Please check our online calendar for updates and to register. Classes are free to members; others may attend, but a $10 donation is requested.

Social Action Poetry—For Those Who Seek Justice and Love Literature
We'll read and discuss poems across diverse cultures—poetry of witness that breaks silence, raises awareness and powers social justice. Taught by poets Frances Payne Adler and Herman Asarnow. 7-8:30 pm, Thursdays, Sept. 10, 17, 24; Oct. 1

The Torah of Our Lives: Havurah Spiritual Writing Group
Explore stories in Torah and use the writing process to personally understand the significance of Torah stories in your life. Facilitated by Harriet Cooke and Jenni Besen. 10-person maximum. 7-9 pm, Wednesdays, Oct. 14, 21, 28; Nov. 4, 11, 18, 25; Dec. 2

Beginning Conversational Hebrew
For those who can already read Hebrew but want to expand your vocabulary to hold a conversation. Led by Racheli Ross. 7 pm, Thursdays, Oct. 15, 22, 29; Nov. 5, 12, 19; Dec. 3, 10, 17

Crochet Your Own Kippah
Create a kippah using single crochet. Learn to crochet in the first class, make a kippah in the second. Taught by Sarah Rosenberg. Morning session 10:30 am; evening session 7:30 pm, Wednesdays, Oct. 21, 28

Step into the Living Torah
Beginning in text, we’ll play with voice, movement, story, stillness and a bissel silliness to encourage and cultivate personal midrash (Torah-based narrative). Led by Cassandra Sagan. 2-4 pm, Sunday, Nov. 8

“My Word is Like Fire”: The Vision, Theology and Voice of the Prophets
We will explore the prophets’ theology and worldview, and we’ll consider the role of the prophetic voice and approach in our own pursuits of justice, examining tensions between truth and compassion, activism and organizing, and confrontation and relationship-building. Taught by Rabbi Benjamin. 7-8:30 pm, Wednesdays, Jan. 13, 20, 27; Feb 3

Writers’ Workshop (for Non-Writers!)
Explore your interest in memoir writing through guided reflection, engaging prompts and supportive group feedback.  Develop a short piece and challenge yourself to read at a wonderful Friday Oneg for the Havurah community.  Led by David Kertzner. 7-9 pm, Thursdays, Jan. 14, 21, 28; Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25; Mar. 4; Oneg Reading 7:30 pm, Friday, Mar. 19

Grappling with White Supremacy and White Nationalism as Jews
We will explore and grapple with where Jews fit, as individuals and as a community, on the minority/majority and oppressed/privileged continuums. Facilitated by members of the IMIrJ Countering White Nationalism cohort. 7 pm, Tuesdays, Jan. 19; Feb. 2, 16; Mar. 2

Intergenerational Conflict and Sexuality in Yiddish Poetry

Using sexuality as a focal point, we will see how Jewish language and culture are used to explore themes of generational conflict, identity and cultural transition. Led by Deborah Eisenbach-Budner. 12 pm, Thursdays, Jan. 21, 28; Feb. 4, 11

Jews of the Middle East and North Africa
This class will focus on the modern history of the Jewish communities of the Middle East and North Africa, 1860 to the present. We’ll examine the complex relationship between these communities, the local cultures and European colonialism. We will also discuss the sociology, politics and culture of these communities in Israel today. Taught by Joel Beinin. 7-8:30 pm, Mondays, Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22; Mar. 1, 8, 15, 22

Mountains of Evidence?
We will examine the rise and fall of Masada as history and its uses as a founding myth of Israel. Taught by David Feder. 11-12:30, Sunday, Feb 14

Jewish Understandings of Slavery and Freedom: The Passover Seder Evolves
One of the four names for Pesach is Hag ha-Herut (The Feast of Freedom). Jews in different historical contexts have understood Mitzrayim (the narrow space) differently and therefore freedom has looked different in different generations. We will look at this evolution; one focus will be on the liberation of gender, which has been a hallmark of contemporary seders. Taught by Deborah Eisenbach-Budner. 7-8:30 pm, Wednesdays, Feb. 24; Mar. 3, 10, 17

Knitting Kippot
For intermediate knitters wanting to get to know other knitters in the community. Yarn and pattern will be provided, along with instruction regarding three skills: double pointed cast on and increase, diamond lace motif and I-cord bind-off. Taught by Marsha Green. 10-12 pm, Sundays, Apr. 4, 11, 18

Begin with Aleph: Learn to Read Hebrew
This course is for beginners. Focusing on basic reading competency, we will uncover bits of Judaism that are only accessible through its original language. Taught by Deborah Eisenbach-Budner, 7-8:30 pm, Wednesdays, Apr. 7, 14, 21, 28; May 5, 12

Adult B’nei Mitzvah
Interested in expanding your Jewish literacy skills, confidence and sense of connection with Judaism? Want to enjoy this process with others and celebrate your Jewish learning in our community? Join a group of adults who will begin a 2.5-year process of learning this spring. Contact Deborah Eisenbach-Budner for more information. Wednesday evenings starting Apr. 7

Jewish Genealogy/Getting Started in Jewish Genealogy
There is much evidence remaining to discover about your own family history. You will leave with tools to continue gathering your own family history and with a mind opened to the possibilities ahead. Taught by Barbara Hershey. 10 am, Sundays, Apr. 11, 18, 25

Sacred Action: Spiritual Tools for Justice Work
In these cohorts, we will explore together Jewish spiritual wisdom that can anchor and guide our work for justice. Drawing from a wide range of texts and various practices, our focus will be on middot, qualities or character traits, that are vital to our engagement in the world. In trusted community, we will examine each middah and its role in our relationships, our vision and our action. In addition to the weekly meetings, guidance will be given for practice and reflection in between sessions. Please contact Rabbi Benjamin if you are interested in participating in a cohort. Facilitated by Rabbi Benjamin. Six sessions, groups meeting throughout the year. Dates TBA