This article appeared in the August 15, 2008 Jewish Advocate.

Successfully negotiating the rigors of an academic education is surely one of life’s greatest, but most rewarding challenges. Now, it’s time to live life, free of the burdens of papers, tests, class discussions, and other sleepbusters.

The Brookline Adult & Community Education dates back to the Brookline Lyceum Society of 1832. Presently, 1800 courses are enjoyed by over 20,000 enrollments. “Whether through touring local art museums, cooking Malaysian curries, dancing the tango, or learning Hebrew, BA&CE is packed with valuable (and affordable) ways to invest in yourself and your world,” says Director Janice Philpot.

“By offering programs that jbridge the generations, BA&CE seeks to unite the community in the improvement of quality of life for all members,” she said. Fall term begins Sept. 22; visit brooklineadulted.org.

Across the river, upcoming courses at the Cambridge Center for Adult Education include radio shows of the 40s and 50s, the Cape Homeless, and Poems about Family Connections.

Choices based in academia include Boston University’s Metro College Evergreen Program, Boston College’s Lifelong Learning Institute, LifeLong Learning at Regis, One Day University at Babson, the staid Harvard Extension School, with 266 students over age 60, and Harvard’s Institute for Learning in Retirement, with 500 members aged 55 to 95.

Other local universities have joined the Maine-based national network of121 noncredit Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes for students 50 +. Students at UMass Boston OLLI also volunteer in campus positions. The Brandeis Adult Learning Institute (BALI) became BOLLI in 2004, with 10-week fall and spring semesters, Lunch & Learn lectures, and seminars with Brandeis faculty. 530 members will lead and take over 40 courses next semester. “Hallmarks are innovating in curriculum and developing creative inter-campus, intergenerational partnerships,” said Director Sharon Sokoloff.

Upcoming classes include “Learn and Lead,” “Creating the Bill of Rights,” “Great American Speeches,” “The Coming Energy Crisis,” “From Poland to Palm Springs In One Generation: The Jewish Movie,” and “Hollywood’s Reaction to Anti-Semitism”; instructors include Professor of Social Work Sophie Freud. Visit www.brandeis.edu/bolli.

Enrollment is escalating at Tufts University OLLI, says director Marilyn Blumsack. “More boomers are beginning their lifelong learning odyssey,” she said. Classes meet on the Medford campus and at the Lexington retirement community Brookhaven. The Fall program begins Sept. 8.

At 13-acre Lasell Village on the Lasell College campus, 200 residents 65 and older complete 450 annual hours of study. Residents pay an entry fee; rent also covers classes, meals and amenities. There’s a waiting list of 100. University-linked retirement communities (ULRCs) are poised for growth. A network of “University-branded 55+ Active Adult Communities,” including University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, is planned by Brookline-based Campus Continuum.

Hammond Pond Parkway is busy during spring and fall Newton Lifelong Learning sessions. The program was created 30 years ago by senior citizens, according to Coordinator Laurie Swett. “Lifelong Learning provides stimulating courses at a reasonable fee for senior citizens,” she said. 250-300 students, aged 70s to 90s, reside in 33 communities; teachers and speakers volunteer their time. “Our Sound of Music series showcases an accomplished musician each week,” said Swett, “and our World Affairs and Politics lectures feature authorities in world affairs, politics, law, education, and the media.”

"These teaching professionals share their lifetime talents with us senior kids, and the socializing aspect is so rewarding,” recalled Brockton resident Gerry Goldstein.

Down the road, the Leventhal-Sidman Jewish Community Center offers Tuesday “Explorations: Adult Learning and Enrichment” classes.

CJP’s substantive adult learning includes Ma'ayan: Torah Studies Initiative for Women (the Sept. 21 Yom Iyun [day of study] with Rabbi Aryeh Ben David is open to men, according to Program Director Roselyn A. Farren). Courses, beginning Oct. 29, will include explorations of reason and faith in Medieval Jewish philosophy, a Women's Beit Midrash, and Talmud. “The Sept. 7-Nov. 9 Ma’ayan Bat Mitzvah Program for mothers and girls studies Jewish Heroines through the Ages,” said Farren.

Over 500 have graduated Ikkarim (“roots” and “principles”) since its 2003 inception, according to CJP Director of Adult Learning Deb Kram. Fathers and mothers meet for 19 sessions at varied sites; over 50 percent of tuition is subsidized. “Text choices are based on faculty and participant feedback,” said Kram.

Core Jewish texts in relation to Jewish culture and civilization across the eras are studied in Me’ah, conceived of by CJP President Barry Shrage and Hebrew College President David Gordis. Over 2,500 adults have graduated the two-year, 100-hour joint program. Recent enrollment of 208 included 33 percent aged 45-54, 26 percent 55-64, and 10 percent over 65.

The downtown Genesis Forum free Wednesday series drew 186 people last year, said Kram. Call 617-457-8774 or email debk@cjp.org.

Temple Israel’s adult learning series studies complements their two-year, individualized Adult B’nai Mitzvah Course.

"Jewish tradition has, for centuries, supported the obligation to study,” said Advocate reviewer Len Abram, who runs a Beth El Temple Center book group. “Usually that meant Torah or Talmud, but the same exercise of mind can be applied to literature, history or any of the liberal arts, to understand our place in the world as Jews and citizens."