This page lists current and upcoming learning opportunities through LAASOK.
If you have questions, ideas for future classes, or just want to talk through what might be right for you, please send us an email.
Free Drop-in Session
Come spend an hour learning with us, totally free!
The Many Meanings of Matzah
Finding the Spicy Symbolism in Passover’s Blandest Food
Monday, April 3
9 am Pacific | Noon Eastern | 5pm BST
1 Hour
Matzah is more than just flour and water! The “bread of affliction” represents perhaps one of the oldest traditions in all of Judaism – and one packed with meaning.
In this one-hour session, we will delve into several different symbolisms connected with matzah in Judaism. We’ll speculate on why our ancestors starting eating it, talk about what it meant to Jews throughout the ages, and explore why it still matters today.
Taught by Rabbi Micah Streiffer.
This class is offered completely FREE.
(Contributions are appreciated. Please see the registration form.)
Study Group
Spend 6 weeks delving into an important Jewish text.
Pirke Avot: Chapter 1
A 6-Week Interactive Study Group
Mondays: March 20, 27, April 3, 10, 17, 24 (6 sessions)
3 pm Eastern | Noon Pacific | 7pm/8pm GMT*
1 Hour Each Session
Pirke Avot (“Chapters of the Sages”) is the Talmud’s tractate of Rabbinic ethical sayings – filled with of timeless insight about life, learning, community, ritual, spirituality, and more. It is the most accessible book of the Mishnah and a perfect entry point for anyone who wants to delve more deeply into Jewish wisdom.
Over the course of 6 one-hour sessions, we will cover Chapter 1 of Pirke Avot. Each class will consist of a mix of interactive group discussion and chevruta (partner/small-group) learning. A variety of texts and commentaries will be provided. (All texts will be available in English and Hebrew. No Hebrew background necessary.)
Taught by Rabbi Micah Streiffer
The cost for this series of 6 classes is $195.
Note: LAASOK is committed to our programming being affordable to all. If the cost of this class makes it inaccessible, please email us and we will arrange for you to register for a different amount.
*Time difference is affected by daylight savings time changes, since European and North American countries switch at different times.
Torah Study Groups
Weekly learning on the Torah portion.
Torah Study at LAASOK
Join us to study the weekly Torah portion through a liberal Jewish lens. Rabbi Micah Streiffer helps bring Torah to life each week through interactive discussion.
We have two groups: “Torah From the Beginning” is intended for those who are just starting a journey of Jewish learning. “Digging Deeper into Torah” is for learners who have some basic knowledge and want to know more.
Both groups are inclusive and interactive. We learn a lot and have a great time!
KEEP IN TOUCH!
Subscribe to the LAASOK weekly newsletter for info about upcoming classes and podcasts, plus a short D’var Torah from a different rabbi or thought leader each week.