The PJC offers Adult Learning with our Rabbi throughout the year. Our courses have included weekly Torah study (Hebrew Bible), the writings and widsom of our Sages (TaNaKh), Jewish philosophy and ethics. Our Rabbi encourages congregants to select topics of interest. We engage in open dialogue, debate and foster deepening friendships; all essential components of a rich, Jewish life.

Both the newcomer and the already knowledgeable are encouraged to explore the endless dimensions of Jewish culture, sacred texts, mysticism, current events, legend and lore, spirituality, theology and history. Once a month, after Shabbat services, we offer a Women’s Group for discussion and reflection, in an intimate setting.

Registration is required for all classes. There is no registration fee unless noted otherwise.

Exploring the Talmud

The Babylonian Talmud is the crown jewel of ancient rabbinic literature. A work of astonishing breadth and depth, it is the single most important guide to Jewish ritual life, as it is lived today, and it has informed and shaped Jewish culture throughout the ages in profound ways. Throughout the winter we’ll explore some of the Talmud’s major themes and modes of inquiry, paying special attention to rabbinic culture and styles of interpretation. In the end we’ll try to answer the question: Who were the ancient rabbis and why do they remain so urgently relevant? Toward the end of the course we’ll also be joined by Rabbi Marc Katz, author of “Yochanan’s Gamble,” a recent book about Talmudic thought.

Please RSVP to the office, suggested donation of $75.

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Wednesday Lunch and Learn

Held via Zoom, topics will vary based on the interests of the group.

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Chevrutah Learning with the Rabbi

Chevruta learning–paired learning with a friend–is among the most ancient and powerful ways to approach Jewish text. Rabbi Resnick is excited to learn in Chevruta with anyone–of any age!–throughout the year. Each Chevruta course will last three weeks. Scheduling is flexible and content is driven by the students’ interest. If you’re interested in studying one-on-one with Rabbi Resnick, please email [email protected]. Slots are somewhat limited. 

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Book Group

The PJC Book Group meets monthly. Each month a congregant suggests a title to the group. When there is a consensus, we usually have three to four weeks to read the book. At the set date, there is a discussion — in person or on Zoom. We have had several guest authors join our meetings, including Matti Friedman who zoomed in from Israel, and our own authors, Gloria Goldreich (Horowitz), Karen Dukess, Jordan Salama and Efrem Sigel. The meeting’s host creates five to 10 questions to facilitate discussion. Then, participants can bring up whatever aspect of the book speaks to them. The one caveat is the selection must have either a Jewish theme or a Jewish author. The Book Group is open to all interested congregants.