Adult Jewish Learning
Generously supported by the Elaine Belle Krasik Fund for Adult Education.
Rabbi Dr. Danny Schiff
The Gefsky Community Scholar position is endowed by the H. Arnold and Adrien B. Gefsky Endowment Fund of the Federation’s Jewish Community Foundation.
Explore Ongoing and Upcoming Learning Opportunities
The Real Story of Israel: Countering Antisemitism With Facts
Pittsburgh, PA 15219 United States
Registration is full.
The 13 Principles of Faith
$135 for this 6-session series.
Thursdays at 7:00 PM, May 1 – Jun. 5.
Are there beliefs that are required in Judaism? Maimonides apparently thought so, but it’s a controversial position. In this course, we will study Maimonides’ list – his “13 principles of faith” and we will contemplate what they might mean in our contemporary context.
Anger and Self-Mastery in Jewish Thought
$60 for this 4-session series.
Mondays at 9:30 AM, June 9 through 30.
Right now, a lot of people feel angry. What does Judaism have to teach us about the power of anger? Is anger to be subdued and avoided? Or is it sometimes praiseworthy? Most importantly, when consumed by anger, what would Jewish teachings have us do?
Israel in Depth
$100 for this 6-session series.
Tuesdays at 9:30 AM, Apr. 29 – Jun. 10.
Please Note: No class on June 3.
As Israeli society changes post-October 7, Rabbi Schiff will host a series of classes focusing on the updated realities of Israel in 2025. A lineup of first-class Israeli experts will discuss the army, the arts, the justice system, tourism, the rabbinate, welfare and other areas.
Tariffs, Reparation and Income Inequality: The Jewish Wealth and Justice Seminars
$55 for this 3-session series.
Tuesdays at 9:30 AM, June 17 – July 1.
Tariffs. Reparations. Income Inequality. In three seminars, Rabbi Schiff will discuss these three critical current issues through the lens of Jewish tradition. What insights does Judaism have to offer on the intersection between wealth and justice as it pertains to these challenging concerns?
CLE: War Ethics in the Jewish Legal Tradition
War involves a host of moral and legal dilemmas. This session will explore these issues from a Jewish perspective: How do we know when war is just? How should we deal with innocent civilians? How are Jewish legal ideals incorporated into the conduct of the IDF?
Psalms: The Poetry of the Soul
$60 for this 4-session series.
Mondays at 9:30 AM, Jul. 21 – Aug. 11
In this new course, Rabbi Schiff will delve into the exquisite literature of the book of Psalms. He will explore Psalms for times of crisis, comfort, fear, joy, and gratitude and will consider the enduring significance of the powerful psalms that have been embraced by Western civilization.
Tu B’av: Encountering the Little-Known Jewish Holiday of Love
We don’t do Valentine’s Day. We do Tu B’Av. In this session, Rabbi Schiff will discuss Tu B’Av, what it teaches us about the Jewish approach to love and the renewed importance of this day for contemporary Jews.