Small Groups

Our Small Groups initiative has been formed to allow members who share common interests in our community to gather and connect. These groups encourage involvement and strengthen social bonds in our congregation.

Check the Temple communications (Temple Essentials, The Window, weekly e-blasts) for dates and times of meetings. If you have any questions please contact the Small Groups Coordinator, Lauren Trexler at lauren.trexler@templeisraelakron.org.

Monday Afternoon Book Club: Temple Israel Book Club, led by Lois Reaven, meets each month to discuss a book of the group’s choosing. Check The Window for information about upcoming books and meeting schedules. 

Books After Dark is led by Elaine Cohen. This is a monthly gathering at Temple. The group reads books that members suggest, with or without a Jewish connection, but the material will be discussed with an eye toward Jewish values. Feel free to come and bring a Temple friend. Please let Lauren Trexler know if you’d like to come regularly so you can be included in the email announcements.

Beit Midrash (Hebrew for a House of Study) led by Nat Weiner. Traditionally the study of texts is done with study partners or in small groups and with an open mind to everyone's ideas. Guaranteed to learn something new every time we meet! This small group is for people who love to learn and who want to study and discuss Jewish texts beyond Torah Study. It is for anyone who is eager and willing to learn new things. No Hebrew knowledge is necessary! You can participate in one session or all of them and still cull meaning and find community. 

Men’s Group, led by Larry Kaye, creates a forum in which men are able to discuss topical issues framed by Jewish thought based upon Torah, Jewish writings and Jewish speakers. Any man who is interested in learning more about Jewish thought is welcome. 

News for Jews, led by Linda Barr, meets to explore trending articles in the media with a Jewish take on the issues of the day. Contact the Small Groups coordinator to be put on the News for Jews communication list to receive information about the discussion topic.