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Now Go & Learn...Jewish Information Class starts October 21
By Cantor Melanie Cooperman
Have you ever lit candles, sung a familiar tune, or sat at a seder and wondered why we do it this way? Or are you newer to Jewish life and looking for a welcoming place to begin?
Join us for our Jewish Information Class, part of the Miller Introduction to Judaism curriculum. Over 14 sessions, we'll explore the Jewish story from Torah to the State of Israel, along with the festivals, Shabbat, the Days of Awe, theology, sacred texts, lifecycle celebrations, and the questions Jews have wrestled with for centuries.
Everyone is welcome. If you're Jewish and want to deepen your connection, this class is for you. If you're not Jewish and have a Jewish partner, child, or friend, or if you're simply curious and want to learn more about Judaism, you are welcome. You don't need any background or prior knowledge, just an open mind and a willingness to ask questions.
Rabbi Gropper, our rabbinic intern Lisa Schnapper, and I will be teaching, and we can't wait to learn alongside you. Here's what one participant from last year's cohort said:
"I loved that it brought together people at all different
points in their Jewish journeys. We went beyond learning
what we do and explored the deeper meaning
behind our traditions, rituals, and symbols.
Rabbi Gropper and Cantor Cooperman brought
everything to life with stories, music, food,
videos, and humor. I walked away with a deeper
appreciation for Judaism and would recommend t
his class to anyone looking to learn, grow,
or reconnect with their Jewish faith."
Course details
When: Every other Wednesday, 7:00 to 9:00 PM, beginning October 21 and running through May
Where: Community Synagogue of Rye
Cost: $374.40, including processing fee, which covers all sessions. If cost is a challenge, please reach out to Rabbi Gropper.
The Talmud tells of a man who asked Hillel to teach him the whole Torah while standing on one foot. Hillel answered: "What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbor. That is the whole Torah; the rest is commentary. Now go and learn."
We hope you'll join us as we learn together.
Wishing you a Shabbat Shalom,
Cantor Melanie Cooperman
P.S. This week, as we marked three years since October 7th, our 5th graders at the Center for Jewish Learning (CJL) created stones with messages of hope for Israel. The activity was led by Lia Barel, our CJL shinshinit (Israel emissary). Here’s a glimpse of their work:
