New Learning Opportunity: Small Group Torah Study

Are you interested in deepening your Jewish knowledge? Do you want to do it in a more intimate fashion? Rabbi Ain is available for small group Torah study on various issues. Whether you are interested in looking at the relevance of the weekly portion, an examination of the 613 mitzvot, how to think about Jewish spirituality, or more, don't hesitate to be in touch.

There are a number of groups that have been formed where SPS members have joined together to form a small group and engage in this kind of study.

If you are interested, please form a group of 3-5 people and reach out to Rabbi Ain. We will find monthly times during the weekday hours to get together (on zoom!) and study!

Join us for our upcoming programming:

Weekly Torah Study with The Clergy- Friday mornings @ 9 am. On zoom, with rotating clergy: Each week heading into Shabbat, our group meets to review the weekly sedra (Torah reading), both to attain familiarity with our foundational laws and stories, and also to discuss the various themes. We don’t shy away from hard questions, and we learn in a way that invites learners of all backgrounds and familiarity with the text.

Living Judaism with Rabbi Dave - Thursdays from 6:30 - 8 PM through February 6 - June 12, 2025: Living Judaism is taught through a collaborative educational partnership with the Miller Introduction to Judaism Program of American Jewish University. We will explore Jewish culture, history, and wisdom in a setting where questions are more important than answers. Special experiences will include a Shabbat celebration, field experiences, mentorship, and more. Register here

The Prophets with Rabi Dave - Wednesdays @ 12:00 pm, minus Jewish holidays and vacation weeks. In-person: Join us weekly as we read and explore the messages of the Prophetic section of the Bible. This year will focus on the "Latter Prophets" and use Abraham Joshua Heschel's writings to illuminate our studies.

Writing Your Jewish Journey - Taught by Roberta Hershenson. First Friday of the month @ 10:30 am, in person at SPS. (Please note dates for the fall are a little less regular due to the holidays, please confirm meeting dates with Abby at ajohnson@spsnyc.org.): Some paths in Judaism are unwavering, while others take sharp and unexpected turns. This in-person course will help you unravel the knots of a story only you can write—the story of your Jewish journey. Participants will read their writing aloud for gentle guidance from the group, as we reflect on the spiritual challenges and insights that have shaped our lives. Participants are invited to email their work biweekly for feedback. Registration required to Abby at ajohnson@spsnyc.org. Roberta is a multi-faceted writer who covered arts & culture for The NY Times for two decades. She ghost-wrote a memoir and completed 2 novels. Learn more at www.robertahershenson.com

Young Couples Group with Rabbi Ain - The group will meet @ 7 pm, in person, on Nov. 6, Dec. 12, Jan. 8 & Feb. 5. Registration is required: Starting your life with another person is very exciting and also is an opportunity to clarify the home you are building together. Join Rabbi Ain and other couples as you explore how Jewish tradition can ignite conversations about your Jewish home. Topics will include how to talk about money, how to think about Jewish education for yourself and your family, what it means to be part of a larger Jewish community, and how to create sacred time for you and your loved one. Register here

Down the Rabbit Hole: Discovering Jewish Themes in Pop Culture with Rabbinic Intern Eitan Bloostein - Wednesdays, @ 7 pm, n person November 20, December 4, January 22: Has your favorite TV show or movie ever referenced something Jewish? Have you ever wanted to jump down that rabbit hole? This is your opportunity! Come discover what Jewish themes pop-culture is really referencing with Rabbinic Intern Eitan Bloostein. We will start by discovering themes of exile and return with the Rose family in “Schitts Creek” before we turn to exploring Taylor Swift’s biblical references. Please reach out to Eitan if you have a favorite pop-culture Jewish rabbit hole that you want to explore!

On One Foot with Rabbi Dave - Saturdays , November 16, 23, 30, December 7, 14, 21, January 4, 11, 18, 25, February 1, 8, 15 at 12 pm, in person. Registration is required: The introduction of Living Judaism has led to an interest among more experienced members of our community to review the basics of Jewish life and learning. Join Rabbi Dave for a modified version of the Living Judaism curriculum on Shabbat afternoons following kiddush. Who knows what you might discover? Register here

Torah Group Chat with Rabbinic Intern Eitan Bloostein and Ariel Freidman - Join our Torah group chat (on Whatsapp) as we invite people to discuss, comment on, and learn from the weekly torah portion! In a year where our phones have been the source of so much anxiety and stress, we will use this group chat as a way to see what wisdom we can bring from our texts - the ultimate combination of modern and ancient. We will schedule 3-4 times over the course of the year to come together in person to learn Torah together. Join the chat here

Intro to Jewish Prayer with Cantor Cattan - Saturday, November 8th After Services ~ 12:30: This introductory Tefillah course explores the structure, meaning, and spiritual significance of Jewish prayer, guiding participants through key prayers and their nusach (melodic modes). It aims to deepen participants' connection to prayer, and to train the participants in leading weekdays services. Participants should be able to read Hebrew.

Click below to see past programming

Israeli popular music as interpretive prayer with Cantor Cattan

#SPStalks Featuring John Podhoretz

Jewish New York with Rabbi Dave

Paging Dr. Maimonides with Rabbi Dave

Understanding Jewish Community with Rabbi Ain

Adult Hebrew Class with Michal Nachmany

Talmud’s Greatest Hits with Rabbinic Intern Eitan Bloostein

Death and Memory: The sacred conversations we need to have

Religious school for Parents with Rabbi Ain

Shabbat Afternoon Study with Rabbi Ain

Spiritual Faith Journey with Rabbi Ain

Music of Jewish Movements with Cantor Malachi

Hosts & Guests with Rabbinic Intern Benjy Forester

Jewish Parenting with Rabbi Ain

Margins of the Siddur with Rabbi AIn

#SPSTalks

Past Programs