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Kollel Course Listing & Registration

TBK Kollel

Since its beginning, the Temple B'rith Kodesh Kollel has welcomed thousands of adults to a wide variety of Jewish study classes. 

Most classes are 4 to 8 weeks in length, 1 to 1½ hours per session, and topics range from classical text study to Jewish ethics, God and spirituality, Hebrew, literacy, comparative religion and more. 

Registration is free for TBK Members!

The Kollel Program is excited that Rabbi Tulik and the William & Mildred Levine Foundation have created the TBK Beyachad Program, an initiative in innovative Jewish education made possible by a $1 million grant to TBK from the Foundation. As a result, Kollel courses are offered free of charge to TBK members!

QUESTIONS ABOUT KOLLEL CLASSES OR REGISTRATION?  CLICK HERE TO E-MAIL KOLLEL@TBK.ORG

TBK Kollel Courses Spring 2026

Register using the online form below.
 

Forget About the Dreidel! The Jewish History of the Toy and Games Industry
(Six-week course)
Stephen Jacobs

Lionel Trains, Hot Wheels, Barbie, Mr. Potato Head, the Magic 8-Ball, Teddy's Bear, the home video game console, Space Invaders, and thousands more were created by Jewish designers, entrepreneurs, and inventors over 200 years. We’ll look at the industry across six periods: Germany before the wars, the US before the wars, the war and depression decades, the emergence of pinball, the post-war boom, and the video game decades for analog and digital playthings.

Tuesdays: 11:30 am-12:30 pm (UPDATED)
February 24, March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
Location: The Library
Fee: $40 for non-TBK members
 

Introduction to Judaism
Rabbi Peter Stein

This class will provide an overview of Jewish holidays,  traditions, and beliefs. It is perfect for those who never  had a Jewish education and for those who need a  refresher on what they learned as a child. Those of  different faith traditions and those interested in the  possibility of conversion are encouraged to attend.  There are no required readings or homework  assignments, but books, articles, and online resources  will be recommended throughout the course. Students  are encouraged to speak with Rabbi Stein before the  course begins if they have any questions about whether  the course is right for them. 

Thursdays: 7:00 pm-8:00 pm
April 9, 16, 23, 30, May 7, 14 
Hybrid class-available in person and on zoom
Location: The Library
Fee: FREE for everyone

God in Our Relationships: An Exploration of Martin Buber
Rabbi Peter Stein

Martin Buber was one of the most important twentieth  century thinkers. Among his most significant ideas was  his writing about "I-Thou" relationships. It is his way of  talking about how we can understand God's presence in  the world: through the interactions we have with other  people and even through the interactions we have with  other objects and beings in the world. Join us in  important discussion about how we define and  understand God's presence! 

Wednesdays: 10:00am-11:00am
May 27, June 3, 10, 17, 24 
Location: Conference Room (Old Library)
Fee: $50 for non-TBK members
FREE-for TBK members

Cusine of Mexico
Tammy Eisenberg

Our neighbors to the South offer a piquant cuisine using  spices and local ingredients that create savory sensations.  Originating from mesoamerican communities such as  Mayan and Aztec, we will explore traditional dishes  incorporating local foods and special culinary techniques.  We will make Mexico's treasured sauce. mole poblano and  tamales which are filled corn meal pockets wrapped in  husks and steamed. Caramel is a favorite flavor in  Mexican sweets so we will prepare flan. a custard baked in  caramel sauce. Say Ole! and join our class.

Thursdays: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
April 23, 30, May 7, 14
Location: TBK Kitchen
Fee: $60 plus $20 for supplies - for non-TBK members
           $20 for supplies for TBK members

The Changing Roman Catholic Church
Dr. Joseph Kelly

In a spirit of ecumenical and interfaith dialogue, this  4-week mini-course will attempt to explore some of the significant changes that have come about in the  Roman Catholic Church in recent decades. Highlights will include 1)changing leadership (Pope Leo XVI in the  Vatican, Bishop Ronald Hicks in the Archdiocese of New  York and Bishop John Bonnici in Rochester), 2)new and  often divisive theological thinking concerning  Vatican Council II and 3)changing points of view emerging in the political and cultural context of our  national and international life. We invite you to share in  this important and informative discussion.

Mondays: 10:00am-11:30am  
April 13, 20, 27, May 4 
Location: Room 106 
Fee: $40 - for non-TBK members 
FREE-for TBK members 

Great Decisions
Andrea Gluckman

Great Decisions is America’s largest discussion program on world affairs. The program model involves reading the Great Decisions Briefing Book, watching the video series, and meeting in a Discussion Group to discuss the most critical global issues facing America today.

Wednesdays: 7:00pm-8:30pm
April 22, May 6, 13, 20, 27 June 3, 10, 17
To be held via Zoom
Fee: $60, plus $30 for the book-for non-TBK members
$30 for the book-for TBK members

Mah Jongg for Beginners
Juleen Squires

Jewish women kept this 19th century Chinese parlor game alive, and it has become a favorite pastime.
Learn to play! No experience necessary. Men and women are welcome.

Thursdays: 1:00pm-2:30pm
March 5, 12, 19, 26, April 16
Location: Room 103
Fee $50 - for non-TBK members
FREE-for TBK members

The Book of Esther
Athene Goldstein

We will study the book of Esther so we are able to appreciate its subversive message.

Mondays: 11:00am-12:00pm
March 2, 16, 23, 30
Location: Conference Room (Old Library)
Fee $30-for non-TBK members
FREE-for TBK members

The Foundations of Judaism and Islam
Stu Berger

Part 1 focuses on the Canaanite experience in Egypt.
Part 2 focuses on the Exodus and entry into Canaan.
Part 3 focuses on Muhammad and the formation of the
Moslem religion.

Thursdays: 10:00am-11:30am
May 7, 14, 21
Location: Room 106
Fee: $30 - for non-TBK members
FREE-for TBK members

Accessible and Gentle Yoga
Beth Hornak

This is s a low-intensity class in which you will experience deep relaxation and gentle movement using basic yoga postures to build strength and mobility.

Tuesdays: 10:00am-11:00am
Class continues on a month to month basis, and it is necessary to register each month.
March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
April 14, 21, 28
May 5, 12, 19, 26
June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Location: Room 103
Fee: $40 per month for non-TBK members
FREE-for TBK members

Beginning Hebrew Reading
Gene Spiro

This course is for those who have never studied Hebrew as well as for those who studied but need a refresher course. It is geared towards becoming proficient in prayer reading and to learn useful vocabulary on the way. We will be using the "Shalom U'Vracha" primer by Behrman House which can be purchased through them or on Amazon.

Mondays: 6:30pm-7:30pm
March 9, 16, 23, 30, April 13, 20, 27, May 4, 11, 18, June 1, 8
Location: Room 106
Fee: $60-for non-TBK members
FREE-for TBK members

Thursday Thoughts
David Orange

Join with the residents at St. John's Meadows for an hour's worth of vigorous study and discussion. Each week is a different topic that is certain to pique your interest and stimulate your thoughts.
Email: daorange122@gmail.com for seminar of the day.

Thursdays: 9:45am-10:45am (punctual)
Location: St. John's Meadows, Chestnut Court Parks Room

Thursdays: 1:00pm-2:00 pm (punctual)
Location: St. John's Meadows, The Hawthorne

Classes are free to all. Walk in/sign in.

 

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!
Please register with the form below two weeks or more prior to the 1st date of the class (late registrations are accepted). There is a minimum requirement of six students for each class to run.  All registrants will receive a confirmation email with class, dates, times, and locations once that requirement has been met.  Cancellations will be determined and communicated one week prior to the first class.  No refunds will be issued once classes have begun.

Temple B'rith Kodesh Kollel
2131 Elmwood Avenue
Rochester, NY 14618

kollel@tbk.org

KOLLEL REGISTRATION FOR SPRING 2026 CLASSES
Some classes begin soon! Register now to avoid class cancellations.

NOTE: All classes are scheduled to be held in person unless otherwise noted. If the situation changes, registrants will be notified via email one week prior to the first class. Additional information will be available on our website. If you have any questions, please contact Juleen Squires, Registrar at kollel@tbk.org. If you have any questions about teaching a class in the future, or are in need of financial assistance, please contact Herb Skerker, Administrator at by clicking here. All information will be kept strictly confidential.

Please note regarding website security:

When completing the registration form below, you may get notified that you need to enter a security code that has beeen sent to you. (This use of the CAPTCHA security feature is because we were getting hundreds of bogus registrations as part of someone's phishing efforts.) The email containing the security code will come from ShulCloud, our website host  If you do not see the code in your Inbox, please check your Spam or Junk folder. If you do not find it there, please email Juleen Squires, Kollel Registrar by clicking here.
(Please note that email is used only by The Rochester Kollel office and the instructor to communicate vital class and Kollel information)
CHECK THE BOX FOR EACH CLASS YOU WOULD LIKE TO REGISTER FOR:
Enter in total amount for classes selected and any additional donation.

 

Sun, February 15 2026 28 Shevat 5786