Let me take you on a journey through the halls of Temple Beth-El, in the not too distant future. It's a weeknight evening, around 7:45 P.M. The halls in the building are quiet, but they aren't empty. The lights are all on, and if you listen, you'll hear laughter and talking.

Walking down the first corridor, you reach the first room. In this room are four people, pouring over a text, pointing to words, deep in debate. But a burst of laughter from down the hall catches your attention, and we head in that direction. Reaching the room, a large group of people, sitting comfortably at tables, is laughing. The leader, too, is amused, holding a book in his hand. The sounds of musical instruments tuning up are distracting and we turn to head in that direction. In this room a group of musicians—all ages, and all abilities—are beginning to practice for a recital in a few weeks. The tones are familiar, comforting—it's no surprise we find ourselves humming the tune as we leave the room.

A child runs down the hall, towards another room. Following her, we find ourselves surrounded by children in their pajamas, saying the bedtime Sh'ma with their parents. On the other side of the room, the remnants of snacks and the finale of a successful art project are still apparent.

The smell of fresh challah awakens taste buds and memories. Breathing deep, we move towards the kitchen. Passing by a classroom, we glance in to find a group poring over a large map of Israel, dates scrawled on the board. But that aroma. . . the kitchen calls! We arrive at the kitchen at exactly the right moment: fresh challahs are being cooled on racks round the room. The group has just successfully learned how to do complicated braiding, and to create different types of challah.

Moments later, we hear doors opening and greetings being called out, “Hi! How was your class? The story we read was so funny, I can't wait to tell you all about it!” and “Honey, I finally learned to play that song you love from services!” And everyone walks, comfortably, happily, into the Barshop Auditorium for coffee, cookies, and fruit—and time together.

As the short break speeds by, someone turns to you and says, “I am so glad you are here tonight. Would you like to join us for the second session? We have ten classes available tonight and we'd love for you to stay.”

This is the journey upon which the Adult Jewish Growth committee has embarked: to create, at Temple Beth-El, a comfortable, exciting and varied learning environment. In this vision, our congregation will come together, bonded through Torah. The Adult Jewish Growth Committee, chaired by Gayle Kipp and Dr. Michael Stern are hard at work carefully framing the mission and goals of Adult Jewish Growth here at Temple Beth-El, as well as shaping the structure of the program. Our goals include increasing participation and reducing intimidation, as well as fostering community. Our expanded Adult Jewish Growth program will be launched in January. However, classes are being held now on Sunday mornings, Tuesday noon time, and Saturday morning. Simply open your bulletin and peruse all the possibilities!

We do have successful, wonderful opportunities to grow as adult Jews here at Temple Beth El. These last two Shabbatot were perfect examples—18 men and women were called to the Torah as B'nai Mitzvah. They stood here, on this bimah, confirming their Judaism, and their commitment to lifelong study. Our Shabbat morning Torah study, and our Sunday morning sessions are well attended and greatly appreciated.

And yet, even with these successes, our journey as a congregation of Adult Learners is not complete. Our growth as educated, literate Jews is static. For many, as soon as our Bar or Bat Mitzvah ended, our formal Jewish education ended. For others, this extended to Confirmation. A few of us added a smattering of classes in college; and perhaps we read a New York Times bestseller on a Jewish topic every year or so.

What amazes me is this: we have been successful in learning so much in our lives as adults—to have successful careers, to raise children, to gain skills as volunteers—and yet, we have neglected to develop ourselves as knowledgeable Jews, and to commit to Jewish study. While our secular development continues, our Jewish journey does not. It's no wonder we feel inadequate during services, and reticent to come to classes! Our ideas about prayer, God, ritual, Torah—are all often stuck in our teenage perception. Bluntly—we have some catching up to do!

And yet, this speaks to another problem: since Jewish education is so often left by the wayside, it is clearly not a valued priority. As no precedence was given to continuing Jewish education, how do we become motivated to make it a main concern?

There are many teachings that illustrate the importance of Torah study. In the Talmud, we find this precept: “ Talmud Torah the study of Torah) is a greater mitzvah ( sacred obligation) than the saving of life. . than the building of the Temple. . or than honoring one's father or mother.” This directive is surprising—how can study be more important than saving a life?

I believe that the Talmud was trying to do the same thing that I stand here doing tonight: attempt to show that studying Torah will feed and enrich your life. This section was to startle us into understanding that our obligation as Jews is to study.

As adults, we are faced with innumerable challenges—raising kids; dealing with money; difficulties at work; aging; being sandwiched in between aging parents and your own children; learning disabilities; grief; ultimate joy—and Judaism has sources to guide, uplift, or sustain us through all of those powerful journeys.

As we struggle through these challenges, we should be asking, “ How can Judaism help me lead my life in the best possible way?”

Think about it this way-- as a society, we do research to solve problems and find answers. For example, if moving to a new city, it is likely that one will buy a book on that location, or search the internet for information on housing and school districts. One will often read reviews of books as a way to inspire the next good read. Magazines prevail to help us make informed decisions: I would not buy a car until I had read what Consumer Reports had to say! So, too, it is with Judaism. The answers to every day questions such as: What is the best for my child as he or she asks the inevitable question: “When am I getting my car, Dad?” The Talmud even offers insights into right practices for finances and business! Do you want guidance on how to balance your life? Look to Jewish philosophy.

I challenge you to look to Judaism for prayer; for knowledge; for guidance. I challenge you to become a literate Jew, comfortable in services and confident in classes. When we become a congregation of learners we will be secure that Judaism will help us navigate through all of the ups and downs of our lives.

There is a prayer we often say when we engage in study together: Baruch Atah Adonai, Eloheinu melech Haolam asher kidshanu b'mitzvotav vitzvanu la'asok b'divrey Torah. Blessed are you, O Lord our God, who commands us to soak in the words of Torah.

May we be inspired to soak in the texts and teachings of our tradition, enlightening us and enabling us to live more fully. Amen

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