Adult Classes
The Kabbalistic tradition tells us that the Torah turns a unique face to every Jew, meant for and accessible by only that individual. It is therefore incumbent on each one of us to study so we can discover the face of Torah that is ours alone and incorporate it into the tradition. Only then will we have fulfilled our true purpose.
“The entire world is a book created by God and the Torah is God’s commentary on that book.”
- Rabbi Tzadok Hacohen of Lublin
Registration and Cancellation Information | Course List | One-Time Teachings | Jewish Learning in NYC | Adult Education Fund
Course List:
Preparation for Yamim Nora'im
Rabbi Michelle Dardashti, Marshall T. Meyer Rabbinic Fellow
3 Wednesdays (August 18, 25 and September 1) | 6:30-8:00PM | 88th Street Frankel Hall
During the month of Elul, we reflect on the year now past. Traditionally called a “heshbon hanefesh”– literally an “accounting of the soul” – we ask whether we were our best selves and what is the atonement we are in search of. Often, we find ourselves in a similar place to where we were a year before, struggling to make the change we seek real, frustrated that we missed the mark yet again. Using stories and texts, we will learn about the difficulty of change and how we can move together towards repentance and at-one-ment. Free; Registration required.
Introduction To Judaism
Michelle Dardashti, Marshall T. Meyer Rabbinic Fellow
Mondays (October 4 – May 23) | 7:00-9:00PM |
BJ Office, Conference Room | Cost: Individuals $420/$636, couples $630/$945
This course offers an overview of the core beliefs, practices, and history of Judaism and the Jewish people. We hope to deepen the understanding of those just beginning to explore Jewish life as well as of those who would like to participate more fully in the life of the Jewish community. No prior knowledge or experience necessary. Registration required.
The Rabbinic Mind and Imagination: Pirke de Rabbi Eliezer
Rabbi Felicia L. Sol
Eight Tuesdays (October 12 through December 7 – No class November 9) | 12:30-1:45PM | BJ Office Conference Room
Explore the way the Sages understood the Torah through the close textual reading of the 9th century midrashic work Pirke de Rabbi Eliezer. Come to know how the rabbis thought, their creative imagination and their responses to questions in the Torah. No Hebrew reading necessary. Free of charge; registration required.
Lunch and Learn: More Stories of the Talmudic Rabbis
Rabbi J. Rolando Matalon
8 Thursdays (October 7, 14, 28, November 4, 11, 18, December 2, 9) | 12:30-1:30PM | Location provided upon registration
We will study of stories that reflect the concerns and struggles, fears and fantasies, even the dark side of our Talmudic sages. We will attempt to look at ourselves in the mirror of the Talmud in order to understand and confront our own nature. No knowledge of Hebrew is required. Please bring your own lunch. Space is limited. Registration is required.
Abraham Joshua Heschel’s Heavenly Torah
Rabbi J. Rolando Matalon
Six Tuesdays (October 5, 12, 26 November 2, 16, 23) | 6:30-8:00 PM | 88th Street Sanctuary
We resume our reading and study of Rabbi Heschel’s gigantic work on rabbinic thought. Heavenly Torah explores the polarity in Judaism between transcendence and immanence, and between mysticism and rationalism. In the chapters we will address this year, Heschel invites us to look at fundamental religious questions such as what is the reason for the mitzvot? What is the nature of prophecy? Where does the Torah come from? Please bring the book to class (available in paperback), no photocopies will be distributed. New participants are welcome. Registration required.
Israel Salons
Rabbi Marcelo R. Bronstein
Various Tuesdays | Location provided upon registration
Due to the success of last year’s Salons – discussions through intimate gatherings – Marcelo will again facilitate Beit Midrash Salons in lieu of teaching traditional classes. Each 2-session Salon will focus on the land of Israel through documentary films, texts and conversation. Limited space is available; please contact ngoodhart@bj.org for course dates and to register.
Parashat Hashavu’a: Study Of The Weekly Torah Portion
Jason Fruithandler, Marshall T. Meyer Rabbinic Fellow
Thursdays (October 7 through May 26) | 7:00-8:30PM |
BJ Office, Conference Room | Members: Free/Non-members: $150 for the year
A Hassidic story teaches that Moses wanted to reveal more Torah to the people but God refused, wanting to give the people a sense that there is something hidden among the words for them to discover. This story’s implicit message is that we have the power to reveal the hidden parts of the Torah. By adding our own understanding of the text, we too become a part of its unfolding story. In this class, as we study the weekly Torah portion with the aid of both ancient and modern interpretations, we will reveal its many layers and find ourselves reflected in its stories and teachings. Registration required.
Comparative Literature: Interfaith Class
Co-taught by Dr. Fran Snyder and Dr. Michael Pettinger, faculty at The New School
Thursdays (February 3, 10, 17, 24) | 7:00-8:30 PM | 88th Street Sanctuary | Cost: Free
Judaism and Christianity derive their ideas from the same sacred text, the Hebrew Bible, which seems on the face of it to be straightforward and clear. If that’s the case, how do the Rabbis of the earliest midrashim come to the conclusion that the Torah preceded Creation, while one of the earliest Church documents insists that Jesus Christ was there before all else? In this course, we will investigate four themes of particular interest to both the Rabbis and the Church Fathers, who were the first composers of Church Bible commentary. These are: the beginning of the universe; theodicy (the attempt to explain the presence of evil in God’s world); the sacrifice of the special son; and the fertility of the special mother. Discussions will be based on readings, all in translation, from the early foundational texts of both religions. Registration required.
One-Time Teachings
Throughout the course of the year, we have the opportunity to have learning experiences with distinguished visiting teachers.
Jewish Learning in NYC
Adult Education Fund
If you would like to support our efforts, we invite you to make a donation to the Adult Education Fund.