Jewish tradition asks us not to deny the rigors of aging, but rather meet them with compassion, grace, and respect. The Skirball’s adult education program never forecloses on the possibility of the capacity for growth and renewal.

Jewish culture places extraordinary value on lifelong learning and the pursuit of knowledge. Participants in our program create social connections, learn from educators who teach us how to make a difference in our world, and discover our individual and collective sense of purpose. Learning in community leads to positive action, inspires compassion and justice, and provides opportunities for meaningful dialogue through discussion, reflection, and exploration. Questions are celebrated and curiosity is welcomed in all our offerings, whether you are participating in a Nazarian Applied Arts class, Creative Writing workshop, Skirball Book Group, Current Events class, at the Mah Jongg table, and so much more.

Since 1997, our diverse class offerings have been inspired by our museum exhibitions, both permanent and temporary. Our programs encourage participants to make connections between the stories on display and their own lives. Every exhibition raises new questions, and every class becomes an invitation to keep asking, keep exploring, and keep growing.

Ronni Rice (aka, the Marvelous Mrs. Mahj) loves nothing more than sharing her passion for the complex, yet very fun and addictive game of American Mah Jongg. “Teaching at Skirball has been a joyous, collaborative experience for me,” she says. “I have enjoyed meeting so many new, enthusiastic students, and am genuinely deeply appreciative of the support I have received from the team in the Adult Education department.” Rice hopes to be able to continue this partnership for a long time to come, and to help the Skirball create and initiate a social play Mah Jongg experience for the community. “It would be a win-win for all, as community is such a vital part of both the Skirball and the game of Mah Jongg. May the Jokers be with you!”

For pottery instructor Allison Goodman, teaching in the Adult Education program at the Skirball was a new adventure for her. She explains that, “I had experienced the positivity of the institution through my work with Audrey’s Museum Store but did not know how that spirit would translate to the classroom. What I found was a vibrant group with a collective sense of humor, excited to try new things, and willing to trust and experiment with their own creativity. Each session was busy, personally satisfying, and even taught me new things about my own clay practice.”

Stacey Bieber continues to lead sold-out Book Groups every fall and spring season. “Moderating at the Skirball has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my professional life,” she enthusiastically describes. “The readers are insightful and deeply engaged, but what makes the book groups truly extraordinary is the sense of community they have built together. Some members have shared years of conversation and friendship, and those bonds have sustained them through so much— gathering online during COVID, supporting one another through painful losses, and showing up for each other in ways both large and small.” Those friendships have also extended far beyond the book groups themselves, leading to lunches, lasting relationships, and even trips together. But the closeness of long-time members has never made the group feel closed. “New members are welcomed with genuine warmth and quickly made to feel at home. I felt that same generosity from the start when I joined as a new book group moderator three years ago. There is something profoundly special about the Skirball book groups—not just in the conversations they foster, but in the human connection they make possible.”

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STUDENT TESTIMONIALS

“It has been such a joy to be part of a community of like-minded souls, and the quality of the discussions and the ease of the teachers have made these classes incredibly meaningful to me.” —Maria Cristina Jimenez

“I have attended the Skirball Book Group for over fifteen years and there’s no doubt that my love of reading has been enhanced by our sessions. The fact that the books are thematically aligned with the current exhibitions often introduces us to books we would never have chosen ourselves.” —Suzie Laskin

“I loved the opportunity to experiment with different materials and techniques, be fully present, and reconnect with the joy of making by hand. Being part of such a welcoming community of fellow students made the experience even more meaningful, and having all of the materials thoughtfully provided made it easy to simply show up and immerse myself in the creative process.” —Leila Khodadad

“I continue to choose this program because, like my other experiences at the Skirball, the classes are warm, welcoming, and enriching. There is a sense of community, and I feel at home. The tranquil beauty of the Skirball environment inspires inspires me to create beauty of my own.” —Ellen Moss