Community offers us the opportunity to learn together. Havurah's adult learning opportunities are available to all members free of charge, though a materials fee may apply. See our online calendar for details. Non-members are welcome, though tuition and materials fees may apply.

Please check our online calendar for updates and to register.

Returning Again: Spiritual Preparation for the Days of Awe

During the month preceding the High Holidays, our tradition instructs us to look closely at our lives. We devote ourselves to teshuvah, literally “returning”— to the path of our most wholesome selves and sincerest intentions. In these sessions, we will come together in support of this sacred work. Through close readings of texts on teshuvah, as well as contemplation and deep listening — to one another and to our own hearts and minds — we will aim to nurture the seeds of teshuvah within and amidst us. Taught by Rabbi Benjamin. Wednesdays, Sept. 5 and 12

Encountering the Other: The Teaching of Martin Buber

Martin Buber taught that “all actual life is encounter.” He insisted on our relating to the other as subject rather than object. During these sessions, half in the fall and half in the spring, we will engage with some of the wisdom of this 20th century Jewish theologian and teacher, aiming to shed light on our lives and the world today through considering his teachings, and exploring together the vision of community and society which they inspire. Taught by Rabbi Benjamin. Wednesdays, Oct. 3, 10, 17, and May 15, 22, 29

The Poetry of the Soul

Meeting weekly, we will read The Psalms closely, one by one. How they lend voice to our oscillating emotions, engagement with a sublime Other, and a longing for refuge will help us honor our own truths. We will use English translations and commentaries and refer to the Hebrew. Taught by Rabbi Joey, 12:00-1:00 pm, Thursdays beginning Sept. 20 (Additional dates TBD)

Mikvah Learning Sessions

A mikvah is a Jewish ritual bath, which has “living waters” sourced from rain. People immerse in it to mark and sanctify transitions. The ritual is a sensory way for us to connect with ourselves, our ancestors, the divine, and the water cycle of our planet. Come visit the brand-new community mikvah, Rachel’s Well, and consider how engaging with this ritual can enhance our Jewish lives and identities (no immersing this time). Led by Deborah Eisenbach-Budner and community members. Maximum: 12 each session. 11:00 am-12:30 pm, Wednesday, Nov. 7; 6:30-8:00 pm, Thursday, April 4

Focusing on the Most Important Things in the World: Standing for the Amidah

An in-depth, word-by-word study of the Amidah, a key prayer found in all services, exploring the themes embedded in the Amidah section as well as core questions of Jewish prayer and spirituality: What does it mean to be connected to our past? What is power? How do we decide what is most important? What are the relationships between humans, God, the rest of nature? How do we come to give thanks and feel abundance? Why pray, anyways? Being able to sound out Hebrew words (slowly) is needed for this class. Register by Oct. 30. Taught by Deborah Eisenbach-Budner. 7:00-8:30 pm, Wednesdays, Nov. 7, 14, 28; Dec. 5, 12; Jan. 2, 9

Ultimate Liberation: Explorations in Exodus

An in-depth, word-by-word study of a section of Pashat Bo (Exodus 10:1– 3:16) in which we encounter questions about arrogance, persistence, free will, habits that can harden the heart, collective punishment, the fall of empire, liberation found in big and small places, and starting over in every way possible. While building a vocabulary of Hebrew words commonly used in Torah, we will make sense of these passages for ourselves as modern Jews. Being able to sound out Hebrew words (slowly) is needed for this class. Register by Feb. 19. Taught by Deborah Eisenbach-Budner. 7:00-8:30 pm, Wednesdays, Feb. 27; March 6, 13, 27; April 3, 10, 17; May 1, 8