Skirball Center for Adult Jewish Learning

Founded in 2001, the Skirball Center sought to provide a “sophisticated and open learning environment for Jewish study” as there were “too few opportunities for non-Orthodox Jews to engage in serious study.” Interest appears high for such education, as Skirball has had to increase its courses each semester from 12 to 40 to meet the growing demand. Three thousand teachers and students of all ages have signed up for courses such as East vs. West: Israeli Fiction, Cinema and Society. 

One of the most innovative additions to Skirball’s offerings is its Ideas Café which “embraces Talmudic attitudes toward debate transporting ancient values into a contemporary public arena.” While the weekly repartee in itself is worth experiencing, Skirball’s vision for the Cafe is nothing short of the transformation of Jewish life. Only by providing people with the language of Judaism and relevance of the text in contemporary Jewish life, Skirball believes, can they become engaged partners in the community. 

For more information on the Ideas Café and Skirball’s full offerings, visit www.adultjewishlearning.org