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.

Virtual Courses

A Six-Part History of Zionism and Israel

Tuesday, July 20-August 24, 2021, 1:00 – 2:00 pm

Israeli Tour Guide Mike Hollander returns for a six-part class exploring the history of Zionism and Israel from 1862 through the present.

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Hybrids and Heretics: A History of Jewish Deviance

Tuesday, August 10-31, 2021, 3:00 – 4:30 pm

Explore an earlier period of intense change and consider examples of Jews pushing the boundaries of identity and creating new forms of Jewish culture.

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Elul Programming

Join us for some special Elul preparation opportunities—that period before the High Holy Days when we are supposed to begin brave self-assessment.

Explore "Windows on Teshuvah" Through Project Zug

Sunday, August 8–Sunday, September 5, 2021 (registration closes Friday, July 30, 2021)

(Central members should check the Weekly email for a special opportunity and offer.) In partnership with the Hadar Institute’s Project Zug, we will explore how to embrace teshuvah practice with meaning and authenticity as an opportunity to spark real change in our lives.

High Holiday Boot Camp: 4 Sessions, 4 Prayers, 4 Amazing Teachers

Tuesdays, August 10–31, 2021, 5:30–6:30 pm
If you’ve always wanted to explore or understand the core prayers we recite for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur more fully, we invite you to join us for the opportunity to do so through our High Holiday Boot Camp.

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Ongoing Classes

These classes are on summer vacation and will return in the fall. 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.