CSI offers a full menu of programming to keep our adult members stimulated.

In addition to Adult Bar and Bat Mitzvah classes, Lunch & Learn classes and evening classes are offered that cover a variety of topics. We offer "Dinner & a Movie" followed by a discussion, book reviews, cooking classes and trips to cultural exhibits and events around the state.

Congregation Shar'arey Israel prides itself on bringing a wide range of scholars-in-residence to Macon. In recent years we have hosted some of the foremost spiritual and rabbinic leaders, musical, photographic talents. Notable examples include Rabbi Daniel Gordis, Rabbi Danny Seigel, columnist Jeff Jacoby, Judaic scholar Marcia Falk, and author Dr. Ron Wolfson.

Adult Education Classes (November 2011 through May 2012)

Rabbi Pamela Gottfried and Cantor Russell Jayne will co-teach a course in comparative religions.

The Rabbi's classes will explore how religious concepts, laws, and practices are expressed in the world's major religions.

The Cantor will focus on the development of the Jewish liturgy and comparisons with the prayer services and rituals of other faiths.

The schedule of classes is as follows:

• Sunday, December 4 at 10:30 AM - Cantor
• Sunday, December 18 at 9:45 AM - Rabbi
• Sunday, January 22 at 10:30 AM - Cantor
• Sunday, January 29 at 9:45 AM - Rabbi
• Sunday, February 12 at 9:45 AM - Rabbi
• Sunday, March 18 at 10:30 AM - Cantor
• Sunday, March 25 at 9:45 AM - Rabbi
• Sunday, April 15 at 9:45 AM - Rabbi
• Sunday, May 6 at 10:30 AM - Cantor
• Sunday, May 20 at 9:45 AM - Rabbi

Update: All classes will be held at the synagogue.
The Rabbi's classes will begin at 9:45 AM.
The Cantor's classes will begin at 10:30 AM.

Coffee and light refreshments will be available 15 minutes prior to the start of each class.

Scholar-in-Residence Weekend

Dr. James Bowley, Professor of Religious Studies at Millsaps College in Jackson, Mississippi delivered a varied line-up of timely, important topics during his weekend in Macon in March, 2009. His lecture series included:

Judeo-Christian and Other Political Inventions
Dressing the Bible through Jewish Eyes