Learning and teaching are vibrant, ongoing activities at the SAJ. Formal study opportunities, taught by our Rabbi and Cantor and by guest teachers, occur on weekdays and Shabbat. Informal learning sessions, including discussion and study groups led by congregants, are a regular feature of the SAJ community.

Rabbi's Classes

Rabbi Strassfeld regularly conducts a weekday evening course on a selected topic. Classes, which meet at the SAJ or are presented live via a webcast, are free to congregants.

Synaplex Shabbat

A key focus of Synaplex, which occurs about one Shabbat a month, is adult learning. In addition to the regular Shabbat learning during the service, two to four different classes are taught in the afternoon by our staff and/or outside experts.

Scholar-in-Residence

For 2007-8: Dr. Mara Benjamin.

Annual Shabbaton

At a yearly event in the fall after the holiday period, an expert teacher gives a series of three lectures on a particular theme. Sessions take place on Friday night, Saturday afternoon, and Sunday morning. The Friday night talk is preceded by a congregational dinner. This event is generally part of a Synaplex Shabbat.

See a brief description.

Also see the Synaplex program guide.

Classes

Our scholar-in-residence will also be teaching classes during the year.

Tikkun Leil Shavuot

On the evening of Shavuot, there is a tradition of studying all night. At the SAJ we have offered two formats of learning on this special evening: several one-hour sessions led by congregants, or a lecture given by Rabbi Strassfeld. In either case, a Q&A period follows. The celebration also includes a potluck dinner. See the calendar for dates and times.

SAJ Retreat

Late each spring, we gather for a weekend retreat in the countryside to enjoy the fresh air, nature, good food, and fun activities, and to focus our learning on a particular theme.

Learner’s Minyan

Participants have a chance to learn about the ins and outs of the Shabbat morning service in a warm, nonjudgmental setting. This is a drop-in program, and no special registration is required. Rabbi Joy Levitt, Executive Director of the JCC in Manhattan, leads the sessions.

See the calendar for specific dates and time.

Torah Discussion during Shabbat Services

During morning services, participants engage in a discussion, facilitated by the Rabbi, of the Torah portion or another significant topic. Everyone at the service, congregant or visitor, is encouraged to add to the conversation.

Classes in Hebrew Language

Cantor Stevens regularly conducts classes in Hebrew language reading and tutors b’nai mitzvah students, both children and adults, in cantillation. In addition, she offers help to congregants preparing to read Torah, Haftarah, or Megillah.

Meditation or Nigun Services

Friday night meditation or nigun services are often followed by a pot luck dinner and a special program on a topic related to Jewish spirituality. See the calendar for specific dates and time.

Congregant-led Classes

Knowledgeable congregants donate their time and expertise by conducting classes for synagogue members each semester. Classes are free and meet at the SAJ.

The Tish

Each Saturday before morning services, a congregant gives a short presentation on a topic of Jewish or personal interest. A Q & A and group discussion follow the presentation. See more details in the Spritual Life section, or go directly to the Tish Schedule.

Family Programming for Holidays

Our Education Director, Gidon Isaacs, leads holiday programming for Hebrew School families.