Winter-Spring 2026 Classes & Events
Wed, Feb 25, Mar 4: Talmud for Beginners
Because you’ve wondered your whole life what the fuss is about. Written over the course of 500 years, the collected teachings of the rabbis shaped Judaism as we know it. This course will serve as a refresher for those with some background from childhood, and an introduction to the uninitiated. We will start at the beginning (brachot) and then skip around to visit some of the famous debates and stories from the 40,000 pages of our culture’s greatest work. More seasoned Talmud students are invited to join the long-running Talmud class started a generation ago by David Schechner z”l and now run on Tuesday mornings by Rabbi Lisa Vernon and friends. For more information, contact Rabbi Treu or Rabbi Vernon.
Sat, Mar 7: Siddur Series: What is (This) Prayer?
A monthly meet-up to take a deep dive into the prayerbook (siddur). We will explore the history of different prayers, how the prayerbook came to be developed, and think together about what the words mean and why we still hold them dear. Whether you’re a novice just encountering these prayers for the first time or a lifetime devotee interested in deepening your understanding, this group is for you. Led by Rabbi Treu following shabbat morning services (over kiddush lunch).
Mar 7 – Amidah
Apr 11 – Aleinu
May 9 – TBD
Sun, Mar 8: Startup Nation at War: Innovation, Resilience, and Resolve
Join Gary Survis, Operating Partner at Insight Partners—one of the largest investors in Israeli tech—for a conversation with Israeli entrepreneurs on how the startup nation is navigating war without losing its edge. Hear how founders are adapting, raising capital, and staying resilient in the face of ongoing conflict. It’s a rare, behind-the-scenes look at Israel’s innovation engine under extraordinary pressure.
Wed, Mar 18: A Quest for Justice: Holding Hamas Accountable for Sexual Violence
Join AJC New Jersey for a powerful discussion with Christen Broecker, Director of American Jewish Committee’s Jacob Blaustein Institute for the Advancement of Human Rights (JBI), about JBI’s work in partnership with leading Israeli women experts to combat denial of Hamas’s use of sexual violence as a weapon of war and to obtain recognition and justice for victims of conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) around the world.
Sat, Mar 28: Rabbi Jeffrey Salkin: “What Happens After You Die?”
The prayer book has some answers! In this year’s Beth Torah Lecture, Rabbi Salkin walks you through the prayers that mention death (as well as one that does not) to provide inspiration and comfort. Rabbi Jeffrey Salkin is a noted writer and author. He has discussed the American political scene on CNN and the BBC. His column, “Martini Judaism: For Those Who Want to be Shaken and Stirred,” published by the Religion News Service, has won several awards for best religion column of the year, and is also an award-winning podcast. His essays have appeared in The Washington Post, Commentary, The Wall Street Journal, Tablet, and the Forward.