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.

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 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 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.