Wisdom & Coffee provides an opportunity for learning and conversation on a Shabbat morning that is entirely separate from our prayer service. Participants may choose to dress casually and come just for the Wisdom and Coffee, or they may stay for the Shabbat service as well. Coffee and a light breakfast will be served, generously sponsored by Shelley and Joel Tauber.
See our upcoming Wisdom and Coffee events below:
Is prayer outdated … or perhaps more to the point, is our method of praying outdated? The prayer service as we know it was designed by and large 2,000 years ago. The American Jewish community of the 21st century is now radically different than our rabbis of old and it is different even from 20th century Judaism. Join Rabbi Aaron Starr as we look at the evolution of prayer and discuss how prayer might – and perhaps should — change in the future.
In the 1960s, Congregation Shaarey Zedek moved from Detroit to Southfield … and created a revolution. Leaving the city for the suburbs required halachic (Jewish legal) permission for Jews to drive on Shabbat! Additionally, electricity became a central feature of every home … and yet remained forbidden by Shabbat laws. In stepped CSZ’s Rabbi Morris Adler (z’l), a nationally renowned and beloved clergyman who argued that driving on Shabbat and the use of electricity are indeed justified by Jewish law. Join Rabbi Aaron Starr as we mark sixty years since Rabbi Adler’s tragic murder by studying his most celebrated and lasting contribution to Conservative Jewry.
Our curriculum is written for our school by our Rabbis and Director of Youth and Family Learning. Each grade level has specific goals and learning targets that encompass the following areas:
Learning and practicing Jewish rituals, holidays, and ethical actions, emphasizing how these observances connect individuals to Jewish tradition and community.
Fostering a connection to Israel by exploring its geography, history, and significance as the Jewish homeland.
Centering on learning and understanding Torah stories, characters, and teachings, and applying their lessons to daily life.
Emphasizing the importance of ethical behavior, acts of kindness (Gemilut Chasadim), and fulfilling obligations like Tzedakah (charity).
Exploring the meaning and practice of prayer, teaching students how to communicate with God and understand the significance of different prayers.
Focusing on learning the Hebrew alphabet, vocabulary, and basic reading skills to engage with Jewish texts and prayers.
Each grade level explores these themes through engaging and age-appropriate lessons. Teachers use a variety of teaching methods and resources, including the Chai Curriculum.
We are fortunate to have a dedicated team of professional Jewish educators. Our teachers receive weekly planning time, during which they use our curriculum and learning goals to craft engaging lesson plans. They benefit from regular coaching and feedback from our Director of Youth and Family Learning and participate in ongoing professional development throughout the year. Our educators are passionate about their students and committed to their growth and success.