Judaic Classes and Programs

All Judaic Classes and Programs are Wheelchair Accessible

Select an exciting Judaic studies course from our array of offerings. From intensive Jewish study groups to crash courses in Hebrew reading, and from multi-session series to singles lectures - enrich your life with an understanding and knowledge of the Jewish heritage.

Programs

  • Florence Melton Adult Mini School
  • Hebrew Reading and Ulpan
  • Holocaust Education
  • Israel Advocacy
  • Jewish Genealogy
  • Jewish Holiday Programs and Workshops
  • Judaic Scholar-in-Residence Classes Lectures
  • Muriel and Matthew Feldman Distinguished Lecture Series
  • Rabbi Isaac L. Swift Chair of Judaic Studies
  • Sephardic Culture Programs
  • Social Action Events
  • Torah Studies

High Holiday Seminar with Rabbi Reuven Kimelman

How did the poem Unetaneh Tokef become the most meaningful part of the High Holiday liturgy?



Thu, Sep 16
10:30 AM - 11:45 AM
Free Member
Free Non Member
42R15300F0
    
For more information, or to register, please call 201.408.1458.

Understanding the Hebrew of the Torah

with Etia Seigel
Finishing the Book of Deuteronomy. Starting to review Genesis and Exodus.



20 times on Mondays
9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Oct 4 - Feb 28
Except: Dec 6, Dec 27
$75.00 Member
$90.00 Non Member
42M23700F0
    
For more information, or to register, please call 201.408.1458.

Beginners Hebrew Reading

with Laurette Sasson

Learn how to read Hebrew. For beginners and those who want to brush up on their reading.
Preregistration required, call Lynn, 201-408-1458.



6 times on Tuesdays
7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Oct 5 - Nov 9
Free Member
Free Non Member
42T23100F0
    
For more information, or to register, please call 201.408.1458.

Keys to Joy and Wisdom

with Rabbi Herschel Grossman, founder and principal of Yeshivas Ohr Yosef high school.

Don't miss this exciting opportunity to experience the give-and-take of Talmud study.  And for those who have never studied Talmud, or would like to have a one-on-one private tutor, we will schedule a class for you at a mutually convenient time.  Call ext. 1426 for more information. Both classes are appropriate for adults of all backgrounds, and you can drop in at any point in the semester.  English translation of all texts will be provided.



17 times on Wednesdays
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Oct 6 - Jan 26
Free Member
Free Non Member
42W66100F0
    
For more information, or to register, please call 201.408.1458.

Weekly Seminar on Jewish Studies with Rabbi Reuven Kimelman

The Book of Psalms

No book of the Bible is more used in Jewish and Christian prayers than the Book of Psalms. Its poetry is stunning and its emotions range from fear and trembling to joy and rapture. If you want to gain an understanding of prayer and religious poetry, this is the class for you.  Bring a Tanach.



16 times on Thursdays
10:30 AM - 11:45 AM
Oct 7 - Jan 27
Except: Nov 25
Free Member
$150.00 Non Member
42R15200F0
    
For more information, or to register, please call 201.408.1458.

A Jewish Perspective of Jesus

Who was Jesus?  How should contemporary Jews understand him?  In our attempt to arrive at a Jewish view of Jesus, we shall examine a variety of ancient sources – both Jewish and Christian – in addition to exploring the theories of modern scholars.  Together we will examine some of the alleged controversies, such as those to do with the Temple, ritual purity, filial piety, divorce, Messiahship, prophecy, and vicarious atonement. Our course will conclude with a brief survey of 20th century developments in Jewish-Christian dialogue and our hopes for the future.

Course Leader: Steve Golden


7 times on Mondays
8:00 PM - 9:30 PM
Oct 11 - Nov 22
$35.00 Member
$45.00 Non Member
42M55200F0
    
For more information, or to register, please call 201.408.1458.

Beit Midrash Series with Rabbi Adina Lewittes

Headline Jews: Breaking News and Ideas Shaping our Jewish World

As we enter the second decade of the 21st century, people, places, stories and ideas change the face of Jewish life at a rapid clip.  Daily and weekly newspapers as well as academic and spiritual writings are chronicling these events and in many ways serving as the primary texts of our ever-unfolding sacred tradition. Join us for spirited discussion of the most current trends and issues being talked about and debated throughout the Jewish world.  Stay up to date with your own Jewish identity, and lend your voice to the conversation about where Jewish life is heading.   Stay in the loop!

Series of 10: $225 per semester (3 semesters Oct-June)            Per session: $25  



34 times on Tuesdays
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Oct 12 - May 31
$25.00 Member
$25.00 Non Member
42T81200F0
    
For more information, or to register, please call 201.408.1458.

Women's Rosh Chodesh - Oct.

Self, Identity and Consciousness in the Torah: The Commentary of Dr. Aviva Gottlieb Zornberg

One of the most unique features of Judaism is its invitation to engage in life-long dialogue with our sacred texts and traditions.  Wresting with the text by exploring the questions it raises about faith, doubt, loyalty, love, community, identity and morality, is a hallmark of Jewish piety for leaders and lay people alike. Adding her voice to generations of master teachers and scholars of Torah, Aviva Gottlieb Zornberg plumbs the layers of biblical narratives for their insights into human nature and consciousness.  Combining literary analysis with psychoanalytic thought as well as rabbinic and Hassidic teachings, Zornberg uncovers the richness of the Bible and the interplay between self, family, community and God.



 

Course Leader: Adina Lewittes


Tue, Oct 12
7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
$20.00 Member
$24.00 Non Member
42T18100F0
    
For more information, or to register, please call 201.408.1458.

Welcome! How Do You Jew?

This seminar is an introduction to Judaism for intermarried couples who have committed themselves to raising their children as Jews. Together, we will explore the elements necessary to create a Jewish home.  Examine foundations of Jewish parenting and share ways of engendering Jewish identity.

Open only to pre-registered couples.

Registration through Lynn only at 201-408-1458

Course Leader: Steve Golden


6 times on Thursdays
8:00 PM - 9:30 PM
Oct 14 - Nov 18
$150.00 Member
$190.00 Non Member
42R56100F0
    
For more information, or to register, please call 201.569.7900.

Jesus, Freud and The Jews

with Dr. Samuel Slipp, M.D.

Both Jesus and Freud were Jewish healers.  Jesus was a rabbi who preached justice and freedom for the Jews oppressed by the Romans.  Freud’s negative views about religion, rituals, and groups can now be modified by modern scientific findings.  Come discuss mankind’s search for freedom and peace: Is religion the cause of violence as claimed by atheist writers?  Or is religion a tool used by those who hunger for domination and violence?  Dr. Slipp will have copies of his new book for sale and signing.

 

 



Wed, Oct 20
8:00 PM - 9:30 PM
Free Member
Free Non Member
42W55300F0
    
For more information, or to register, please call 201.408.1458.

Everyday is Thanksgiving

with Cantor Regina Lambert-Hayut

Explore the many modes of Thanksgiving in Jewish liturgy through text study and music. Neither Hebrew proficiency nor musical ability required.

Cosponsored with the Senior Adult Department



3 times on Mondays
11:15 AM - 12:15 PM
Nov 1 - Nov 15
Free Member
Free Non Member
42M55100F0
    
For more information, or to register, please call 201.408.1458.

Kristallnacht Commemoration: Film - An Article of Hope

This film tells the remarkable true story of Colonel Ilan Ramon, Israel's first Astronaut and a tiny Torah that he carried from the depths of hell to the heights of space.

This tiny Torah scroll was smuggled into a concentration camp during the Holocaust; safeguarded by Joachim Joseph, a Holocaust survivor; and later carried into space by Col.  Ramon. It is a unique story that interweaves the heights of scientific achievement, the depths of a nation’s cruelty, the private grief of a boy who came of age during the Holocaust, and the public mourning of many nations in the aftermath of the Columbia Shuttle disaster. To fulfill the promise that a boy in Bergen-Belsen concentration camp made– to use the Torah scroll to tell the world what happened in the camp – comes An Article of Hope an hour-long film exploring the journey of the Torah from pre-World War II Europe, to Israel, and then to space. Combining historical and ethical inquiry, the film reaches across faiths and nationalities.
Free and open to the community

Cosponsored with the Adult Department
 



Tue, Nov 9
7:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Free Member
Free Non Member
42X88100F0
    
For more information, or to register, please call 201.408.1426.

Women's Rosh Chodesh - Nov.

Self, Identity and Consciousness in the Torah: The Commentary of Dr. Aviva Gottlieb Zornberg

One of the most unique features of Judaism is its invitation to engage in life-long dialogue with our sacred texts and traditions.  Wresting with the text by exploring the questions it raises about faith, doubt, loyalty, love, community, identity and morality, is a hallmark of Jewish piety for leaders and lay people alike. Adding her voice to generations of master teachers and scholars of Torah, Aviva Gottlieb Zornberg plumbs the layers of biblical narratives for their insights into human nature and consciousness.  Combining literary analysis with psychoanalytic thought as well as rabbinic and Hassidic teachings, Zornberg uncovers the richness of the Bible and the interplay between self, family, community and God.




 

Course Leader: Adina Lewittes


Tue, Nov 9
7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
$20.00 Member
$24.00 Non Member
42T18200F0
    
For more information, or to register, please call 201.408.1458.

Cantorial Concert - Every Day is a Holiday - Yesh Li Yom Yom Chag

at Tenafly Middle School
This year’s concert will focus on songs of the holidays, both traditional Cantorial pieces as well as more popular Hebrew songs. Regaling us with solo performances as well as ensembles are some of the finest voices in the NJ and NY area. Make sure to put the date on your calendar and come prepared to enjoy a great concert! 

Open to the community, suggested donation $5

Made possible in part by the Weinflash family Cantorial Concert Endowment Fund



Sun, Nov 28
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
$5.00 Member
$5.00 Non Member
42S99900F0
    
For more information, or to register, please call 201.408.1458.

Chanukah Seminar with Rabbi Reuven Kimelman

Why do we light one candle the first night and then add another one each night?


Wed, Dec 8
8:15 PM - 9:30 PM
Free Member
Free Non Member
42W15400F0
    
For more information, or to register, please call 201.408.1458.

Women's Rosh Chodesh - Jan.

Self, Identity and Consciousness in the Torah: The Commentary of Dr. Aviva Gottlieb Zornberg
One of the most unique features of Judaism is its invitation to engage in life-long dialogue with our sacred texts and traditions.  Wresting with the text by exploring the questions it raises about faith, doubt, loyalty, love, community, identity and morality, is a hallmark of Jewish piety for leaders and lay people alike. Adding her voice to generations of master teachers and scholars of Torah, Aviva Gottlieb Zornberg plumbs the layers of biblical narratives for their insights into human nature and consciousness.  Combining literary analysis with psychoanalytic thought as well as rabbinic and Hassidic teachings, Zornberg uncovers the richness of the Bible and the interplay between self, family, community and God.





 

Course Leader: Adina Lewittes


Tue, Jan 4
7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
$20.00 Member
$24.00 Non Member
42T18400F0
    
For more information, or to register, please call 201.408.1458.

Tu B'Shevat Seder

Join the members of the JCC’s Hazon CSA for a Tu Bishvatt celebration that includes, songs, poetry, and taste the delicacies that make Israel the land of milk and honey!  A light supper is included. Limited space available.
Crafts project: 5:45; Seder starts at 6 pm     $18 per family   
Call 201-408-1426



Wed, Jan 19
5:45 PM - 9:00 PM
$18.00 Member
$18.00 Non Member
42W75100F0
    
For more information, or to register, please call 201.408.1458.

U.N. Holocaust Remembrance Day

Call 201-408-1458 for information.


Thu, Jan 27
8:00 PM - 9:30 PM
Free Member
Free Non Member
42R88200F0
    
For more information, or to register, please call 201.408.1426.

Women's Rosh Chodesh - Feb.

Self, Identity and Consciousness in the Torah: The Commentary of Dr. Aviva Gottlieb Zornberg
One of the most unique features of Judaism is its invitation to engage in life-long dialogue with our sacred texts and traditions.  Wresting with the text by exploring the questions it raises about faith, doubt, loyalty, love, community, identity and morality, is a hallmark of Jewish piety for leaders and lay people alike. Adding her voice to generations of master teachers and scholars of Torah, Aviva Gottlieb Zornberg plumbs the layers of biblical narratives for their insights into human nature and consciousness.  Combining literary analysis with psychoanalytic thought as well as rabbinic and Hassidic teachings, Zornberg uncovers the richness of the Bible and the interplay between self, family, community and God.





 

Course Leader: Adina Lewittes


Tue, Feb 1
7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
$20.00 Member
$24.00 Non Member
42T18500F0
    
For more information, or to register, please call 201.408.1458.

Women's Rosh Chodesh - Mar.

Self, Identity and Consciousness in the Torah: The Commentary of Dr. Aviva Gottlieb Zornberg
One of the most unique features of Judaism is its invitation to engage in life-long dialogue with our sacred texts and traditions.  Wresting with the text by exploring the questions it raises about faith, doubt, loyalty, love, community, identity and morality, is a hallmark of Jewish piety for leaders and lay people alike. Adding her voice to generations of master teachers and scholars of Torah, Aviva Gottlieb Zornberg plumbs the layers of biblical narratives for their insights into human nature and consciousness.  Combining literary analysis with psychoanalytic thought as well as rabbinic and Hassidic teachings, Zornberg uncovers the richness of the Bible and the interplay between self, family, community and God.





 

Course Leader: Adina Lewittes


Tue, Mar 8
7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
$20.00 Member
$24.00 Non Member
42T18600F0
    
For more information, or to register, please call 201.408.1458.

Women's Rosh Chodesh - Apr.

Self, Identity and Consciousness in the Torah: The Commentary of Dr. Aviva Gottlieb Zornberg
One of the most unique features of Judaism is its invitation to engage in life-long dialogue with our sacred texts and traditions.  Wresting with the text by exploring the questions it raises about faith, doubt, loyalty, love, community, identity and morality, is a hallmark of Jewish piety for leaders and lay people alike. Adding her voice to generations of master teachers and scholars of Torah, Aviva Gottlieb Zornberg plumbs the layers of biblical narratives for their insights into human nature and consciousness.  Combining literary analysis with psychoanalytic thought as well as rabbinic and Hassidic teachings, Zornberg uncovers the richness of the Bible and the interplay between self, family, community and God.





 

Course Leader: Adina Lewittes


Tue, Apr 5
7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
$20.00 Member
$24.00 Non Member
42T18700F0
    
For more information, or to register, please call 201.408.1458.

Women's Rosh Chodesh - May 3

Self, Identity and Consciousness in the Torah: The Commentary of Dr. Aviva Gottlieb Zornberg
One of the most unique features of Judaism is its invitation to engage in life-long dialogue with our sacred texts and traditions.  Wresting with the text by exploring the questions it raises about faith, doubt, loyalty, love, community, identity and morality, is a hallmark of Jewish piety for leaders and lay people alike. Adding her voice to generations of master teachers and scholars of Torah, Aviva Gottlieb Zornberg plumbs the layers of biblical narratives for their insights into human nature and consciousness.  Combining literary analysis with psychoanalytic thought as well as rabbinic and Hassidic teachings, Zornberg uncovers the richness of the Bible and the interplay between self, family, community and God.





 

Course Leader: Adina Lewittes


Tue, May 3
7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
$20.00 Member
$24.00 Non Member
42T18800F0
    
For more information, or to register, please call 201.408.1458.

Women's Rosh Chodesh - May 31

Self, Identity and Consciousness in the Torah: The Commentary of Dr. Aviva Gottlieb Zornberg
One of the most unique features of Judaism is its invitation to engage in life-long dialogue with our sacred texts and traditions.  Wresting with the text by exploring the questions it raises about faith, doubt, loyalty, love, community, identity and morality, is a hallmark of Jewish piety for leaders and lay people alike. Adding her voice to generations of master teachers and scholars of Torah, Aviva Gottlieb Zornberg plumbs the layers of biblical narratives for their insights into human nature and consciousness.  Combining literary analysis with psychoanalytic thought as well as rabbinic and Hassidic teachings, Zornberg uncovers the richness of the Bible and the interplay between self, family, community and God.





 

Course Leader: Adina Lewittes


Tue, May 31
7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
$20.00 Member
$24.00 Non Member
42T18900F0
    
For more information, or to register, please call 201.408.1458.