Lifelong Learning

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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 5784/5785 (2024-2025)

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!

INTRO TO JUDAISM

Thursdays | Begins on April 18, 2024 - September 12, 2024 | 7 - 9 p.m. (18 classes total - see below).
Class will meet on Apr. 18 & Apr. 25, May 2, 16, 23 & 30, June 6 & 27, July 11, 18 & 25, Aug. 1, 8, 22 & 29, Sept. 5, 12 & 19.
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.

Fall 2024

Jewish ritual: the Basics

Tuesdays | 8-9 p.m.

Class begins September 3, 2024 and runs until February 19, 2025
Teacher: Hazzan Elisheva Dienstfrey

Where do we meet? In-person only at Agudas Achim

This is the third year of a 3-year course in Basic Jewish Ritual. This year we will be studying for a group B'nai Mitzvah Ceremony which will take place on Feb. 15th, 2025. Our focus will be divided between Torah and Haftarah study, the basic 'how to's for honors on the bima, leading parts of the service, and some study of Torah and Haftarah trop.