Pirke Avot, The Chapters of Our Ancestors, is a section of the Mishnah (the first part of the Talmud) which offers ethical insights from the key teachers and rabbinic authorities between 200 BCE and 100 CE. These powerful aphorisms transcend time in offering to us a moral compass for our present day experiences. Throughout the New Year ahead, six congregations will serve as host sites for three week sessions of each of the six Avot chapters.
The sessions will be facilitated by Rabbi Hesch Sommer, Director of Jewish Family Service’s Wellness and Healing Center. The first session of each three session study module will be co-taught by a different congregation rabbi from the Greater New Haven area. Texts will be provided and no prior knowledge of the Mishnah is necessary in order to participate.
The sessions are open to everyone and participants are welcome to attend all sessions or just a few. These classes are offered without charge in a partnership between JFS, the Greater New Haven Jewish Federation and the sponsoring congregations.
For more information and to register, please contact Rabbi Hesch Sommer (203-389-5599 ext.117; hsommer@jfsnh.org
The schedule of classes includes:
I. Pirke Avot, Chapter One: October 10, 17 and 24 (7:00-8:30pm)
“The world is sustained by three things: by Torah, by worship/work, and by deeds of loving kindness.”
Temple Emanuel, 150 Derby Avenue, Orange
Co-facilitator, first session: Rabbi Dana Bogatz, Congregation Sinai, Milford
II. Chapter Two: December 5, 12 and 19 (7:00-8:30pm)
“Do not separate yourself from your community…”
Congregation Mishkan Israel, 785 Ridge Road, Hamden
Co-facilitator, first session: Rabbi Fred Hyman, The Westville Synagogue, New Haven
Chapter Three: January 9, 18 and 23 (7:00-8:30 pm)
“When two people sit and words of Torah pass between them, the Divine Presence rests between them.”
B’nai Jacob, 75 Rimmon Road, Woodbridge
Co-facilitator, first session: Rabbi Herbert Brockman, Mishkan Israel, Hamden
*Chapter Four: February 6, 13 and 20 (8:00-9:30 pm)*
“Who is wise? The person who learns from all people…”
The Westville Synagogue, 74 West Prospect Street, New Haven
Co-facilitator, first session: Rabbi Joel Levenson, Congregation B’nai Jacob, Woodbridge
Chapter Five: April 10, 17 and 24 (7:00-8:30 pm)
“Every controversy conducted for the sake of Heaven will in the end prove fruitful…”
Beth Israel Synagogue, 22 North Orchard Street, Wallingford
Co-facilitator, first session: Rabbi Michael Farbman, Temple Emanuel, Orange
Chapter Six: May 22, 29 and June 5 (7:00-8:30 pm)
“If we learn from others one chapter, one halacha, one verse, one saying, or even one letter, we are obligated to show honor to them.”
Congregation Sinai, 1000 New Haven Ave., Milford
Co-facilitator, first session: Rabbi Bruce Alpert, Beth Israel Synagogue, Wallingford
*please note the later time for these sessions*