Learn with Us This Winter

Whether you're beginning to explore Judaism or want to deepen your knowledge, our classes and lectures offer a range of topics and perspectives on Jewish text, history, and liturgy. Discover new Jewish books and explore Jewish communities around the world with our gifted JCC faculty and visiting lecturers.

Questions? Contact Rachel Kunstadt, Director of Adult Jewish Learning, at rkunstadt@mmjccm.org.

CJL Winter Classes

What the Bible Says + What It Doesn't | Rabbi Jeremy Rosen
Explore the Bible with scholar and popular JCC teacher Rabbi Jeremy Rosen, who combines his academic, philosophical, and traditional training to deepen and challenge the experience of reading biblical text. No knowledge of either the Bible or Hebrew required.
8 Mondays, Jan 18–Mar 8, 1:30–2:30 pm, $160/$180
For more info and to register, click here.

In the Waters of a New Administration:
An Inauguration Mikveh Exploration | Rabbi Sara Luria
Mikveh (ritual bath) immersion is an ancient practice that honors the sacred nature of our experiences and our bodies. On erev (the evening before) Inauguration Day, we will explore the use of mikveh for community, societal, and personal transition. ImmerseNYC founder Rabbi Sara Luria and musician Elana Arian, along with volunteer mikveh guides, will lead an evening of study, discussion, and a hand-washing ritual. Please have a bowl of water and a hand towel to participate in the ritual. Sponsored by ImmerseNYC.
Tue, Jan 19, 7–8 pm, $10
For more info and to register, click here.

Book Talk: The Apple and the Shady Tree—The Mafia, My Family, and Me
They say that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, but what if your family tree is linked to the Mafia? Join us for an evening with Lisa Novick Goldberg, who will discuss her memoir, The Apple and the Shady Tree–The Mafia, My Family, and Me, about how her familial relations to the Mafia profoundly shaped her life. Radio host, writer, and author Amy Guth will interview Goldberg.
Wed, Jan 27, 7:30–8:30 pm, $8/$10
For more info and to register, click here.

Performing the Patriarchs and Matriarchs: Writing Bibliodrama | Betsy Shevey, Ph.D.
Torah is filled with characters and conflicts that are ineffable and expressive, intimate and eternal. In this class, we will explore an open-ended, noncritical, and fun process of imaginative playtime, creating monologues, dialogues, stand-up, songs, and stories in personal and creative response to the sacred time and space of our tradition. Open to all learners.
4 Thursdays, Jan 28–Feb 18, 1–2:30 pm, $80/$90
For more info and to register, click here.

Judaism, Christianity and Islam:
A Study in the Three Abrahamic Religions | Rabbi Adam Mintz
We will explore the relationship between Judaism and the two religions that evolved from and parallel to Judaism. This is a topic that is both historically fascinating and relevant in the modern age. While this class is a continuation of the one offered in the fall semester, new students are welcome.
Part 2 | 4 Tuesdays, Feb 9–Mar 2, 8–9 pm, $80/$100
For more info and to register, click here.
Part 3 | 4 Tuesdays, Apr 13–May 4, 8–9 pm, $80/$100
For more info and to register, click here.

The Jews of China | Andrée Aelion Brooks
Jews have been traveling back and forth across Asia, and forming communities in China, since biblical times. The three main settlements were in Kaifeng, Harbin, and Shanghai. Who were these Jews? And what were their motivations for traveling so far? We will look at their histories to try to understand their unique backgrounds, experiences, and incentives.
4 Wednesdays, Mar 3–24, 12:30–1:30 pm, $80/$90
For more info and to register, click here.

Explorations of Exodus: The Missing Pesach Story| Rabbi Adam Mintz + Shira Hecht-Koller, Esq.
The Passover seder is dedicated to recounting the story of the Exodus from Egypt, but, oddly, the haggadah itself says little about what actually happened at the Exodus and how it happened. In this class, we will study the biblical Exodus narrative in depth, with a focus on its key players and events, and compare it to what we find in the haggadah. The series is cosponsored by 929 English, the global platform for the study of Tanakh.
4 Wednesdays, Mar 3–24, 8–9 pm, $90/$100
For more info and to register, click here .