Adult Jewish Learning Past Programming
2023/2024
The Gerson D. Cohen Institute for Adult Jewish Learning
Please note, that this page represents programming that has since passed.
CSAIR is committed to providing a range of Jewish learning for the Riverdale community. Classes and programs are open to all. Most of our programs are free and subsidized by CSAIR. For more information or to sponsor an adult education program, please contact Rabbi Katie Greenberg, Director of Engagement and Programming at 718-543-8400 ext. 1 or engagement@csair.org.
OCTOBER 2023
What’s the Buzz in Israel with Rabbi Katz
Wednesday, October 18, 8 PM | Zoom
Discussion led by CSAIR members and What’s the Buzz hosts Debbie Uriel, Judy Kunoff, and David Davar, joined by Rabbi Katz will share what they are hearing and reading in Israeli (Hebrew) media.
Sponsored by the Israel Committee.
CSAIR Book Club: "ONCE WE WERE HOME" with Author Jennifer Rosner
Sunday, October 22, 11 AM | Zoom
Jennifer Rosner will join the CSAIR book club to discuss her new book Once We Were Home, a novel based on the true stories of children stolen in the wake of World War II.
"This forgotten history of displaced WWII children and the return to their roots [is] captivating, thought-provoking, enlightening, and bittersweet." ―Alka Joshi, New York Times bestselling author of The Henna Artist.
Pirkei Avot: Ethics of Our Ancestors
Starting Wednesday, October 25, 10:30 AM, First class in-person
What wisdom is worth passing on to the next generation? The rabbis asked this question thousands of years ago, and the result is a text that continues to inspire us with its moral and ethical insight. This year, join Rabbi Katz and Rabbi Greenberg to study the last half of chapters four and five of the book together. We will look at classical and modern commentary by women and men. No experience is necessary. All texts are provided in English along with Hebrew.
Sponsored by the CSAIR Sisterhood.
Jewish Travelers and Their Adventures
Wednesday, October 25, 8 PM | Zoom
Jews have reached all four corners of the Earth, whether as residents or as travelers. We will read some of the fascinating travelogues that have been written by Jews as they’ve traveled the globe.
Michael Pitkowsky is the Senior Salesforce Administrator at the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades, where he helps to build community and increase Jewish engagement.
Beyond COVID — Prevention, and Strategies for Infectious Disease
Thursday, October 26, 8 PM | Zoom
The presentation will be led by Michele Cohen, the senior director of clinical research trials at the Department of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital, and Dr. Nadine Cohen, National PepsiCo Consultant and Physician Lead PepsiCo Global headquarters.
Sponsored by the CSAIR Sisterhood.
NOVEMBER 2023
Pirkei Avot: Ethics of Our Ancestors
Wednesday, November 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 10:30 AM | Zoom
Note the 15th is in person.
What wisdom is worth passing on to the next generation? The rabbis asked this question thousands of years ago, and the result is a text that continues to inspire us with its moral and ethical insight. This year, join Rabbi Katz and Rabbi Greenberg to study the last half of chapters four and five of the book together. We will look at classical and modern commentary by women and men. No experience is necessary. All texts are provided in English along with Hebrew.
Sponsored by the CSAIR Sisterhood.
Volunteer Nation: Meet Three Israeli Civilians Who Are Sustaining Israel
Wednesday, November 1, Noon – 12:45 PM | Zoom
Join us and meet three Israel-based leaders of mobilization efforts responding to Israel’s massive needs since October 7. Each will share stories of their work, its impact, challenges, opportunities of how we can support these efforts, and their personal connections to Riverdale and CSAIR. Our guests and their organizations are:
Kaila Zimnavoda will speak about "Soldiers Save Lives". See her letter to CSAIR about her work.
Gila Rockman will share about her work at the Jerusalem Civilian Command Center. See this video from the "Times of Israel" and this one on Facebook. Donations to the project may be made here.
Dr. Itamar Glazer will share his work helping to create ReGrow Israel Emergency Fund which is helping to protect Israel's food security. Donations to the project can be made here.
Jewish Travelers and Their Adventures
November 1, 15, 8 PM | Zoom
Jews have reached all four corners of the Earth, whether as residents or as travelers. We will read some of the fascinating travelogues that have been written by Jews as they’ve traveled the globe.
Michael Pitkowsky is the Senior Salesforce Administrator at the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades, where he helps to build community and increase Jewish engagement.
Davening Beit Midrash
Wednesday, November 8, 7:45 PM | Library
Aspiring prayer leaders and curious shul-goers will have a greater grasp on the ins and outs of the prayers. You can listen and learn at your own pace. Questions: contact Gedalia.
Lunch and Film Series at CSAIR: "The Jewish Cardinal"
Sunday, November 12, 11 AM | Library
CSAIR member Steve Gleit will lead a discussion about the "Jewish Cardinal", which is based on the life of French Cardinal Lustiger, who was born Jewish and converted to Catholicism at age 14. Lustiger considered himself a Catholic Jew and the movie underscores the questions of identity, humanity, and home.
Please watch the Jewish Cardinal in advance of the discussion. It is available free on Hoopla, Kanopy, Chai Flicks and rental on Amazon.
Refreshments will be served.
Keeping Kids Safe: A Review of CSAIR's Child Protection Policy
Thursday, November 16, 8 PM | Zoom
Hadar Schwartz will speak about the prevalence and risk factors of abuse and share the ways that CSAIR works to protect youth.
Hadar has been a member of CSAIR for seven years and has chaired the Child Protection Committee at CSAIR for the past two years. Professionally, Hadar is a clinical psychologist who works with adults and couples.
Sponsored by the CSAIR Sisterhood.
Street Naming in Honor of Dr. Paula Neyman
Sunday, November 19 | 11:00 AM
Rabbi Katz was instrumental in arranging for a Bronx street corner in the Pelham Parkway Section of Bronx to be renamed in honor of Dr. Neyman, a Holocaust survivor who devoted her life to caring for children and teaching the danger of hate. Rabbi Katz spoke about this in his High Holiday sermon. (Read an excerpt here.)
Free bus transportation is available (seating is limited; you must sign up in advance here).
Bus will leave from CSAIR at 10:00 AM and return at the conclusion of the program.
Caregiver Support Group
Tuesday, November 28 | 8:00 PM | Library
If you are a caregiver in need of guidance and support, join CSAIR's caregiver support group! It is a safe space to share your experience and seek counsel. Held on the fourth Tuesday of every month unless stated otherwise. If interested, please email Deborah Lupkin-Unger or Ellen Werlin.
Jewish Women Composers and Performers at CSAIR
Wednesday, November 29, 8 PM | Zoom
Please join us for a panel discussion on Zoom, featuring Sheila Reinhold, Dassi Rosenkrantz, and Dalit Warshaw CSAIR members and composers and performers of Jewish-themed music. The discussion will include how Jewish themes are addressed within each artist's work, along with musical excerpts from performances and recordings. Sheila, Dassi, and Dalit will explore Jewish themes within their work.
Violinist Sheila Reinhold's concert performances have included solo appearances with Zubin Mehta and Andre Kostelanetz and chamber music with Jascha Heifetz and Gregor Piatigorsky, and she is the founder of Intimate Voices Chamber Concerts, which opens its 15th season at CSAIR on November 4. Dassi Rosenkrantz is a bass player, composer, arranger, producer, and artist who has toured with Debbie Friedman. Dassi is a fellow of the Academy for Teachers, teaches at Ramaz and records and produces original music with her family, the Cabo Project. An internationally acclaimed composer and performer, Dalit Warshaw’s works have been performed by ensembles including the NY and Israel Philharmonic Orchestras. A 2016 Guggenheim Fellow, Warshaw currently teaches on the composition faculties at Brooklyn College and at the Juilliard School.
DECEMBER 2023
Chanukah Workshop
Sunday, December 3 | 10:00 AM
Get ready for Chanukah. Join YCFP for crafting in the CSAIR lower lobby. Make your own Chanukah t-shirt, design your wrapping paper, create a Chanukah suncatcher, and more.
RSVP here (be sure to provide your child/ren's t-shirt size.)
Break the Silence: Raising the Voices of Israel Women and Girls
Tuesday, December 5, 8:00 PM | At CSAIR
The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women is intended for ALL women. However, the brutal gender violence against Israeli women and girls on October 7th has been met with silence from the international community.
Come and hear from Dr. Cochav Elkayam-Levy, Chair, Civil Commission on October 7 Crimes by Hamas Against Women and Children.
We must break the silence and bring attention to these atrocities. Your participation is vital in raising awareness and fostering collective action.
Pirkei Avot: Ethics of Our Ancestors
Wednesday, December 6, 10:30 AM | Zoom
Note the 15th is in person.
What wisdom is worth passing on to the next generation? The rabbis asked this question thousands of years ago, and the result is a text that continues to inspire us with its moral and ethical insight. This year, join Rabbi Katz and Rabbi Greenberg to study the last half of chapters four and five of the book together. We will look at classical and modern commentary by women and men. No experience is necessary. All texts are provided in English along with Hebrew.
Sponsored by the CSAIR Sisterhood.
The Jews Were Never the Same! Pivotal Turning Points in Jewish History Wednesday, December 6 | 8:00 PM
This month's episode: "770 CE: Anan ben David splits from the Rabbis". The talk covers Anan ben David, author of the Book of Precepts, who was a notable and controversial figure in the 8th century, helping to found the Karaite movement, whose followers based their observance only on scripture, rejecting Rabbinical Laws and Traditions. The talk will be led by Men’s Club scholar and guest lecturer Rabbi Joel Schwab. Questions: email CSAIRMensClub@gmail.com.
ONGOING PROGRAMMING
________________________
Yiddish Vinkl
Sundays, 10:00 AM
The previous dates are as follows:
In-Person
October 21
Zoom
Sat, December 9 2023 26 Kislev 5784