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 or join virtually 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, 16 April
The Art of Loving Rebuke
How to Correct Others without Hurting Them
In a world full of flaws, it’s easy to point out others’ mistakes—but the Torah teaches us that rebuke must always come from a place of love. Discover how to correct others with compassion, ensuring your words heal rather than harm.
Thursday 23 April
Helping or Hustling?
The Fine Line between Advice and Agenda
Ever given advice that seemed like it was for someone else, but . . . maybe you kind of benefited too? This class dives into the fine line between genuine help and self-serving agendas, showing you how to ensure your actions are truly for others—not just for your own gain.
Sunday 26 April - Date Change
Shabbos: More than Just a Day
How One Day of Rest Can Transform the Week
Shabbos isn’t just a day of rest: it influences every part of our lives, extending its impact far beyond the twenty-five hours. Discover how the mindset and practices of Shabbos shape our entire week.
Thursday 7 May
When Questions Bring Blessing
Turning Curiosity into Faith
We all ask “how” when faced with uncertainty. The Torah shows that some questions come from fear—and others from faith. This class explores how sincere curiosity and humble effort invite Divine blessing, even when we feel least worthy.
Thursday 14 May
Is It Worth Teaching Them So Young?
When Early Education Feels Pointless, but It Might Be Everything
Is it really worth investing in a child’s education when they’re too young to understand? This class dives into the debate over whether we should push early learning, the value of small efforts, and why we trust that our work, even when unseen, will shape the future.
Wednesday 20 May - Date Change
Chabad’s Loud Truth
From Sinai’s Thunder to Boldness in the Streets
Chabad’s loud, unapologetic approach to Jewish outreach might seem surprising—but it’s quite ancient: it mirrors the dramatic revelation at Mount Sinai. Thunder and lightning accompanied the Giving of the Torah, and Chabad’s visible presence in public spaces reaffirms that every corner of the world belongs to G-d.
Thursday 28 May
Sameness Is a Shame
Why King David’s “Songs” Missed the Music
When life feels monotonous, it’s not the world that’s flat: it’s our angle. This class reveals how David’s “songs” teach us to find the living face hidden within life’s sameness.
Thursday 4 June
Restrain or Transform?
Finding Balance between Holding Back and Growing Forward
Should spiritual growth focus on restraining negativity, or actively cultivating goodness? Is there space for both, or must we choose? This discussion explores the balance between self-restraint and transformation in our spiritual journey.
Thursday 11 March
From Honest Scouts to Sinister Spies
The Slippery Slope of Moral Erosion
The spies didn’t wake up evil: they slipped there. What starts as a minor shift in intention can spiral into a full-blown moral disaster. This class exposes the subtle missteps that led them to betrayal and shows you how to catch the warning signs before it’s too late.
Thursday 18 June
The Leadership Dilemma
Power vs. Influence
What makes a great leader? Power or influence? In this class, we’ll explore the difference between Korach’s power grab and another episode that challenged Moses’s legacy of leadership. Discover why true leaders don’t just command; they inspire others to lead.
Thursday 25 June
The Strength to Overcome Impossible Tasks
When Faith Defies the Odds
Jews in the Soviet Union risked everything to free the Rebbe. Despite impossible odds, their self-sacrifice led to an unexpected victory. What allowed them to succeed where logic said they couldn’t?
Thursday 2 July
From Rebellion to Redemption
How Korach’s Sons Crawled out of the Abyss, and How You Can Too
Korach’s sons fell into the abyss with the rebels but survived due to their repentance. Despite their initial involvement in the rebellion, their internal change and eventual redemption offer profound insights into the power of repentance, even when it remains hidden.