Classes

Are you interested in exploring Jewish texts, cultures, history, rituals, and more? Looking to connect with other curious learners?

Central’s classes bring intriguing topics and engaging instructors together to help you connect more deeply to Jewish experience and your own identity. Some classes require registration, while others are drop-in.

In addition to original curricula, Central offers a selection of courses developed by the Florence Melton School for Adult Jewish Learning. Its well-rounded and sophisticated approach provides a comprehensive exploration of Jewish thought, practice, ethics, and history. Melton classes are designed for all levels of Jewish knowledge and practice—there is no Hebrew knowledge required.

Please note, our offerings are currently virtual due to the COVID-19 pandemic until further notice.

Upcoming Classes

Looking for one-off programs and events? Check out our programs and events page here.

Shades of Gray: A Jewish Approach to Issues of Moral Complexity and Civil Discourse

Tuesdays, January 11–February 1, 2022, 5:30–6:30 pm
Is there an absolute “right” and “wrong?” Are some things unforgivable? Or is “cancel culture” never the answer? Rabbi David Ellenson, PhD, returns to the Central community to help us struggle with these eternal (and possibly un-answerable) questions. These four sessions will explore a variety of issues, from World War II and the Holocaust to contemporary debates over cancel culture and controversies over Israel.

Life Lines: Reading and Writing Autobiographical Poetry

Wednesdays, January 12–February 2, 2022, 3:00–4:15 pm
As part of the Sharing Our Stories initiative join award-winning poet Jessica Greenbaum in these four classes. You will receive the tools and teaching you need to write your own autobiographical poems, their own form of memoir— and revelation. Together we will read engaging, accessible autobiographical poems by renowned poets, and discover the untold variations on memory and its relationship to self-discovery.

Ongoing Classes

These classes will return via Zoom on October 6. For more information contact [email protected].

Bible and Bagels

Led by Rabbi Sarah Berman
Wednesdays: 8:15–9:15 am, via Zoom
Join us as we continue our journey through the Tanakh (Hebrew Bible); we are currently reading Isaiah.

Torah Study With Central Clergy

Led by Rabbi Mo Salth
Wednesdays: 12:00–1:15 pm, via Zoom
Explore the weekly Torah portion from ancient and modern perspectives.

Samuel I and II

Led by Cantor Suzanne Skloot
Wednesdays: 1:30–2:30 pm, via Zoom
Dive into the text of Samuel I and II. Together we will look at and compare the translations of the Jewish Publication Society and the more recent translation by UC Berkeley Professor Robert Alter, and learn why Alter believes that the character of David is the finest portrayal of a human life from antiquity.

Alper Talmud Study

Led by Dr. Rachel Rosenthal and others
Fridays: 8:15–9:15 am, via Zoom
Explore one of the most radical rabbinic texts in all of Judaism, the Talmud.

Our People

Sarah Berman

Rabbi, Director of Adult Education

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(212) 838-5122 x1009

Carolyn Roesler

Program Manager for Adult Education and Volunteerism

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(212) 838-5122 x3043

Melton at Central
Learn more about our Melton curriculum here.