Sundays
Chag in the Home: Chag in the Home is a series of monthly classes geared towards parents of children ages 3-10 to learn how to observe Jewish holidays and traditions at home in a kid-friendly way. The discussion will be led by members of CAA’s Young Families Committee and will include ideas for crafts, activity sheets, Torah discussion, and children’s books. Light refreshments will be provided. Classes are offered one Sunday per month in Social Hall A from 9:30 am—10:30am.
Coordinated by Jen Rubin. Classes are free and open to the entire community!
October 14—Shabbat
November 11—Hanukkah
January 13—Tu B’Shevat
March 10—Purim
April 14—Pesach
May 19—Shavuot
June 8—Tikkun Olam
Jewish Genealogy: Come and learn about your own family history. We will explore civil and Jewish sources and ways to find your ancestors – and possibly previously unknown cousins. This class is open to all, no experience needed. However those with experience are encouraged to come and share their knowledge as we learn from each other. If possible we may form a Jewish Genealogical Society. Classes begin October 7th at 9:30 am – 11:00 am in the History Room. Taught by Sarah Christiansen.
Jews, Persians, and Greeks: The Second Temple Age from Cyrus to the Maccabees: This will be a 10-session survey of what we know about Jewish life and literature during the early portion of the Second Temple period, in many ways the most obscure part of Israel’s history. For Biblical material, we will study excerpts from the post-exilic prophetic books and from the few historical accounts we have (especially Ezra and Nehemiah). We will likewise look at secular histories of the time, written both by Greeks (such as Herodotus) and by a few Jewish authors whose work is not part of the Tanakh. Consideration will be given to contacts of Jews with other cultures and the possible influence of those upon their own evolving practices and beliefs. Join us at 11:00 a.m.—12:30 pm for ten weeks, starting on October 7th in Room 147. Taught by Mark Long.
Continuing: Adult B’nai Mitzvah Class: If you’ve never had the opportunity to celebrate a Bar or Bat Mitzvah as a child of 13, or your journey to Judaism occurred after the age of 13, and perhaps you’ve decided-Now is the Time. The Continuing Adult B’nai Mitzvah class at Congregation Agudas Achim will begin on October 7. This learning process will conclude with a Shabbat service on February 2, 2019. Class meets 9:30-11:00 am in the library in the Education Building. For more information, please contact Dr. Harvey Raben at 512-735-8422. Taught by Matt Levitt.
Tuesdays
Hebrew for Beginners: From the beginning learning letters, prayers and Hebrew words. Join us at 5-6 p.m. in the History Room beginning October 10th. Taught by Iris Kohn Weiner.
Talmud on Tuesdays: 12-1 p.m. with Rabbi Blumofe: Berachot-Blessings; A close look at selections from the Babylonian Talmud from the beginning. Focusing on key concepts from this opening book to the Talmud. The class will meet in the History Room. Dates: 11/6, 11/13, 11/20, 11/27. Taught by Rabbi Blumofe.
Downtown Study Group: will be meeting on Tuesdays from 12-1 pm at The Austin History Center, 810 Guadalupe Street, 78701. Come and engage with facilitator Dr. Harvey Raben on the topic, “Letters to my Palestinian Neighbor” – a book on the future of Palestinian-Jewish relation, in Israel through the eyes of Yosi Klein-Halevi. You are invited to bring snacks and a drink with you to class. Classes will be held on October 23, November 27, December 18. Taught by Dr. Harvey Raben.
Parenting as a Spiritual Practice with Rabbi Swedroe: Can’t make CAA’s evening classes because of the kids’ bedtime? Looking to connect with other parents? Join Rabbi Swedroe one Tuesday a month from 12-1 pm in Room 147 as we explore the spirituality of parenting with Jewish texts, conversation and journaling. This year, we’ll be reading “Nuture the Wow: Finding Spirituality in the Frustration, Boredom, Tears, Poop, Desperation, Wonder, and Radical Amazement of Parenting” by Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg as our guide; copies available for purchase through the synagogue. Feel free to bring your lunch. $5 babysitting available through the J. Mark your calendars—10/9, 11/13, 12/11, 1/15, 2/19, 3/12, 4/9, 5/14. Taught by Rabbi Swedroe.
Beit Midrash Study Night: The Chai Limud Society The Agudas Achim Beit Midrash is a unique opportunity to grow in Torah learning and deep conversation with the students and teachers of our community. The Beit Midrash will highlight havruta-paired learning on Tuesday nights in the 2nd floor library of the Education Building.. Our kick off will introduce people to the concept of havruta learning and “Makhloket matters” lead by Nyla Harper , a former Pardes Jerusalem student.
All learners at any level are welcome. Join us on Tuesday’s thru December 11th from 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm. The first 30 minutes will be potluck dairy/parve food brought by participants & drinks. Limited to the first 18 students. call 512-735-8420 to register.
Wednesdays
Intermediate Hebrew: A continuation of learning for students with knowledge of the alef-bet and key word vocabulary. Join us at 5-6 p.m. in the History Room beginning October 10th. Taught by Iris Kohn Weiner.
Living Judaism: A Guide to Jewish Awareness and Practice with Rabbi Neil Blumofe: Join Rabbi Blumofe for this dynamic class which will introduce or refresh many areas of Judaism and Jewish life including history, holidays, lifecycle events, philosophy, theology and Israel. This class is for Jews and non-Jews. Class is held 3-4 times per month beginning Wed, October 10 and will continue through May. Class is held in the Social Hall following minyan at 6:30 p.m. Tuition is $150 ($200 per couple) plus books. Taught by Rabbi Blumofe.
For information on any of these classes or to register, please contact Jane Weiss at 512-735-8404 or jane.weiss@caa-austin.org.
Looking at Pictures: Joan Brook leads the discussion on exploring Jewish values through Photography. Dates: December 19 & January 9. Taught by Joan Brook.
Thursdays
Mahjong for Beginners: Come to our Sisterhood sponsored twice-monthly Mahj game open to all adults, members or non-members. This is for brand new players, those needing a refresher, and those just wanting to play in a relaxed environment. Several Sisterhood Members are present to assist, answer questions and teach the game. All skill levels are welcome. If you want to be added to an email list for reminders about the sessions, and if you have questions, please email Cindy at cfudman@austin.rr.com.
More information by clicking here.
Fridays
Friday Morning Learning with Rabbi Neil Blumofe: Join us for studies of the Kitzur Shulchan Aruch—Blessings at 7:40 – 8:30 a.m. (A donation is requested). Taught by Rabbi Blumofe.
Saturdays/Shabbat
Shabbat Limud: Beginning at 8:30 a.m. on Shabbat mornings, congregants gather in the CAA Chapel to study Torah, verse by verse with Rashi commentary and lots of discussion. All are welcome to join!
Deep Dive into Prayer: Rabbi Gail Swedroe and Yaira Robinson lead interested learners in exploring prayer within the Shabbat morning service. The class will meet in the Chapel once a month at 9:40 a.m. All are welcome to join! Dates: 10/13, 11/10, 12/8, 1/12, 2/9, 3/9, 4/13, 5/11. Taught by Rabbi Swedroe & Yaira Robinson.
Hebrew Through Torah: Are you able to sound out Hebrew words but wish you knew what you were saying? Join us for an informal, seat-of-the-pants, garden-path introduction to the Hebrew language using Torah verses and snippets of the siddur as study texts. We’ll approach Hebrew as if it were a puzzle, exploring how the different components fit together and how words that look and sound very different are actually related. We’ll build upon the knowledge of Hebrew you already have, whether you know it or not! Expect the study leader to go off on tangents to share fun facts about language in general and about Hebrew’s interconnections with Arabic, Yiddish, English, Spanish, and more. Taught by Gail Tosto.
Gail Tosto is a multilingual translator with a lifelong passion for languages. This free class meets in the History Room on Saturdays from 1:15 to 2:15 PM, starting on October 6 with Parshat Breishit. The only requirements are (1) to be familiar with the Hebrew alphabet and most of the vowel points (please contact Gail ASAP if you’d like help with this before the class starts) and (2) not to have a firm grasp of Hebrew already.
Shabbat Shmooze: Middle and High school students are invited to join monthly study with Rabbi Blumofe ,Rabbi Swedroe or Dr. Raben as they explore current trends and traditional sources in understanding 21st century Jewish identity and practice. Students are encouraged to join in Shabbat services , the Kiddush lunch, or arrive in time for class at 1:15 PM-2:15. The class will meet in the Chapel . All are welcome, current or past CAARS students, AJA students or those interested in a good conversation of sharing and learning. No cost-it’s free. The group will meet the second Shabbat of each month through May. For more information call Dr. Raben at 512-735-8422.