Adult Jewish Education

Rosenthal JCC Westchester Adult Jewish Education (WAJE) Classes

The "Why" Behind the What We Do as Jews

Mondays, Oct. 15 - Dec. 3 (7 sessions) No class 11/12, 9:30 – 11:15 a.m.

Takes place at a private home minutes from the JCC 

For thousands of years we Jews have been engaging in Jewish law, customs and ritual, and many of us don’t know why we do things in a certain way. In order to create connection and meaning to our religious observance, it can be helpful to have a historical, sociological and religious context. With context, comes meaning; with meaning comes practice; with connection comes joy. 

$200/person

Instructor: Rabbi Susan Mitrani Knapp 

To register, contact Nina at WAJE@wjcouncil.org or call (914) 328-7001 x4.

Jewish Symbols and Ritual Objects

Mondays, Dec. 10 - Mar. 8 (10 sessions) No class 12/24, 12/31, 1/21, 2/4 or 2/18, 9:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Judaism is replete with Jewish symbols and ritual objects. Many of them are so deeply ingrained in our Jewish consciousness we assume they have always been a part of our tradition. We will trace the history, development and significance of Jewish symbols and ritual objects such as the Star of David, mezuzah, hanukiyah, tallit among others, in order to add more depth and understanding to our observance. 

$285/person

Instructor: Rabbi Susan Mitrani Knapp

To register, contact Nina at WAJE@wjcouncil.org or call (914) 328-7001 x4.

Introduction to Judaism - Taught by Local Rabbis

This course will introduce the basics of Judaism’s rich traditions, rituals and theology. Whether you are a Jew looking for a deeper connection with your heritage, a non-Jew considering conversion or just looking to expand your appreciation for Judaism in general – this class is for you! The series will cover topics including the Torah, the Jewish holidays, lifecycle events, prayer, the Holocaust, Israel and more. A collaboration with the Westchester Board of Rabbis and Westchester Adult Jewish Education (WAJE). 

Class at the RJCC Main Branch in Pleasantville

Wednesdays, Oct. 10 – Mar. 13 (18 sessions, no class 10/31, 11/28, 12/26, 1/2, 1/16 or 2/20), 7:30 – 9:00 p.m.

Taught by NINE local rabbis: Rabbis Stacy Bergman, Aaron Brusso, Joshua Davidson, David Greenberg, Steven Kane, Seth Limmer, Geoffrey Mitelman, Jason Nevarez and Mark Sameth. 

Fee: $180/person

Register online.

Class at the RJCC Yorktown Branch

Thursdays, Oct. 11 - Mar. 14 (18 sessions)

Taught by SIX local rabbis: 

This class is a program of the Upper Nrthern Westchester Kesher - a partnership among the Rosenthal JCC Yorktown Branch and local synagogues: • First Hebrew Congregation in Peekskill • Temple Beth Elohim in Brewster • Temple Beth Shalom in Mahopac • Temple Israel of Putnam Valley in Lake Peekskill • Temple Israel of Northern Westchester in Croton-on-Hudson • Temple Beth Am in Yorktown • Yorktown Jewish Center

Register online