thursday 6 February

Prayer, a Jewish Love Language

Why Jews pray even when they don’t have to

At the shores of the Red Sea, the Jewish people prayed—not out of fear, but because prayer is what Jews do. Explore the profound idea that prayer isn’t just a plea for help: it’s an intrinsic expression of love and connection with G-d.

Thursday 13 February

Love Me, Love Me Not?

Exploring G-d’s love and our limitless potential

Is G-d’s love dependent on our actions? Using Rashi’s commentary on the Ten Commandments, this lesson unveils a relationship defined by unconditional love and infinite potential, even in moments of spiritual distance.

Thursday 20 February - Virtual Only

Laws or Love? Finding G-d at Sinai

Turning law into love and duty into connection

Is Judaism just a rulebook, or is it something deeper? This class explores the dual layers of the Mount Sinai experience—G-d’s laws as a manual for life, and the covenant as a bond of love. Discover how the Torah’s narrative structure invites us to balance discipline with devotion, creating a relationship with G-d that’s both structured and personal.

Thursday 27 February

A Tree of Hope Grows in the Desert

There’s tangible promise for a better tomorrow

From acacia wood in the wilderness to the sparks of holiness within us, this lesson uncovers G d’s timeless signs of redemption. Discover how Jacob’s foresight and Rashi’s wisdom inspire unshakable belief in Mashiach’s imminent arrival.

Thursday 6 March

Farbrengens: Where Heaven Meets Earth

Discovering the spiritual magic of Chasidic gatherings

Step into the world of the Chasidic farbrengen—a warm, transformative gathering that echoes the sacred connections of the Tent of Meeting. Learn how these vibrant, heartfelt get-togethers bring Jews closer to each other and to G-d, infusing life with spiritual vitality, unity, and joy.

Wednesday 12 March - Date Change

My Religion, My Choice

Balancing autonomy and faith in a world of endless choices

In a world of limitless choices, is religion a restriction or a liberation? By diving into the Purim story, this lesson uncovers how individuality and free will play a starring role in spiritual life. King Achashverosh’s feast holds surprising lessons about balancing autonomy with faith.

Thursday 20 March

Rules of Engagement: When Religion Sparks Spirituality

How structure and inspiration fuel spiritual life

Does religion stifle spirituality? This lesson explores the balance between discipline and Divine inspiration through Rashi’s take on the Mishkan’s construction and its profound link to Shabbos.

Thursday 27 March

If These Walls Could Speak

How the stories we live are worth repeating

Why does the Torah recount the Mishkan’s construction in such detail? This class delves into Rashi’s commentary to reveal how repetition highlights the profound significance of our shared stories.

Thursday 3 April

Sorry, Not Sorry?

The Torah’s approach to accountability and healing

Does healing absolve the need for amends? Learn how the Torah balances personal resilience with moral accountability, emphasizing that true repentance begins with repairing harm to others.

Thursday 10 April

A Cup for Elijah and a World of Hope

A timeless cup that overflows with hope

Elijah’s cup at the seder stands as more than just a custom—it’s a symbol of our unshakable belief in redemption. This lesson delves into its origins, halachic mysteries, and enduring message of faith, connecting past promises to future hope.