The Learning Hour
WLS Jewish Adult Education programme for all ages and open to all.
Wednesdays from 7.00pm online via Zoom (unless otherwise stated).
WLS Members: Free | Non-Members: £120 (unless otherwise stated)
2025/6 COURSES:
Discovering Daniel: The Final Chapters | With Rabbi David
The book of Daniel includes some of the most famous lines and scenes in the Hebrew Bible. We’ve heard of the lions’ den and “the writings on the wall”, but how many of us have read the 12 chapter book? Across a year, join Rabbi David for a monthly instalment as we explore life in Babylonian exile, and the twists, turns, plots and prophecies of one of the most fascinating books in the Hebrew Bible. No Hebrew necessary.
| # | Date | Time | Format | Topic |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 16.4.25 | 7–8pm | Zoom | The Book of Daniel |
| 2 | 28.5.25 | 7–8pm | Zoom | The Book of Daniel |
| 3 | 18.6.25 | 7–8pm | Zoom | The Book of Daniel |
| 4 | 2.7.25 | 7–8pm | Zoom | The Book of Daniel – final session |
The Bible Says What? | With Rabbi David
The grown-up version of all the real festival stories that you were never taught you as a child.
Join Rabbi David for a no holds barred, in-depth study of the tales behind the festivals, including a deep dive into all five of the Megillot. No Hebrew is necessary to enjoy this course, but you will need to bring your creative, critical and open minds to challenge many of the stories you last studied when you were a child.
| # | Date | Time | Format | Topic |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 17.9.25 | 7–8pm | Zoom | Rosh Hashanah: Akedat Yitzchak |
| 2 | 2.10.25 (Thu) | 4pm | In person | Yom Kippur – Jonah |
| 3 | 8.10.25 | 7–8pm | Zoom | Kohelet (Ecclesiastes) |
| 4 | 3.12.25 | 7–8pm | Zoom | Chanukah: the Maccabees |
| 5 | 25.2.26 | 7–9pm | Zoom | Purim: Esther (‘eat while you study’ – double session) |
| 6 | 25.3.26 | 7–8pm | Zoom | Pesach: Shir HaShirim (Song of Songs) |
| 7 | 14.4.26 | 7–8pm | Zoom | Shabbat |
| 8 | 20.5.26 | 7–9pm | Zoom | Shavuot: Ruth (‘eat while you study’ – double session) |
| 9 | 15.7.26 | 7–8pm | Zoom | Tisha-B’Av: Eichah (Lamentations) |
Text to Tech: From Mishnah to Machine Learning | With Rabbi Helen
Join Rabbi Helen on a thought-provoking journey of exploring the dynamic evolution of Judaism, and the rich lineage of Jewish wisdom.
From the ancient Jewish ‘database’ of the Mishnah and its Talmudic 'operating system', through the ongoing struggles against antisemitism and anti-Zionism, to the cutting-edge ethical dilemmas posed by AI. Join us as we navigate the past, confront the present, and think about the future of Jewish engagement with the world and with ourselves.
| # | Date | Time | Format | Topic |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 14.5.25 | 7–8pm | Zoom | Past – The weird and wonderful stories of the Midrash |
| 2 | 22.10.25 | 7–8pm | Zoom | Past – Making Mishnah Meaningful (part 1) |
| 3 | 14.1.26 | 7–8pm | Zoom | Past – Making Mishnah Meaningful (part 2) |
| 4 | 28.1.26 | 7–8pm | Zoom | Past – Touching on the Talmud (part 1) |
| 5 | 11.2.26 | 7–8pm | Zoom | Past – Touching on the Talmud (part 2) |
| 6 | 11.3.26 | 7–8pm | In person | Present – Antisemitism in universities |
| 7 | 18.3.26 | 7–8pm | In person | Present – Antisemitism in the workplace |
| 8 | 29.4.26 | 7–8pm | In person | Present – Antisemitism on the streets |
| 9 | 6.5.26 | 7–8pm | Zoom | Future – Rabbi AI? (part 1) |
| 10 | 3.6.26 | 7–8pm | Zoom | Future – Rabbi AI? (part 2) |
| 11 | 10.6.26 | 7–8pm | Zoom | Future – Rabbi AI? (part 3) |
| 12 | 1.7.26 | 7–8pm | Zoom | Future – Ethics of AI: can Jews cheat |
| 13 | 8.7.26 | 7–8pm | Zoom | Future – Ethics of AI: can Jews cheat |
Genesis: Deconstructed - Chapters 1–14 | With Rabbi Emily
Genesis: Deconstructed delves beyond familiar narratives to explore the literary architecture of the book of Genesis. Through close readings and textual analysis, we'll uncover the intricate layers of authorship, narrative techniques, and thematic threads that shape this foundational text. Join Rabbi Emily to unpack the complexities of Genesis, revealing its enduring power and literary brilliance.
| # | Date | Time | Format | Topic |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 21.5.25 | 7–8pm | Zoom | Intro to bible study & learning tools |
| 2 | 11.6.25 | 7–8pm | Zoom | The first creation story |
| 3 | 25.6.25 | 7–8pm | Zoom | The second creation story |
| 4 | 9.7.25 | 7–8pm | Zoom | Cain and Abel |
| 5 | 3.9.25 | 7–8pm | Zoom | The mystery of Adam’s line |
| 6 | 12.11.25 | 7–8pm | Zoom | Noah’s ark (part 1) |
| 7 | 26.11.25 | 7–8pm | Zoom | Noah’s ark (part 2) |
| 8 | 10.12.25 | 7–8pm | Zoom | The mystery of the nations |
| 9 | 21.1.26 | 7–8pm | Zoom | The Tower of Babel |
| 10 | 4.3.26 | 7–8pm | Zoom | Avraham and Lot |
| 11 | 13.5.26 | 7–8pm | Zoom | The beauty of Sarai |
| 12 | 27.5.26 | 7–8pm | Zoom | The opening of Sodom & Gomorrah |
| 13 | 17.6.26 | 7–8pm | Zoom | Avraham and Lot part ways |
The End Through the Beginning | With Rabbi Matt
What if the biblical creation story mirrors our own life's journey? Join Rabbi Matt as he weaves a fascinating connection between the creation narrative and our individual paths of growth and transformation. Explore living, dying, and mourning through this unique lens, which offers a new Jewish perspective for understanding the complexities of human mortality and the end-of-life journey.
| # | Date | Time | Format | Topic |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 16.7.25 | 7–8pm | Zoom | Re-engaging with creation |
| 2 | 23.7.25 | 7–8pm | Zoom | From chaos to a world rebuilt |
| 3 | 10.9.25 | 7–8pm | Zoom | Living while dying |
What is the Story with Psalms? | With Rabbi Matt
Why are the Psalms so captivating and why has this biblical book resonated with people across denominations and faiths? Delve into the Psalms and their significance within Jewish tradition, explore their pivotal role in our Siddur, and discover the timeless wisdom hidden within their verses. Join Rabbi Matt as we try to understand why the Psalms continue to inspire, comfort, and challenge us today.
| # | Date | Time | Format | Topic |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 29.10.25 | 7–8pm | Zoom | The Book of Psalms – introduction |
| 2 | 5.11.25 | 7–8pm | Zoom | The Book of Psalms – people and texts |
| 3 | 19.11.25 | 7–8pm | Zoom | The Book of Psalms – psalms and prayers |