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.

This is a monthly informal gathering of Etz women to be together and chat about what’s going on in our lives. The link for this event is available through our weekly Thursday newsletter. Not on our email list yet? Contact office@etzchayim.org to be added.

Jewish Learning from the Roots Up! Shorashim (Roots) Grades 3-6 Wednesday afternoons, 4:30-6:30 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.

Returning to the polls for the fourth time in two years, Israelis will choose from a diverse array of parties. Will long-serving PM Benjamin Netanyahu hold onto his position while facing multiple indictments or will Israel have a new leader?

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.

In the midst of difficult times, Multifaith Voices for Peace and Justice will host “Peaceful Presence,” a monthly prayer service on the evening of the 11th of each month, offering a time of quiet multifaith prayers for peace and strength for the journey. All are welcome, the prayer time will include elements from several religious traditions. This month's program is led by Ellen Stromberg on behalf of Etz Chayim.

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 morning services are held every Saturday at 10:15 am, and with Torah reading, last about two hours. Everyone is welcome to attend the service.