Lifelong Learning
Lifelong learning is one of the three pillars of our Jewish Values. We are each encouraged to engage in spiritual and intellectual growth throughout our lives to bring us closer to God and to enrich our personal and Jewish lives.
Here at Agudas Achim we embrace this principle by providing access to a rich selection of classes.
We offer programming for various backgrounds and levels of education, from entry level through the deeply immersed, to address the needs of the broadest possible cross-section of our community. You are encouraged to explore the classes listed below and the many offerings on the events calendar of this website, and engage.
To register for any of our offerings, please email .
Classes 5787 (2026-2027)
Ongoing
Daf HaShavua - Weekly Talmud Study - Jewish Civil Law
Fridays, 9:00-10:00 am
Long before there was an American legal system, our sages established a comprehensive tradition to adjudicate civil law. This class will study Tractate Megillah – to analyze the range of responsibility and compensation for damages caused to another’s body or property. (No prior Talmud study or legal background required. Text is in English.)
Teacher
Rabbi Steven Rein
Where do we meet?
Virtual only – Connect with Zoom
Parashat HaShavua - Study of the Weekly Torah Portion
Every Shabbat, 9:00-9:30 am
Participate in a lively discussion of the week’s Torah portion for half an hour before the start of Shabbat morning services. Newcomers always welcome! Class will resume with Parashat Bereishit.
Teacher:
Rabbi Steven Rein
Where do we meet?
In-person only
Fall 2026 & Winter 2027
The Laws of Kashrut
Thursdays, 7:00-8:30 pm
From Primary Sources to the Contemporary Kitchen
What makes food kosher—and how are the Torah’s commandments translated into practice in the contemporary kitchen? Through a close study of primary Jewish sources, we will explore the foundations and practical application of the laws of kashrut. Together, we will examine both the halakhic reasoning behind these laws and the everyday questions that arise in observing them.
Oct: 13, 20, 27
Nov: 3, 10, 17
Dec: 1, 8, 15
Jan 5, 12
Teacher:
Rabbi Steven Rein
Where do we meet?
In-person only at Agudas Achim
Understanding the Halakhic Process
Thursdays, 7:00-8:30 pm
Study of Select Teshuvot from the Committee on Jewish Law and Standards
How does Jewish law respond to new questions and changing circumstances? Through a close study of selected responsa from the Committee on Jewish Law and Standards, we will examine contemporary questions ranging from online minyanim and abbreviated prayer to lab-grown meat, alternative burial practices, and charitable gifts from ill-gotten gains. Together, we will explore how rabbis interpret sacred texts, weigh precedent and competing values, and apply an ancient legal tradition to the realities of modern life.
Jan: 26
Feb: 2, 9, 16, 23
Mar: 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Apr: 6, 13
Teacher:
Rabbi Steven Rein
Where do we meet?
In-person only at Agudas Achim
Jewish Ritual: the Basics
Tuesdays, 8:00-9:00 pm
In this class focused on Jewish ritual, we will study the basics of ritual observed at the synagogue and in the home through lecture, discussion, prayer, music, and more. This is part of a three-year course that will culminate in an adult B’nai Mitzvah ceremony in the spring of 2028.
Teacher:
Hazzan Elisheva Dienstfrey
Where do we meet?
In-person at Agudas Achim and Zoom option
Intro to Judaism
Thursdays | 7:00 p.m. Beginning on October 8
Intro to Judaism is returning on Thursdays after the High Holidays on Oct. 8! If you are interested in joining this 18-session course, please contact Beth () in order to register for the course and be on the email list for this class to receive updates.
Introduction to Judaism covers Judaism’s biggest and most live-changing ideas, as well as the nuts-and-bolts of daily Jewish living. The class is geared towards both Jews and non-Jews who want to learn more about Judaism as a whole. Bring your questions and explore the wisdom, depth, and joy of Jewish living. .
Teacher:
AAC Community Member, Lillian Finegold-Sachs
Where do we meet?
In-person only at Agudas Achim
Special Offerings
Check back later for special offerings.
