Continuing Legal Education
Open to all—you need not be a lawyer to attend.

The Alan Papernick Educational Institute Endowment Fund presents a 6-Part Series taught by Gefsky Community Scholar Rabbi Dr. Danny Schiff.
Cost with credit: $195 series/$35 each individual class
Cost without credit: $165 series/$30 each individual class
Earn 2 ethics credits per class!
CLE: The Nuremberg Laws Led to Kristallnacht
Thursday, November 9 @ 8:30 AM - 10:45 AM ESTEighty-five years have passed since November 9, 1938 – Kristallnacht.
On the 85th commemoration, it is important to explore the role that the law played in setting the scene for that terrible night. How did the Nuremberg laws lead to Kristallnacht and the Holocaust that followed? What does that tell us about the power of the law?
CLE: Usury: Paying Interest on Loans in Jewish Law
Thursday, January 25, 2024 @ 8:30 AM - 10:45 AM ESTThis might sound like a boring topic.
But have you ever wondered why God would care about interest on loans? Or how Jews ended up being money lenders for centuries? Or how this reality led to unfortunate antisemitic stereotypes about Jews and money? There may be some material “of interest” here after all…
CLE: The Legal Dimensions of Shabbat
Thursday, March 28, 2024 @ 8:30 AM - 10:45 AM EDTIn an age in which most “blue laws” have been forgotten, and in which we are apt to see the Sabbath as a religious institution, it is easy to forget that, historically, the parameters of Sabbath observance were precisely legislated. In this CLE, Rabbi Schiff will discuss the Shabbat as a legal institution in American and Jewish law.
CLE: Kedoshim
Thursday, May 9, 2024 @ 8:30 AM - 10:45 AM EDTPittsburgh, PA 15213 United States + Google Map
Sometimes, legal systems enact provisions that directly seek to elevate human conduct.
Jewish law does just that. In this special in-person CLE, Rabbi Schiff will explore the fundamental section of the Torah called “Kedoshim” (elevated behavior), and will clarify the intent of the numerous legal provisions to be found there.
CLE: Risk-Taking: How Much Danger Does Jewish Law Permit?
Thursday, June 27, 2024 @ 8:30 AM - 10:45 AM EDTPeople regularly engage in extraordinarily risky activities.
Is this Jewishly allowed? Given that everything we do contains some danger, how would we know when the risk is too great? Can a Jew go bungee jumping? In this CLE, we will consider the limits of risk-taking from the perspective of Jewish law.
Full inclusion is a core value of Jewish Pittsburgh. The Jewish Federation welcomes invitees of all abilities, backgrounds, races, religious affiliations, sexual orientations and gender identities. Please discuss accessibility accommodations with the contact person for this event.
The cost of taking a course is never a barrier to participation. If price is an issue, please contact the organizer of this course, so that we can make the cost of the course comfortable for you.
