Weekly Life Long Learning
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.
A Jewish Study of the Christian Bible
Part II
Rabbi Max Miller
Join Rabbi Max for Part II of this hit series, back by popular demand. This series will focus on the medieval Jewish response to the Christian Bible and Christianity. When we study the sacred texts of another religion, we broaden our understanding and respect for our neighbors, and we deepen and strengthen our Jewish identity.
Sacred Aging: At Any Age
Rabbi Rachael Miller
Back by popular demand and in a condensed form, Sacred Aging is for EVERYONE at ANY AGE. Some of us are caregivers — to those younger than us and/or those older than us. Some of us are navigating life while feeling alone, with most of our friends or relatives having pre-deceased us. Many others are somewhere in between. Each week we will become seekers and searchers, m’vakshim, on the path of sacred aging.
(If you took Rabbi Rachael’s monthly class in 22–23, this would be a review of material you've covered before.)
Introduction to the Zohar
With Chaplain Marita Anderson
This class will be an introduction to The Book of Enlightenment, or the Zohar (from Hebrew root meaning "brilliance"). Written in northern Spain around 1280, this book is a collection of midrashim on the Torah and reflects the wondrous, sacred imagination of Jewish interpretive traditions. The Zohar offers an invitation to peel away layers of meaning in familiar texts, often sharpening the reader's awareness of the sacred in the mundane. Traditionally, the Zohar was an esoteric text studied by the Kabbalists. However, in contemporary times, more complete translations from Aramaic and new commentary, as well as academic interest in the Zohar has made it available to a wider audience of learners.
The Theology and Writings of Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel
Rabbi Spike Anderson
Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel is considered one of the greatest Jewish minds of the past 100 years. Famous for his Civil Rights activism, his theology and prolific writing have shaped modern Jewish discourse.
In this minimester, we will examine his “Depth Theology”, explore his message of God searching for humanity, and his discourse on everyday ways to connect to the Divine.
Uncovering the Hidden Messages of Purim
Rabbi Rachel Miller
In the weeks leading up to Purim, take a deep dive with Rabbi Rachael into the often overlooked details of the Purim story. From the Scroll of Esther to Purim stories told hundreds of years later, there’s something new hiding in every text. Unmask the thrilling lessons each week.
