Instructor: Susan Werk
Time: 10:30 am - Noon
Dates: October 16, 23, 30; November 6, 13, 20, 27; December 4, 11, 18
Location: Adult Lounge - IN PERSON ONLY
So much Jewish Pop Culture to talk about! Join Susan Werk for coffee and entertaining conversation.
Instructor: Deborah Orens
Time: 12:15 pm
Dates: October 16, 23, 30; November 6, 13, 20, 27; December 4, 11, 18
Location: Adult Lounge - IN PERSON ONLY
Everybody has problems in Venice! Shylock is a Jewish moneylender because there are very few other options in Venice. Everyone needs Shylock in this commercial capital, but they certainly resent him. Bassanio is a handsome profligate, who wants to marry a rich woman from Belmont, Portia. She, however, cannot choose a husband, since she is bound by her father’s will that her husband be successful at a “strange” challenge. Bassanio needs money to woo Portia, so asks his rich, older friend, Antonio to borrow money. It is well known that Antonio loves Bassanio, so sets out to get money for his friend’s venture from “The Jew.” Problems: From a Shakespearean point of view, is this a comedy or tragedy…to be discussed. Is Portia as noble and wise as some maintain, or is she a flighty female with a sadistic edge? Is Bassanio a true gentleman, or a user? Just what is the basis of Antonio’s “love” for his friend? Does Shylock initially seek Antonio’s death through the “merry bond,” or is he pushed towards vengeance through the actions of the characters. AND THE BIG QUESTION…is this an anti-Semitic or antiChristian play…also to be discussed. Please join Deborah Orens to watch the play (technology permitting), read the highlights of the play together, and discuss these and other controversial questions. On October 16, a dairy lunch will be provided – afterwards please bring a bagged dairy lunch – we will provide drinks!
Instructor: Rabbi Marge Wise
Time: 8:00 pm
Dates: October 16, 23, 30; November 6, 13, 20, 27; December 4, 11, 18
Location: ON ZOOM ONLY
I didn't know that 's (fill in the blank) Jewish roots played such a big role in who they are/were! We hear that a lot in this class. Rabbi Wise selects and welcomes suggestions for Jewish women and men who have made an impact, and she discusses how their Judaism has informed their vast contributions to both the Jewish world as well as to the world in general. Please join us you'll be glad you did!
Instructor: Rabbi Emeritus Alan Silverstein
Time: 9:30 am
Dates: First class is November 1
Location: ON ZOOM ONLY
Instructor: Rabbi Emeritus Alan Silverstein
Time: 10:30 am
Dates: First class is November 1
Location: ON ZOOM ONLY
All weekly Adult Education classes are FREE for CAI Members and $240 for Nonmembers. Donations are always appreciated. Registration is required unless otherwise noted. For classes held on Zoom, links will be emailed upon registration.
Instructor: Rabbi Emeritus Alan Silverstein
Time: 9:30 am
Dates: First class is November 2
Location: ON ZOOM ONLY
TaNaKh
Instructor: Rabbi Ari Lucas
Time: Noon
Dates: October 12, 19, 26; November 2, 9, 16; December 7, 14, 21
Location: ON ZOOM ONLY
We will work our way through the Hebrew Bible (TaNaKh) covering one chapter each session. There are 929 chapters so we should cover the whole Bible in under 20 years! No previous knowledge necessary. The first 10-15 minutes of each session will be dedicated to simply reading the verses in Hebrew and in English, and then we’ll discuss themes, commentary, questions. We’ll draw from resources on the 929 website.
Instructor: Rabbi Richard Hammerman
Time: 8:45-9:15 am, following morning minyan
Dates: October 13 through May 17, 2024
Location: Library and on Zoom (Friday morning minyan link -
Join Here Meeting ID: 958 825 213 | Passcode: Daven)
An open-ended study of the prophetic messages for the “special Shabbatot” and hagim. All are welcome — no previous background necessary!
A full list of service times and events can be found at agudath.org/calendar
Instructor: Rabbi Marge Wise
Time: 10:00 am
Dates: October 20, 27; November 3, 10, 17*; December 1, 8, 15*, 22
*Classes on November 17 and December 15 will start at 9:30 am
Location: ON ZOOM ONLY
Is a mitzvah a good deed? Is the Haftarah a "half" of the Torah? Why do we put stones on the graves of our loved ones? Is Judaism a religion of superstition? This is a small sampling of questions people ask. Rabbi Wise answers these questions and more like them. What is fun and interesting is that one question leads to another and often, one of our class members will say, “I always wondered about that — now I know!” Rabbi Wise invites you to join the fun and increase your knowledge at the same time!
Instructor: Susan Werk
Time: 9:00 am
Dates: Every Saturday
Location: Library - IN PERSON ONLY
A lively adult conversation on the weekly Torah reading.
Talmud Study
Instructor: Dr. Arnold Brenner
Times/Dates: Every Saturday following mincha and every Sunday at 8:15 am on the regular minyan links
Location: Library and on Zoom
Instructors: Rabbi Ari Lucas and Rabbi Sara Blumenthal
Time: 9:30-11:00 am
Dates: October 29; November 5, 19; December 3, 10, 17; January 21, 28; February 4, 11, 25; March 3, 10, 17, 24; April 7, 14
Location: Adult Lounge - IN PERSON ONLY
A SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY FOR OUR RELIGIOUS SCHOOL AND DAY SCHOOL PARENTS
Prayer is an important part of Jewish spiritual life, but it's also difficult to access. We'll take a closer look at some core Jewish prayers with a focus on building confidence to participate in prayer services as well as exploring the deeper meaning of the prayers themselves.
Wednesday Wellness
Instructor: Nurse Karen Frank
Time: 3:00 pm
Dates: September 6, October 4, November 1, December 6
Location: ON ZOOM ONLY - Join Here Meeting ID: 987 279 9831
Online discussion on how we can best stay well physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
Friday Coping Group
Instructor: CAI’s JFS Zeller Family
Social Worker Andrea Malmud
Time: 1:00 pm
Dates: Every Friday
Location: ON ZOOM ONLY - Join Here Meeting ID: 881 5643 4319
Online discussion is not HIPAA compliant.
Time: 3:00 pm
Dates: Fridays, September 1; October 6, 20; November 3, 17; December 1, 15
Location: ON ZOOM ONLY - Join Here Meeting ID: 987 279 9831
Shabbat is the time for quieting, stepping back from the hectic workday world, and entering a time of peacefulness and communion with nature and spirit. Begin your Shabbat with meditation. You will feel a sense of peace, tranquility, and awareness that will enhance your Shabbat experience.
Talmud For Everyone: The study of Talmud (the 63-volume trove of Jewish law and theology) can be a rich and rewarding spiritual experience, but it's not easy to understand. This class will focus equally on content as well as building skills and confidence to access Talmud. We will meet monthly at a local café (specific dates/times/and location TBD). If you're interested in this opportunity to connect to this central Jewish text and to your fellow community members, please email alucas@agudath.org for more information. (Beginning in November 2023/Heshvan 5784)
Neshama Singers: Rehearsals most Tuesday evenings during the year, 7:459:00 pm in the Sanctuary. We'll prepare a cappella music to sing in harmony for various Shabbat morning services. Choral experience a plus but not required. Hebrew reading also not required, but you do need to be able to match pitch and hold on to your part. Contact Cantor Joel Caplan at jcaplan@agudath.org for more information.
Instructor: Max Kleinman
Time: 10:30 am
Dates: October 13, November 17, December 15, January 19, February 9, March 15, April 19, May 17
Location: ON ZOOM ONLY
An interactive discussion of major news events and developments, with particular emphasis on Jewish concerns and issues. Max Kleinman is a columnist on current events for New Jersey Jewish News. Max previously served as CEO of Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest for 20 years.
Instructor: Ellen Berkowitz
Time: 7:45-8:45 pm
Dates: October 5, November 2, December 7, January 4, February 1, March 7, April 4, May 2, Wednesday, June 5
Location: Social Hall West Room - IN PERSON ONLY
Cost: Free for CAI Members; $5/Class/Nonmember
Israeli dancing is a great way to exercise, learn Hebrew, build self confidence, and have fun with old and new friends. Join CAI congregant and Israeli dance instructor, Ellen Berkowitz for monthly adult classes. All skill levels welcome!
Snerson
Time: 11:00 am
Next Meeting: Tuesday, October 3
Location: CAI’s Sukkah - IN PERSON ONLY
CAI's Create for a Cause group has made and donated hundreds of items for various organizations in our community. If you love to knit, crochet, sew or just be creative, this is the group for you! This extra special session will feature a crochet class with Susan Werk. All skill levels are welcome. To RSVP to the meeting, or if you have any questions, please contact Caryn at agudathcfc@gmail.com
In Commemoration of Kristallnacht
Sponsored by the Toby Shapiro Library Fund
Date: Tuesday, November 7
As an orphaned survivor and witness to the horrors of Auschwitz, Elie Wiesel (1928–2016) compelled the world to confront the Holocaust with his searing memoir Night. How did this soft-spoken man from a small Carpathian town become such an influential figure on the world stage? Drawing on Wiesel’s prodigious literary output and interviews with his family, friends, scholars, and critics, Joseph Berger seeks to answer this question.
Time: 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Date: Sunday, November 12
Cost: $10/Person
As one of the most iconic neighborhoods in NYC, it is no surprise Greenwich Village is also one of its most historic and politically charged. From NYU and Washington Square Park, to its legendary music venues, to the famous people who lived there, to its cultural impact, the Village is as popular today as when Dylan, Springsteen, Hendrix, Ginsberg and others roamed the streets looking for gigs.
But did you know the Jewish History of Greenwich Village goes back well over 200 years?
Congregation Darech Amuno, now housed in a 150 year old converted townhouse, has existed in the Village since 1838. One of the oldest Jewish cemeteries in the country is hidden in plain sight on West 10th Street. One of the first homes of Temple Emanu-El was in a converted Baptist Church on East 12th Street from 1854-1868. Add this and other sites to the great list of Jewish musicians, artists, and activists who lived in the Village and you have many interesting things to appreciate.
Join urban historian, licensed tour guide, and native New Yorker Bradley Shaw as he visits these sites and tells about the rich Jewish history of Greenwich Village and NYC.
Time: 8:00 pm
Date: Thursday, November 16
Location: Adult Lounge
Our own Sam Lurie will present the historical work that he has/is doing to preserve the history of the 20th century Jewish Catskills. Egg creams will be served!
Instructor: Rabbi Azriel C.
Time: 6:30-7:00 pm Light Dairy Dinner, 7:00-9:00 pm Program
Location: Adult Lounge
Cost: CAI Members: $10 Dinner, Free Program;
Nonmembers: $10 Dinner, $15 Program
While most films and streaming programs are meant to entertain, there are some movies and TV shows which touch upon profound subjects. These films examine contemporary issues and are worthy of study and reflection. Just because these are serious works of art does not mean that they are any less compelling or enjoyable. We will be viewing excerpts, or clips, of five shows. Rabbi Fellner will introduce the film clips and then open up for discussion.
November 1, 2023: Northern Exposure: The Fish Story
Sometimes, in our lives, we seem to be running away rather than toward something. A new Midrash on the Jonah story.
December 6, 2023: About Schmidt
Jack Nicholson portrays a man whose unexamined life turns bleak and empty. He learns a profound lesson about personal existence and so do we.
January 10, 2024: There Will Be Blood
Are we drawn to the Blood of the Lamb or to the Blood of the Land? Every social group, every society, must answer that question whether caused by the Industrial Revolution or the technological landscape.
February 7, 2024: Gideon’s Crossing: The Lottery
The U-N’Taneh Tokeph prayer recited during the High Holy Days is a somber reminder of our vulnerable and uncertain fate. A doctor finds a cure for an incurable disease. The clinical trial can only accept so many patients. Who shall live and who shall not and who decides.
March 6, 2024 Seinfeld: The Anti-Dentite Episode
Are we really OK with converts to Judaism? A comic piece with a possibly dark undertone.
November 5, 2023 • Lerner Early Childhood Center Holiday Boutique
November 9, 2023 • Interfaith Committee Ecumenical Tea
November 11, 2023 • Sisterhood Shabbat
November 14, 2023 • Men's Club Texas Hold'em Poker Tournament
November 29, 2023 • Cooking Workshop and Book Discussion with author and comedian Joel Chasnoff
January 6, 2024 • Sisterhood Kugel Cook-Off
January 6, 2024 • Nefesh Mountian Concert
January 14, 2024 • Men's Club Annual Blood Drive
January 21, 2024 • CAI Party Showcase: Plan for Your Simcha
January 27, 2024 • Sixth Annual Comedy Night with comedian Cory Kahaney
February 4, 2024 • Teen/Adult Trip to Harmony on Broadway
February 9, 2024 • Super Bowl Shabbat Friday Night Family Service and Dinner
February 11, 2024 • Pickling Party with Jeffrey Yoskowitz of Gefilteria
TBA - Class with Rabbi Ari Lucas, Class with Rabbi Sara Blumenthal, Kabbalah Class with Susan Werk
