Adult Education + Learning

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.

Wednesdays | 5–6 pm | In-Person + Online

What if one hour on a Wednesday afternoon could nourish your mind, your spirit, and your community — all at once?

Rabbi Rosenthal hosts his Weekly Parsha Class, a warm and lively gathering where we dive deep into the weekly Torah portion together. This isn't a lecture — it's a conversation. A space for honest reflection, spirited debate, and the kind of questions that don't always have easy answers. Together, we explore what our ancient texts have to say about our very modern lives.

And because Torah study is best enjoyed with good company and good taste, we set the table with wine, cheese, and sweets for the palate — and wisdom and discussion for the mind.

The class meets every Wednesday at 5 PM EDT — with one exception: there will be no class on Wednesday, April 1st, as we will all be gathered around our Seder tables for the first night of Passover. We will resume the following week and continue our journey together.

But here's what makes Wednesday evenings truly special: the class flows seamlessly into our Evening Minyan, giving each participant the opportunity to earn not one, not two, but three mitzvahs in a single afternoon:

✡ Study Torah — Engage deeply with our sacred tradition.

✡ Help Make a Minyan — Your presence is a gift. When you show up for Evening Minyan, you are not only making communal prayer possible — you are wrapping your arms around the members of our spiritual family who are saying Kaddish, holding them up as they find their footing again after losing someone they love deeply. There is no greater act of chesed than simply being there.

✡ Strengthen the Bonds of Community — Show up for one another, week after week.

Whether you are a seasoned Torah scholar or simply curious about what the weekly portion has to say to you, all are welcome at this table. No prior knowledge required — only an open heart and a willingness to explore. Questions? Contact Rabbi Laurence Rosenthal (lrosenthal@aasynagogue.org; 404.603.5744).

Refer to our events calendar for meeting dates.

+ Join Zoom

Wednesdays | 7:30–9 pm | Online

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

Saturdays | 10:30 am–12 pm | In Person or Online

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).

+  Details

5786 Torah Study Schedule

Weekly Parshas and Facilitators
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 TetzeiJoe Citron
9.13.25Ki TavoJudy Marx
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
10.25.25NoachSteve Chervin
11.1.25Lech L'chaRabbi Listfield
11.8.25VayeraJudy Marx
11.15.25Chaya SarahBrooke Rosenthal
11.22.25ToldotAndy Zangwill
11.29.25VayetzeiArthur Povlot
12.6.25VayishlachPaul Feldman
12.13.25VayeshevDoug Ander
12.20.25Mikketz Rosh Chodesh ChanukahRabbi Feld
12.27.25VayiggashSteve Grossman
1.3.26VayechiPaul Feldman
1.10.26ShemotLaurence Rosenthal
1.17.26VaeraMichael Miller
1.24.26BoJudy Marx
1.31.26Beshallach Shabbat ShirahRabbi Listfield
2.7.26YitroSteve Chervin
2.14.26Mishpatim Shabbat ShekalimLois Frank
2.21.26TerumahLaurence Rosenthal
2.28.26Tetzavveh Shabbat ZachorMichael Miller
3.7.26Ki Tissa Shabbat ParahJudy Marx
3.14.26Vayakhel-Pekudei Shabbat HachodeshAndy Zangwill
3.21.26VayikraRabbi Feld
3.28.26Tzav Shabbat HaggadolDoug Ander
4.4.26Chol HaMoed PesachRabbi Listfield
4.11.26SheminiPaul Feldman
4.18.26Tazria-MetzoraArthur Povlot
4.25.26Aharei Mot – KedoshimMark Budnitz
5.2.26Emor Rabbi Feld
5.9.26Behar – BehukkotaiJudy Marx
5.16.26BamidbarRyan Posner
5.23.26Shavuot Day 2Laurence Rosenthal
5.30.26NassoBrooke Rosenthal
6.6.26Beha'alotchaBarbara Feinberg
6.13.26ShelachPaul Feldman
6.20.26KorachDavid Joffe
6.27.26Chukat – BalakLaurence Rosenthal
7.4.26PinchasLois Frank
7.11.26Matot – MaseiMark Kozinn
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 | 1–2 pm | In-Person and Online

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.

+  Details

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.