Discover engaging adult enrichment events at Congregation Shaarey Zedek, offering learning, connection, and inspiration through classes, discussions, and unique programs for all interests!

You can see the full calendar of CSZ Programming HERE

November 2025

Timely Torah

Timely Torah

Saturday, November 22nd
9:00 AM
Before the Shabbat morning service begins, join us in Hermelin Hall for coffee and a relaxed in-person discussion based on traditional and contemporary commentaries on... Learn More

Shabbat Lunch

Shabbat Lunch

Saturday, November 22nd
12:00 PM
Following services, join your Shaarey Zedek family for Shabbat Lunch and an opportunity to schmooze with friends. So we may plan appropriately, please register below, no... Learn More

Religious School

Religious School

Sunday, November 23rd
9:30 AM
CSZ Village Religious School provides a comprehensive and values-driven Jewish education, fostering intellectual growth, spiritual development, and a strong sense of community among students and... Learn More

Low-impact Exercises with Jim Berk

Low-impact Exercises with Jim Berk

Monday, November 24th
10:15 AM
Jim Berk hosts participants in person at CSZ for gentle stretching and exercises. Cost: $5.00 per person per session, payable directly to Jim Berk at... Learn More

Interfaith Evening of Gratitude

Interfaith Evening of Gratitude

Monday, November 24th
6:00 PM
As we mark Thanksgiving week, Congregation Shaarey Zedek is pleased to participate in Lift Up Southfield's interfaith evening of gratitude. CSZ members are strongly encouraged... Learn More

Hebrew Learning Groups

Hebrew Learning Groups

Tuesday, November 25th
6:30 PM
Thank you to those who have already indicated interest in learning Hebrew at CSZ! We’re ready to launch our new Hebrew Learning Groups beginning Tuesday,... Learn More

Timely Torah

Timely Torah

Saturday, November 29th
9:00 AM
Before the Shabbat morning service begins, join us in Hermelin Hall for coffee and a relaxed in-person discussion based on traditional and contemporary commentaries on... Learn More

Shabbat Lunch

Shabbat Lunch

Saturday, November 29th
12:00 PM
Following services, join your Shaarey Zedek family for Shabbat Lunch and an opportunity to schmooze with friends. So we may plan appropriately, please register below, no... Learn More

Religious School

Religious School

Sunday, November 30th
9:30 AM
CSZ Village Religious School provides a comprehensive and values-driven Jewish education, fostering intellectual growth, spiritual development, and a strong sense of community among students and... Learn More

December 2025

Low-impact Exercises with Jim Berk

Low-impact Exercises with Jim Berk

Monday, December 1st
10:15 AM
Jim Berk hosts participants in person at CSZ for gentle stretching and exercises. Cost: $5.00 per person per session, payable directly to Jim Berk at... Learn More

Journeys: An Introduction to Jewish Learning and Living

Journeys: An Introduction to Jewish Learning and Living

Tuesday, December 2nd
6:00 PM
Welcome to Journeys! This is an introduction to Judaism class taught by Rabbi Yoni Dahlen, the CSZ clergy, and guest instructors. Whether you’re interested in... Learn More

Hebrew Learning Groups

Hebrew Learning Groups

Tuesday, December 2nd
6:30 PM
Thank you to those who have already indicated interest in learning Hebrew at CSZ! We’re ready to launch our new Hebrew Learning Groups beginning Tuesday,... Learn More

Timely Torah

Timely Torah

Saturday, December 6th
9:00 AM
Before the Shabbat morning service begins, join us in Hermelin Hall for coffee and a relaxed in-person discussion based on traditional and contemporary commentaries on... Learn More

Is Prayer Past Its Prime?

Is Prayer Past Its Prime?

Saturday, December 6th
9:30 AM
Is prayer outdated … or perhaps more to the point, is our method of praying outdated? The prayer service as we know it was designed... Learn More

Religious School

Religious School

Sunday, December 7th
9:30 AM
CSZ Village Religious School provides a comprehensive and values-driven Jewish education, fostering intellectual growth, spiritual development, and a strong sense of community among students and... Learn More

Low-impact Exercises with Jim Berk

Low-impact Exercises with Jim Berk

Monday, December 8th
10:15 AM
Jim Berk hosts participants in person at CSZ for gentle stretching and exercises. Cost: $5.00 per person per session, payable directly to Jim Berk at... Learn More

Coffee House Featuring Doron Levin

Coffee House Featuring Doron Levin

Monday, December 8th
10:45 AM
Doron Levin, Journalist, Author, North American Car and Truck of the Year Juror, SeekingAlpha equity analyst will discuss "Israel's Problem With Gaza Isn't PR, It's... Learn More

Hebrew Learning Groups

Hebrew Learning Groups

Tuesday, December 9th
6:30 PM
Thank you to those who have already indicated interest in learning Hebrew at CSZ! We’re ready to launch our new Hebrew Learning Groups beginning Tuesday,... Learn More

Timely Torah

Timely Torah

Saturday, December 13th
9:00 AM
Before the Shabbat morning service begins, join us in Hermelin Hall for coffee and a relaxed in-person discussion based on traditional and contemporary commentaries on... Learn More

Religious School

Religious School

Sunday, December 14th
9:30 AM
CSZ Village Religious School provides a comprehensive and values-driven Jewish education, fostering intellectual growth, spiritual development, and a strong sense of community among students and... Learn More

Low-impact Exercises with Jim Berk

Low-impact Exercises with Jim Berk

Monday, December 15th
10:15 AM
Jim Berk hosts participants in person at CSZ for gentle stretching and exercises. Cost: $5.00 per person per session, payable directly to Jim Berk at... Learn More

Journeys: An Introduction to Jewish Learning and Living

Journeys: An Introduction to Jewish Learning and Living

Tuesday, December 16th
6:00 PM
Welcome to Journeys! This is an introduction to Judaism class taught by Rabbi Yoni Dahlen, the CSZ clergy, and guest instructors. Whether you’re interested in... Learn More

Hebrew Learning Groups

Hebrew Learning Groups

Tuesday, December 16th
6:30 PM
Thank you to those who have already indicated interest in learning Hebrew at CSZ! We’re ready to launch our new Hebrew Learning Groups beginning Tuesday,... Learn More

Share the Light with Maccabeats: A Community Concert & Celebration

Share the Light with Maccabeats: A Community Concert & Celebration

Wednesday, December 17th
5:00 PM
Celebrate Chanukah in a BIG way this holiday season as the entire Jewish community gathers for the Maccabeats in concert! They will bring their exciting... Learn More

Timely Torah

Timely Torah

Saturday, December 20th
9:00 AM
Before the Shabbat morning service begins, join us in Hermelin Hall for coffee and a relaxed in-person discussion based on traditional and contemporary commentaries on... Learn More

Chinese Dinner & a Movie

Chinese Dinner & a Movie

Saturday, December 20th
6:30 PM
Join us once again for the time-honored tradition of Chinese food and a movie, in the spirit of the Chanukah season! We’ll light the menorah,... Learn More

Religious School

Religious School

Sunday, December 21st
9:30 AM
CSZ Village Religious School provides a comprehensive and values-driven Jewish education, fostering intellectual growth, spiritual development, and a strong sense of community among students and... Learn More

Low-impact Exercises with Jim Berk

Low-impact Exercises with Jim Berk

Monday, December 22nd
10:15 AM
Jim Berk hosts participants in person at CSZ for gentle stretching and exercises. Cost: $5.00 per person per session, payable directly to Jim Berk at... Learn More

Timely Torah

Timely Torah

Saturday, December 27th
9:00 AM
Before the Shabbat morning service begins, join us in Hermelin Hall for coffee and a relaxed in-person discussion based on traditional and contemporary commentaries on... Learn More

Religious School

Religious School

Sunday, December 28th
9:30 AM
CSZ Village Religious School provides a comprehensive and values-driven Jewish education, fostering intellectual growth, spiritual development, and a strong sense of community among students and... Learn More

Low-impact Exercises with Jim Berk

Low-impact Exercises with Jim Berk

Monday, December 29th
10:15 AM
Jim Berk hosts participants in person at CSZ for gentle stretching and exercises. Cost: $5.00 per person per session, payable directly to Jim Berk at... Learn More

January 2026

Religious School

Religious School

Sunday, January 4th
9:30 AM
CSZ Village Religious School provides a comprehensive and values-driven Jewish education, fostering intellectual growth, spiritual development, and a strong sense of community among students and... Learn More

Journeys: An Introduction to Jewish Learning and Living

Journeys: An Introduction to Jewish Learning and Living

Tuesday, January 6th
6:00 PM
Welcome to Journeys! This is an introduction to Judaism class taught by Rabbi Yoni Dahlen, the CSZ clergy, and guest instructors. Whether you’re interested in... Learn More

Religious School

Religious School

Sunday, January 11th
9:30 AM
CSZ Village Religious School provides a comprehensive and values-driven Jewish education, fostering intellectual growth, spiritual development, and a strong sense of community among students and... Learn More

The Exodus You Almost Passed Over!

The Exodus You Almost Passed Over!

Sunday, January 11th
12:00 PM
Every year we read the story of the Israelites’ Exodus from Egypt. Of course, it’s something we already know…but do we really? I invite you... Learn More

Journeys: An Introduction to Jewish Learning and Living

Journeys: An Introduction to Jewish Learning and Living

Tuesday, January 13th
6:00 PM
Welcome to Journeys! This is an introduction to Judaism class taught by Rabbi Yoni Dahlen, the CSZ clergy, and guest instructors. Whether you’re interested in... Learn More

Gen X Progressive Dinner at CSZ

Gen X Progressive Dinner at CSZ

Saturday, January 17th
6:30 PM
Dare to venture into the unseen side of Shaarey Zedek’s legendary building with an exclusive tour of its hidden rooms and mysterious hallways while enjoying... Learn More

Religious School

Religious School

Sunday, January 18th
9:30 AM
CSZ Village Religious School provides a comprehensive and values-driven Jewish education, fostering intellectual growth, spiritual development, and a strong sense of community among students and... Learn More

The Exodus You Almost Passed Over!

The Exodus You Almost Passed Over!

Sunday, January 18th
12:00 PM
Every year we read the story of the Israelites’ Exodus from Egypt. Of course, it’s something we already know…but do we really? I invite you... Learn More

Coffee House Featuring Rebecca Starr

Coffee House Featuring Rebecca Starr

Monday, January 19th
10:45 AM
Will My Grandchildren Be Jewish? Jewish practice, identity, and belonging are constantly evolving in response to modern life. As we look to the future, important... Learn More

Dinner and Kabbalat Shabbat

Dinner and Kabbalat Shabbat

Friday, January 23rd
5:30 PM
Kick off the weekend at 5:30 p.m. with a warm and welcoming Shabbat dinner followed by Kabbalat Shabbat services for all ages. Come together to... Learn More

Havdalah and Israel Storytellers Concert

Havdalah and Israel Storytellers Concert

Saturday, January 24th
6:00 PM
In the evening, we invite you to a special Havdalah ceremony and highlight of the weekend: Israel Storytellers Concert featuring the talented Israeli folk musicians... Learn More

Religious School

Religious School

Sunday, January 25th
9:30 AM
CSZ Village Religious School provides a comprehensive and values-driven Jewish education, fostering intellectual growth, spiritual development, and a strong sense of community among students and... Learn More

Highlights from the DIA Modern Collection

Highlights from the DIA Modern Collection

Sunday, January 25th
10:45 AM
Enjoy a beautiful art-filled afternoon with Club Zed friends to see the new installations at the Detroit Institute of Arts. After a guided tour of... Learn More

The Exodus You Almost Passed Over!

The Exodus You Almost Passed Over!

Sunday, January 25th
12:00 PM
Every year we read the story of the Israelites’ Exodus from Egypt. Of course, it’s something we already know…but do we really? I invite you... Learn More

Journeys: An Introduction to Jewish Learning and Living

Journeys: An Introduction to Jewish Learning and Living

Tuesday, January 27th
6:00 PM
Welcome to Journeys! This is an introduction to Judaism class taught by Rabbi Yoni Dahlen, the CSZ clergy, and guest instructors. Whether you’re interested in... Learn More

Timely Torah
Saturday, November 22nd @ 09:00 AM
Southfield
Before the Shabbat morning service begins, join us in Hermelin Hall for coffee and a relaxed in-person discussion based on traditional and contemporary commentaries on this week's Parashah.
Shabbat Lunch
Saturday, November 22nd @ 12:00 PM
Southfield
Following services, join your Shaarey Zedek family for Shabbat Lunch and an opportunity to schmooze with friends. So we may plan appropriately, please register below, no later than 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 19, 2025. 
Religious School
Sunday, November 23rd @ 09:30 AM
Southfield
CSZ Village Religious School provides a comprehensive and values-driven Jewish education, fostering intellectual growth, spiritual development, and a strong sense of community among students and their families. We believe that connecting home and school experiences is essential to each student’s growth. By fostering a holistic family experience and encouraging active...
Low-impact Exercises with Jim Berk
Monday, November 24th @ 10:15 AM
Southfield
Jim Berk hosts participants in person at CSZ for gentle stretching and exercises. Cost: $5.00 per person per session, payable directly to Jim Berk at the conclusion of each class. For additional information, call the synagogue office at 248.357.5544.
Interfaith Evening of Gratitude
Monday, November 24th @ 06:00 PM
As we mark Thanksgiving week, Congregation Shaarey Zedek is pleased to participate in Lift Up Southfield's interfaith evening of gratitude. CSZ members are strongly encouraged to join Rabbi Aaron Starr in attending, so that we can continue to build relationships with our non-Jewish neighbors.
Hebrew Learning Groups
Tuesday, November 25th @ 06:30 PM
Southfield
Thank you to those who have already indicated interest in learning Hebrew at CSZ! We’re ready to launch our new Hebrew Learning Groups beginning Tuesday, October 21 at 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Classes will run for 8 sessions on Tuesdays at 6:30-7:30 p.m. on the following dates: October 21 &...
Timely Torah
Saturday, November 29th @ 09:00 AM
Southfield
Before the Shabbat morning service begins, join us in Hermelin Hall for coffee and a relaxed in-person discussion based on traditional and contemporary commentaries on this week's Parashah.
Shabbat Lunch
Saturday, November 29th @ 12:00 PM
Southfield
Following services, join your Shaarey Zedek family for Shabbat Lunch and an opportunity to schmooze with friends. So we may plan appropriately, please register below, no later than 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 26, 2025. 
Religious School
Sunday, November 30th @ 09:30 AM
Southfield
CSZ Village Religious School provides a comprehensive and values-driven Jewish education, fostering intellectual growth, spiritual development, and a strong sense of community among students and their families. We believe that connecting home and school experiences is essential to each student’s growth. By fostering a holistic family experience and encouraging active...
Low-impact Exercises with Jim Berk
Monday, December 1st @ 10:15 AM
Southfield
Jim Berk hosts participants in person at CSZ for gentle stretching and exercises. Cost: $5.00 per person per session, payable directly to Jim Berk at the conclusion of each class. For additional information, call the synagogue office at 248.357.5544.
Journeys: An Introduction to Jewish Learning and Living
Tuesday, December 2nd @ 06:00 PM
Southfield
Welcome to Journeys! This is an introduction to Judaism class taught by Rabbi Yoni Dahlen, the CSZ clergy, and guest instructors. Whether you’re interested in joining the Jewish people, rekindling your Jewish learning, or just want to polish up on the basics, there is something here for you! Join us...
Hebrew Learning Groups
Tuesday, December 2nd @ 06:30 PM
Southfield
Thank you to those who have already indicated interest in learning Hebrew at CSZ! We’re ready to launch our new Hebrew Learning Groups beginning Tuesday, October 21 at 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Classes will run for 8 sessions on Tuesdays at 6:30-7:30 p.m. on the following dates: October 21 &...
Timely Torah
Saturday, December 6th @ 09:00 AM
Southfield
Before the Shabbat morning service begins, join us in Hermelin Hall for coffee and a relaxed in-person discussion based on traditional and contemporary commentaries on this week's Parashah.
Is Prayer Past Its Prime?
Saturday, December 6th @ 09:30 AM
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...
Religious School
Sunday, December 7th @ 09:30 AM
Southfield
CSZ Village Religious School provides a comprehensive and values-driven Jewish education, fostering intellectual growth, spiritual development, and a strong sense of community among students and their families. We believe that connecting home and school experiences is essential to each student’s growth. By fostering a holistic family experience and encouraging active...
Low-impact Exercises with Jim Berk
Monday, December 8th @ 10:15 AM
Southfield
Jim Berk hosts participants in person at CSZ for gentle stretching and exercises. Cost: $5.00 per person per session, payable directly to Jim Berk at the conclusion of each class. For additional information, call the synagogue office at 248.357.5544.
Coffee House Featuring Doron Levin
Monday, December 8th @ 10:45 AM
Southfield
Doron Levin, Journalist, Author, North American Car and Truck of the Year Juror, SeekingAlpha equity analyst will discuss "Israel's Problem With Gaza Isn't PR, It's Something Much Worse." Doron Levin was born in Israel and grew up mostly in the U.S. After finishing Cornell he served in the IDF for...
Hebrew Learning Groups
Tuesday, December 9th @ 06:30 PM
Southfield
Thank you to those who have already indicated interest in learning Hebrew at CSZ! We’re ready to launch our new Hebrew Learning Groups beginning Tuesday, October 21 at 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Classes will run for 8 sessions on Tuesdays at 6:30-7:30 p.m. on the following dates: October 21 &...
Timely Torah
Saturday, December 13th @ 09:00 AM
Southfield
Before the Shabbat morning service begins, join us in Hermelin Hall for coffee and a relaxed in-person discussion based on traditional and contemporary commentaries on this week's Parashah.
Religious School
Sunday, December 14th @ 09:30 AM
Southfield
CSZ Village Religious School provides a comprehensive and values-driven Jewish education, fostering intellectual growth, spiritual development, and a strong sense of community among students and their families. We believe that connecting home and school experiences is essential to each student’s growth. By fostering a holistic family experience and encouraging active...
Low-impact Exercises with Jim Berk
Monday, December 15th @ 10:15 AM
Southfield
Jim Berk hosts participants in person at CSZ for gentle stretching and exercises. Cost: $5.00 per person per session, payable directly to Jim Berk at the conclusion of each class. For additional information, call the synagogue office at 248.357.5544.
Journeys: An Introduction to Jewish Learning and Living
Tuesday, December 16th @ 06:00 PM
Southfield
Welcome to Journeys! This is an introduction to Judaism class taught by Rabbi Yoni Dahlen, the CSZ clergy, and guest instructors. Whether you’re interested in joining the Jewish people, rekindling your Jewish learning, or just want to polish up on the basics, there is something here for you! Join us...
Hebrew Learning Groups
Tuesday, December 16th @ 06:30 PM
Southfield
Thank you to those who have already indicated interest in learning Hebrew at CSZ! We’re ready to launch our new Hebrew Learning Groups beginning Tuesday, October 21 at 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Classes will run for 8 sessions on Tuesdays at 6:30-7:30 p.m. on the following dates: October 21 &...
Share the Light with Maccabeats: A Community Concert & Celebration
Wednesday, December 17th @ 05:00 PM
Southfield
Celebrate Chanukah in a BIG way this holiday season as the entire Jewish community gathers for the Maccabeats in concert! They will bring their exciting a cappella melodies for an event you won’t want to miss. Bring the family, bring your friends! We’ll have everything: 5:00 PM Doors open with...
Timely Torah
Saturday, December 20th @ 09:00 AM
Southfield
Before the Shabbat morning service begins, join us in Hermelin Hall for coffee and a relaxed in-person discussion based on traditional and contemporary commentaries on this week's Parashah.
20 Dec
Saturday, December 20th @ 06:30 PM
Join us once again for the time-honored tradition of Chinese food and a movie, in the spirit of the Chanukah season! We’ll light the menorah, eat delicious kosher Chinese food, and enjoy an intriguing documentary about professional basketball’s influence on Jewish culture. The First Basket was filmed in 2008, and...
Religious School
Sunday, December 21st @ 09:30 AM
Southfield
CSZ Village Religious School provides a comprehensive and values-driven Jewish education, fostering intellectual growth, spiritual development, and a strong sense of community among students and their families. We believe that connecting home and school experiences is essential to each student’s growth. By fostering a holistic family experience and encouraging active...
Low-impact Exercises with Jim Berk
Monday, December 22nd @ 10:15 AM
Southfield
Jim Berk hosts participants in person at CSZ for gentle stretching and exercises. Cost: $5.00 per person per session, payable directly to Jim Berk at the conclusion of each class. For additional information, call the synagogue office at 248.357.5544.
Timely Torah
Saturday, December 27th @ 09:00 AM
Southfield
Before the Shabbat morning service begins, join us in Hermelin Hall for coffee and a relaxed in-person discussion based on traditional and contemporary commentaries on this week's Parashah.
Religious School
Sunday, December 28th @ 09:30 AM
Southfield
CSZ Village Religious School provides a comprehensive and values-driven Jewish education, fostering intellectual growth, spiritual development, and a strong sense of community among students and their families. We believe that connecting home and school experiences is essential to each student’s growth. By fostering a holistic family experience and encouraging active...
Low-impact Exercises with Jim Berk
Monday, December 29th @ 10:15 AM
Southfield
Jim Berk hosts participants in person at CSZ for gentle stretching and exercises. Cost: $5.00 per person per session, payable directly to Jim Berk at the conclusion of each class. For additional information, call the synagogue office at 248.357.5544.

Curriculum

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. 

Staff

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.

Family Programs

Throughout the year, we invite families to celebrate with us! Parents, grandparents, and siblings are welcome to join us for special Religious School mornings filled with music, food, and community celebration as we observe holidays such as Sukkot, Tu B’Shevat, and Passover as a school community. Families and students are also encouraged to attend our weekly Shabbat services, where we offer youth activities for children of all ages. Participating in Shabbat helps our students connect their learning and apply it in a congregational setting, fostering a deeper connection to our synagogue community.