Learning is at the heart of Jewish life at Agudas Achim
Grounded in a friendly, open spirit, our community values intellectual curiosity and welcomes new ideas. We see thoughtful exploration, lively conversation, and respectful debate as essential to Jewish learning.
Throughout the year, our community gathers for classes, lectures, and discussions. Learning is led by our rabbi and congregants, as well as by scholars, artists, and activists from Iowa and around the world. Topics range from traditional text study and theology to science, the humanities, and the arts.
We also bring Jewish learning to the wider community through our Public Space Judaism initiative. And we provide extensive support for interfaith families and those exploring conversion (see our FAQ and Resources pages).
Ongoing Adult Learning Opportunities at Agudas Achim
- Big Ideas in Jewish Books – Public discussions held monthly at Iowa City Public Library.
- Introduction to Judaism – A year-long in-person course led by Rabbi Hugenholtz.
- Iowa City Jews Sing– Monthly song circles led by Agudas member Steven Gross.
- Living Mussar – Courses in this Jewish practice of spiritual and ethical character development taught by Agudas member Lea Haravon Collins, a certified Mussar facilitator.
- Oneg Shabbats – See below for recent speakers.
- Scholars-in-Residence – Special residencies bring distinguished visitors to Agudas, such as Rabbi Micah Streiffer and Rabbi Lex Rofeberg.
- Synagogue Seniors – A monthly meeting of senior Agudas members, with food, conversation, and engaging presentations.
- Talmud Study – A weekly Zoom group led by our Rabbi Emeritus, Jeff Portman.
Oneg Shabbats are a cherished Agudas tradition. Held after Shabbat services, they combine fascinating presentations with noshing and conversation, so that learning unfolds alongside community and connection. Speakers have included:
- Ryan Bobst, Director of the North Liberty Food Pantry, on addressing food insecurity.
- Sarah Bond, Associate Professor of History at University of Iowa, on “Ancient Diasporas: Rome, Alexandria, and Ostia.”
- Robert Cargill, Associate Professor of Classics & Biblical Studies at University of Iowa, on “As It Is Re-Written: Correcting Biblical Texts in Second Temple Judaism.”
- Lauren Darby of City High School in Iowa City, on her Fulbright research in Namibia and Germany, “Teaching and Learning Contested Histories.”
- Jeannette Gabriel, Director of the Schwalb Center for Israel and Jewish Studies at University of Nebraska Omaha, on Jewish refugee resettlement in Iowa.
- Lisa Heineman, President-Elect of Agudas, Professor of History and founder of the Certificate in Jewish Studies at University of Iowa with Rabbi Hugenholtz, on antisemitism.
- Cohen Kraus of Keshet on “Breaking the Gender Binary.”
- Aviya Kushner, poet, translator, and Forward columnist, reading from her work.
- Lyz Lenz, New York Times bestselling author, on the Charlottesville trial.
- Keren Margalit (screenwriter, director, showrunner) and Roy Hurwitz (director, translator), award-winning Israeli fellows of the International Writing Program at the University of Iowa, on their works and careers.
- Samira Mehta, Associate Professor and Director of Jewish Studies at the University of Colorado Boulder, on interfaith families.
- Steven Nadler, Professor of Philosophy at the University of Wisconsin, on Spinoza.
- Maurine Neiman, Professor of Biology at University of Iowa, Senior Editor of Proceedings B of the Royal Society, on “Evolution in Practice: Supporting and Empowering Science and Scientists.”
- Frank Salomon, Emeritus Professor of Anthropology at the University of Iowa, on “Emerging Judaism” and the Abudaya.
- Jennie Schmidt, Executive Director of the Iowa City Free Medical & Dental Clinic.
- Avivah Gottlieb Zornberg, award-winning author and Torah scholar.