Adult Education

Upcoming Speakers at Congregation Shaarei Kodesh 2025-2026

November 21–23, 2025

Scholar-in-Residence: Judy Klitsner

Friday Night D’var Torah: Noah vs. Jonah:

How Similar Stories Say Opposite Things About Human Resilience

Saturday Morning D’var Torah: Biblical Origins of Our Divided Society

Saturday Lunch & Learn: From Echo Chamber to Authentic Inner Voice:

The Tower of Babel and the Heroic Midwives of Egypt

Internationally acclaimed biblical scholar, Judy Klitsner (Jerusalem), will spend a full Shabbat weekend with us exploring resilience, moral complexity, and human renewal through the lens of Torah. Join us for a weekend of rich text study, dynamic teaching, and spiritual inspiration on Friday evening for Shabbat dinner, Shabbat morning for a powerful D’var Torah/sermon and Lunch & Learn session, and special Sunday brunch for our Rabbi’s Circle members.

Tuesday, December 2, 2025, 7:00 PM

Adult Learning: Rabbi Sam & Melinda Kieffer

Heroes & Sheroes Among Us – Superstars We Work With

As the War with Hamas erupted with unexpected reactions, Israelis immediately created incredible projects that the population joined. The Kieffers Instant Projects sponsored therapeutic horseback riding for 60 orphans from the South; painting parties for 90 Survivors of the Nova Music Festival Massacre and at other locations for IDF Soldiers with PTSD; 100 gift cards for wives of soldiers so that they could order dinner delivered to their homes, and more. This hands-on approach for learning will engage you instantly.

Saturday, December 6, 2025, 9:30 AM

Lunch & Learn with Holocaust Survivor, Zelda Marbell Fuksman

Zelda will share her remarkable story with us.

Wednesday, December 17, 2025, 7:30 PM

Spicy Torah Keynote: Juan Caldés

Faith Under Fire: Jewish Resilience Across the Continents
Our Chanukah edition of Spicy Torah features Juan Caldés, a European Jewish educator and storyteller whose journey from Catholic Mallorca to Jewish leadership offers a profound lens on faith and identity in today’s world. Together we will explore how Jews across the globe are reclaiming courage and connection in an era of challenge.

Saturday, December 20, 2025, 9:30 AM

Rabbi-in-Residence: Rabbi David Krishef

D’var Torah: Sacred Reflections: Finding the Sacred Response in Contemplative Reading
Lunch & Learn: Practicing Contemplative Reading: Finding God’s Voice in Prayer
Rabbi Krishef will introduce a meditative approach to reading sacred text, inviting participants to slow down, listen deeply, and find new meaning and presence in the words of our prayers.

Saturday, January 10, 2026, 9:30 AM

Guest Speaker: Jonathan Ornstein

The Rebirth of Jewish Life Down the Road from Auschwitz
Join us for a moving presentation by Jonathan Ornstein, Executive Director of the JCC Krakow. He will share the remarkable story of Poland’s post-Holocaust Jewish revival – a story of memory, resilience, and renewal.

Saturday, January 17, 2026 – Havdallah Program

Special Guest: Rabbi Bradley Shavit Artson

Talking About Israel in 2025 – It’s Complicated
Join Rabbi Brad Artson, Dean of the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies, for an honest and nuanced conversation about how Jews can talk – and listen – about Israel in an era of polarization and passion.

Sunday, January 18, 2026, 10:00 AM

Dr. Kenneth Hanson, hosted by our Men’s Club

Jewish Pirates of the Gulf of Mexico

Back by popular demand, Dr. Hanson will regale us with his tales and knowledge.

Sunday, March 15, 2026, 10:00 AM

Rabbi Hector Eppelbaum, hosted by our Men’s Club

The Latin American Jewish Community in South Florida

Rabbi Eppelbaum, from B’nai Torah, will share his insight on the Latin American Jewish community.

Saturday, March 21, 2026, 9:30 AM

Special Speaker: Yisrael Klitzner – Israel Educator & Author

Lunch & Learn: Israel in the Crosswinds: Voices of Courage and Conscience

✨ Join us for a season of learning, inspiration, and conversation.
Each of these programs deepens our shared commitment to Torah, community, and Jewish peoplehood.

Visit www.shaareikodesh.org for updates and registration details.