Lectures & Courses

Taught by Marty Schneit

Come and learn how this Jewish immigrant from Russia became the classic rags-to-riches story. Over the course of his career, he published an estimated 1,500 songs including: Alexander’s Ragtime Band, God Bless America, White Christmas, Puttin on The Ritz, and There is No Business Like Show Business.

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As a part of the Never is Now conference, Rabbi Angela Buchdahl will share her perspective on Anti-Semitism in a session, entitled “Racial and Ethnic Diversity of the Jewish People” at 12:10 PM.

Never Is Now is ADL’s Annual Summit on Anti-Semitism and Hate. As ADL’s signature annual event, it is at its core, a one day conference focused on understanding contemporary drivers and dynamics of anti-Semitism. However, we cannot look at anti-Semitism in a vacuum given the daily reminders that any type of hate or bias ultimately hurts us all, particularly if allowed to escalate. Hear from experts, academics and leaders in the fight against anti-Semitism, bigotry and all forms of hatred.

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Taught by Steve Fine

Join historian Steven Fine as he explores the fascinating tale of an iconic seven-branched candelabrum, the menorah, and discover why it is a source of fascination and illumination for Jews, Samaritans, Christians, and even Freemasons. This program is a co-sponsored by Central Synagogue Chai Connections.

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Taught by Scholar in Residence, Dr. Wendy Zierler

We are honored to welcome Dr. Wendy Zierler to Central as our scholar in residence this fall. Dr. Zierler is an acclaimed and beloved professor at Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion (where your clergy were ordained!). She is the author of Movies & Midrash: Popular Film and Jewish Religious Conversation, which was a finalist for the National Jewish Book Award in 2017. We invite you to join Dr. Zierler for four sessions bringing together popular culture, theology, and Jewish tradition. In alternating weeks, students will watch contemporary films like The Truman Show, The King’s Speech, and then come together to understand them in a new way – through the lens of theology and Jewish tradition. Dr. Zierler is a dynamic and accessible teacher of Jewish thought and literature, and this is an opportunity not to be missed.

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Taught by Central Clergy

In this new series, Central’s clergy will consider contemporary issues through the lens of Jewish text and tradition. Each evening will begin with dinner, followed by an hour of learning and discussion. A wonderful way to continue to get to know both the clergy and your fellow members! And if you come with your CORE Group, we’ll even save you a table!

On November 1, just in time for the midterm elections, join Rabbi Nicole Auerbach to learn what Jewish tradition has to say about taking an active role in government and other civic institutions.

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Taught by Rabbi Rebecca Rosenthal

Come learn how to bake the best Challah with Rabbi Rebecca Rosenthal! In this two hour session, you will learn how to make and braid Challah. Participants will go home with their very own baked Challah, plus another to bake at home.

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Taught by Rabbi Peter Rubinstein

Oct. 24: “Jewish Superstition”; Nov. 28: “Heaven, Hell, and Resurrection in Reform Judaism, True or False?”; Dec. 19: “Biblical Stories of Abuse: Dinah, Tamar and Bathsheba”

Join fellow members and Rabbi Emeritus, Rabbi Peter Rubinstein for engaging and challenging learning sessions.

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