Adult Education

Adult Learning and Reflection at Dorshei Tzedek

All classes and programs take place at 60 Highland Street in West Newton, in the Second Church of Newton, and are open to the community unless otherwise indicated. A flyer listing all of these events is at the bottom of this page.

Exploring Exodus

with Rev. Alvan Johnson, Rabbi Toba Spitzer, and Rabbi Shahar Colt
(for members of Grant A.M.E. Church and Congregation Dorshei Tzedek)

The story of the Israelites’ Exodus from slavery in Egypt is the “master narrative” of the Jewish people, and  has  inspired  African-American  struggles  for  freedom  from  slavery  through  the Civil  Rights movement. In  this  class,  we  will  do  a  close  reading of  the  Biblical  book  of  Exodus  and  examine commentaries from the Jewish tradition, Black liberation theology, and contemporary authors. We will learn not only from the text but from one another, as we wrestle together with timeless questions of oppression and resistance, the burdens of leadership and the challenges of becoming free.

Meets Thursday evenings, Jan. 31, Feb. 14 & 28, March 14 & 28, April 11, 7:15pm-9:00pm, in West Newton and Roxbury. We ask that participants make a commitment to attend all of the classes.

Because class size is limited, we cannot guarantee a seat in this class. Please register your interest at this link; those interested will receive an email from Rabbi Toba confirming registration.

Ongoing Programs:

Shabbat Morning Torah Study

with Rabbi Toba Spitzer
Saturdays, 8:45am
2018-2019: October 6, November 10, December 8, January 12, February 9, March 9, April 6, May 11, June 1

Each month before the Shabbat morning service, we will explore the parshat hashavua, the weekly Torah portion, through the lens of commentaries both traditional and contemporary. No prior experience in Torah study is necessary. Bring your own caffeinated beverage!

Mindful Mornings

Thursday mornings, 8:30am-9:15am

This weekly gathering combines guided and silent meditation to develop our capacity for mindful awareness, and to help us cultivate qualities of patience, gratitude, and compassion. On the first Thursday of each month, Karen Arnold will lead a meditation based on the weekly Torah portion. On the second Thursday of each month, Rabbi Toba Spitzer will incorporate chant (the singing of simple Hebrew phrases from liturgy and biblical texts) as well as mindfulness meditation. At other sessions, Carole Slipowitz and other CDT members will facilitate the meditation. All are welcome, whether experienced in meditation or not.

No need to make a weekly commitment; join us when you’re able! For more information, please contact mindful-mornings-leaders@dorsheitzedek.org.

Exploring the Bible

with Dr. Sanford Goldfless
Meets weekly through May

In this class we get familiar with the Jewish Bible (the Tanach or Torah, Prophets, and Writings) by reading it in English and discussing large parts of it together. We often look at the biblical text from a historical perspective, and we always pay attention to the literary features of the text that are essential for conveying its meaning. We also enjoy conversation about the course of Jewish history and culture through the ages.

The class is very low key and interactive and is open to all Dorshei Tzedek members and their friends.

Cost: $15 per session (fee can be reduced to whatever you feel comfortable with)
Contact Stan Fleischman at: stanfma@gmail.com or 617-332-5433 for more information.

Film Club

See more information about the film club here.

Click Here for Adult Learning Flyers!

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