We started almost two years ago. Many of the participants didn't have even basic Hebrew reading skills. Most could not follow along in the prayer book during services. Most had never read or chanted from the Torah. Those who had chanted Torah at other synagogues learned their parsha from tapes, but felt compelled to start over with us and learn the trope system so they could pick up any Torah portion and teach themselves how to chant it. A weekly commitment was made to study Hebrew, read required books, discuss Torah and dig deeper into their thoughts about Judaism. No small obligation given the daunting task at the end of the road: to sing the words of the Torah in front of the congregation.

These were adult learners who were used to grasping complex theories, who dealt with sophisticated professional issues, who were mentors themselves in one capacity or another. But they realized they hadn't learned anything as basic as the ABC's for a very, very long time. And that is just what they had to do in the Adult B'nai Torah class that started in the fall of 005. It was a humbling experience for all. In their daily lives, they employed high-level thinking skills to address problems, learn new material, and advance the knowledge of their colleagues by building on subject matter they had attained through years of training and scholarship. This class, however, required them to begin at the beginning: learn the Hebrew Aleph-Bet. How frustrating to not get it right away! But through the encouragement of their classmates, they did get it, and soon they will realize their goal.

On May 26, 16 people will be called to the Torah during Shabbat morning services. They will stand before the congregation as examples of those who choose to make the study of Judaism a lifelong pursuit.

Members of the first Adult B'nai Torah class, begun in the fall of 2003, asked to continue their studies after they were called to the Torah. And so a class was designed for them to learn Haftarah trope and to study the Bible and the prayer book. Subsequent to that, they continued with a weekly class in Hebrew vocabulary and grammar. Next year, that class will continue as will the class that will be called to the Torah in May.

And so, on behalf of the members of the Adult B'nai Torah class, I invite you to join them May 26 as they are called to the Torah. Sharon S. will speak about the class mitzvah projects, and many others will have written about their journey or the day's Torah portion in a booklet that will be available that morning. They have raised thoughtful questions, which will be the basis for the rabbi's sermon. And, of course, there will be a festive Kiddush luncheon following services.

I know they will inspire you--they have inspired me for two years. With great admiration for their accomplishments, I will look forward to worshiping with you that morning.