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LIMMUD LA-AD: LIFELONG JEWISH LEARNING AT SINAI

Limmud La-ad is Congregation Sinai’s Committee for Lifelong Jewish Learning. Our goals are to: Create opportunities for intellectual, spiritual and practical Jewish learning at Congregation Sinai for adults of all ages.

  • Empower Sinai members to participate meaningfully in synagogue services, Jewish home observances, and the communal life of the synagogue.

  • Engage Sinai members in the study of Torah and other Jewish texts – both classical and contemporary – through the auspices of the synagogue.

  • Provide classes and workshops, host guest speakers, and create resources that support our congregants’ lifelong Jewish learning as well as Congregation Sinai’s mission.

Contact us to share your ideas, or join us on a regular basis and become part of our dedicated, dynamic team. You can reach us at director-learning@sinai-sj.org, or by leaving a message in the office, 408-264-8542.

upcoming Lifelong Jewish Learning programs

Project Zug at Sinai

Congregation Sinai is thrilled to partner with Hadar’s Project Zug to provide an opportunity to deepen Jewish learning with curated, text-based courses designed to spark rich discussion. This is a chance not only to engage in Jewish text study, but also to connect on a deeper level with fellow community members.

The topic will be “Who is Rich: Judaism and Prosperity.”

How do we define prosperity? What material and non-material goods are needed for a meaningful, fulfilling life? This course will explore a variety of traditional and non-traditional sources that engage the question of our relationship to money, happiness, and the good life.

In-person classes will meet at Sinai on Wednesday nights from 7:30 - 9:00 pm. They will be guided by Rabbi Josh Berkenwald and divided into three units:

  • Unit 1: 3/4, 3/11

  • Unit 2: 4/22, 4/29, 5/6

  • Unit 3: 5/27, 6/3, 6/10, 6/17

Even if you cannot commit to coming in person, you can still arrange to study with your partner at a more convenient time.

What is Project Zug?

Project Zug is an online learning platform that connects Jewish learners worldwide for text-based study in havruta or small groups. Project Zug courses are designed for pairs (zug means “pair” in Hebrew). Choose your own learning partner or let us match you. Prefer group learning? Gather a small group and dive into rich discussions together! Project Zug’s diverse offerings cover a wide range of topics, from Talmud and Tanakh to Jewish ethics and spirituality, all taught by fantastic educators. You are also welcome to participate in any of Project Zug’s course offerings.

This partnership is FREE for Sinai and community members. Registration is required.

Upcoming In-Person Project Zug Gatherings
Project Zug at Sinai
Mar 18
Project Zug at Sinai

Who is Rich - Week 3

Project Zug at Sinai
Apr 22
Project Zug at Sinai

Who is Rich - Week 4

Project Zug at Sinai
Apr 29
Project Zug at Sinai

Who is Rich - Week 5

Project Zug at Sinai
May 6
Project Zug at Sinai

Who is Rich - Week 6

PROJECT ZUG FOR TEENS

Congregation Sinai is thrilled to invite post-B’nei Mitzvah teens to join a teen edition of Hadar’s Project Zug. This is a chance to engage in in-depth Jewish text study in a fun and social environment.

The next Project Zug for Teens course will be held on Wednesdays from 7:30 - 9:00 pm at Congregation Sinai

This 9-session course will be divided into three units:

  • Unit 1: 3/4, 3/11

  • Unit 2: 4/22, 4/29, 5/6

  • Unit 3: 5/27, 6/3, 6/10, 6/17

The topic will be “Everyday Moral Dilemmas.”

How do we define prosperity? What material and non-material goods are needed for a meaningful, fulfilling life? This course will explore a variety of traditional and non-traditional sources that engage the question of our relationship to money, happiness, and the good life.

There is no charge for this program.

Note: Project Zug for Teens will run simultaneously with Project Zug for adults. This is a great opportunity for parents and their teen-age children to participate in quality Jewish learning. Adults can register here.

 

Upcoming Project Zug for Teens Sessions

UPCOMING PROJECT ZUG FOR TEENS SESSIONS
Project Zug at Sinai
Mar 18
Project Zug at Sinai

Who is Rich - Week 3

Project Zug at Sinai
Apr 22
Project Zug at Sinai

Who is Rich - Week 4

Project Zug at Sinai
Apr 29
Project Zug at Sinai

Who is Rich - Week 5

Project Zug at Sinai
May 6
Project Zug at Sinai

Who is Rich - Week 6

Rashi on the Book of Numbers

Join Rabbi Josh Berkenwald for in-depth study of Rashi’s commentary on the Book of Numbers. Materials are provided.

To participate in the class, click here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/496367030

If you need to phone in, dial (669) 900-9128. You will be asked to enter the meeting ID, which is 496 367 030.

For a guide to using Zoom, click here.

Rashi lived in Troyes, France (1040-1105). Rashi’s commentary is an essential explanation of the Tanakh and resides in a place of honor on the page of almost all editions of the Tanakh. While quoting many midrashim and Talmudic passages, Rashi, in his commentary, states that his purpose is to present the pshat (contextual meaning) of the text.

Upcoming Rashi Classes
Rashi's Commentary on the Book of Numbers
Mar 19
Rashi's Commentary on the Book of Numbers
Mar 26

Silicon Valley Introduction to Judaism

This course presents an overview of major aspects of Judaism, including practice, belief, and history. Students will be exposed to Jewish thought and practice through lectures, class discussions, and readings. Because Judaism is not something that can be fully understood from books and lectures, there will be several assignments and activities designed to give participants "real-world" Jewish experiences.

This class is taught by five Rabbis, from four different synagogues as well as the Center for Jewish Life & Learning at the Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center.  This will give students exposure to a variety of approaches to Judaism.  

This course is open to Jews and non-Jews, those seeking to convert to Judaism, as well as those who are interested in learning more.

Click here to learn more

Rabbi Berkenwald’s Sermons

Here are recordings of past sermons by Rabbi Berkenwald. Feel free to watch and share.
Might & Peace - Noach 5784
Who we are, and whom we are meant to become - Bereishit 5784
Brokenness - Yom Kippur 5783
Mixed Messages - Vayelekh 5783
Abraham Stood Over Isaac - David Cyrluk, Rosh Hashanah 5783
The Friendship of the King - Rosh Hashanah 5783
May we deserve to be Klal Yisrael - Devarim 5782
The Sound of the Snake - Chukat 5782
Korach's Rebellion Against Cosmic Peace - Korach 5782
Abortion - It's Personal
The People Are 'Like Complainers' - Beha'alotekha 5782
Rise, O Daughters of Priests and Levites - Emor 5782
Don't Oppress Your Neighbor - Kedoshim 5782
Comparisons to the Holocaust? - Acharei Mot 5782
Maimonides' Menorah - Dedication of the Ellenberg Torah Mantle
Kos Rishonah - Four Cups of Wine Drinking Song - Pesach 5782
The Hillel Sandwich - Shabbat HaChodesh 5782
The Holiness of the Penitent - Tzav 5782
Unknown Departures and Journeys - Pekudei 5782
1200 Years of Jewish Life in Ukraine
Building the Sanctuary Within - Terumah 5782
Iron in the Shul (After Colleyville) - Yitro 5782
Why is Pharaoh's Court Happy? - Vayigash 5782
Light in the Darkness - Miketz (Chanukah) 5782
Too Small Am I For All These Blessings - Vayishlach 5782
Experiencing Holiness Where You Least Expect It - Vayetzei - 5782
Digging His Own Wells - Toldot 5782
Planning for Death - Chayei Sarah 5782
And God Laughed - Vayera 5782
She's My Sister/She's My Wife - Lekh Lekha 5782
Featured
Might & Peace - Noach 5784
Who we are, and whom we are meant to become - Bereishit 5784
Brokenness - Yom Kippur 5783
Mixed Messages - Vayelekh 5783
Abraham Stood Over Isaac - David Cyrluk, Rosh Hashanah 5783
The Friendship of the King - Rosh Hashanah 5783
May we deserve to be Klal Yisrael - Devarim 5782
The Sound of the Snake - Chukat 5782
Korach's Rebellion Against Cosmic Peace - Korach 5782
Abortion - It's Personal
The People Are 'Like Complainers' - Beha'alotekha 5782
Rise, O Daughters of Priests and Levites - Emor 5782
Don't Oppress Your Neighbor - Kedoshim 5782
Comparisons to the Holocaust? - Acharei Mot 5782
Maimonides' Menorah - Dedication of the Ellenberg Torah Mantle
Kos Rishonah - Four Cups of Wine Drinking Song - Pesach 5782
The Hillel Sandwich - Shabbat HaChodesh 5782
The Holiness of the Penitent - Tzav 5782
Unknown Departures and Journeys - Pekudei 5782
1200 Years of Jewish Life in Ukraine
Building the Sanctuary Within - Terumah 5782
Iron in the Shul (After Colleyville) - Yitro 5782
Why is Pharaoh's Court Happy? - Vayigash 5782
Light in the Darkness - Miketz (Chanukah) 5782
Too Small Am I For All These Blessings - Vayishlach 5782
Experiencing Holiness Where You Least Expect It - Vayetzei - 5782
Digging His Own Wells - Toldot 5782
Planning for Death - Chayei Sarah 5782
And God Laughed - Vayera 5782
She's My Sister/She's My Wife - Lekh Lekha 5782

 Recordings of Past Programs

Don’t worry if you missed the opportunity to participate in one of Sinai’s past programs. The following recordings are available for viewing at your convenience.

Cheshbon HaNefesh: Taking Stock - September 8, 2020

To download slides of the presentation, click here.