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.

An Introduction to Hasidism

In this course we will explore core elements of classical Hasidic thought–including theological speculation, mystical experience and dekevut (union with God), spiritual fellowship, the nature of the human being, the importance of storytelling, and our relationship nature/physical world–with an eye towards appreciating their enduring relevance to contemporary Jewish spirituality. Focusing mainly on primary sources, we will encounter the major early Hasidic thinkers, such as Israel Baal Shem Tov, Dov Bear the Maggid of Mezritsch, Levi Yitzhak of Berditchev, Shneur Zalmon of Liadi, Nahman of Bratslav and others. Each week there will be suggested secondary readings. These articles will enrich our discussion, though we will mainly focus on the primary texts themselves. 

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Talmud Chug

The Talmud, the magnum opus of the ancient rabbis, was redacted from oral traditions around the year 500 C.E. Since then, it has become a singularly influential source, touching all aspects of Jewish life. Join us on Wednesdays in the spring as we explore this seminal text together.

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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 are interested in studying one-on-one with Rabbi Resnick, please email Melainie Williams at office@thepjc.org. Slots are somewhat limited.

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Book Club

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.