Learning for Adults

The Rabbi Arnold and Rae Goodman Learning Institute

The Goodman Institute (est. 2002) makes it possible for every member of the Ahavath Achim community to travel his/her own path to Jewish learning. We offer a wide variety of programs (mostly free of charge) designed to serve the needs of beginning learners, advanced learners and everyone in between. Our scope includes the fundamental texts of Conservative Judaism, Jewish history, Zionism and Israel, religious beliefs, practices and rituals, Jewish philosophy, Hebrew language and all aspects of Jewish culture, including literature, music, art and drama.

We believe adult learning fosters a lifelong commitment to personal spiritual growth, expanding Jewish intellectual society, and passing Jewish literacy and learning from generation to generation. Ahavath Achim offers adult education opportunities throughout the year with regularly scheduled classes, special programming, guest speakers, and special events.

Every Wednesday | 5–6:00 p.m. | In-Person and Via Zoom

Join Rabbi Laurence Rosenthal for a deep dive into the minds of our rabbis and the Rabbinic tradition. Explore the central text (the Talmud) of our Jewish life and learn the basic structure of this amazing and impactful spiritual book. This year, we will be exploring the Talmud Tractate Megillah, Chapter 3. No previous experience with Talmud is necessary. Questions? Contact Rabbi Laurence Rosenthal (lrosenthal@aasynagogue.org; 404.603.5744).

Refer to our events calendar for meeting dates.

Join Via Zoom

 

Every Wednesday | 7:30–9:00 p.m. | Via Zoom

Join us every Wednesday for Biblical Hebrew Class, led by Hebrew instructor, Jim Dricker. In this class, we will cover all aspects of grammar and a well-rounded basic vocabulary. Students set the pace of the program, and we will proceed as fast or as slow as the majority of the class requests. We might take two years to complete… maybe more… perhaps less! The only prerequisite is the ability to sound out Hebrew words.Required textbook: The First Hebrew Primer: The Adult Beginner's Path to Biblical Hebrew, Third Edition by Simon, Resnikoff, and Motzkin (available on Amazon and other book sellers)

Refer to our events calendar for meeting dates.

Join Via Zoom

Every Saturday | 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m. | Via Zoom or Cavalier Room

Join us every Shabbat morning for Torah Study, where lay leaders, rabbis, and congregants lead lively discussions about the weekly parashat. This discussion requires no special knowledge and is designed to deepen your understanding and appreciation of the Torah and the wisdom of our Sages.

Questions? Contact Michael Miller (mgmiller@sloan.mit.edu).

Join Via Zoom

5786 Torah Study Schedule

DateParshaFacilitator(s)
8.2.25Devarim Shabbat HazonSteve Chervin
8.9.25Vaethanan Shabbat NachamuSteve Grossman
8.16.25EikevDavid Joffe
8.23.25ReehRabbi Listfield
8.30.25Shof'timMichael Miller
9.6.25Ki TetzeiJudy Marx
9.13.25Ki Tavo
9.20.25NitzavimNancy Levine
9.23.25Rosh HaShana Day 1Michael Miller
9.27.25Vayelech Shabbat ShuvaAndy Zangwill
10.2.25Yom KippurJudy Marx
10.4.25HaazinuLois Frank
10.11.25Chol HaMoed SukkotDoug Ander
10.18.25BeresheetBarbara Feinberg
10.25.25Noach
11.1.25Lech L'chaSteve Chervin
11.8.25VayeraJudy Marx
11.15.25Chaya SarahBrooke Rosenthal
11.22.25ToldotAndy Zangwill
11.29.25VayetzeiArthur Povlot
12.6.25Vayishlach
12.13.25Vayeshev
12.20.25Mikketz Rosh Chodesh ChanukahRabbi Feld
12.27.25Vayiggash
1.3.26Vayechi
1.10.26Shemot
1.17.26Vaera
1.24.26BoJudy Marx
1.31.26Beshallach Shabbat Shirah
2.7.26YitroSteve Chervin
2.14.26Mishpatim Shabbat ShekalimLois Frank
2.21.26Terumah
2.28.26Tetzavveh Shabbat ZachorArthur Povlot
3.7.26Ki Tissa Shabbat ParahJudy Marx
3.14.26Vayakhel-Pekudei Shabbat Hachodesh
3.21.26VayikraRabbi Feld
3.28.26Tzav Shabbat Haggadol
4.4.26Chol HaMoed PesachRabbi Listfield
4.11.26Shemini
4.18.26Tazria-MetzoraAndy Zangwill
4.25.26Aharei Mot – KedoshimMark Budnitz
5.2.26Emor Rabbi Feld
5.9.26Behar – BehukkotaiJudy Marx
5.16.26BamidbarRyan Posner
5.23.26Shavuot Day 2
5.30.26Nasso
6.6.26Beha'alotcha
6.13.26Shelach
6.20.26Korach
6.27.26Chukat – Balak
7.4.26Pinchas
7.11.26Matot – Masei
7.18.26Devarim Shabbat Chazon
7.25.26Vaethanan Shabbat NachamuAndy Zangwill

Every Saturday | 12:30–2:00 p.m. | In-Person

Join us during kiddush lunch on Shabbat mornings for Rebbe's Tish where we'll sing, do a bit of studying and kavanot, celebrate simchas, and fulfill the mitzvah of delighting in Shabbat and reciting the blessing after meals! Whether you attended the Shabbat morning service virtually, in person, or not at all, you are welcome to join us—Grab a seat at the square table in the atrium between the Sanctuary and Srochi Auditorium. We'll start around 12:30 p.m. (or ~30 minutes after the service ends) and sing the blessing after meals (Birkat HaMazon) between 1:30 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. Questions? Contact music@aasynagogue.org.

One Saturday a Month | 12:45–1:45 p.m. a.m. | In-Person and Via Zoom

Join us one Saturday a month to learn about and discuss current issues involving Israel. With the incredibly complex reality that the Jewish state finds itself, the goal of this group is to learn and discuss. We will read through recent articles and publications highlighting major issues and welcome educators, advocates, Israeli Government, and NGO professionals to share their thoughts, work, and hope. Learning is at the core of this experience, so come with an open mind and heart.

Refer to our events calendar for meeting dates.

Join Via Zoom

Every Third Wednesday of the Month | 12–1 p.m. | Offices of Birnbrey, Minsk, Minsk, and Perling (1801 Peachtree Street NW #300, Atlanta, GA 30309)

Join the rabbi for lunch and learning. To RSVP or pre-order lunch, contact Jill Rosner (jrosner@aasynagogue.org; 404.603.5741).

Refer to our events calendar for meeting dates.

Every Second Wednesday of the Month | 2:30–3:30 p.m. | The Piedmont at Buckhead (650 Phipps Boulevard NE, Atlanta, GA 30326)

Learning and discussion with the rabbi.

Refer to our events calendar for meeting dates.