Torah Studies - Adult Education
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. Join the discussion over a bowl of steamy chicken soup!
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, 31 October
Rashi: An Introduction
A Primer for a New Year of Torah Studies
Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki, known as Rashi, a celebrated eleventh-century sage, authored the most authoritative commentary on the Torah. This lesson introduces students to the rich world of scholarship dedicated to his work. This year, embark on a fascinating journey into Rashi's profound insights and timeless wisdom.
Thursday 7 November
Global Reach, Local Concern
Never Too Big to Care for Those Closest to You
It's a common trap: achieving global influence while forgetting family and friends. Avraham's name change associated with his promotion from local chieftain to world leader teaches us to avoid this pitfall and remember the importance of those nearest to us.
Thursday 14 November
A Jewish Take on Hospitality
Inviting Guests: Greater than Seeing G-d Himself
Judaism places immense value on hospitality. The Torah recounts how Avraham paused his Divine encounter to welcome travelers. Explore the logic behind this seemingly exaggerated graciousness and its profound implications.
Thursday 21 November
What Do You Love about Israel?
It’s More than Falafel and the IDF
Polls show Jews worldwide love the Holy Land, but what makes it so special? A close analysis of Rashi’s comments on Abraham’s conversation with his butler reveals a critical, often overlooked idea about the love for Israel.
Thursday 28 November
It’s Not So Good to Be a Goodie-Goodie
The Beauty of ‘The Struggle’
Would you choose to be free of all negative temptation? A close study of two sets of twins in Genesis—Jacob and Esau, along with Peretz and Zerach—argues that the answer should be "No!" Discover the value of struggling against temptation.
Thursday 5 December
Jacob’s Moral Dilemma
Don’t Be Pious at Someone Else’s Expense
Marrying two sisters was forbidden, but so was crushing someone’s feelings. Jacob faced a tough choice and prioritized his values, teaching an eternal lesson about balancing piety with compassion.
Thursday 12 December
Broaden Your Horizons
What an Ancient Sage’s Travels Teach about Exploring New Ideas
Rabbi Akiva, one of the greatest sages, was also an explorer. Learn why this pious scholar traveled to learn about other cultures and what it teaches us about embracing new ideas.
Thursday 19 December
Keep Climbing
Trajectory Is All That Matters
Who builds a city on a mountain slope? An ancient Mesopotamian city captures a key Jewish tenet: two people can be on the same slope but moving in different directions. The lesson? Always aim for the upward trajectory.
DATE CHANGE: Wednesday 25 December
‘Take the First Step. I’ll Do the Rest’
One Small Step of Man, One Giant Step from G-d
Why must we put in effort if G-d is the one doing everything? Explore the purpose of our efforts and where our work ends and G-d’s begins, through the story of Chanukah.
Thursday 2 January
When You’re in Pain, Start Yelling
Standing Up for Your Beliefs
When Joseph, still in disguise, threatens to keep Benjamin, Judah steps up and throws a tantrum. What happened to diplomacy? Discover the importance of standing up for what you believe in.
Thursday 9 January
You Can Clean Up Your Own Mess
No Mistake Is Too Great to Fix
The Jewish people have faced many challenges, some self-inflicted, yet we’ve always persevered. Jacob’s parting blessing to his son Benjamin teaches that no challenge is insurmountable.
Thursday 16 January
The Ideal Jew
Hint: It’s Not a Rabbi
Scholars and clergy are great, but they’re not the ideal Jew. What is the ultimate goal for all of us? The story of two defiant midwives in ancient Egypt and their Divine reward offers a profound clue.