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
Ten Pathways
$250 for this 20-session series.
Tuesdays at 7:00 PM, Sep. 24, 2024 – May 20, 2025.
Please Note: No class on Nov. 5, 26, Dec. 17, 24, 31, Jan. 7-Mar. 4, Apr. 15.
If you want to study the essence of Judaism on a sophisticated level – no prior knowledge required – this 20-part course is for you. Designed by the late Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, this class delves into core Jewish concepts through accessible and engaging texts and conversations.
Early Prophets
$295 for this 25-session series.
Mondays at 9:30 AM, Sep. 23, 2024 – May 12, 2025.
Please Note: No class on Nov. 4, Dec. 23, 30, Jan. 6, Feb. 24, Mar. 3, 10, 17, Apr. 14.
The prophetic section of the Hebrew Bible contains powerful material that is rarely studied closely. In this 25-session course, read through the works of the Early Prophets while gaining insights into their enduring significance.
A Conversation With Andres Spokoiny
Andres Spokoiny, the President and CEO of the Jewish Funders Network, occupies a prominent position in American Jewish life. His new book, “Tradition and Transition: Jewish Communities and the Hyper-Empowered Individual” offers significant insights on the question of how Jewish communities–and Judaism–can thrive in our tumultuous age. In this session, Rabbi Schiff and Andres Spokoiny will have a conversation about the book and the future of Judaism. Registrants will receive a free electronic copy of the book so that you can read it before the session.
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.
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.
Continuing Legal Education Series
The Alan Papernick Educational Institute Endowment Fund presents a 6-Part Series taught by Gefsky Community Scholar Rabbi Dr. Danny Schiff.
Earn 2 ethics credits per class!
Cost with credit: $195 series/$35 each individual class
Cost without credit: $165 series/$30 each individual class
CLE: Understanding the Structure of Jewish Legal Texts
Written Torah. Oral Torah. Mishnah. Midrash. Talmud. Codes. Commentaries. Responsa. We often quote from these Jewish legal sources. But what exactly are they? How do they fit together and how important are they? This CLE will explore the structure of Jewish texts.
CLE: Jewish Law in the Legal System of Israel
Israel is a Jewish state. How, though, should Jewish law most appropriately be incorporated into the state’s legal system, and to what extent? This CLE will explore the controversial relationship between Jewish law and the state of Israel.
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?