Congregation Ohav Shalom

Building Community Celebrating Tradition

113 New Krumkill Road, Albany, NY 12208 / (518) 489-4706 / Email Us /

Lifelong Learning

Lifelong Learning

Adult learning experiences are good for the mind, body and soul! According to Harvard Medical School, “scientists have found that brainy activities stimulate new connections between nerve cells and may even help the brain generate new cells, developing neurological ‘plasticity’ and building up a functional reserve that provides a hedge against future cell loss. Any mentally stimulating activity should help to build up your brain. Read, take courses…” Ohav has just the ticket for you to do this with our Lifelong Learning options!

Current Ohav Shalom Lifelong Learning Classes 

A Torah Study Circle led by Rabbi Rena Kieval

Our group studies Jewish texts and explores their teachings using traditional and contemporary commentary and lively discussion of our own perspectives. This winter we begin study of Pirkei Avot, Ethics of Our Ancestors, seen through the eyes of the mussar tradition. 

Thursdays at 11 a.m. on Zoom.  Please register here and please contact Rabbi Rena at RavRena@gmail.com for course information  Thursdays at 11 a.m. on Zoom,  

Currently all classes are conducted through Zoom  https://zoom.us/j/783531559

  • Instructor: Rabbi Rena Kieval
  • Thursday mornings 11 a.m. – 12:15 pm: 
  • Cost: $54 for Ohav members and $72 for non members 

Register Here

 

 

Study Talmud Led by Rabbi Dan Ornstein

Mondays every week at 11:00 AM – online ONLY 

Course fee: Ohav Shalom members $54 per session, non-members $72 per session.

The great text of Jewish tradition. Join us for this text exploration and skill building class. No prior knowledge of Hebrew or Talmud necessary. Led by Rabbi Ornstein.

 – Join at any time come as often as you can. Bring a friend and learn together.

No class on Mondays coinciding with Federal and traditional Jewish holidays

To join by Zoom option https://zoom.us/j/228858377

Class Cost: $54 for Ohav Shalom Members

                     $72 for non Ohav Members

Register Here

 

Lovers of Torah Study Group: Torah L’Shma – 

Please join us on alternate Wednesdays from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm for adult, peer-led study and discussion about the weekly Torah portion, focused on how the Torah’s message is relevant for us today. Contact the Ohav Shalom Office for more information.

Advanced Beginners Hebrew Class with Julie Pollack

Strengthen your ability to read Hebrew and apply your skills to selected Shabbat morning prayers. You should have a basic ability to decode Hebrew. Please bring a Siddur Lev Shalem or another siddur of your choice.

Sunday Mornings:9:30-10:30

October 11, 18, 25 and November 1, 8, 15, 22 

Members $54 Non Members $72 Register Here

The Noble Life Mussar Jewish Ethical Literature 

A Journey of Character Lifetime of Growth

Led by by Rabbi Dr. David Bauman and Rabbi Susan Gulack

Embark on a transformative journey through our Musar (Jewish Ethical Literature) class, guided by the insightful teachings of Rabbi Dr. David Bauman, Head of the Hebrew Academy of the Capital District Rabbi and Rabbi Susan Gulack.

Musar offers a profound framework for personal growth, inviting us to explore essential character traits. Each month, we will dive into a different trait using traditional sources, sparking engaging discussions that resonate deeply.

Join us to enhance your character and enrich your life! Register Here

Oct. 14~Nov. 11~Dec. 9~Jan. 6~Feb. 3~March 17~ April 14  All Classes begin at 7:30PM

The Nine questions People ask about Judaism 

Discussion Sessions with Alan Zucker

Using their own copy of The Nine Questions People Ask About Judaism by Dennis Prager and Joseph Telushkin, participants will explore key questions about modern Jewish thought and life through classical and contemporary sources. Each session will include background, context, and additional materials to enrich the conversation.

No Hebrew is needed, and participants may contribute or simply listen. The discussions are designed to encourage thoughtful, positive inquiry into some of Judaism’s most important challenges.

Open minds. Meaningful conversations

Sessions held at 7:15PM  10/15, 10/22, 10/29, 11/4, 11/12, 11/19, 12/10

Register here 

Climbing the tree: An Introduction to Jewish Mysticism

Have you heard references to 4 worlds, 5 levels of soul and 10 s’firot and felt lost?

Join Rabbi Sue Gulack and learn and start to understand what this is all about, and how it can be a lens to help us see more clearly.

Oct. 26~ Nov. 2~ Nov. 9~Nov. 23  7:30PM all classes

Members $54 Non Members $72 Register here