Below is a sample of classes. Download the catalog to see the larger selection. Custom classes may be available, upon request.
Life Lessons From Rosh Hodesh
With each new moon, the Jewish calendar marks and celebrates the start of a new month, also called Rosh Hodesh. This class series is taught in connection with Rosh Hodesh and each month's session will explore life lessons we can glean from themes and ideas central to the new month.
How the Waves of Aliyah Shaped the State of Israel
In 1948 the population of Israel was 800,000 people. By 2022 the State of Israel has grown to a population of 9.5 million people. This growth was largely driven by waves of immigration from Jews from all over the world. As these immigrants settled in Israel they had far reaching impacts on many aspects of Israel. In this course, we will focus on the impacts of these new olim (immigrants) on the nation's culture (food, music, inclusivity, art, etc.) Available as single session or multi-session class.
Hakarat HaTov - Recognizing the Good
Most people know that it's good to be grateful. So why can it be so hard to recognize the good in our lives? Using lessons from Jewish texts, modern media, consumer marketing, and advertising, and "The Opposite of Spoiled: Raising Kids Who Are Grounded, Generous, and Smart About Money" by Ron Lieber this course explores what obstacles and environmental factors impact our thinking and presents principles and tools to find the way to Hakarat HaTov - recognizing the good. Available as 1 session, though multi-session is preferred.
One version of this course is taught to elementary and teen students as they consider how these ideas impact themselves and the world around them. A second version of this course is well suited to guardians which has special sections to help adults use the learning in their parenting, in addition to the learning they get for themselves.
This I Believe
Wade into the complicated and difficult topic of interacting with others when we disagree with them. Using Jewish texts as jumping off points, we will discuss why people should treat others with respect and how to enter conversations that include topics that may trigger us. With the radio program This I Believe as a model, we will look to find common ground in some core beliefs knowing that the goal is not to persuade others to agree on the same beliefs, but to encourage people to develop respect for beliefs different from their own. Available as single or multi-session class.
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them in Judaism
Judaism has a long and winding history of ritual and texts related to the supernatural - sorceresses, demons, mystical creatures, and more. Starting from the biblical texts and ending with comics and Anime, this class considers the growth of interest in fantastic creatures from the bible through rabbinic literature. The class also traces the liturgical origin of a few specific creatures, how their stories developed in conjunction with the needs of the community and how they've wound their ways into modern culture. Available as a single or multi-session class.
Shabbat Customs From Around the World and Your Home
While some Shabbat customs are universal, Jewish practice on Shabbat is a rich tapestry of traditions that reflect history, familial ties, and the local culture. We will delve into that rich tapestry and from the comfort of our class, we will travel all over the world to learn about how Jews celebrate Shabbat by leaning about their ritual objects, foods, songs, and more. Available as single or multi-session class.
Parenting Lessons from Jewish Tradition
Jewish tradition is rich with stories, rituals, liturgy, and values that can help navigate the sometimes complicated and challenging job of being a parent. From ancient texts to modern interpretive rituals, Judaism can help ground parents as they work to help their children develop into mensches (at any age.) This class will bring examples and how-to's that incorporate the lessons into everyday life.