Learning

Since its inception, Congregation Kehillath Israel has been a Community of Learners.  Our commitment to education has been a core part of our DNA for a hundred years, and has resulted in the nickname “the Rabbis’ synagogue” because of the number of rabbis and professional educators who have been raised here.  We continue to strive to live up to that name.

Every year, KI chooses a “Library of Gratitude” book selection that is mailed to the entire congregation, with multiple discussion groups running concurrently throughout the community that meet monthly. With study offerings from beginning learners to weekly Talmud study, KI’s history of education continues. KI embraces Keva learning groups in conjunction with CJP, and actively promotes ways for our members to engage in regular text-based learning. Creating ways for working adults to set aside consistent time for Jewish learning that fits into the rhythms of the week is a high priority for KI. We plan to build upon the 40+ individuals currently engaged in bi-weekly learning with a study-partner (hevruta) to provide rich personal growth for many throughout our community for years to come.

🔵Winter Learning with Yael Marans
Rabbinical Student Yael Marans will lead you through several nourishing learning mini-courses. No registration is required, and these courses are at KI and online.  The Zoom link is CongKI.org/Zoom. The dates are below and you can learn more here.

Rabbi Akiva: The Talmud’s Man of Love
Tuesday, January 21st – 6:00PM, KI Library
Tuesday, January 28th – 7:30PM, KI Library

The Scroll Series: A Taste of The Five Megillot
*Note, there are 6 sessions to have one contextualizing the megillot as a group and then one session on each megillah.

Tuesdays, February 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th, March 4th, 11th

🔵One, Two, Barchu! A Course for Aspiring Shabbat Ma’ariv Leaders with Dr. Ira Kirschner
Begins January 27, 7:30PM in KI’s Chapel | SIGN UP

If you have ever attended Shabbat Maariv services and thought to yourself “I wonder if I can do that”, this course is for you! Over five sessions we will go over the Maariv service, break it down, and learn the meaning of the various prayers. We will then learn how to lead it with a traditional nusach and melodies (prayer chanting)!

At the end, our goal is that all participants will schedule themselves to lead Shabbat Maariv at KI this year. The course will also feature one on one work with the teacher, and group work on building confidence in leading the community in prayer. We will conclude this course with a Siyum (completion celebration) and workshop with Ariel Wyner, our Director of Spiritual Engagement.