Adult Education: On-Demand Learning

WOMEN’S VIEWS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13

GALI KATZ: Our daughter Noa’s bat mitzvah experience at TCS felt truly spiritual and heartwarming. We were so proud to watch as she read from the Torah, and led the congregation in prayer with such confidence and grace. Through her own dedication and the diligent, thoughtful guidance of Cantor Cattan and Rabbi Wiederhorn, it really did feel like a transformative moment of growth, responsibility, and character for her — supported by all the underlying Jewish traditions that we value.

Noa read Parshat Noach, the story of Noah’s Ark from the Torah. Sharing the same name as the male figure from the portion of that week lent her reading another dimension of significance. Hearing her say the name over and over again in front of our friends and congregation added an extra layer of strength to her voice; an empowered, female voice ready to take her place as a strong Jewish woman in this modern world.

Noa Katz reading Torah

SALLY POTTER: At the beginning of September, we celebrated our children’s b’nei mitzvah at TCS. It was a wonderful day and momentous occasion for us, when both of our children, Lauren and Robert, led some of the service, read from the Torah, and recited their Haftorah. This milestone was the culmination of years of religious education and community at TCS. It was very important to us that both children learn to read and write Hebrew, begin to learn the traditions and history of the Jewish People.

However, this milestone marked the first time they were called, each individually, to the Torah. Rabbi Wiederhorn, and Cantor Cattan, who have watched both kids grow up, helped make the day even more special by recognizing Lauren and Robert separately, and giving each child the opportunity to participate equally.

SANDY RAPPAPORT: Having grown up in a time when a girl becoming a bat mitzvah was still fairly uncommon and then finding myself as a mother of two very young girls whose journey would of course include a bat mitzvah, I chose to enhance my Jewish education and join an adult bat mitzvah class at TCS. I was part of the January 2001 group.

My goals were focused on myself (learn more) but more importantly on my children (be a role model). Studying with the other women was a wonderful experience, connecting with new friends and strengthening my relationship with the Synagogue.

The process helped me become a more focused and dedicated congregant and more committed Jewish adult and parent

WENDY SCHAEFER: Growing up, my parents asked me if I wanted to attend religious school and become a bat mitzvah. I declined, as my friends were complaining how it was boring.

However, when I became an adult, I felt I missed out on this education, which would have been mandatory if I was a boy.

After my daughter’s bat mitzvah, I felt inspired to become a bat mitzvah myself. I also thought it would set a good example for my children, to demonstrate that learning never ends. I so enjoyed the TCS adult group b’nei mitzvah classes, achieving my lifelong goal of becoming a bat mitzvah, and being able to read the Torah at my son’s bar mitzvah. We are very excited that we have begun the small-group Adult Learning mini-sessions with Rabbi and Cantor. A reminder to the congregation to reach out to us if you (and a group of friends) are interested in joining together for your own short or long-term learning at TCS with our clergy. The topic and content is yours to choose.

Adult B’not Mitzvah Class 2006

Adult Education: On-Demand Learning Comes to TCS

BY LAUREN BARNETT

This past Shavuot, five women celebrated becoming a Bat Mitzvah following three years of study that began prior to COVID. Drawing inspiration from these dedicated women, Rabbi Wiederhorn announced a new initiative of Adult Learning for this coming year called “On-Demand Learning.” This is how it works: if you provide five members of the congregation who are interested in learning a certain topic together, Cantor Cattan or Rabbi Wiederhorn will teach that class. You pick the topic, and the Rabbi or Cantor will work out a mutually convenient day and time to offer the class. It could be a one session class or a mini course that meets weekly. Food and beverages are welcome — let’s have fun and learn together! Once you have your group of five, please email Joanne Folger at joannef@tcs-westport.org and she will help facilitate the next steps.