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.

mAAc Meets: Current Events with Rabbi Neil Sandler

Two Mondays a Month | 10–11 a.m. | Via Zoom

Join mAAc members, fellow congregants, and Rabbi Neil Sandler twice a month for Rabbi Sandler's current events discussion group! Rabbi Sandler continues to keep us informed about current events affecting the Jewish Community. He teaches us not only to be aware of the current events but also to understand them.

Refer to our events calendar for meeting dates.

Join Via Zoom

mAAc Meets: Tuesdays@AA

Every Tuesday | 10–11 a.m. | Via Zoom

Join mAAc members, fellow congregants, and one of the AA rabbis every Tuesday for this exciting discussion group. Rabbis Laurence Rosenthal and Sam Blustin will alternate weeks leading a one-hour online learning course by the Shalom Hartman Institute. The course, iEngage: Jewish Values and the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, studies the Jewish narratives about Israel and the unpacking of the complex meanings of peace in Jewish tradition. We will explore the ideas and values that animate different attitudes toward the conflict and how these values shape their own political understandings. Though a common political platform may not be attainable, this course strives to achieve a shared respect for our differences.

Refer to our events calendar for meeting dates.

Join Via Zoom

Rabbi Rosenthal's Wednesday Talmud Class

Every Wednesday | 5–6 p.m. | 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 ([email protected]; 404.603.5744).

Refer to our events calendar for meeting dates.

Join Via Zoom

Biblical Hebrew Class

Every Wednesday | 7:30–8:30 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

Torah Study

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

AA is committed to providing a community of adult Jewish learning. We believe adult learning fosters a lifelong commitment to personal spiritual growth, expanding Jewish intellectual society, passing Jewish literacy, and learning from generation to generation. Torah Study sessions are facilitated by congregants who lead lively discussions. Questions? Contact Andy Zangwill ([email protected]).

Join Via Zoom

Date	Parsha	Facilitator
8.5.23	Eikev	Steve Grossman
8.12.23	Re'eh	Steve Chervin
8.19.23	Shof'tim	Andy Zangwill
8.26.23	Ki Tetze	Mark Budnitz
9.2.23	Ki Tavo	Sandro Gisler
9.9.23	Nitzavim-Vayelech	Michael Miller
9.16.23 (9:30–10:30 a.m.; Ellman Chapel)	Rosh Hashanah Day 1	Michael Miller
9.23.23	Ha'azinu Shuvah	Allison Goldman
9.30.23	Sukkot Day 1	Paul Feldman
10.7.23	Shemini Atzeret	Rabbi Sam Blustin
10.14.23	Beresheet	Linda Lippitt
10.21.23	Noah	Michael Miller
10.28.23	Lech L'cha	Judy Marx
11.4.23	Vayera	Linda Lippitt
11.11.23	Chayei Sarah
11.18.23	Toledot	Steve Grossman
11.25.23	Vayetzei	Doug Ander
12.2.23	Vayishlach
12.9.23	Vayeshev	Rabbi Laurence Rosenthal
12.16.23	Mikketz	Michael Miller
12.23.23	Vayigash	Sandro Gisler
12.30.23	Vayechi	Judy Marx
1.6.24	Shemot	Richard Friedman
1.13.24	Vaera	Richard Friedman
1.20.24	Bo
1.27.24	Beshalach-Shirah	Judy Marx
2.3.24	Yitro	Michael Miller
2.10.24	Mishpatim	Rabbi Laurence Rosenthal
2.17.24	Terumah
2.24.24	Tetzaveh
3.2.24	Ki Tissa
3.9.24	Vayakhel-Shekalim
3.16.24	Pekude
3.23.24	Vayikra Zachor
3.30.24	Tzav Parah	Sandro Gisler
4.6.24	Shemini Hahodesh
4.13.24	Tazria
4.20.24	Metzora Haggadol
4.27.24	Chol HaMoed Pesach
5.4.24	Achre
5.11.24	Kedoshim	Judy Marx
5.18.24	Emor	Rabbi Laurence Rosenthal
5.25.24	Behar
6.1.24	Behukkotai
6.8.24	Bemidbar	Sandro Gisler
6.15.24	Naso
6.22.24	Beha'alotcha
6.29.24	Shelah L'cha
7.6.24	Korach
7.13.24	Chukat
7.20.24	Balak
7.27.24	Pinchas

Lunch and Learn *ON HIATUS*

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 rabbis for lunch and learning. To RSVP or pre-order lunch, contact Jill Rosner ([email protected]; 404.603.5741).

Refer to our events calendar for meeting dates.

Piedmont Study Group *ON HIATUS*

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 Rabbis.

Refer to our events calendar for meeting dates.

Selichot—Saturday, September 9
7:15 p.m	Mincha/Ma’ariv/Havdallah Service	In-Person: Sanctuary Virtual: Zoom Join Zoom
8:30–10 p.m.	Selichot with Shearith Israel	In-Person: Shearith Israel Register
Sunday, September 10
10:00 a.m. at Greenwood Cemetery 1:30 p.m. at Arlington Memorial Park	High Holiday Cemetery Memorial Services	In-Person: Greenwood Cemetery and Arlington Memorial Park
2–4:00 p.m.	Reverse Tashlich	In-Person: Peachtree Creek Greenway Register by 9/7
Erev Rosh Hashanah—Friday, September 15
7:15–8:45 a.m.	Morning Minyan	Virtual (Zoom) Join Zoom
6:00 p.m.	Mincha/Ma’ariv Service	In-Person: Sanctuary Virtual: Zoom and YouTube Join Via Zoom Watch on YouTube
7:26 p.m.	Candle Lighting
Rosh Hashanah Day 1—Saturday, September 16
8–9:30 a.m.	Coffee and Breakfast Oneg	In-Person: Breezeway
8:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.	Rosh Hashanah Morning Service	In-Person: Sanctuary Virtual: Zoom and YouTube Join Via Zoom Watch on YouTube
9:30–10:30 a.m.	Family Service	In-Person: Outdoor Tent
9:30–10:30 a.m.	Torah Study Led by Michael Miller “Finding our Personal Prayer in the High Holiday Liturgy”: Prayer is a central element of the days leading up to Rosh Hashanah, and then especially during the Yamim Noraim. We are all familiar with the prayers in our liturgy, but what about personal prayers, prayers for which we do not have a template or formula? The Torah and Haftarah readings for today provide three different models of personal prayer which we will examine, discuss, and contrast. Source Sheet	In-Person: Ellman Chapel Virtual: Zoom Join Via Zoom
10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.	Apple Tasting We will hold an Apple Tasting where there will be multiple tables, each labeled with two varieties of apples. Adults and children can vote for their favorites in each category!	In-Person: Lobby
10:30 a.m.–End of RH Service	Children’s Programming	In-Person: Check-In at Cavalier Room
12:30–1:15 p.m.	Oneg and Light Kiddush	In-Person: Srochi Auditorium
1:15–1:45 p.m.	Mincha Service	In-Person: Sanctuary Virtual: Zoom and YouTube Join Via Zoom Watch on YoutTube
7:45–8:15 p.m.	Ma’ariv Service	Virtual: Zoom Join Via Zoom
8:08 p.m.	Candle Lighting
Rosh Hashanah Day 2—Sunday, September 17
8–9:30 a.m.	Coffee and Breakfast Oneg	In-Person: Breezeway
8:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.	Rosh Hashanah Morning Service	In-Person: Sanctuary Virtual: Zoom and YouTube Join Via Zoom Watch on YoutTube
9:30–10:30 a.m.	Torah Study Led by Rabbi Laurence Rosenthal “Crowning God: An Exploration into Divine Coronation:” An important theme of the High Holidays is the crowning of God as sovereign, where God takes a seat on the divine throne. Join Rabbi Rosenthal on the second day of Rosh Hashanah as we will explore one of the reoccurring prayers of this High holiday season – L’El Orekh Din Source Sheet	Hybrid: Paradies Hall and Virtual (Zoom) Join Zoom
10:15 a.m.–End of RH Service	Children’s Programming	In-Person: Check-In at Cavalier Room
12:30 p.m.	Tashlich	In-Person: Meet at the Outdoor Tent where we will walk to the corner of Peachtree Battle Ave NW and Woodward Way
7:30 p.m.	Mincha Ma’ariv Service	Virtual: Zoom Join Zoom
8:07 p.m.	Havdallah
Kol Nidre—Sunday, September 24
5–5:30 pm	Family Kol Nidre Service	In-Person: Breezeway Virtual: Zoom Join Via Zoom
5:30 p.m.	Vegan Kapparot Yom Kippur challenges us to cleanse our souls from missteps over the past year. Our tradition seeks to imbue the ethereal nature of our good and evil, right a wrong into an object that can be consumed, cast out, or flung away. Kapparot seeks to take that which is weighing us down and swing it over our heads, casting it far away from us. We have reclaimed this medieval ritual for our modern spiritual life, replacing the killing of a chicken with the righteous act of tzedakah. Join Rabbi Rosenthal in the garden as we recite our prayers, imbue a bag of money with our regrets for the past year, and swing it over our heads, thereby turning our shortcomings into acts of loving kindness to help others. The Joseph family chicken will be on site… for petting only.	In-Person: Garden
6:10 p.m.	Mincha Service	In-Person: Sanctuary Virtual: Zoom and YouTube Join Via Zoom Watch on YouTube
6:30 p.m.	Kol Nidre Service
7:00 p.m.	Ma’ariv Service
7:13 p.m.	Candle Lighting
Yom Kippur—Monday, September 25
8:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.	Yom Kippur Morning Service Yizkor Service begins around 12:30 p.m.	In-Person: Sanctuary Virtual: Zoom and YouTube Join Via Zoom Watch on YouTube
9:30–10:30 a.m.	Yom Kippur Family Service	In-Person: Outdoor Tent
9:30–10:30 a.m.	Torah Study Led by Judy Marx “G’mar Hatimah Tova—Getting the Seal of Approval”: Getting sealed in the The Book of Life is one of the most powerful images of the High Holy Days. Our High Holiday Mahzor is filled with references to books we should be sealed into: Life, Redemption, Sustenance, Merit, and Forgiveness (see Avinu Malkeinu). What are we really asking for when we pray to be sealed into these “books?” Does it imply that after Yom Kippur the fate of everyone is sealed for the rest of the year? We will look at texts and liturgy to better understand this image as one of the motivators for repentance. Source Sheet	In-Person: Ellman Chapel Virtual: Zoom Join Via Zoom
10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.	Children’s Programming	In-Person: Check-In at Cavalier Room
1:30–3:00 p.m.	Beit Midrash (Study Hall) Led by Dr. Andy Zangwill “Yom Kippur in Hell” is the title of the last short story written by the celebrated Yiddish writer Isaac Peretz. Andrew Zangwill will read the story aloud and lead a discussion of its themes. The text will be supplied so attendees (real and virtual) can read along. Source Sheet	In-Person: Ellman Chapel Virtual: Zoom Join Via Zoom
3–5:15 p.m.	Drum Circle with SunMoonPie	In-Person: Paradies Hall
5:15 p.m.	Mincha Service Reading of the Book of Jonah	In-Person: Sanctuary Virtual: Zoom and YouTube Join Via Zoom Watch on YouTube
6:30 p.m.	Neilah Service
7:41 p.m.	Ma’ariv and Final Shofar Blast
7:55 p.m.	Havdallah

Selichot – Saturday, September 17
7:15 p.m	Mincha/Ma’ariv/Havdallah Service	Hybrid: Ellman Chapel and Virtual (Zoom) Join Zoom
8:10 p.m.	Selichot Service	Hybrid: Ellman Chapel and Virtual (Zoom) Join Zoom
Erev Rosh Hashanah – Sunday, September 25
9–10:30 a.m.	Morning Minyan	Virtual (Zoom) Join Zoom
6:00 p.m.	Mincha/Ma’ariv Service	Hybrid: Srochi Auditorium and Virtual (Zoom) Join Zoom
7:12 p.m.	Candle Lighting
Rosh Hashanah Day 1 – Monday, September 26
8–9:00 a.m.	Coffee and Schmooze Co-sponsored by Sisterhood	In-Person: Garden
8:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.	Rosh Hashanah Service	Hybrid: Srochi Auditorium and Virtual (Zoom and Live Stream) Join Zoom
9–10:00 a.m.	Family Service	In-Person: Outdoor Tent
9:30–10:30 a.m.	Torah Study Led by Dr. Andrew Zangwill “Happy Birthday World!”: After each Rosh Hashanah shofar blast, we chant a short poem which begins “hayom harat olam,” a phrase often translated as “today the world was born.”  This session examines this (and other) translations of ”hayom harat olam”  and teases out their meaning for us today. Andy Zangwill is a native of Pittsburgh and is somehow related to the British Zionist Israel Zangwill. He has taught physics at Georgia Tech since 1985 and has helped administer the AA Torah Study since 2000.	Hybrid: Cavalier Room and Virtual (Zoom) Join Zoom
10:00 a.m.–End of RH Service	Children’s Programming (0–5th Grade)	In-Person: Check-In at Ahava ELC
12:30–1:00 p.m.	Oneg and Light Kiddush	In-Person: Garden
6–7:00 p.m.	Mincha/Ma’ariv Service	Hybrid: Srochi Auditorium and Virtual (Zoom and Live Stream) Join Zoom
7:54 p.m.	Candle Lighting
Rosh Hashanah Day 2 – Tuesday, September 27
8–9:00 a.m.	Coffee and Schmooze	In-Person: Garden
8:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.	Rosh Hashanah Service	Hybrid: Srochi Auditorium and Virtual (Zoom and Live Stream) Join Zoom
9:00 a.m.–End of RH Service	Children’s Programming (0–5th Grade)	In-Person: Check-In at Ahava ELC
9:30 a.m.	Torah Study Led by Dr. Paul Feldman “From Yom Teruah to Rosh Hashanah – A Rabbinic Journey”: The torah instructs us that, on the first day of the seventh month, there should be “teruah.” From that, it becomes a New Year where, hopefully, our Father, our King, inscribes us in the book of life. Let’s explore the rabbinic mindset that defines us as Jews. Paul Feldman has attended AA’s Shabbat Torah Study religiously for over 20 years. His interests include the historical aspects of Tanakh and the intellectual history of b’nai Yisrael through the ages.	Hybrid: Paradies Hall and Virtual (Zoom) Join Zoom
12:30 p.m.	Tashlich	In-Person: Outdoor Tent
7:30 p.m.	Mincha/Ma’ariv/Havdallah Service	Hybrid: Srochi Auditorium and Virtual (Zoom and Live Stream) Join Zoom
Aseret Y’mei Teshuva (Ten Days of Repentance) – Sunday, October 2
9–10:30 a.m.	Morning Minyan	Virtual (Zoom) Join Zoom
11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.	Family Taslich and Picnic with Shofar Blowing	In-Person: Morgan Falls Overlook Park
2–4:00 p.m.	Reverse Tashlich	In-Person: Peachtree Creek Greenway Register
6–7:00 p.m.	Evening Minyan	Virtual (Zoom) Join Zoom
Kol Nidre – Tuesday, October 4
5–5:30 pm	Family Service	Hybrid: Breezeway and Virtual (Zoom and Live Stream) Join Zoom
5:30–6:15 p.m.	Vegan Kapparot Yom Kippur challenges us to cleanse our souls from missteps over the past year. Our tradition seeks to imbue the ethereal nature of our good and evil, right a wrong into an object that can be consumed, cast out, or flung away. Kapparot seeks to take that which is weighing us down and swing it over our heads, casting it far away from us. We have reclaimed this medieval ritual for our modern spiritual life, replacing the killing of a chicken with the righteous act of tzedakah. Join Rabbi Rosenthal in the garden as we will recite our prayers, imbue a bag of money with our regrets for the past year, and swing it over our heads, thereby turning our shortcomings into acts of loving kindness to help others. Farmer Joe and his chicken will be on site… for petting only.	In-Person: Garden
6:10 p.m.	Mincha Service	Hybrid: Srochi Auditorium and Virtual (Zoom and Live Stream) Join Zoom
6:30 p.m.	Kol Nidre Service
7:00 p.m.	Ma’ariv Service
Yom Kippur – Wednesday, October 5
8:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.	Yom Kippur and Yizkor Services Yizkor Service begins around 12:30 p.m. 5783 Yizkor Book Supplement	Hybrid: Srochi Auditorium and Virtual (Zoom and Live Stream) Join Zoom
9–10:00 a.m.	Family Service	In-Person: Outdoor Tent
9:30–10:30 a.m.	Torah Study Led by Judy Marx “Everything Old is New Again”: This session explores how understanding our history through Yom Kippur’s Torah reading and liturgy lead us to repentance and forgiveness. Judy Marx is a long-time Jewish community professional. She was the Atlanta Director of the American Jewish Committee for twelve years and is currently with the Jewish Women’s Fund of Atlanta. In her free time she consults with interfaith organizations and prepares for Torah Study at AA.	Hybrid: Cavalier Room and Virtual (Zoom) Join Zoom
10:00 a.m.–End of YK Service	Children’s Programming (0–5th Grade)	In-Person: Check-In at Ahava ELC
2:30–4:00 p.m.	Beit Midrash (Study Hall) Led by Dr. Dennis Gilbride “The Golden Calf, Consuming Fire, Atonement, and Forgiveness”: This session focuses on two relatively well known, but under-studied stories in the Torah: the Golden Calf and the death of Aaron’s sons, Nadav and Avihu.  By exploring midrashim and ideas that tie these two episodes together, we will provide an interesting and provocative understanding of the Jewish approach to atonement, forgiveness, and connection to G-d. Dennis Gilbride has been a professor for 32 years, first at Syracuse University and, for the last ten years, at Georgia State University in its Department of Counseling and Psychological Services. He began his career at Drake University in Des Moines Iowa where he and his family were congregants of Neil Sandler, AA’s Rabbi Emeritus.	Hybrid: Srochi Auditorium and Virtual (Zoom) Join Zoom
4–6:30 p.m.	Chanting with SunMoonPie	Hybrid: Paradies Hall and Virtual (Zoom) Join Zoom
5:30 p.m.	Mincha Service Reading of the Book of Jonah	Hybrid: Srochi Auditorium and Virtual (Zoom and Live Stream) Join Zoom
6:30 p.m.	Neilah Service
7:41 p.m.	Ma’ariv/Havdallah and Final Shofar Blast

The Rabbi Arnold and Rae Goodman Learning Institute

*Updates*

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