On a recent Shabbat, Rabbi Todd Chizner of Temple Judea held a special service honoring his Adult Education classes.

The challenge for the students was to plan and present parts of the Shabbat service that reflected the knowledge and insights they had gained over the past several years of study together. Rabbi Chizner suggested they could use the Torah portion of the week, Leviticus XXV as a possible starting point. Or they could choose selections from the Shabbat prayer book on which to base their presentations.

Rabbi Chizner teaches these classes every week. The morning Torah study involves reading directly from the Hebrew bible to gain an understanding of the words and meanings of the many books and stories that have guided Judaism for thousands of years. The evening class explores the Jewish prayer book, known as the Siddur. The participants learn about the origins and meanings of the prayers, the parts of the services and how prayers have changed over the years. All members of the congregation are welcome to attend; classes are on zoom

A D’var Torah was given by two of the students. Each gave their own interpretation of the weekly Torah portion. This week’s portion dealt with Moses receiving directions from God on how to deal with the use and care of the land in anticipation of reaching the Promised Land.                 

A beautiful prayer, Hashkiveinu, which is recited at night asking for God’s protection as we sleep, was given a modern interpretation by one student. She illustrated how we can contemporarily interpret this prayer, incorporating the comfort of the prayer with how we today can bring comfort to ourselves in these troublesome times. Her presentation was via Zoom.

One student discussed how he enjoyed going into the classroom; asking the Rabbi challenging “questions that would cross the Rabbi’s eyes”, borrowing the line from “Fiddler on The Roof”.

Another student described polishing the silver candlesticks her father had left her and thus being able to hold on to memories “for a little while.”      

Some students read prayers found in the Shabbat prayer book, both in Hebrew and in English. Another sang one of the songs that are part of the Shabbat service.

It was an inspiring Shabbat service for the students and for the congregants who attended, both in person and “virtually.”