Classes are for members only.
Monthly Life Long Learning Classes
Social Justice Judaism
Rabbi Max Miller
For thousands of years, Jews have been learning Torah in order to create more ethical and just communities. Today, as in all ages, we must use Judaism and our sacred literature to guide us in paths of justice and righteousness. Join me each month to examine different hot topics in current events and pop culture through a Jewish lens.
Thursdays, 12:00pm-1:00pm
In-Person Only
Click on the date to register.
Monthly Mussar Class
Rabbi Rachael Miller
Through the study of Mussar, discover a mindfulness practice with small, incremental steps that can enhance your day-to-day life. Through the development of character traits (middot), learn to build a better relationship with yourself, your community, and God. Uncover this 1000-year-old Jewish spiritual practice that can change your life for the better.
Thursdays 12:00pm-1:15pm
Click on the date to register.
In-Person Only
Aug. 12 - Sept. 2 - Oct. 7 - Nov. 4 - Dec. 2
Jan. 13 - Feb. 3 - March 10 - April 7 - May 5
Weekly Life Long Learning Programs
Chevrah Torah (Torah Study) Saturday Morning
9:00am in the Library
In Judaism, the study of our sacred texts is considered an act towards Divine Connection on par with prayer. It is rare that one has the time to be “spiritually selfish,” meaning to take the time to further one’s own spiritual development. Chevrah Torah is an opportunity to explore, struggle and delve in a nurturing and intimate environment.
Hosted in the intimate setting of our library, surrounded by learners of every age and various backgrounds, our Torah study lifts up our sacred stories to examine the existential and timeless societal quandaries of the human condition. No formal knowledge of Judaism or Hebrew is necessary; every study session is made accessible through commentary and translation.
To register, click on the class time you prefer.
Lunch n Learn classes offer the perfect opportunity to bring a friend.
No prior knowledge, or Hebrew necessary. Each class builds on the one before it, AND functions as a stand-alone. If you can only come to some, but not all, you will still get a lot out of your time. Judaism D’jour classes will cover a variety of Jewish topics.
Click on date to register.
Aug. 4 - Sept. 1 - Sept. 22 - Jan. 5 - Feb. 23 - Mar. 23 - Mar. 30
April 6 - May 4 - May 11 - May 18 - May 25
Jewels of Elul Meditation
Chaplain Marita Anderson
Leading up to the intensity of the High Holiday season, the month of Elul offers the gift of time and contemplation for returning to what is essential. This year, as we process the communal experience of grief and resilience, let us dive for the jewels of our ancestral wisdom. Together, we will explore Jewish text, poetry, prayer, and meditation that will help connect us to ourselves, our loved ones, and the Divine.
Jewish views on Messianism:
An Evolution
Rabbi Spike Anderson
The Jew is no stranger to turbulent times. Forces of chaos and destruction, both natural and man-made, have pushed back against the Jewish belief that our broken world can be mended, bringing about a new iteration of human reality. But how will this happen? And who will lead us into this brave world?
This course will explore the evolution of Jewish thoughts & beliefs about the Messiah vis a vis the social realpolitik of each age, from Torah through Rabbinic times, through Kabbalah, Hassidut, and modern Enlightenment. We will look at the failed (and false) Jewish Messianic movements of Bar Kochba, Shabbatei Tzevi, and Jacob Frank. We will examine how historic trends that led to Jewish Messianic fervor may be in the air today. And we will explore the modern Jewish response to messianic trends held deep in our societal psyche which demand personal responsibility even as they reject the dependence on an outside Messianic agitator.
Jewish Views and Practices
Surrounding Death and Dying
Rabbi Rachael Miller
Approach death and dying the Jewish way. Judaism has a wide range of views and practices surrounding death and dying. During this class we will discuss both the halachic (Jewish law) approach and the practices most typical of our community. We will answer questions like:
What happens when we die? Is there an afterlife…or even reincarnation? Is cremation permissible? Are there prayers to say just before death? How soon should someone be buried? What mourning practices are common today?
Torah and Theatre
Rabbi Max Miller
A three part course taught with Rabbi Max and renowned historian of Jews and theatre, Rabbi Ken Kanter, that connects the social issues found in the Tanach with songs and shows on the Stage.
Kabbalah and Spiritual Practice
Cantor Lauren Adesnik
Step into the world of Jewish mysticism and discover how our understanding of Kabbalah can form the basis of our contemporary Jewish and spiritual practice
This event has been postponed.
A Case for the Revival of Neo-Hasidut
and the Irrationally Spiritual
Rabbi Rachael Miller
It’s time to awaken the spirit, and the Hasidim of old knew just how to do that. Sometimes, when we lean into the irrational and impossible, we find an incredible, mystical, and awe-inspiring way of experiencing the world around us. The Neo-Hasidic approach to Judaism welcomes all levels of observance and is accessible to all genders. Join me, and find out the history and trajectory of this fascinating approach.
Perkei Avot (Part #2)
Guide for the Perplexed
Rabbi Spike Anderson
Ultimately, what we really want is a way to live the most beautiful, meaningful, lives that we are able to live. But how can we do this in ways that are accessible and real? For a thousand years, The Wisdom of our Ancestors has provided us with practical skills and insight that now help us wrestle with today’s ethical dilemmas and ‘hot button’ topics. This is deep Jewish learning with a modern, pragmatic, and aspirational touch.
Broadway, Baby!
Cantor Lauren Adesnik
Survey of the Jewish history of Broadway from the first wave of immigration to the modern musical. We will explore the Jewish founders and creators of Broadway and learn how Jewish culture and religion fueled their musical creativity and brought the modern day musical to life.
People Love Dead Jews
Rabbi Max Miller
The provocative title and book from acclaimed Jewish author, Dara Horn, confronts the world’s fascination with stories of Jewish deaths and underlying antisemitism. This series with Rabbi Max will look briefly at the history of antisemitism; however, the series will dive deep into the form which antisemitism takes in the 21st century. This class will discuss the spectrum of antisemitism as it exists today: from violent white supremacists to the erasure and minimalization of Jewish persecution on college campuses. Though this series is based on Dara Horn’s book, prior reading for this class is not required. If however, you would like to read the source material ahead of time, the series will also bring in the latest books by Dr. Deborah Lipstadt (Antisemitism: Here and Now), Jonathan Greenblatt (It Could Happen Here), Tal Lavin (Culture Warlords: My Journey…), and David Baddiel (Jews Don’t Count).
The Jewish Genius and the Hollywood Goddess
Arthur Miller and Marilyn Monroe
Bob Bahr
The unlikely relationship and marriage between two of the most famous Jews of the 20th Century. She converted to Judaism shortly before her marriage in 1956 and maintained a love of the religion that outlasted her divorce in 1961.
Tuesdays, 7:00pm-8:00pm Zoom Only
May 10, 17, 24, 31
Register HERE
Jewish learning is a lifelong practice All we have to do is show up.
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