Westchester Reform Temple offers a variety of educational options for adult learners at all levels. Through year-long Hebrew classes, adult B’nei Mitzvah, weekly Torah study, special lectures and presentations, book groups, film screenings, cooking courses, and more, our programming is a way to discover the power of Jewish learning, deepen your Jewish identity, and investigate milestone moments. Classes can be chosen on an individual basis or as part of a multi-year, personalized curriculum.
Rosh Chodesh 5783
Led by Cantor Amanda Kleinman and Cantor Danielle Rodnizki
Tuesdays, November 29, January 17 and February 14 at 11:30 am
Join our cantors and a diverse group of women for a monthly, midday infusion of study and sharing as we mark each new month on the Hebrew calendar. We will come together as a community to celebrate happy occasions, and to hold space for one another in times of challenge or healing.
The One Jewish Book That Will Change Your Life
A Deep Reading of Pirkei Avot, “The Wisdom of the Ancestors”
Led by Rabbi Jonathan Blake
Thursdays, December 1, 8, 15 at 10:15 am (Zoom)
On Thursday mornings, we meet online (Zoom) from 10:15 to 11:45 AM to learn with and from Rabbi Blake who will guide us in interpreting one of the most important texts in Jewish life, Pirkei Avot, which is part of the Mishna and which continues to provide invaluable wisdom for leading a life of righteousness, purpose, and Jewish joy. All are welcome. No Hebrew or Jewish text experience is required. Register for the Zoom link at https://bit.ly/3Q16Sus.
December Tzedek Circle
Sunday, December 11 at 8:00 pm (Zoom)
Tzedek Circle co-hosts Dena Robinson and Darin Lim Yankowitz welcome special guests Kira Simon of the Anti-Defamation League and Cantor Danielle Rodnizki of Westchester Reform Temple for an hour of music, provocative conversation and action in service of the Jewish call for justice. This month, we will be exploring the question: How do we approach the needs of Jewish communities in relation to other needs? Contact receptionist@wrtemple.org for Zoom information.
Everything You Wish You Learned in Religious School: Foundations of Jewish Literacy
Led by Cantor Amanda Kleinman
Sundays, December 18, January 29 and February 12 at 9:15 am
Brush up on the basics with this ongoing monthly course designed to increase your Jewish literacy and help you enrich your life with Jewish values and traditions. Each session will provide an overview of a core Jewish topic, from the calendar and Jewish holidays, to the life cycle, to foundational Jewish texts and Jewish history. Open to the entire congregation, this class is especially designed to allow JLL parents an opportunity to share in their children’s journey of Jewish learning during JLL hours. Each month’s topic will be shared in advance via the eblast and JLL communications. Feel free to join us each month, or to drop in for a topic that interests you, and bring all of the Jewish questions you’ve never had a chance to ask!
Adult Learning: Introduction to Talmud
Led by Rabbi Jonathan Blake
Thursdays, January 12, 19, 26, and February 2, 9 at 10:15 am (Zoom)
Join Rabbi Blake and fellow learners for a weekly deep dive into the spiritually nourishing and intellectually challenging world of the Babylonian Talmud. For this midwinter learning series, we will explore signature Talmudic passages that shed light on Jewish philosophy, ethics, observance, and law, with a focus on the content and form of rabbinic thought and debate. No prior text/Hebrew experience is required. All are welcome. Class meets weekly for 90 minutes over Zoom, from 10:15 – 11:45 am. Contact receptionist@wrtemple.org for Zoom information.
Mussar – Measuring What Matters
Led by Rabbi Sasha Baken
Thursdays, January 12 and February 9 at 6:45 pm (Zoom)
Between the 11th and 18th centuries, individual Jewish scholars developed the study and practice of Mussar as a field of Jewish thought and spiritual growth. Many of these authors were unaware they were contributing to a burgeoning canon of Mussar literature. Mussar emerged as a movement and a pedagogy in the 19th century when Rabbi Israel Lipkin of Salant codified Mussar literature and popularized the study and practice of Mussar. In the modern era, Mussar is recognized as a spiritual practice that utilizes tools such as text study, journaling, and meditating in effort to understand various character traits (middot, literally “measures”) that each of us embodies such as generosity, anger, humility and trust. Together we will employ these tools and focus on texts from sages like Rabbi Bahya Ibn Paquda, The Ramban, Rabbi Moshe Chayim Luzatto and Rav Shlomo Wolbe, so that each of us can explore our individual paths toward internal spiritual balance.
Advanced Hebrew Bible Class: A Study Of Tanach
Led by Jane Roberts
Wednesdays, from 10:00 am to 11:30 am
Students must have knowledge of Torah, Hebrew roots and basic Hebrew vocabulary, and a familiarity with the Siddur. For more information about sign-up and fees, please contact Jane Roberts at janerteach@aol.com.
Additional Classes, Special Lectures, Events, and Trips
Each season, new and special classes, lectures, and events are led by our clergy and guest teachers on a variety of topics. Please check our quarterly bulletin (via the button at the bottom of our homepage) to see the exciting programs offered this season!