Adult Education
Kane Street Synagogue is committed to teaching anyone who wants to explore Judaism. Our approach is pluralistic and informal. Our teaching materials are taken from the many voices of Jewish tradition; our goal is to create a passionate, caring community of learners.
Open Beit Midrash
Tuesday Evenings, October to March
Please click here to register for the coming year’s season!
The Beit Midrash (House of Study) has traditionally been the cultural center for creative spiritual conversation, a place to bring everyone together in an atmosphere of focused learning, energetic discussion and personal search.
Using the educational techniques of a traditional Yeshiva, but in a progressive, inclusive, Brownstone Brooklyn way, our study centers around tables, with provocative texts and helpful resources arrayed before the students.
The Kane Street Synagogue Open Beit Midrash is for learners of all levels. We value diversity. Come whether you have studied Jewish texts for 20 years, or are a complete novice.
The Open Beit Midrash takes place on most Tuesday evenings from October through March. The program is built around three-week mini-courses. Each Beit Midrash evening begins with dinner at 6:45pm, followed by various opportunities for Jewish learning (i.e. the “Beit Midrash”) at 7:30pm.
Course costs to be confirmed upon announcement of the roster. Per-course, and full subscriptions are available, as well as scholarships; please contact Rabbi Samuel H. Weintraub for more information.
Courses: Click here for a schedule of last year’s courses, or download the the Open Beit Midrash brochure with full course descriptions.
For more information, contact Joy Fallek at [email protected].
Pirkei Avot Community Study
Who is the wise one? One who learns from all people… Pirkei Avot 4:1
Learn more about the study and sign-up to join the learning.
Since March, 2019, our community has been engaged in community-wide learning of Pirkei Avot (Wisdom of Our Sages), a compilation of ethical teachings and sayings found in the Mishna. This is a treasure of our tradition whose ideas and insights are accessible and enlightening to all learners, whether you have never before engaged in Jewish learning or have an extensive background. We are completing all of Pirkei Avot in two cycles of study, learning the first half from Spring 2019-Rosh HaShanah and the second from Spring 2020-Rosh Hashanah.
You can sign up to join one of our multiple study groups, form your own study group, learn with your family, or ask us to connect you with other learners.
Throughout the study, we will also offer a few opportunities for all the study groups to gather together to learn from a guest scholar on Pirkei Avot and celebrate their accomplishments along the way over treats and drinks. Learn more about the study and learning schedule. For more information or questions, contact Rabbi Jason Gitlin.
Shabbat Morning Learners’ Service
Want help navigating and building a deeper relationship to the Shabbat morning service? Our Learners’ Service offers a space to learn about the Shabbat morning service (its structure, themes, and rituals), explore your questions and pray slowly together. Led by Rabbi Jason Gitlin (contact for questions) and congregants.
Schedule for 2019-20: September 7, 21, and October 5: Order and Structure of High Holidays Mahzor; November 2 and 16: Morning Blessings, Prayers at the Beginning of Service; December 7 and 21: Hallel, Prayers of Holiday Praise; January 11 and 25: Psukei dZimra, Prayers at the Beginning of Service; February 1 and 29: Shacharit, Call to Prayer and Shema; March 7 and 21: Shacharit Amidah; April 4 and 18: Torah Service; May 2 and 16: Musaf; June 6 and 20: Concluding Prayers
Our Jewish Life
Monthly Conversations on Contemporary Culture, Controversies, and Challenges
Free, leader led discussions on the third Thursday of every month, November through June, 10:30am-12:00pm in the Kane Street Chapel. Sponsored by Kane Street’s Hazak Group, for retirees and older members, but open to all.
Free. Refreshments served. Contact [email protected] for more information.
Introduction to Judaism: An Exploration for Curious Adults
A 20-session course on Jewish life, thought, and practice, co-sponsored by Kane Street.
Fall 2019 Class meets in two sections, beginning October 30:
Wednesday evening, 7:00-9:00pm, at Flatbush Jewish Center (Church Ave & E 5th Street)
OR
Sundays evenings, 7:30-9:30pm, at Park Slope Jewish Center (8th Ave & 14th Street) First Session for both sections is Wednesday, October 30, 7:00pm at Flatbush Jewish Center
Co-Sponsored by Kane Street and Rabbi Sue Oren, Instructor & Coordinator
Join this 20-session course on Jewish life, thought and practice. In a warm and open environment, explore Jewish thought, prayer and practice, learn about Jewish history and holidays, wrestle with inherited texts and contemporary issues, discuss Jewish views of God, ethics, life and death.
Course tuition is $425 plus $25 materials fee. For registration or questions, contact Rabbi Sue Oren at [email protected]
This class is co-sponsored by: Beloved, Brooklyn Heights Synagogue, B’ShERT: Beth Shalom v’Emeth Reform Temple, Congregation Mount Sinai, East Midwood Jewish Center, Flatbush Jewish Center, Kane Street Synagogue, Kolot Chayeinu/Voices of Our Lives, Park Slope Jewish Center and Union Temple.
Shavuot Across Brooklyn
Dozens of Learning Sessions Mark Community-wide Shavuot Celebration
Co-sponsored by Kane Street Synagogue & Partner Organizations
Saturday, June 8, approx. 8:30pm-Sunrise, at Congregation Beth Elohim, 274 Garfield Place
Kane Street annually joins as a co-sponsor with other Brooklyn synagogues and minyanim for this all-night Tikkun Leil Shavuot. Starting at 8:30pm with services and cheesecake and ending with Sunrise Services at 5:00am, come for all or part of the night and enjoy a program of learning and experiences that includes classes, singing, and dancing as some of Brooklyn’s finest teachers gather in one place for one of the most diverse Tikkun Leil Shavuot celebrations around. Stay tuned for the tikkun schedule.