A story is never fixed.
It bends with the teller,
fractures with the questions,
and becomes in the voices of others.
Our living Torah is this —
a collective memory,
where mine and yours become ours,
discovering and awakening itself,
through us.
Welcome to Our 2025–2026 Season of Learning!
This year, we invite you to journey with us through the heart of Jewish storytelling—the rich and expansive world of Aggadah—an exploration of the tales, teachings, and traditions that have shaped our people for generations.
More than simple narratives, Aggadah weaves together history, moral wisdom, and spiritual insight. It shapes our collective memory, deepens our understanding of Torah, and offers a lens for interpreting the past, engaging the present, and imagining the future.
From the struggles and faith of our ancestors in the Tanach, to the wit and wisdom of rabbinic debate, to the mystical visions of the Zohar and Chassidut, these stories reveal hidden sparks of meaning. They are not only about where we’ve been—they are the narratives we live and create today.
Aggadah is layered and complex, filled with multiple voices, contradictions, and deep questions. It works in dynamic relationship with Halachah: law tells us what to do; story tells us why. By exploring Aggadah, we uncover the values, visions, and humanity at the heart of Jewish life. This season, we invite you to bring your voice to the conversation, deepen your understanding, and join a vibrant community of learners. Prepare for our year of learning by diving into our rabbis recommended reading.
One Midrash, Many Paths
Taught by Rabbi Lauren Holtzblatt
Shabbat afternoons at 1pm, Biran Beit Midrash: Nov 15, Jan 31, March 7
In this class we will explore aggadic midrashim from the 2nd-5th centuries and then journey with them throughout many hundreds of years into the text of the Zohar and the commentaries written by Hasidic masters. We will explore how a midrash was originally expounded from the p’shat of the Torah and then used many years later by the mystical sages to expand, refute or create new theological, textual, or psychological understandings of our tradition.
The Necessity of Narrative in Halakhic Decision Making
Taught by Rabbi Aaron Alexander
Shabbat Afternoons at 1pm, Biran Beit Midrash: Dec 6th, Feb 14th, March 28th
If a Jewish Legal (halakhic) decision is made in the forest with nobody present, did it actually happen? Maybe. The reality is that written law–case-law (responsa) and codes–significantly depend on the very human stories that animates both the unique questions, and idiosyncratic responses. In this series we’ll explore some critical halakhic decisions (responsa, mostly) in which the stories behind the questions influenced the direction of the rabbinic decisor. (Texts provided in Hebrew & English, all are welcome!)
"Repetition, Remixed” - Narrative Sequels in Tanakh
Taught by Rabbi Sarah Krinsky
Shabbat afternoons at 1pm, Biran Beit Midrash: May 2, May 16 and May 30
Join for an exploration of foundational narratives within Tanakh inspired by Judy Klitsner’s award-winning book “Subversive Sequels in the Bible.” In this series, we’ll delve into familiar biblical stories and uncover surprising, deeply resonant connections between them—what Klitsner calls “biblical sequels.” With an eye toward questions of identity, power, gender, and transformation, we’ll explore how later texts respond to, revise, and even subvert earlier ones. We will come to see how narrative development is its own way - drawing from, parallel to, and yet also distinct from its halakhic counterpart - of reimagining, updating and growing our sacred values.
Revealed and Retold: The Narrative Heart of Judaism
Taught by Rabbi Elianna Yolkut
Tuesday evenings, Biran Beit Midrash: 6:30 pm Snacks, Drinks & Schmoozing, 7 pm Learning
Dec 2 and 9, Jan 6, 13 and 20* | Register Here
A five part series wherein we will explore the storytelling soul of Jewish tradition through the lens of A Heavenly Torah by Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel. Together we’ll delve into the world of Aggadah—the ethical, theological, and imaginative heart of Torah. From the binding of Isaac to the Oven of Achnai, from the Zohar’s cosmic myths to Hasidic tales of wonder and protest, we’ll study how stories have shaped Jewish thought and spiritual life. These are not just tales of the past, but living narratives that reveal the depths of divine encounter, human struggle, and the moral vision of our people.
*Cocktails provided
Live From the Clergy Suite
Join us each Friday in Elul at 10 am on Facebook Live as your rabbis talk about the Torah, the spirit, the work and the joy of the High Holy Day season. Check it out here: facebook.com/adasisraeldc
August 29th at 10am with Rabbis Alexander and Yolkut
September 5th at 10am with Rabbis Holtzblatt and Yolkut
September 12th at 10am with Rabbis Krinsky and Yolkut
September 19th at 10am with the full clergy
Elul Tisch
Saturdays at 1pm in the Biran Beit Midrash:
September 6 with Rabbi Krinsky | September 13 with Rabbis Alexander, Holtzblatt and Dassa September 20 with Rabbi Yolkut
Join us for multiple Shabbatot in Elul as we gather around the table to sing and learn together in advance of the High Holy Day season. Enter the High Holy Days uplifted, challenged, and ready for the growth mindset the season offers us.
The Elul Experience
MakomDC and The Adas Israel Wellness Center present a day of learning, embodied practice and gathering with special musical guest Eliana Light
Sunday, September 14 from 9am-3pm | Full Schedule and Registration (Includes Lunch)
Join us for a transformative experience dedicated to the Hebrew month of Elul, a sacred time of personal reflection, renewal, and spiritual preparation for the High Holy Days. Rooted in the power of community, this retreat will provide space for heartfelt connection through shared ritual, soulful discussion, and the collective experience of sacred time.
Elul Chronicles
Join the Adas Israel clergy and community members in a new project as we reflect in writing and video on the meaning of this holy season and offer meditations several times a week to inspire, challenge and help us explore our own spiritual work as we approach these sacred days of Awe.
Intro to Judaism 2025-2026
Wednesdays at 7:30pm-9pm | Click Here to Register
September 10-March 18
Are you interested in exploring Jewish tradition from the ground up, with master Jewish teachers? Have you been wondering about the core beliefs and practices that animate the Jewish religion? Are you looking to integrate your experience of God and prayer into the rhythm of your life?
This course is designed to give you the raw materials with which to appreciate and access Jewish tradition. Whatever it is you may be seeking, we offer a safe space for acquiring the experiential and intellectual knowledge that allow you to deepen your own religious life. Topics include, but are not limited to:
The World of the Bible | Ritual exploration | Life cycles (Birth, Marriage, Death) | Shabbat (The Sabbath) | Prayer and Liturgy
Jewish Holidays | Israel | Theology
Note: This class will meet for in-person learning.
*350 for Individuals, $450 for Couples *Scholarships available
This course is taught through a collaborative educational partnership with the Miller Introduction to Judaism Program of American Jewish University.
From Cover to Cover
Tuesdays at 11:45am-12:30pm, Begins Sep 2 | Register Here
Exploring a Tractate of Talmud in its’ original is a deep dive into some of our tradition’s most important legal and narrative ponderings. Participants will engage with the daf (page) through traditional commentaries and guided discussion, building both skills and confidence in navigating the Talmudic page. The class is designed for those with some prior experience in Talmud study and a desire to move toward independent learning. Over time, we will make our way through an entire tractate—cover to cover.
Grab your lunch and join Rabbi Yolkut as we explore the basics of Talmud study. This year we will be studying Tractate Brachot.
Boker Ohr Shabbat Study
Shabbat Mornings at 8:30am, In Person Only
The Boker Or Torah study group meets Saturday mornings at 8:30 a.m. with the weekly portion as its focus. Join our clergy and community each week for an engaging, text-based conversation on the week's parsha, before Shabbat services.
Friday Parsha Study with Adas Clergy (Virtual)
Fridays at 10am
Click Here to Join the Class
Join Rabbis Holtzblatt, Alexander, Krinsky and Yolkut for an in-depth look at the weekly Torah portion. We will explore the parsha through multiple lenses including Hassidut and mysticism, the Talmud, traditional Torah commentaries, and modern thinkers as we explore making meaning out of our most sacred Jewish texts.
Weekday Torah with Sisterhood
Monthly, 3rd Tuesday at 10:30am
Weekday Torah with Sisterhood is an engaging approach to traditional text study that offers participants the opportunity to study and discuss challenging texts and ideas. Students of all levels and backgrounds are welcome. Please contact Marilyn Cooper with questions, or if you would like a link to the Zoom Torah study class.
Weekly Torah Bite
Tuesday Mornings following Daily Minyan, Biran Beit Midrash (Begins September 2nd)
Join Rabbi Yolkut over breakfast for a quick 30 minute exploration of a single Torah commentary on the weekly Torah portion. This year we will explore the 20th century scion Nechama Leibowitz.
Downtown Study Group at the Capital Jewish Museum
Thursdays, 11:30am-12:30pm | Register Here
Oct 30 - Rabbi Krinsky | Jan 8 - Rabbi Holtzblatt
Mar 5- Rabbi Yolkut | May 7 - Rabbi Alexander
Have you ever wondered what Torah is floating in the minds of the rabbis? Join as we explore texts and ideas that are shaping our thinking throughout the year. Please bring your lunch and join the rabbis monthly for some Torah learning.
Intro 2.0
Wednesdays at 7:30pm-9pm (7pm- Drinks and Snacks)
Nov 12, Jan 21, March 11, and May 13 | Click Here to Register
Join Rabbi Anina Dassa for this year’s Intro 2.0 series, which will focus on Prayer. Prayer can often feel amorphous—intimidating, distant, or difficult to access. Where does one even begin? This class offers a doorway into the essence of prayer for those who are seeking a deeper, more personal connection with it. Whether you’re unsure where to start or struggling to relate to traditional forms of prayer, this course provides an open, honest space to explore.
Together, we’ll ask the big questions: Can I pray if I don’t believe in God? What does prayer actually do? How can I pray in a way that feels authentic and meets my unique needs?
Our guide will be Prepare My Prayer by Rabbi Dov Singer—a book that offers both an accessible entry point and a framework for diving into the deeper spiritual questions around prayer.
This is not “Prayer 101” or a bootcamp. While we may encounter a few traditional prayers along the way, our focus is not on textual literacy but on spiritual literacy: learning how to connect, be present, and engage with the sacred in a way that is meaningful to you.
I/Thou cohort with Rabbi Krinsky
This intensive cohort learning is focused on building and nurturing deep interpersonal relationships. Diverse and curated groups of Adas members will engage in text study on topics such as friendship, love, purpose and joy. Members of the cohort will come from differing backgrounds and life stages, and will remain consistent across all four sessions. These cohorts will be facilitated by Adas members. Space is limited.
Makomdc (Learning & Immersion)
Shabbat Scholar: Matti Friedman
October 31, Friday Night Dinner & Discussion | Register For Dinner Here
Nov 1, Shabbat Afternoon Talk at 1pm, Biran Beit Midrash
Matti Friedman is an award-winning journalist and the author of four non-fiction books. His work has appeared in the New York Times, The Atlantic, Tablet, Smithsonian, and elsewhere, and he’s currently a columnist for the Free Press. Matti’s most recent book, Who by Fire: Leonard Cohen in the Sinai, was published in 2022 in the US, Canada, Israel, and Italy.
Dr. Marjorie Lehman and Dr. Mira Wasserman
"Stories of Slaves in Rabbinic Households: Daru, Tavi, and Rebi’s Slavewoman"
Shabbat Afternoon, December 13 at 1pm
We live with the legacy of a foundational story about our freedom from Egyptian slavery. It informs our rituals, our liturgy, and structures our past. And yet, slaves were a regular part of life for the rabbis of the Talmud. We will meet the slaves and slavewomen that lived in rabbinic households and explore the ethical quandaries that confronted the rabbis and continue to confront us today.
Dr. Marjorie Lehman is professor of Talmud and Rabbinics at The Jewish Theological Seminary and the Area Coordinator of Rabbinic Literatures and Cultures. She teaches a wide range of courses in Rabbinics, including courses on gender in Talmudic literature, aggadah, halakhah, the history of the Jewish book, and pedagogy. Her scholarly journey reflects a commitment to balancing the historical and intellectual aspects of Jewish texts while also focusing on the ways they speak to and help us to understand our place in the contemporary moment.
Dr. Sarah Wolf
"The Stories that Shaped the Beit Midrash"
Shabbat Afternoon, February 7th at 1pm
The yeshiva is central to how we think about “serious” Jewish learning. Yet this format for study was not always part of Jewish life. The yeshiva, or rabbinic academy, emerged at a specific time and place, in the Persian Empire at the close of the Talmudic period. And, as we will learn, stories and storytelling were at the heart of its rise. The talk will primarily focus on the connection between stories and study at the time of the Talmud, but we will also explore the lasting cultural legacy of the rabbinic academy and consider the role of stories in forging new paths for Jewish study culture today.
Dr. Sarah Wolf is Assistant Professor of Talmud and Rabbinics at the Jewish Theological Seminary. She teaches, writes, and speaks about emotion, law, gender, community, and the imaginary in rabbinic texts. She lives in the Washington Heights neighborhood of Manhattan.
End of Year Siyyum with Dr. Christine Hayes
April 17, Friday Night Dinner & Discussion | Register For Dinner Here
April 18, Shabbat Afternoon Talk at 1pm, Biran Beit Midrash
Dr. Christine Hayes is a Senior Fellow of the Kogod Research Center at the Shalom Hartman Institute of North America. She is the Sterling Professor Emerita of Religious Studies at Yale University, specializing in talmudic-midrashic studies.
She received a BA in the Study of Religion, summa cum laude, from Harvard University and both an MA and PhD from the University of California Berkeley, Department of Near Eastern Studies.
Makomdc (Learning & Immersion)
Deepening our connection to the land, people, and culture of Israel—a bond that has endured for millennia. Through immersive learning, courageous conversations, and meaningful exploration, we engage with Israel’s rich history and dynamic present. Our Israel offerings seek to foster dialogue that embraces complexity and encourages a rich and deep understanding of Israel’s place in Jewish identity. We celebrate the incredible diversity of music, art, poetry, and creativity emerging from our ancient homeland, offering opportunities to experience the voices that shape Israel today.
Ulpan Adas with Mark Lewis
Wednesday, 6:30pm - 7:30pm, Biran Beit Midrash
Winter/Spring Session: New Dates and Registration Coming Soon!
This year, Ulpan Adas will offer a full immersion Hebrew class on Wednesday nights at Adas. Led by Mark Lewis, the class will be conducted primarily in Hebrew, with occasional English assistance as needed. Focusing on everyday scenarios, from ordering at a restaurant to chatting with friends, this course is perfect for anyone looking to gain proficiency in spoken Hebrew. Whether you’re preparing for a trip to Israel or simply want to feel more confident in your Hebrew skills, this class will equip you with the tools you need to navigate everyday situations with ease.
Book Club with Rabbi Aaron Alexander and Marilyn Cooper
Peoplehood and Israel (Virtual)
Thursdays at 12pm: Nov 13, Feb 19 and May 28 | Register Here
Deepening Our Connection to Am Yisrael: Listening to the diverse Voices and Stories of our Land and Our People
Together we’ll read & discuss in small groups engaging books, fiction and nonfiction, that will open our minds to new ideas, inspire us to read more, and challenge us to grapple with the world as it is.
Book titles for this year’s three sessions will be sent to registrants two months before our first session, if not sooner. (For a list of the books this evolving club has read in the previous 3 years, click here.)
Marilyn Cooper is a Washington, DC – based author and poet. She is a contributing editor and writer for a number of Jewish publications; her work focuses on Jewish history, literature and contemporary culture.
The Art of the Land
Dates & Registration Coming Soon
Poetry, Music and Visual Arts are an essential aspect of modern day Israeli life.
The Michael Stern Adult Torah Study Scholarship Fund
Click Here to Apply!
The Michael Stern Adult Torah Study Scholarship Fund is intended to assist members of Adas Israel who seek to advance their understanding of the Jewish faith, in particular through study of our foundational texts together with commentaries from antiquity to the present.
Applicants may seek support to engage in any level of learning - from introduction to Judaism classes to advanced text courses. There is no age restriction for applicants. The award limit under most circumstances is $500 per participant.
Examples of organizations that offer relevant courses of study include the Jewish Study Center, Hadar, Svara, the Brandeis Bardin Institute, the National Havurah Committee including its Summer Institute, the Haberman Institute for Jewish Studies, and Aleph Beta.
The Fund is jointly administered by Rabbi Kerrith Solomon and Rabbi Sarah Krinsky who are happy to entertain any questions you may have. Applications should be sent to them. The program is ongoing. Applications for 2021 and 2022 will be received and considered on a rolling basis. The application form is below.
Michael Stern z”l was one of Adas Israel’s own great sages. He engaged in Torah study for its own sake, advancing to the level of “master teacher,” a designation conferred in 2018 by our senior rabbis.
His family has created the Fund to honor Michael’s lifelong love of learning and teaching.
