“We invite all members of our congregation to participate in Study Circles in order to bring Jewish texts and values to the table as we all work together to build relationships and Jewish lives of meaning.”
Rabbi Ethan WitkovskyWhat are Study Circles?
Study a focused topic on a regular basis and build a closer bond with your teacher and fellow learners in a small group setting. Curious about Study Circles? Join one of our new Study Capsules or Study Circles to engage with text and tradition in an intimate, collaborative environment, led by our team of rabbis and educators. Learn more on the Study Circles page, and email studycircles@pasyn.org with questions.
Spring 2021 Offerings
Study Capsules
Not sure about a one year commitment to a Study Circle? Come sample this learning model with a Study Capsule. New this year, Study Capsules are three part Study Circles focused on a particular topic. Below are the Spring 2021 Study Capsule offerings.
Renewal of Spirit
Mental Health as a Jewish Value
Thu / Jan 14, 21 / 6:00 pm
Rabbi Savenor
Taking care of others is an essential Jewish value. What does our tradition say about taking care of ourselves?
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Avadim Hayinu
Strangers in a Strange Land: The Jewish Response to Seeking Sanctuary
Dates TBD, before Passover / 7:00 pm
Rabbi Witkovsky / Rabbi Philp
The story of our people, which we retell every Passover, obligates us to respond to the crises of our time with courage and compassion. By remembering how we were refugees, we can turn our collective history into meaningful action, supporting those in search of a home.
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Study Circles
A year long intimate learning experience, Study Circles offer PAS members the unique opportunity to collaborate closely with Clergy and fellow learners as they deeply learn about Jewish topics. Below are the Spring 2021 Study Circles offerings.
Drawing Inspiration
Approaches to the Sketchbook
Mon / Jan 25, Feb 22, Mar 22 / 7:00 pm
Ellen Alt
How do artists ground themselves in their craft? Sketchbooks are a great open-ended tool for idea exploration, building skills, refining compositions and letting imaginations run wild. Experiment with drawing as a means of expression, and see where it takes you! This circle is open to all experience levels.
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Beyond the Page
Deconstructing the Talmud
Thu / Jan 14 / 7:30 pm / Rabbi Witkovsky
Mon / Feb 22 / 7:30 pm / Rabbi Philp
Wed / Mar 10 / 7:30 pm / Rabbi Savenor
Investigating the foundations on which the rabbinic project is built, we will study the framework of masechet (tractate) Pesachim, which is being studied as part of the Daf Yomi cycle. Designed to enhance the daily practice of those studying Daf Yomi, learn with this supportive, studious group by engaging in intimate conversations that go beyond summarizing Talmudic texts, including authorship, artistic iterations, and personal connection with the content.
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Personifying the Past
Audio Archives
Tue / Jan 12 , Feb TBD, Mar TBD / 8:30 am
Rabbi Witkovsky
A deep delve into PAS's vibrant history through a sermon, lecture, or other archived material from our Shapiro Archives.
Limited availability. Please email studycircles@pasyn.org if interested in joining.
Learn and Laugh
Young Moms
Sun / Jan 3, Feb 7, Mar 7 / 8:00 pm
Viki Bedo
Every first Sunday of the month, learn with other young moms and a member of our clergy.
Limited availability. Please email studycircles@pasyn.org if interested in joining.
Study and Schmooze
Young Dads Study Circle
Rabbi Witkovsky
Sun / Jan 10, Feb 14, Mar 14 / 8:00 pm
Every second Sunday of the month, learn with other young dads and a member of our clergy.
Limited availability. Please email studycircles@pasyn.org if interested in joining.
Up for Discussion
20s/30s Study Circle
Tue / Jan 19 / 7:30 pm / Viki Bedo
Tue / Feb 23 / 7:30 pm / Rabbi Witkovsky
Tue / Mar 18 / 7:30 pm / Rabbi Philp
Created for members ages 20-39, this Study Circles creates an intimate learning opportunity for this demographic.
Limited availability. Please email studycircles@pasyn.org if interested in joining.
Start Your Own Circle
Small group learning creates intimate communities, deepens learning and establishes another portal of entry into our congregation. Would you like to create a small community of learners within PAS? You can start a group with just your friends or start a group and open it up to others in the community. Topics can be set ahead of time or set by the group once they come together.
If you would like to start a group, or get more information about Study Circles, please contact Rabbi Ethan Witkovsky ewitkovsky@pasyn.org.
What it means to be a convener
A group convener’s most important job is to recruit people who will be valuable members of the group. They will also be asked to help organize the meeting times and send reminders to the group before meetings. Meetings can take place in people’s homes, in restaurants or in either of the synagogue’s buildings.
What it means to be part of a group
Each participant of the group will commit to regular attendance of a set number of initial meetings