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.

What did rabbis of the Greco-Roman world think about chariot races, theater performances, athletic competitions, and gladiator shows? How did their responses compare to their Christian contemporaries? Prof. Loren Spielman leads us through the labyrinth of ancient Jewish life and entertainment.

Jewish Learning from the Roots Up! Shorashim (Roots) Grades 3-6 Wednesday afternoons, 4:00-6:00 pm (Grades 3-6) 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, 6:15-8:30 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. Zoom link shared via email.

The second in a series of tours in Israel led by Anat Harrel. Arab Christians form an integral part of society in Israel. We will visit with a few Arab Christians and learn of their dreams: a restaurateur and owner of a Crusader castle, a priest who will show us his lovely church and tell us about his dream of returning to his village, a vintner family building a successful winery and an archaeologist who dreams of bringing back the pride in his culture.

Shabbat evening services are held every Friday at 7:30 p.m. and last about an hour. This special musical service will feature Etzniks performing some of the greatest hits from Jewish songwriters and performers of the 1920s - 1950s.

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