Tag: Adult Jewish Learning & Growth
May 30, 2025
This summer, CAJE Adult Learning: The Center for Jewish Ideas and Engagement is thrilled to unveil an extraordinary collaboration with the Jewish Heritage Alliance (JHA)—a global initiative committed to reclaiming and celebrating the powerful legacy of Sephardic Jewry. Together, we're launching a captivating new course that dares to tell the story most history books have left out: Sefarad: The Untold Story That Changed the World. From the dazzling heights of medieval Spain’s golden age to the long and dark shadows cast by the Inquisition and Expulsion, the story of Sefarad is one of both triumph and tragedy. It includes the complex and often heartbreaking journey of the conversos — Jews who were forced to convert to Christianity, many of whom continued to practice Judaism in secret, thus shaping a hidden chapter of incredible resilience.
May 16, 2025
On Wednesday, May 7, more than 60 rabbis, educators, and community leaders gathered for a deeply impactful Lunch & Learn event with Rabbi Dr. Yitz Greenberg, one of the most influential Jewish thinkers and theologians of our time. Titled “The American Jewish Century: Stories, Insights and Wisdom from a Lifetime Shaping the Jewish People,” the session was hosted by CAJE: Adult Learning | The Center for Jewish Ideas and Engagement, in collaboration with the Hadar Institute and the Rabbinical Association of Greater Miami.
Apr 4, 2025
Parents of school-aged children are among the most underserved when it comes to Jewish educational programming, despite their vital role in shaping the next generation’s identity. While there are countless learning opportunities for students, young professionals, and retirees, few programs address the unique challenges parents face — like raising Jewish children in an increasingly secular world or integrating Jewish values into daily life. Learn what CAJE is doing to remedy this!
Mar 12, 2025
Thanks to all who were able to join us for “Israel at a Crossroads: Three Big Dilemmas for the Jewish State" featuring Tal Becker, Vice President of the Shalom Hartman Institute. Whether you joined us in person or missed the conversation, we’re excited to share some key insights from this thought-provoking discussion on 3 dilemmas that are not about our immediate security and survival but do address the long-term thriving of the State of Israel going forward.
Dec 20, 2024
This past Wednesday, CAJE was privileged to bring Rabbi Dr. Donniel Hartman to Temple Beth Am in Pinecrest for a conversation with Dr. Bella Tendler Krieger, CAJE’s Director of Adult Learning and Growth, as he reflected on a year of war in Israel and shared his thoughts about how we can work together to imagine a stronger, more vibrant Israel. As the president of the Shalom Hartman Institute, Donniel Hartman, a Modern Orthodox rabbi, has championed the idea that pluralism is not just an acceptance of differences but an active embrace of diverse perspectives within Jewish tradition and community life.
Nov 29, 2024
October 7th has upended so much of what we thought we knew about Israel and our role as Jews in the United States. From the shaking of our assurance that Jews are safest in Israel, to the collapse of our confidence that antisemitism is a thing of the past in America, much of what we thought we knew about Israel and the Jewish people has been forced under scrutiny. The ever-evolving news cycle has been disorienting and the barrage of anti-Israel critique from international organizations and on college campuses has made some of us question whether we ever really made it as citizens of the world.
Sep 27, 2024
This past summer, Dr. Bella Tendler Krieger (front row left), CAJE’s Director of Adult Learning and Growth, traveled to Jerusalem to study at the Hartman Institute, the leading pluralistic Jewish thinktank and educational institution serving Israel and North America. This week, Bella shares reflections of her time spent at Hartman and introduces Adult Learning's exciting new iEngage Project curriculum
Sep 20, 2024
Over the last few weeks, I have been sharing vignettes from my five-week stint in Jerusalem studying at the Hartman Institute… Through my short stories, I tried to open a window into the Israeli experience, to capture a snapshot of the compassion, resilience, and ingenuity I encountered in Israel, despite the ever-present grief and fear of this past difficult year. Here is the final installment of my Summer in Jerusalem series: “The Brothers from Shuva.” - Dr. Bella Tendler Krieger, CAJE’s Director of Adult Learning and Growth
Sep 6, 2024
One afternoon, my cohort at Hartman was invited to the home of Nissimmi Naim Naor for some therapeutic baking. Nissimmi, a celebrated Israeli chef, had just completed his rabbinical training, and our program directors thought we could learn a thing or two from a rabbi-chef. As we climbed the steps to his apartment, the most incredible scent of baking bread wafted towards us. We followed our noses to his front door, where he waited, bearded, aproned, and grinning contagiously.
Aug 30, 2024
There was an oversized banner of Karina Ariev, a 19-year-old hostage, hanging on the street outside my apartment in Baka. It read, “Karina, we are waiting for you, and for all the hostages, at home.”
The poster was not unusual. Most of the wall space in Jerusalem, not to mention, the billboards and street signs, were plastered with images of the abducted Israelis. But this poster was very large and, hanging at a busy pedestrian intersection I passed several times daily, made a particular impression on me.
Jun 7, 2024
In her new role at CAJE, Bella is eager to unite her business acumen and love of learning to develop high-level educational opportunities throughout Miami-Dade. She believes that our region is one of the most culturally diverse, creative, and yet underdeveloped adult Jewish learning communities in the United States, and that the time is ripe for actualizing our potential.
Apr 19, 2024
On Monday night, April 22nd/15th of Nisan, Jews traditionally gather to celebrate Passover and commemorate the exodus from Egypt. We reenact the exodus through story, discussion, and song at the seder table. CAJE's Department of Adult Learning and Growth, in partnership with our faculty, has compiled Passover insights and teachings designed to help you spiritually prepare for the holiday. We have also included links to resources that you can share around your seder tables to spark meaningful conversations.
Mar 15, 2024
For centuries, the themes of the Passover seder has served as a beacon of hope and resilience in times of uncertainty. The seder experience transcends mere ritualistic observance; it is a dynamic educational opportunity that invites participants to engage with timeless themes and teachings in the context in which we find ourselves.
Jan 26, 2024
CAJE’s Department of Adult Learning & Growth fosters a community where the magic of Jewish education becomes a pathway to see the world through a Jewish lens. Embark on a journey with an amazing community of learners where each moment brings the opportunity to connect deeply to a rich tradition, forge strong bonds with others as you unpack the wisdom of Jewish learning and stimulate your mind and engage your soul.
Jan 5, 2024
In a vibrant landscape of cultural events, the Miami Jewish Film Festival (MJFF) stands out as a beacon of cinematic excellence, not only for its captivating array of films but also for its dynamic educational component. Behind this synergy is CAJE’s Department of Adult Learning and Growth, responsible for curating these encounters and enhancing the movie-watching experience for audience members.
Oct 13, 2023
In the midst of what is transpiring in our homeland of Israel, CAJE’s many departments are working diligently to help our schools and constituencies with resources to help support Israel, find comfort, talk with children and students, and take action.
Oct 6, 2023
On Simchat Torah, we celebrate the Torah’s timeless teachings and its power to transform individuals on both a personal and communal level… Just as the Torah is read in a perpetual cycle, so too should our quest for knowledge and self-improvement be continuous… guided by the wisdom of Torah and Jewish learning.
Jul 21, 2023
"My Adult Learning journey has been nothing short of amazing. Not only has the experience been an enriching one, but it is something I love to share with others… I encourage anyone who can give the gift of Jewish learning, to do so. One class can change a life!"
Jun 16, 2023
It’s hard to describe the naches felt at a Melton Adult Learning graduation. You may not find the traditional “pomp and circumstance” of a College graduation, but you will find personal transformation, accomplishment, and heart bursting pride – something each Melton lifelong-learner experiences.
Mar 3, 2023
Every week, close to 150 adult learners are inspired as they participate in courses offered by CAJE’s Department of Adult Learning & Growth. Our faculty serve as guides on a stimulating journey, and our students engage in discussions that are insightful and powerful.
