Torah Studies in Genesis

Chabad of the Shoreline is proud to present our Torah Studies catalog of classes for the book of Genesis.

Torah Studies provides a deep, rich learning experience . The program brings you a series of stimulating text and discussion based classes that take place on a weekly basis. The lessons are designed to challenge intellectually, spiritually and emotionally. They explore contemporary issues through the weekly torah portion as well as tackling timeless questions in the Jewish tradition.

I invite you to browse through the topics in this catalog and to join us for some weekly inspirational study. These classes are open to all, so bring your friends along.

All classes take place on Tuesdays between 7:00-8:00 PM at the Jewish Federation of New Haven office on the Shoreline, Lighthouse Square (Building behind Planet Fitness ) 705 Boston Post Rd. Guilford, CT 06437. No charge. RSVP 203-203-645-4635 or email chabad@snet.net .

If some other day of the week or time of day is better for you please contact me and we will try to set up other classes.

Tuesday, November 8 2016
The Top Ten Percent
Behind the Commandment to Tithe
If you are like most people, you work hard for your money. And while instinct may say to keep your paycheck, we are obligated to set aside ten percent to charity. By giving that ten percent, we boldly affirm what we all really know—that G‑d is the true owner of the world.

Tuesday, November 15 2016
Sorry, No Shortcuts Here
Personal Investment in Judaism
After Avraham’s circumcision, why did G‑d wait until the third day to visit him? Didn’t He want Avraham to get well right away? Far from it. He (and Avraham) knew that for some things, there just are no shortcuts.

Tuesday, November 22 2016
Matchmaker, Make Me a Match
Dating in the Orthodox Jewish Community
Do arranged marriages exist today in the Jewish community? May parents force a child to marry someone of their choosing? An exploration of dating practices in the Orthodox Jewish community reveals some profound dating advice from a source you might least expect—the rabbis.

Tuesday, November 29 2016
Truth or Consequences
Is It Ever Okay to Lie?
We are taught from an early age the value of truth. But what if telling the truth comes at a high price? Is there any circumstance under which one may utter something untrue? By examining the conduct of our forefathers, we gain insight into this moral dilemma.

Tuesday, December 6 2016
The Nighttime Plea
Finding Hope in the Darkness
If you ever need help, you can simply ask. But if things have gotten to the point where nobody understands what you’re going through, what can you do? This lesson about prayer teaches how to ask G‑d at a time you don’t even know what to ask for.

Tuesday, December 13 2016
The Principles of Punishment
When Discipline Becomes Revenge
Too often, legitimate punishment turns into personal vengeance. How do we draw the line between the two? The actions of Levi and Shimon, wiping out the entire city of Shechem, show that when it comes to punishment, intention and action are equally important.

Tuesday, December 20 2016
Do Something, Anything
The Key to Getting Unstuck
When faced with a challenge, are you the type to wait for something to happen? Or do you get up and do something about it? The butler's and the baker’s dreams teach the importance of action. Make a move, any move, and there is hope. But sitting and brooding about your lot is unlikely to get you very far.

Tuesday, December 27 2016
The Psychology of the Chanukah Candles
Behaviorism vs. Cognitivism
Where does self-improvement start? By fixing what’s wrong or by starting to do what’s right? An age old debate about the Chanukah candles reveals how generations before Freud vs. Skinner, the sages weighed the pros and cons of cognitive versus behavioral therapy.

Tuesday, January 3 2017
My Brother's Keeper
Mutual Responsibility in Judaism
Helping each other out is obviously a very Jewish value. In fact, Judaism teaches that we are all responsible for each other’s well-being. So, what is the extent of our responsibility to one another?

Tuesday, January 10 2017
When is Mashiach Coming?
Growing Out of the Exile Mentality
For over two thousand years, we have waited and waited for the Mashiach to come. Why hasn’t he finally come? This class examines the age-old hope of the Jewish people, and illuminates what it means to be truly redeemed.