Yom Kippur Afternoon Classes

Session One
4:00 – 5:00 pm​ CT

Jonah the G-d Wrestler: He’s Just Like Us
Led by Tim Graves (Theater)
The Book of Jonah, traditionally studied on Yom Kippur, explores the prophet’s five conversations with G-d, which serve as a profound lesson on humility, responsibility, and gratitude. This story of avoidance, repentance, and self-reflection is a great backdrop for Yom Kippur and our contemporary world. We invite you to join us as we delve into these themes and explore the lessons Jonah’s journey can teach us about courage, justice, and compassion. 

The Rewirement Revolution
Led by Barb Mason, (Balcony Lobby)
The Rewirement Revolution is a hands-on workshop designed for adults planning the next stage of life. Through guided exercises, the Retirement Readiness Wheel, and lively discussion, you’ll uncover what matters most and how to spend your time with purpose, connection, and confidence in retirement.

Immigration 101: What led up to the present situation
Led by Aliza Becker, (Classroom C)
Every day seems to bring news on the immigration front — whether a video of a violent arrest, a new immigration policy or a tragic immigration story. How did we get to this point? Following a short overview, this will be an open discussion.

Reimaging Community Safety: Using Yom Kippur’s Lessons to Explore Safety for All
Led by Gail Volk & Isaac Gamoran, (Classroom D)
Together we’ll use the concept of Teshuvah, returning and reimagining, as a lens to look back at Freedom House, the nation’s first EMTs. We’ll explore how, in the 1970s, they boldly redefined what public safety could look like. Then, we will turn to Chicago to discuss how we keep us safe through the CARE program.

Beyond Recycling: Ideas for Personal Climate Intentions in 5786 (VIRTUAL)
Led by Barb Dornbush, (Online)
Drawing from evidence-based environmental research as well as wisdom learned from Jewish traditions and activist movements we will explore how individuals can have the greatest positive impact on our environment. In an era of misinformation, it can be easy to feel disempowered. By the end of this hour-long session, every participant will have identified at least one positive shift they can personally make in the coming year to live up to their pro-climate values.

Session Two
5 – 6 pm CT

Jewish Memory as a Guide to Life
David Gottlieb, (Balcony Lobby)
The Six Remembrances at the end of the weekday Shacharit (morning) service are more than just six brief ethical lessons: they provide a comprehensive guide to orienting yourself to the world in a way that creates meaning, enhances resilience, and cultivates creativity and compassion. This session will involve text study, discussion, and a brief meditation.

Death After Life
Led by Judy Yacker, Barb Schmidt, and Jon Quinn, (Classroom C)
In this session, we will be holding space for conversation and provoking thought about living a life of meaning to give meaning to your death. We hope to reframe death in a more positive light; not to be feared, not forbidden to talk about, and actually potentially joyful.

Energy and Kabbalah Morning Practice
Led by Devi Stern, (Annex)
Come learn a 4-minute morning practice which can be done in or out of bed to carry with you into the year to come. It is an alignment of the subtle energy body with traditional prayer and is designed to help you start your day alert, protected, and connected. You can learn more about the practice and Devi’s book Energy Healing With The Kabbalah online at energyandkabbalah.com.