Adult Education Classes

Mussar @ Shaarie Torah
Learn to read Hebrew
Learn to understand Hebrew
Torah Study

November 2026 – May 2027 | Taught by Rabbi Gary Oren

Mussar at Shaarie Torah

A year of Jewish character development through the study and practice of middot — the qualities of character that help us become the people we aspire to be.

Full Class Schedule
  • November 5, 2026 | Seder: Order and organization
  • November 19, 2026 | Kimutz: Frugality and restraint
  • December 3, 2026 | Nichutah: Gentleness and calmness
  • December 17, 2026 | Prishut: Moderation and thoughtful abstinence
  • January 7, 2027 | Histapkut: Contentment
  • January 21, 2027 | Matinut: Deliberation and patience
  • February 4, 2027 | Tzniyut: Humility, modesty, and inwardness
  • February 18, 2027 | Bitachon: Trust and confidence
  • March 4, 2027 | Nedivut: Generosity
  • March 25, 2027 | Savlanut: Patience and forbearance
  • April 8, 2027 | Anavah: Humility
  • May 6, 2027 | Zerizut: Enthusiasm and alacrity
  • May 20, 2027 | Closing session with reflection and integration
Register for classes

About the Mussar Class

Mussar is a Jewish tradition of ethical and spiritual practice that invites us to look inward, examine our habits, and cultivate the character traits that help us live with greater intention. Each session will focus on a particular middah, combining Jewish wisdom, conversation, personal reflection, and practical exercises for bringing these teachings into everyday life. The goal is not perfection, but growth: becoming more aware of ourselves, more thoughtful in our relationships, and more intentional about the people we are becoming.

Weekly on Thursdays 12:15-1:30pm | Led by Rabbi Gary Oren

Torah Study

Join us for a weekly Torah Study class with Rabbi Oren in person or on zoom. We will discuss the parsha and much more! No Hebrew knowledge required and everyone is welcome to join. Once you register for Torah Study on Zoom, you will receive a link that is good for all Torah Study classes in the future.

Signup to join us on Zoom

Starts week of November 9 | Virtual Hebrew class with Cara Abrams

Learn to read Hebrew with confidence

Yesod. Foundation of Hebrew Reading is an eight-week virtual class with Jewish educator Cara Abrams. Learn the alphabet and vowels and explore Modern and Biblical Hebrew vocabulary in a supportive community. No experience required. Whether you’re learning to read for the first time or refreshing rusty skills, this course will help you build confidence by strengthening your accuracy and fluency. Optional instruction in writing Hebrew script is included.

  • Begins the week of November 9, 2026. One hour weekly, Monday or Tuesday evening between 6-9pm PST, based on participant availability.
  • Sliding scale for the full course: $360 Supported | $500 Standard | $600 Sustaining
Learn about this class

Testimonial

“Cara is such a great teacher! I came to this Yesod Hebrew class as a beginner with a personal goal of learning how to read and understand enough Torah that I can make my own meaning. Cara did an excellent job outlining tasks for beginners in such a way that we felt comfortable making mistakes and strengthening our skills confidently. I especially appreciated the extra resources Cara shared with us each week.” -Laura Goldstone

Testimonial

"Cara is the best. She leads our class with an intuitive balance.  When I need a little push, she gives one. When I'm overwhelmed, she picks up on that feeling before I do. If I fall behind, she leaves space for me to catch up. Cara makes learning seem easy. 10/10." -Hallie Ankrom

Starts week of January 4 | Virtual Hebrew class with Cara Abrams

Begin to understand the Hebrew you read

Bina. Understanding What You Read is an eight-week virtual class with Jewish educator Cara Abrams. Expand your vocabulary, explore basic grammar, and practice with simple sentences and short readings in a supportive community. For graduates of Yesod or anyone who can sound out Hebrew words, even if reading feels slow or rusty. Build confidence and open doors to greater access and meaning-making.

  • Begins the week of January 4, 2027. One hour weekly, Monday or Tuesday evening between 6-9pm PST, based on participant availability.
  • Sliding scale for the full course: $360 Supported | $500 Standard | $600 Sustaining
Learn about this class