Adult Jewish Learning
Generously supported by the Elaine Belle Krasik Fund for Adult Education.
Explore Ongoing and Upcoming Learning Opportunities
Pirkei Avot—Illuminating Chapters From the Mishnah
Wednesday, May 1 @ 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM EDTPittsburgh, PA 15213 United States + Google Map
$85 for this 6-Session Series:
Wednesdays at 9:30 AM, May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, Jun. 5.
The classic Jewish text, Pirkei Avot, is regularly studied in the weeks between Pesach and Shavuot. Part of the Mishnah, Pirkei Avot provides a wonderful insight into the observations and pithy teachings of some of the great sages of the Jewish tradition. In this class, Rabbi Schiff will teach Pirkei Avot through a contemporary lens. No prior knowledge is required.
Co-sponsored with Rodef Shalom Congregation.
Ethics & Crossroads
Wednesday, May 1 @ 7:00 PM - 9:15 PM EDT$300 for this 25-Session Series (Book Included):
Wednesdays at 7:00 PM, Sept. 27, 2023 – May 15, 2024.
Please Note: No class on Nov. 22, Dec. 20, 27, Jan. 3-31, Feb. 7, 28, Apr. 24.
Two Melton Courses Back-to-back!
Ethics
How do Jewish teachings shed light on contemporary issues such as the environment, inter-personal relationships, end-of-life decisions, and stem-cell research? This course explores the wisdom of rabbis and thinkers.Crossroads
With an emphasis on reclaiming the richness of Jewish history, this chronological exploration investigates significant crossroads where Jews took major decisions that shaped our shared identity and destiny.Here's a taste of the topics we'll cover:
Social media ethics, organ donation, suicide, honoring aging parents, sexuality, marriage, divorce, fertility treatment, abortion, gender fluidity, euthanasia, artificial intelligence, war, animal experimentation, environmental ethics and so much more!Torah 2
Monday, May 6 @ 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM EDT$225 for this 25-Session Series:
Mondays at 9:30 AM, Oct. 9 – May 13, 2024.
Please Note: No class on Nov. 20, Dec. 25, Jan. 1, 8, 15, Apr. 22, 29.
Understanding the Torah and what it asks of us is perhaps one of the most important things that a Jew can learn. In Torah 2, Rabbi Schiff will explore the second half of Leviticus and all of Numbers and Deuteronomy. This is a great opportunity to get a systematic understanding of Judaism’s foundational text.The Wisdom of Abraham Joshua Heschel
Tuesday, May 7 @ 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM EDTHeschel was one of the greatest Jewish thinkers of the twentieth century. He wrote on wonder and the human spirit – in a language that all can understand. He was poetic, moving and insightful. In this new course, Rabbi Schiff will discuss the amazing insights of a modern spiritual master.
A History of the Arab-Israel-Iran Conflict: All You Need to Know
Thursday, May 9 @ 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM EDTUnderstanding and explaining Israel’s current position requires knowledge of history. In this 10-part course, Rabbi Schiff will provide a full overview of the regional conflict that Israel has experienced over the last century. What pivotal moments brought us to where we now are, and what might that mean about where the conflict is headed?
The Chosenness Symposium
Monday, June 24 @ 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM EDTWhat does it mean to be chosen?
Is chosenness an idea that still has merit in the twenty-first century? In this course, Rabbi Schiff will discuss texts – classic and contemporary – that address the heart of chosenness and its relevance to contemporary Jewish life.Judaism in a Digital Age – The Course
Tuesday, June 25 @ 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM EDTRabbi Schiff’s new book, “Judaism in a Digital Age,” describes why modern Judaism is weakening and what needs to be done to revitalize Judaism in the digital age. But if you don’t have time to read the book, then this course is for you. In just 4 sessions, Rabbi Schiff will convey the contents of his book in a succinct and easy to understand way.
The Ten Commandments Intensive
Monday, July 29 @ 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM EDTIn the middle of the summer, the Ten Commandments appear in our Torah reading cycle. To mark the moment, Rabbi Schiff is offering an intensive (two sessions per week) exploration of these foundational statements of Western civilization – as understood through the lens of rabbinic Judaism. This course will consider the enduring significance of the Ten Commandments in the twenty-first century.
From Calamity to Consolation: Preparing for Tisha B’Av 5784
Sunday, August 11 @ 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM EDTIn the past year, the Jewish people has been through a calamity unprecedented in our lifetimes. How can we begin to move towards national consolation? Our tradition has ideas. Join Rabbi Schiff as he explores how the loss and destruction inherent in Tisha B’Av is followed by a determined path towards consolation.
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: Kedoshim
Thursday, May 9 @ 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 6 @ 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.