In planning these events, we have been guided by a vision of Westminster as a community of learners in which we study deeply and regularly together, developing our Jewish skills and strengthening our practice and knowledge. We are excited to explore new texts and different styles of learning with each other over the coming months. In addition to our regular monthly Oneg Shabbatot, there are plenty of opportunities to come together and learn.
Pre-service learning
In the past few months we have started looking at the different aspects of the service, during our Pre-service learning slots. This spring we will continue the journey, with a couple of different themes.
Pre-service training
Our lay head of adult education and second warden, Joe, will do some further pre-service training before the service on Saturdays 15th, 22nd, and 29th April, from 9:30-10:25am.
For more information of the pre-service learning, click here.
Lunch and Learn: Who are we as a community of Torah?
Attend one of these three lunches with Yael Roberts our Director of Community and Joe Crossley our Chair of Adult Education, to discuss: “Who are we as a community of Torah?” We’ll share a light lunch and some text-based learning as we explore our vision for adult education and Torah at Westminster Synagogue.
We would love to see you at one of these lunches, on Saturdays 18th March, 25th March and 1st April, from 12:30-1:45pm, as we begin to think through how Torah can impact our communal life and religious practice. To sign up, click here.
New for 2023: All-day Intensives
We’ll be inviting a range of educators to lead sessions as we explore philosophy, learning, and practices of Jewish Spirituality & Mysticism. From Chassidut to Mussar to Kabbalah, we'll delve into some of our most esoteric texts, that have the possibility of transforming our lives and Jewish journeys.
The first Intensive of the year will be on Sunday 2nd April, from 10:00am-5:00pm. This will be a paid event (with lunch provided) and spaces are limited, book your spot here.
Do also save the date for the second intensive, on Sunday 2rd September, which will explore Tefillah. Details for this date are still to be confirmed.
Read Pirkei Avot with us!
If you were asked to give just one piece of advice for life, what would you say? Pirkei Avot collects the sages' efforts to answer that question. Its famous maxims about work, community, study, and the life well-lived are fascinating, inspiring, and sometimes challenging.
Every Shabbat between Pesach and Shavuot, on Saturdays 8th April-20th May, between 12:30-3pm. After grabbing a quick bite at kiddush, we invite you to join us in the tradition of studying a chapter a week. After all: 'if not now, when?'
We will provide lighter snacks for each of these sessions, and a fuller lunch on the very last Saturday, 20th May, as we tie everything together.
To let us know you are coming, to one/several/all sessions, click here.
Shavuot and Tikkun Leil
Shavuot has long been a highlight for us at Westminster Synagogue. A joyous festival when we celebrate receiving Torah, study and eat cheesecake.
The last few years we've really leaned into the Tikkun Leil part of the festival and learned together in the evening and even througout the night. We will release more information closer in time, but do save the date of Thursday 25th -Friday 26th May now!
Training Thursdays
The next course of Training Thursdays will be held on 8th, 15th and 22nd June and will have a focus on Building your Hebrew Reading Confidence.
If you want to build your Hebrew reading confidence, come to our Training Thursdays, which will make you confident reading Hebrew, transforming your relationship with your Judaism. Click here for more information and to sign up.