Louisville Melton – welcoming, inclusive, interactive adult Jewish learning.
Deepen your understanding of Jewish texts, history, and ideas through engaging classes and community.
- Thoughtful, discussion-based learning
- In-person and online classes, plus travel seminars
- No homework, no tests
- No prior knowledge or experience required
To request additional information or inquire about scholarship opportunities, email sisham@adathjeshurun.com.
Curious what Melton learning feels like? Watch a 3-minute overview.
Upcoming Courses & Events
Beyond Borders: The History of the Arab-Israeli Conflict Part I with Cantor David Lipp
Tuesdays, Jan. 13 - Mar. 24, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Thursdays, Jan. 15 - Mar. 26, 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Examine maps, media documents, original speeches and the famous "Balfour Declaration" with new eyes, as we study the roots of the conflict between Jews and Arabs over the modern State of Israel. These 10 sessions encompass the return of the Jews to the land, the role of the British, the Cold War, the rise of Palestinian nationalism, the 1967 War, and the post-1967 vision for a “Greater Israel” — including the initial rise of Islamic fundamentalism. From religion and culture to history, politics, economics, identity, and survival, the material is designed to encourage discussion and debate, challenging learners to appreciate the basis of the claims made by all sides.
Jewish Mysticism: Tracing the History of Kabbalah with Rabbi Ben Freed
Sundays, Jan. 25 - Mar. 29, 9:15 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.
Beyond Madonna, red strings, and pop-culture, this course provides a deep and intellectually honest understanding of the historical development of Kabbalah. Over 10 sessions, learners will examine how centuries of societal and cultural changes shaped Jewish mysticism, including its cryptic nature and its controversies. Learners will have the opportunity to explore the rich source material itself on a rigorous, scholarly level, and to discuss the timeless mysteries of human existence and the laws of the universe (and, okay, a little Madonna).
Timeless Tales, Modern Sensibilities: A Deep Look at the Books of Esther and Ruth with Rabbi Scott Hoffman
🏫 In Person
Tuesdays, Jan. 13 - Mar. 24, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., In-Person
Wednesdays, Jan. 14 - Mar. 25, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., on Zoom
Discover contemporary meaning in timeless texts during this ten-lesson course on the stories in the Scrolls of Esther and Ruth. Explore themes of Jewish identity, gender, God’s role in human affairs, and comedy. Delve into the lives of these two heroic women who changed the course of history, leaving a legacy that influences our lives today.
Beyond Borders: The History of the Arab-Israeli Conflict Part II with Cantor David Lipp
Tuesdays, Apr. 14 - Jun. 30, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Thursdays, Apr. 16 - Jul. 2, 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Delve into the complexities of the past half-century of the Arab-Israeli conflict, from the War of Attrition, that began post-1967, to present tensions. Analyzing newspaper articles, speeches, poems, photographs, and maps, we will trace the more recent history of this entrenched struggle. How did we get from 1973’s Yom Kippur War to the Israel-Egypt Peace Treaty? What was the value of the Oslo Accords? What has been the impact of more contemporary peace attempts? Together, we’ll leap into these complex topics, probing why a lasting peace between Israel and the Arab world has been so elusive and what developments might be next.
Press Pause: Rest, Assured with Rabbi Stan Miles
Thursdays, Mar. 5 - Apr. 23, 9:15 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.
The Jewish approach to mindfulness and self-care traces back to the roots of creation. The concept of a week comes from the Jewish marking of six days of work and one day of rest. For six days each week, we actively interact with the world. On the seventh, we reflect on our actions. We pause, rest, reflect and reboot. In this unit, we will explore Shabbat and the role of time in Judaism. Along with other prescribed Jewish practices that ask us to pause, reflect and refrain from business as usual. Together, we will reflect on the practices that allow us to start anew, week after week, and year after year. Refresh with us.
Travel. Learn. Connect, and Discover Jewish Life Around the World with Melton.
With Melton Travel, every journey is more than a trip, it’s a chance to learn deeply, build community, and experience the richness of Jewish life across the globe. From Europe and Israel to the Americas, India, and soon Southeast Asia, we explore places where Jewish stories continue to unfold.
Led by expert educators and dynamic scholars, our experiences bring history and culture to life, through thoughtful conversations, local encounters, and shared reflection.
Wherever you are on your Jewish journey, you’ll find a place with Melton. We’re a welcoming, inclusive community that travels together, learns together, and grows together.
Join us for the learning, the friendships, the joy of discovery, and the moments that stay with you long after the trip ends.
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