BRUNSWICK — The Jewish Community Alliance of Southern Maine is presenting two classes in Brunswick from the internationally acclaimed Florence Melton School of Adult Jewish Learning.

Classes will be offered at First Parish Church’s Pilgrim House, 9 Cleaveland St.

The first, “Purposes of Jewish Living” (30 lessons), is described as “Pluralistic, accessible and interactive adult Jewish learning open to students of any Jewish educational background, from the first-timer to the scholar.”

Classes will run Thursdays, 6-8 p.m., from Oct. 3 to June 12. The instructor is Steve Steinbock. Cost is $850-$575, with scholarships available.

The second class, “Beyond Borders: The History of the Arab-Israeli Conflict” (20 lessons), is open to adult learners from all faiths, Thursdays from 4-5:30 p.m.

Classes run from Oct. 3 to March 13, and cost $600-$400, with scholarships available. The instructor is Jonathan Reitman, Esq.

This course provides students with a strong, textbased historical overview from the late 19th century through today. Course material is designed to encourage discussion and debate, and to challenge students to appreciate the basis of the conflicting historical claims made by all sides in the conflict. The complexity of the conflict forces students to grapple with issues of religion, culture, history, politics, economics, identity and survival — all reflected through primary sources, including newspaper articles, poetry, songs, government documents, speeches, photographs and memoirs.

The course is intended to provide students with new tools for understanding and critiquing texts and events as the conflict continues to unfold.

For more information or to register, contact Fae Silverman at fsilverman@mainejewish.org, call 772-1959 or visit www.mainejewish.org or www.meltonschools.org.