CHOOSE YOUR FAVORITE OPPORTUNITIES TO LEARN AND GROW...

At Ahavat Torah Congregation, there are lots of choices of profound classes and lively discussion groups. Whether you have a lifetime of Jewish experiences or this is all new to you, the classes and discussions are welcoming and easy-to-enter. Some of the choices are:

Weekly Mussar Class | Every Saturday morning from 9am-10am in the Fireside Room of 343 Church Lane in Brentwood, just prior to Shabbat services, there is a warm, friendly, and inspiring class with Rabbi Miriam that explores Jewish writings on how to respond with compassion and wisdom to life’s toughest challenges—the moments when your family members, your friends, your co-workers, or a stranger in the market present you with an intriguing dilemma on whether you are truly going to live up to your highest principles. The tradition of Mussar (individual character refinement) in Judaism will introduce you to great rabbinic teachings and these classes allow each unique person to wrestle with these writings in a supportive atmosphere. All are welcome. Come and bring a friend. There is no charge. Just bring a willingness to learn and grow from the profound inner-work teachings of some of our greatest teachers.

Weekly Torah Class | Have you ever wanted to understand more deeply the Torah portions and the Prophetic writings? Rabbi Miriam leads a class each Thursday morning from 10-11:30 am to discuss the Torah portion of the week (Parashat Hashavuah).  The group meets in members homes. Call Pattye at (310) 391-4301 to check where the group will be meeting. All are welcome to delve into our weekly learning sessions. You will love the teachings and discover values and wisdom relevant to your life. You will understand the weekly Torah portion like you never did before. We will share pot luck dairy lunch. Come and bring a friend. There is no charge.

Tuesday Night Special Midrashah Topics | Throughout the year, we have special topics discussed on Tuesday nights from 7-9pm. Recently we have explored “Jewish Meditation Practices,” “How to Create an Ethical Will for Your Loved Ones,” “Going Deeper into High Holy Day Prayers,” “Going Deeper into Shabbat Prayers,” “Understanding the Spiritual Meaning of Jewish Holidays,” etc. To find out about upcoming Tuesday night study topics and locations, check the CALENDAR of Events, watch the Newsletter, or contact:  Rena Jaffe @ jaffefam5@hotmail.com.

Book Club Meetings After Services | On the first Shabbat of most months, a book club meets over lunch after services to discuss Jewish novels and non-fiction books selected by the participants. All are welcome. Please watch the weekly Newsletter for information about the next Book Club meeting.

Torah Nosh Discussions After Services | On the fourth Shabbat of most months, anyone can join a circle of friendly individuals discussing the deeper meanings of the weekly Torah portion (with a little bit of dessert on the side). Led by Ahavat Torah member Judy Weintraub.  This conversation in the Social Hall of 343 Church Lane welcomes beginners and experienced Torah students.

Occasional Weekend Salons | Quite often on a Sunday afternoon several times each year, members and guests get together for a Salon, which means we have the opportunity to hear from an author, artist, or activist about something that is deeply moving and inspiring. Started a few years ago by Ahavat Torah member Gloria Orenstein, the Salons have introduced us to the paintings of a Jewish mystic, the stories of a courageous Holocaust survivor, the artistic/legal battle for the Gustav Klimt paintings, the history of the hidden Jews of Spanish ancestry, and several other unforgettable afternoon discussions.

Please keep your eyes on the weekly newsletter to find out when the next Salon will be and feel free to bring a friend to these spiritually and culturally enriching sessions.