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Lifelong Learning

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 execadmin@agudasachim-va.org.
 
 

Classes 5785/5786 (2025-2026)

Ongoing  
Daf HaShavua – Weekly Talmud Study - Jewish civil law
Fridays | 9 - 10 a.m.
Teacher: Rabbi Steven Rein
Where do we meet? Virtual only -- Connect with Zoom.
Long before there was an American legal system, our sages established a comprehensive tradition to adjudicate civil law. This class will study Massekhet Bava Kama - Tractate Bava Kama - 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.)
 
Parashat HaShavua - study of the weekly torah portion
Every Shabbat | 9 - 9:30 a.m.
Class will resume with Parashat Bereishit
Teacher: Rabbi Steven Rein
Where do we meet? In-person only
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!
 
Fall 2025
Jewish ritual: the Basics
Tuesdays | 8-9 p.m.
Class begins November 4, 2025 and runs until May 5, 2026
Teacher: Hazzan Elisheva Dienstfrey
Where do we meet? In-person at Agudas Achim and Zoom option. 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
 
Fall 2025 & Winter 2026
LIBERAL ZIONISM FOR THE 21st CENTURY
Thursdays | 7-8:30 p.m.
Class begins November 13, 2025 and runs until January 29, 2026
(For specific dates and if you would like to join please reach out to Beth Knobler)
Teacher: Rabbi Steven Rein
Where do we meet? In-person only at Agudas Achim
From the Shalom Hartman Institute in Jerusalem, this class is dedicated to understanding liberal Zionism in this challenging moment.
 
Winter 2026
INTRO TO JUDAISM
Mondays|7-9 p.m.
Class begins February 2, 2026 and runs 18 sessions (dates TBA)
If you would like to join please reach out to Beth Knobler
Teacher: AAC Community Member, Pablo Zylberglait
Where do we meet? In-person only at Agudas Achim
Always been curious about Judaism? Never paid attention in Hebrew school? Thinking about (or is someone you love thinking about) officially joining the tribe?   
 
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.
 
Special Offerings
Check back later for special offerings.
 
Thu, January 22 2026 4 Shevat 5786