Adult Jewish Learning
Generously supported by the Elaine Belle Krasik Fund for Adult Education.
Explore Ongoing and Upcoming Learning Opportunities
The Wisdom of Abraham Joshua Heschel
Tuesday, March 19 @ 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM EDTHeschel was one of the greatest Jewish thinkers of the twentieth century. He wrote on wonder and the human spirit – in a language that all can understand. He was poetic, moving and insightful. In this new course, Rabbi Schiff will discuss the amazing insights of a modern spiritual master.
Ethics & Crossroads
Wednesday, March 20 @ 7:00 PM - 9:15 PM EDT$300 for this 25-Session Series (Book Included):
Wednesdays at 7:00 PM, Sept. 27, 2023 – May 15, 2024.
Please Note: No class on Nov. 22, Dec. 20, 27, Jan. 3-31, Feb. 7, 28, Apr. 24.
Two Melton Courses Back-to-back!
Ethics
How do Jewish teachings shed light on contemporary issues such as the environment, inter-personal relationships, end-of-life decisions, and stem-cell research? This course explores the wisdom of rabbis and thinkers.Crossroads
With an emphasis on reclaiming the richness of Jewish history, this chronological exploration investigates significant crossroads where Jews took major decisions that shaped our shared identity and destiny.Here's a taste of the topics we'll cover:
Social media ethics, organ donation, suicide, honoring aging parents, sexuality, marriage, divorce, fertility treatment, abortion, gender fluidity, euthanasia, artificial intelligence, war, animal experimentation, environmental ethics and so much more!A History of the Arab-Israel-Iran Conflict: All You Need to Know
Thursday, March 21 @ 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM EDTUnderstanding and explaining Israel’s current position requires knowledge of history. In this 10-part course, Rabbi Schiff will provide a full overview of the regional conflict that Israel has experienced over the last century. What pivotal moments brought us to where we now are, and what might that mean about where the conflict is headed?
Torah 2
Monday, March 25 @ 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM EDT$225 for this 25-Session Series:
Mondays at 9:30 AM, Oct. 9 – May 13, 2024.
Please Note: No class on Nov. 20, Dec. 25, Jan. 1, 8, 15, Apr. 22, 29.
Understanding the Torah and what it asks of us is perhaps one of the most important things that a Jew can learn. In Torah 2, Rabbi Schiff will explore the second half of Leviticus and all of Numbers and Deuteronomy. This is a great opportunity to get a systematic understanding of Judaism’s foundational text.Leading a Post-October 7th Seder
Sunday, April 14 @ 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM EDTAre you ready to lead a Seder in the wake of all that has happened in the last few months? Do you need some help in providing your Seder with meaning and significance at this critical time for Jews and Jewish identity? If so, then this session is for you. Rabbi Schiff will offer materials designed to make this year’s Seder experience as fulfilling as possible.
Pirkei Avot—Illuminating Chapters From the Mishnah
Wednesday, May 1 @ 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM EDTPittsburgh, PA 15213 United States + Google Map
The classic Jewish text, Pirkei Avot, is regularly studied in the weeks between Pesach and Shavuot. Part of the Mishnah, Pirkei Avot provides a wonderful insight into the observations and pithy teachings of some of the great sages of the Jewish tradition. In this class, Rabbi Schiff will teach Pirkei Avot through a contemporary lens. No prior knowledge is required. Co-sponsored with Rodef Shalom Congregation.
Continuing Legal Education Series
The Alan Papernick Educational Institute Endowment Fund presents a 6-Part Series taught by Gefsky Community Scholar Rabbi Dr. Danny Schiff.
Earn 2 ethics credits per class!
Cost with credit: $195 series/$35 each individual class
Cost without credit: $165 series/$30 each individual class
CLE: The Legal Dimensions of Shabbat
Thursday, March 28 @ 8:30 AM - 10:45 AM EDTIn an age in which most “blue laws” have been forgotten, and in which we are apt to see the Sabbath as a religious institution, it is easy to forget that, historically, the parameters of Sabbath observance were precisely legislated. In this CLE, Rabbi Schiff will discuss the Shabbat as a legal institution in American and Jewish law.
CLE: Kedoshim
Thursday, May 9 @ 8:30 AM - 10:45 AM EDTPittsburgh, PA 15213 United States + Google Map
Sometimes, legal systems enact provisions that directly seek to elevate human conduct. Jewish law does just that. In this special in-person CLE, Rabbi Schiff will explore the fundamental section of the Torah called “Kedoshim” (elevated behavior), and will clarify the intent of the numerous legal provisions to be found there.
CLE: Risk-Taking: How Much Danger Does Jewish Law Permit?
Thursday, June 6 @ 8:30 AM - 10:45 AM EDTPeople regularly engage in extraordinarily risky activities. Is this Jewishly allowed? Given that everything we do contains some danger, how would we know when the risk is too great? Can a Jew go bungee jumping? In this CLE, we will consider the limits of risk-taking from the perspective of Jewish law.