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, 4 January
When Pain Spells Gain
The Key to Unlocking Your Deepest Self
Many hobbies and interests consume a person, eventually turning into an entire way of life. And really, the Torah is right up there on that list. With its opening narrative of the story of Creation, this is the story the Torah tells.
Thursday 11 January
The Elusive Fifth Element
Going the Extra Mile Makes All the Difference
Challenges, suffering, and pain are unfortunately regular features of life. But is it really so unfortunate? The underwhelming name of the entire second book of the Torah and its opening parshah, “Names,” provides a different message: pain brings the biggest gain.
Sunday 14 January
The Secret of Jewish Survival
A Merger between Human Commitment and Divine Intervention
Many wonder what makes the Jewish nation keep on ticking like the Energizer bunny. Answers abound, but one thing is for sure: we remain committed to our faith, and G-d keeps on providing the miracles to make it happen.
Thursday 25 January
Become a Jewish Influencer
It’s Not Just for Rabbis, Scholars, and Activists
For one fateful battle in the desert, an ageing Moses did not personally lead the battle, opting to send his younger, stronger deputy instead. And for that, he was punished. Because when it comes to defending Judaism, everyone is on the front lines, no matter your age or stature.
Tuesday 1 February
Out of Three, One
Unity and Love Within—Not Above—Division
The number “three” pops up frequently in Judaism, with G-d, the Jews, and the Torah as the ultimate three-way partnership. There’s a reason for it: One gets a lot of airtime as the ultimate number of unity, but there’s something special when three brings one and two together.
Thursday 8 February
Jewish Prepping
Take the Time to Invest in Your Jewish Experiences
Some complain that Jewish experiences just “don’t talk to them.” A curious instance of recording the Torah before the Torah was even given teaches us that to maximize the experience, investing time and energy into preparation makes all the difference.
Thursday 15 February
If You Know Alef, Teach Alef
Lessons from an Upside-Down Cup Shaped the Wrong Way
The Temple Menorah had golden goblets fashioned on it. The funny thing is, they were all wrong: upside-down and too narrow at their base. But they broadcast an important message: pour out whatever you know, however narrow or small it may be.
Thursday 22 February
There’s No Such Thing as an Isolated Jew
You’re an Integral Part of the Community, Whether You Like It or Not
Some get exhausted at or intimidated by the prospect of actively participating in the Jewish community. But the laws concerning which garments the High Priest wore in the Temple teach us that the choice has already been made: you’re in! It’s time to embrace this wonderful reality.
Thursday 29 February
All Tied Up
If You Care, You Don’t Forget
That’s what your mother and your teacher probably told you, and surprise!–they were right. Judaism wishes to teach this to us with multiple mitzvot associated with tying knots, because when you’re all tied up with something, you’ll never forget it.
Thursday 7 March
The Ultimate ROI
Doing What’s Right Isn’t Always about Right Now
Any investor understands that it takes risk, effort, and a long time of seeing no return to really reap the benefits later. As we continue our millennia-long Exile and look at our Temple in ruins, think of all this time as an investment: amazing returns are coming our way.
Thursday 14 March
We Don’t Always Follow the Rules
When It Comes to Teaching Judaism, We Take an Unconventional Approach
“Slow and steady wins the race,” they said. And it’s usually true. But sometimes we can’t afford slow and steady. When teaching our children—or even ourselves—about Judaism, we must be bold and ambitious–above and beyond what would usually make sense.
Thursday 21 March
When Ordinary Is Extraordinary
Finding Meaning, Purpose, and Wonder in Everyday Moments
Jewish holidays are all on fixed dates. But curiously, when it comes to Purim, it seems that certain aspects of the holiday can be observed on a number of different days. This interesting fact tells us that not only are holidays uniquely special; any day can be unique if we look carefully.
Thursday 28 March
Today Is the First Day of the Rest of Your Life
Every Moment Is Creation All Over Again
Popular conception imagines Creation as a one-time thing, millennia ago, and just running on autopilot ever since. Chasidic thought busts that myth, teaching that Creation is a dynamic event occurring each second anew. With that in mind, every day is truly a new opportunity.
Thursday 4 April
Don’t Be a Good Person
Be a G-dly Person. It’s a Lot Harder–And Better
Religion can be attractive to many for one simple reason: it makes you a better person (hopefully). While not a bad argument, this isn’t the extent of Judaism’s majesty at all. The life of the hardworking and quick-to-die worker bee teaches us this valuable lesson.
Thursday 11 April
A Slice of Perfection
The First Feather in Your Cap Is Already Reason to Celebrate
To a perfectionist, it’s “all or nothing,” right? But for the pragmatist whom Judaism champions, partial perfection is already a remarkable achievement. The matzah ball soup on the last day of Passover teaches us why.