Lectures & Courses

Taught by Rabbi David Kalb

Jews and Muslims have co-existed, both peacefully and contentiously, for more than a millennium. What do they have in common? What are the sources of tension and conflict? During the first thousand years after the founding of Islam, it was better to be Jewish in a Muslim country than in a Christian country. Only after that period did the relationship between Jews and Muslims deteriorate, particularly in the Middle East. This course will examine the longstanding relationship between Judaism and Islam, broadening our understanding and challenging our assumptions.

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American Klezmer is indelibly linked to the clarinet. For the Ashkenazim of Europe, a great “klezmer” was a violinist renowned for his virtuosic performances, and a necessary figure (along with his ensemble of klezmorim) at every Jewish wedding. Our ensemble of two violins, viola, and accordion presents old European klezmer through a contemporary, improvisational chamber music lens. The program will highlight the way the klezmorim transformed many musical inputs into a distinctly Jewish art form and will explore the ways that Ashkenazic expressive culture reinforced Derekh HaShas within European Jewish communities. Lunch will be provided

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Come hear Rabbi Buchdahl in conversation with the 2017 James Beard Foundation “Outstanding Chef” Michael Solomonov and James Beard award-winning restaurateur, Steve Cook, on the occasion of the launch of their new cookbook, Israeli Soul. We’ll get a taste of how they rose to success, how they choose to give back, and, of course, how they landed on the perfect hummus recipe. This event is co-sponsored by the UJA Federation of NY.

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Taught by Jessica Greenbaum

Join award-winning poet Jessica Greenbaum for a unique approach to studying the sacred poetry of the Psalms. Using Rabbi Richard Levy’s Songs Ascending: The Book of Psalms, A New Translation, the class will focus on the lasting power these poems have carried over time. Students will be invited to do their own writing as well, responding to prompts drawn from the themes raised by these ancient texts. No prior poetry or Judaic knowledge is required. This class is free and open to members and non-members.

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Taught by Sasha Kopp

Come enjoy an evening of art and wine with Central’s very own glass artist, Sasha Kopp. Sasha will guide you through the process of designing and creating your own fused-glass Menorah. Come alone, or with a friend – the evening will be fun for all! No prior art experience required. This class is open to members and non-members.

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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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What do different religious traditions say about how we live life and how we prepare for death? How do we help people consider the quality of life at the end of life, and help to ensure their wishes are communicated to their loved ones?

Join us as we host an interfaith dialogue with three spiritual leaders: our Senior Rabbi, Rabbi Angela Buchdahl, Senior Reverend Scott Black Johnston, of Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church, and Chaplain Tahara Akmal, Director of Clinical Pastoral Education and Certified Educator at the Reading Hospital School of Health Sciences in Reading, PA. This lively dialogue with spiritual leaders of three faiths will explore the customs, norms, and precepts of their faith traditions regarding the end of life and planning for death. Participants have the opportunity to examine the place of faith, beliefs, and practices at end of life with the support of their own community and religious leaders. For some participants, the conversation raises concerns about being in alignment with what their faith’s precepts prescribe and permit. The dialogue will address some of the most vexing questions of our time.

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Led by Rabbi David Kalb

Harlem’s history as a Jewish community dates back to the 1870s. By World War I, it was the second largest Jewish community in the U.S. and the third largest in the world. On this tour, we will walk through this neighborhood and learn about the past, present, and future of this fascinating New York Jewish community. The tour departs from the Northeast corner of 125th street and Adam Clayton Powell Blvd. Open to members and non-members.

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Taught by Scholar in Residence, Dr. Wendy Zierler

What religious or theological function can be performed by popular culture? What role can contemporary movies play in a curriculum of sacred study? Can films provide occasions of transcendence, divine encounter, and Jewish religious exploration? In this course, we will engage in a process of inverted midrash, “reading” contemporary movies as an entry point into the study of Jewish text and belief. Each film will provide an occasion for the exploration of a central Jewish theme or text: Truth (The Truman Show); The Spiritual and Moral Value of Tests (Exam, British Thriller, 2011); Legacy and Birthright (The Descendants) and Leadership and Speech (The King’s Speech).

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With Women Cook Delegates

Join Central and “Women-Cook” for a special evening of spices, cooking, and storytelling this November. Through the meal and spice workshop, Israeli women representing the Moroccan, Bukharin, Ethiopian, and Yemenite culinary traditions will share the ancient knowledge and wisdom that come from their families’ kitchens. The evening will begin with a light reception where our guest chefs, traditionally dressed, will present their spice blends and share stories. Participants will then use the spice blends to collectively prepare the meal side dishes.

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Taught by Marty Schneit

Come and learn how this Jewish immigrant from Russia became the classic ragtime 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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Taught by Steve Fine

Join historian Steven Fein 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 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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