Jewish Learning Opportunities... Just a Click Away!
Welcome to our new On Line Catalogue for Adult Jewish Learning. Whether you are new to Jewish study or a seasoned learner -- this resource is for all adults who wish to sample the rich offerings of Jewish learning & culture within the Greater Rochester community.
All courses, lectures & events are open regardless of your affiliation.
Please be sure to check this site often as listings change & will be updated often!
Offered Classes and Events:
Literacy: Judaic and Hebrew
Torah Study at Temple Sinai
Torah study is facilitated by the rabbis and is an open group that all are invited to attend and participate in. Texts are read in English and no knowledge of Hebrew is required in order to be an active participant. If you’ve never tried Torah study at Temple Sinai why not drop by one Saturday morning? New participants are always welcome. If you are a “regular” we look forward to seeing you!
Date: group meets most Saturday mornings
Time: 9:15-10:15 am
Location: Temple Sinai
Website: www.tsinai.org/learning/adults/
BOTH (Because Of THis)
The Hillel Community Day School Adult Learning Series
Visiting the Sick: Is It Always Comforting?
Taught by Rabbi Sarah Freidson-King
Thursday, June 6, 2013
Lunch and Learn Class - 12:15 PM - 1:15 PM
Hillel Community Day School, 191 Fairfield Drive, Rochester, NY, 14620
For more information please contact Melissa Nunes-Harwitt at melissanh@gmail.com or call 585 271 6877
Torah Study at Cong. Beth Hamedresh- Beth Israel
There is a monthly informal Torah Study group that meets and participants discuss their way sequentially through the Torah. All levels of background are very welcome. Members of the community are free to join at any time. The formal name of this group is the "Small Conservative Shul Collaborative Joint Torah Study", and it is jointly sponsored by Cong. BHBI, Temple Beth Am, and Temple Beth David.
Date: Second Wednesday of each month
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: Cong. Beth Hamedresh - Beth Israel
Cost: No fee
Biblical and Rabbinic Hebrew Text Study
We will gather to read in Hebrew texts from our sages as they attempt to help us understand the weekly parsha - the weekly Torah reading. This class will focus on
(1) Familiarization with the language structure of Bible, Talmud and Midrash
(2) Study of Hebrew roots, prefixes and suffixes
(3) Repetition of most commonly used vocabulary in the texts
Instructor: Jan Katz
Date: Wednesday mornings, ongoing
Time: 8:00 am – 9:00 am
Location: The Summit at Brighton
Cost: $100 per 12-month year
Register for this class with:
soutlaw@jewishrochester.org
Conversational Hebrew: Intermediate
This course will offer the opportunity for class participants to choose topics for everyday life and carry on conversations in Hebrew with one another. A topical glossary will be provided each week. A portion of each class will be set aside for drills in verbs, nouns pronouns and adjectives, and other common grammar. Feel free to come and try before signing up.
Instructor: Jan Katz
Monday mornings
Time: 8:30 – 10:00 am
Location: The Summit at Brighton
Class is ongoing, 12 months
Participants may join at anytime
Please contact Jan Katz for questions at jkatz@jewishrochester.org and Sharon Outlaw at soutlaw@jewishrochester.org to register.
Yiddish and Yiddishkeit: Language, Literature, and Culture
Instructor: Deborah Rothman
Location: JCC Yiddish Culture Center
Cost: Members- $90/session, Non-members- $120/session
Contact: Joy Getnick/ jgetnick@jccrochester.org/ 585-461-2000 x239
10 week sessions begin Tuesday, April 9 or Wednesday, April 10
Beginners (Section 1)
Tuesdays 10:15 AM - 11:30 AM
Section 1:
Discover the world of Yiddish in this introductory class geared to students with little or no background. Learn to read, carry on a basic conversation in Yiddish and sample several short stories in translation by Sholom Aleichem and other masters. The class will also explore the culture and history of this expressive language.
The pacing of language study will depend on individual progress. Each class will begin with dialogue and reading practice. Beyond that, students will work on textbook exercises in small groups.
Intensive Yiddish (Section 11)
Tuesdays 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Geared to students with some reading and speaking fluency, this accelerated class will focus on language skills: speaking, listening, reading and writing. Each session will begin with dialogue and listening practice. Students will also work on textbook exercises and reading assignments. The class is fast-paced and is designed for serious language study.
Students in Section 11 have the option of participating in Section 1 at no additional cost.
Intermediate and Advanced (Section 111)
Wednesdays 10 AM - 12:30 PM
This class continues to build on skills gained in previous classes. In addition to exploring the rich culture of this expressive language, students will continue to expand their speaking, listening, reading and writing skills. Each session will begin with dialogue and listening practice. Students will also work on textbook exercises and reading assignments, both in Yiddish and in translation.
Beginning Hebrew Reading
This course is intended both for folks who are learning to read (“decode”) Hebrew from scratch and for those who want a refresher.We use The Hebrew Primer - Derech Binah - by Ruby G. Strauss, Ahuva Schuller and Lillian W. Adler. Two sections of the same course are offered – one weekend and one weekday. These courses are open to anyone – you do not need to be a member of Temple Emanu-El. There is no cost, and participants may join at any time. However, advance registration is required. For more information and to register, please contact Leslie Schwartz, president of Temple Emanu-El, at 585-385-7643, schwartzljs@gmail.com
Instructor: Leslie Schwartz
Date(s): Section 1: Sunday mornings
Time: 9:00 – 10:00 am
Location: Temple Emanu-El, 2956 St. Paul Blvd, Rochester, NY 14617
Date(s): Section 2: Tuesday mornings
Time: 10:30 – 11:30
Location: Pittsford Library, Fletcher Steele room
Cost: Participants will be asked to purchase a text.
Hebrew Reading Practice
This course is intended for those who can read Hebrew, but who wish to improve their speed and accuracy. We will use Temple Emanu-El’s Reform Prayer book, Mishkan T’Filah. The course is open to anyone – you do not need to be a member of Temple Emanu-El. Participants may join at any time. However, advance registration is required. For more information and to register, please contact Leslie Schwartz, president of Temple Emanu-El, at 585-385-7643, schwartzljs@gmail.com.
Instructor: Leslie Schwartz
Date(s): Thursday afternoons
Time: 2:00 – 3:00 pm
Location: Temple Emanu-El, 2956 St. Paul Blvd, Rochester, NY 14617
Cost: None
Introduction to Biblical Hebrew
This course is intended for folks who can already read Hebrew and who want to know what it means. The Hebrew we'll be studying is that found in prayer books and Torah. While it is close to the Modern Hebrew spoken in Israel, there are significant (and lovely) differences. Participants will be asked to purchase The First Hebrew Primer - The Adult Beginner's Path to Biblical Hebrew, by Ethelyn Simon, Irene Resnikoff, and Linda Motzkin. The course is open to anyone – you do not need to be a member of Temple Emanu-El. Participants may join at any time. However, advance registration is required. For more information and to register, please contact Leslie Schwartz, president of Temple Emanu-El, at 585-385-7643, schwartzljs@gmail.com.
Instructor: Leslie Schwartz
Date(s): Thursday evenings
Time: 7:00 – 8:00 pm
Location: Leslie’s home
Cost: None
Conversational Hebrew
This course is intended for folks who want to be able to converse in Hebrew. The level of the course will be determined by those who sign up for it. The course is open to anyone – you do not need to be a member of Temple Emanu-El. Participants may join at any time. However, advance registration is required. For more information and to register, please contact Leslie Schwartz, president of Temple Emanu-El, at 585-385-7643, schwartzljs@gmail.com.
Instructor: Jacob Vinocour
Date(s): Wednesday evenings
Time: 7:30 – 8:30 pm
Location: Jacob’s home
Cost: None
One on One Study for Men
Study any Jewish subject you want with your own personal teacher or in a small group. From Hebrew reading to Talmud study or anything in between
Instructor: Rabbi Avi Mammon
Date: Every Monday and Wednesday evening, ongoing
Time: 7:30pm- 8:30pm
Location: Light of Israel, 1161 Monroe Avenue
Contact: Rabbi@conglightofisrael.org / 490-3147
One on One Study for Women
Study any Jewish subject you want with your own personal teacher or in a small group. From Hebrew reading to Talmud study or anything in between
Instructor: Rabbi Avi Mammon
Date: Every Tuesday evening, ongoing
Time: 8:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Location: Light of Israel, 1161 Monroe Avenue
Contact: Miriammammon@gmail.com
Introduction to Talmud and Other Jewish Texts
In this ongoing course we will continue our study of Talmud while also expanding our discussions to include other categories of Jewish literature such as Midrash and Responsa. New and returning participants are welcome to join us as we explore the formation of these texts and how they impact Judaism as we live it today.
Instructor: Rabbi Rebecca Gutterman
Dates: February 12, 26; March 12; April 9, 23; May 7, 21
Time: Tuesdays, 12:00pm-1:00pm
Location: The Summit of Brighton
Fee: None, free
Jewish Living (Co-sponsored with the Jewish Federation)
This course and inclusion program is designed for adults with special learning needs who want to continue to learn more about Judaism. Participants will be actively engaged in learning more about Jewish holidays, prayers, songs, rituals, Torah lessons, and Israel. Class sessions also include crafts, baking projects, and guest presenters. Participation in relevant Jewish community events is scheduled throughout the year.
Instructor: Elliot Fix
Time/ Date: Wednesdays: 7:00pm-8:15pm (weekly sessions from September through May)
Location: Temple B’rith Kodesh
Fee: Please contact Elliot Fix, efix@rochester.rr.com
Parashat HaShavua
We will discuss the themes of each Parasha and read from Torah (in English). We will also discuss some aspects of holidays and issues for the Jewish people.
Instructor: Eleanor Lewin
Dates: October 24, November 14, 28, December 12, 26, January 9, 23, February 13, 27, March 13, April 10, 24, May 8, 22, June 12, 26
Time: Wednesdays: 2:00pm-3:00pm
Location: Wolk Manor
Fee: None, free
Sowing Books and Bagels: You bring the books and we bring the bagels
Come to discuss an interesting book that you have read or come listen to others share what they have recently read.
Participants talk about books written by Jewish authors, and/or having Jewish content.
Bring a book, or just come for the discussion and the bagels.
Location: Temple Emanu-el, 2956 St. Paul Blvd., Rochester, NY
Date: Sunday, December 23, January 20, February 24, March 24, April 28, May 26 at 10:00 AM
Contact: Cindy Kammerdiener at cindykam@rochester.rr.com
Fee: None
Torah Studies
We take a topic of that week's Torah portion to discuss, analyze and try to find modern relevance to our lives. Each week's class is self-contained and questions and discussions are encouraged.
Chabad of Pittsford
Tuesdays 8:00 - 9:00 PM
RSVP to info@jewishpittsford.com
Tanya Class (this is the main book of Chabad Chassidus)
After wrapping up our Soulmaps course (overview on the Tanya) we are happy to announce that there will be a weekly class that will go more in depth on this classic book. The book deals with existential questions such as Who am I? What is the purpose of Man? Why do I have inner struggles? As we will be going at a relaxed pace, people will be able to ask questions on these deep topics. For all levels of learners.
Chabad of Pittsford
Thursdays 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM
RSVP to yhein@jewishpittsford.com
Curious Tales of the Talmud: Finding Personal Meaning in the Legends of our Sages
Do you feel deeply about life?
Do you enjoy discovering new and interesting ideas?
Are you always looking for higher meaning and inspiration?
Nobody knows better than you where you will find meaning, but there are places that you're likely to encounter it. Our newest JLI course will introduce you to a legendary world of insight that has fascinated scholars and mystics for millenia.
Lesson One: Whale of a tale: Life lessons from gargantuan fish, geese and corpses
Lesson two: When G-d prayed: A study in the art of anthropomorphism
Lesson three: The vindication of an idolatrous king: Seeing the divine within everything
Lesson four: Greek riddles: A camouflaged theological debate
Lesson five: The great oven debacle: When the rabbis overruled a heavenly decision
Lesson six: A ticket to paradise: The security of stagnation and the challenge of change
Wednesday evenings 7:15 PM - 8:45 PM
Chabad of Rochester
Contact Rabbi Vogel at 271 - 0330
Jewish Culture, History and Ethics
Melton Scholars Curriculum for all adult learners!
Jews in America: Insiders and Outsiders
Professor Michael Dobkowski, chair Department of Religious Studies at Hobart and William Smith Colleges
This course provides students with the oppportunity to consider the challenges of Jewish acculturation to American life, and the sacrifices as well as the contributions that have been made over the past 200 years. Lessons will explore such topics as the role of education, the Three Generation Hypothesis, Anti-Semitism and the Holocaust, the changing place of Zionism and the State of Israel, the Civil Rights Movement as a case study of distinctiveness and involvement, and other issues that address American and Jewish culture and identity. This course asks the question, "Is the cup half empty or half full? as optimists and pessimists debate the future of Jewish identity in America.
Wednesday mornings: 10:00 AM at the Summit at Brighton, 2000 Summit Circle Drive, Rochester, 14618
Wednesday evenings: 7:00 PM at the Jewish Federation of Greater Rochester, 441 East Avenue, Rochester, 14607
April 17, 24; May 1, 8, 22, 29; June 5, 12, 19, 26
Sessions will be digitally recorded
Fee: $175 per student includes a student reader partially underwritten by the Melton Scholarship Fund
Contact Jewish Lipschitz at jlipschitz@jewishrochester.org or 461 - 0490
Or mail a check payable to Jewish Federation of Greater Rochester, 441 East Avenue, Rochester, NY, 14607
“One of my partners is a Modern Orthodox Jew. At my office, we have a microwave oven which we all share. Before he warms anything up in it, he puts a cup of water in the oven and lets it boil for a few minutes. When I asked him why he did this he explained that it is the halachically proper way to kosher a microwave oven. Now, since I didn’t want to be disrespectful I didn’t share my thoughts with him but, I am pretty sure that no rabbi who gave opinions in the Talmud – which forms the basis of most halachic rulings and was written between 200 CE and 500 CE -- even conceived of the notion of microwave ovens, much less thought about how to kosher one! So how can this reflect halachah?”
The Adult Learning specialists at the Union for Reform Judaism, in consultation with Rabbi Mark Washofsky, PhD, have developed a series of interactive lessons which focus on understanding how Reform Halachah works, and why we should care about it. By examining and discussing various case studies addressing issues such as the ethics of nuclear war, to the disclosure of personal medical information, to whether a convert whose non-Jewish parent asks the child not to recite kaddish for him exempts the child from performing this mitzvah, you will gain a deeper understanding of – and perhaps respect for – the tenets of Reform Halachah.
Instructors: Rabbi Amy Sapowith and congregant Gil Maker
Location: Temple Sinai
Date(s): Sunday mornings, beginning in February
Time: 9:00 – 11:00 or 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m
Contact: Temple Sinai 381-6890
Join the guys one Sunday morning each month for bagels & lox, and intriguing discussions on current events and contemporary issues from a Jewish perspective.
Location: At rotating homes
Contact: email yhein@JewishPittsford.com to be added to the B&L email list
Dates: Sep. 23- special breakfast & Sukkah Raising, Oct. 28, Dec. 12, Jan. 13, Feb. 17, Mar. 17, Apr. 14, May 12, Jun. 27
Jewish Baking with David
Learn to bake and then sample traditional Jewish sweet and savory yeast baked goods including Jewish holiday standards. Optional hands-on participation.
Instructor: David Festenstein
Temple B'rith Kodesh main kitchen
Sundays: 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Dates: March 3, 17; April 14, 21; May 12; June 2, 9
Fee: $36, additional $20 for supplies
Contact Temple B'rith Kodesh at www.tbk.org or call 244 - 7060.
Critical Questions
A look at some of the great philosophical and spiritual questions. What is the purpose of life? What is Happiness? How will I know truth if I see it? Where is God? What does it mean to succeed? Why do I feel like something is missing in my life? Why was I born? Bring your Great Questions:Instructors:Rabbi Laurence A. Kotok and Deacon Thomas J. Driscoll, D. Min.
Temple B'rith Kodesh
Thursdays: 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Dates: April 25; May 2, 9, 23
Fee: $36
Contact Temple B'rith Kodesh at
Spiritually Invigorating Films of 2012
Deacon Thomas J. Driscoll, D. Min.
Need an uplife? Need to stimulate your imagination? Try these films: Moonrise Kingdom is a wonder-inducing film from Wes Anderson about the authentic quest of two oddball teens who just want to be free. The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is a drama about a band of English retirees in India and their challenges and transformations. Salmon Fishing in the Yemen is a quirky and thoroughly entertaining spiritual drama about the multiple meanings of faith. Take This Waltz is a respectful and creative treatment of sex and the mysteries of love by director Sarah Polley.
Discussion follows the viewing of each film.
Deacon Thomas J. Driscoll, D. Min.
Temple B'rith Kodesh
Tuesdays: 6:30 PM
Dates: May 7, 14, 21, 28
Contact Temple B'rith Kodesh at
Beyond Borders: A History of the Arab-Israeli Conflict
Three part lecture/discussion series; feel free to bring your lunch!
Instructor: Joy Getnick, PhD
JCC of Greater Rochester
5/28, 5/30, 6/4; 12-1:30pm
Contact: Joy Getnick, jgetnick@jccrochester.org, x239
FREE, but register www.jccrochester.org, 585-461-2000
Interfaith Studies
Introduction to the New Testament Book of Romans
Rabbi Laurence Kotok and Reverend Christopher Luedde
Temple B'rith Kodesh
Wednesdays: 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
April 24, May 8, June 5 and 12
The class will be in Room 106
Fee: $36
Contact Sue Eckhaus at 244 - 7060 X 242
Holocaust Studies
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