Congregation Etz Chayim

Midor and Shorashim: Jewish Learning Programs for children in kindergarten through sixth grade. For more information, check our website or contact our Director of Learning, Abra Greenspan at abra@etzhcyaim.org.

Kibbutz Hannaton is the only Jewish, religious, multi-denominational, egalitarian, intentional community kibbutz in Israel. Join Anat as she takes us on a walking tour through the kibbutz where she will guide us as we learn the history of the kibbutz movement, step into the one synagogue where everyone prays together and visit the two unique mikvehs on site. Anat has also arranged for us to meet several kibbutz members who fully represent the idea of shared existence. ETZ Talks is a series of presentations on Jewish questions and topics that Etzniks are curious about exploring. Each ETZ Talk takes place on Sunday mornings from 10:00 am to Noon. Everyone is welcome at these free presentations. ETZ Talks are made possible through Jewish LearningWorks and the Newton and Rochelle Becker Charitable Trust.

Join Etznik Mitch Slomiak on this long strange multimedia trip to learn Tanach together through the words of The Grateful Dead. We will explore songs such as “The Wheel,” “Franklin’s Tower,” “My Brother Esau,” and perhaps others. (These songs touch upon sections from Genesis, Deuteronomy, and several of the Prophets.

Jewish Learning from the Roots Up! Shorashim (Roots) Grades 3-6 Wednesday afternoons, 4:30-6:00 pm Join us as we explore the historical, spiritual and cultural experiences of the Jewish people through study, song, prayer, art, movement, story-telling, projects and a lot of fun! To foster a sense of connection and identity in our student-oriented learning programs, each class is given a Chavurah/Group name and identity. These are based on Shivat Ha-Minim, the Seven Plant Species found in the Land of Israel that are mentioned in the Torah. Students continue with that Chavurah group identity until the end of 8th Grade at which time they pass their name along to the rising 2nd Grade students. Students who join our program after 2nd grade automatically become members of the Chavurah for their grade-level. For more information or to sign-up, check our website or contact our Director of Learning, Abra Greenspan at abra@etzchayim.org

Hineini Grades 7-8 weekly learning sessions, Wednesdays, 6:40-8:30 pm Hineini, "Here I am" is a phrase that appears multiple times in the Torah. What does it mean for each of us to respond, "Here I am, a Jew in the 21st century?" Hineini 7 -8 sessions take place on Wednesday evenings. Eating dinner together is part of the program 21st Century Jewish Identity and Life What is Prayer? Why Pray? Why do Jews Pray the Way We Do? and Leading a Shabbat Morning Service Holocaust-Rescue, Resistance, Resilience 8th Grade Jewish Ethics, Values, Traditions and Me: How Judaism Guides My 21st Century Choices Staying Connected to the Community

This is an ongoing, drop-in class that is open to everyone looking for a deeper, rational understanding of Torah. No Hebrew skills or Torah study experience are required.

The group will offer virtual sing-alongs, relying on lead singers who know the songs well and can break them down for learners. We’ll meet on most Wednesday evenings, 7:45 - 8:45 p.m. Those who have replied in advance will receive the Zoom link on the afternoon of the sing-along. Lyrics will be shown via Zoom. This activity is free.

It is uncomfortable living in such a polarized time with tensions rising even within families and among old friends. Jewish tradition is very rich in thinking about facing conflicts honestly without tearing the fabric of relationships. Based on his book, Torah of Reconciliation, Rabbi Shelly Lewis will guide us through the Torah portions of the Book of Exodus, searching for pathways to reconciliation.

Shabbat evening services are held every Friday at 7:30 p.m. and last about an hour. Everyone is welcome to attend.

This is an ongoing, drop-in class that is open to everyone looking for a deeper understanding of Torah.

Shabbat morning services are held every Saturday at 10:00 am, and with Torah reading, last about two hours. Everyone is welcome to attend the service.