At Or Shalom, we are a vibrant community of lifelong learners, seeking deeper meaning and spiritual insight through both traditional and contemporary Jewish sources. Explore the enriching opportunities for Jewish learning below.
Course subsidies are available.
Please email rabbiarik@orshalom.ca for more information.
Exploring Judaism
Exploring Judaism is Or Shalom’s umbrella of adult classes for those on the path to discovering Judaism and for those wishing to deepen basic understandings of Jewish holidays, Shabbat, modes of prayer, ritual and more. Registration required.
Exploring Judaism is Or Shalom’s series of adult learning classes designed for anyone curious about Jewish life—whether you’re new to Judaism, in the process of conversion, or seeking to deepen your foundational knowledge.
Together, we explore Jewish holidays, Shabbat, prayer, ritual, values, and everyday practices in an open, inclusive, and supportive environment.
Registration is required.
Living a Jewish Year
This entry-level course offers a meaningful, month-by-month journey through the Jewish calendar, exploring holidays as they arise in real time. Through historical context, guided rituals, and spiritual insights, participants will uncover multiple pathways into celebration and personal connection.
In addition to the holiday cycle, the course dedicates time to the beauty and rhythms of Shabbat—its meaning, practices, and potential to ground and uplift our lives. Classes combine thoughtful discussion with experiential learning and communal observance, helping students build a deeper, more personal relationship with Jewish time and tradition.
No prior knowledge is required. This course is open to anyone seeking to deepen their knowledge and connection to Jewish holidays and rituals.
Mondays 7pm – 8:30pm | September – June
Register here
Member $575.00 / Regular $690.00
Repeat Student: Member $145.00 / Regular $175.00
Become a Member here.
Kavanah – Jewish Spiritual Practice
This three module course offers an in-depth exploration of essential Jewish practices from a Jewish Renewal perspective. Each module will dive into a series of practices, providing historical context, practical guidance, and opportunities for personal reflection.
Participants will learn how to incorporate these practices into their daily lives, using them as vehicles to create a meaningful and personalized spiritual routine.
No prior experience is necessary, making this course accessible to anyone interested in deepening their connection to Jewish spirituality and developing a consistent daily practice.
Twice monthly on Wednesdays. 7pm – 8:30pm
Register here
Adult Simchat Mitzvah
This year-long journey is designed for adults who didn’t have the opportunity to mark a Bar or Bat Mitzvah—and for those returning to this milestone with new purpose. Together, we’ll deepen our connection to Hebrew, explore the structure and meaning of Jewish prayer, and engage in Torah study.
Participants will learn to chant from the Torah, lead parts of the Shabbat morning service, and craft a personal D’var Torah, supported by Rabbi Arik and a warm, supportive community of fellow learners. Blending spiritual growth with practical learning, this experience will culminate in a meaningful group Simchat Mitzvah celebration.
Hebrew reading fluency & 80% attendance and monthly Shabbat service participation required.
Weekly on Wednesdays. 7pm – 8:30pm
Register here
Pricing:
1 year, Or Shalom membership.
Course fee: $825.00 (Members only)
Text & Workbook: $95 (Approximately)
Zusia: The Bet Midrash
For those with a base of Jewish knowledge, Zusia is a serious but playful study for all learners who are interested in examining the multi-faceted nature of Torah and Jewish culture. Registration required
Virtual Zusia: Return (Repent) One Day Before You Die
With Rabbi Daniel Siegel
Tuesdays, 12-1pm | Jan 20, 27, Feb 3, 10
Register here
Teshuvah, returning and repenting, is a multi-layered Jewish practice. Most often, only one or two of those layers are recognized and sometimes discrepancies between different views are left unresolved. In this four part series, we will undertake a journey through the practice of teshuvah in all the four worlds of Kabbalah. In Assiyah, the world of doing, we will review the better known practices as expressed in Talmud and codes. In Y’tzirah, the world of feeling, we will look at the connection between teshuvah and messianic yearning, primarily through liturgy. In B’ri’ah, the world of thought and contemplation, we will discuss two essays on teshuvah, one Hassidic and one modern. In Atzilut, the world of infinite being, we will return to Talmud and a concluding discussion..
Registrants will receive all study materials and are encouraged to purchase “The Cycles of Teshuvah” from the ALEPH ReSources Catalogue.
Rabbi Daniel Siegel is a founder of Or Shalom and the retired Rabbinic Director of ALEPH Canada
Virtual Zusia: From Age-ism to Sage-ism
With Ralph Benmergui
Tuesdays, 12-1pm | Feb 17, 24, Mar 3, 10
Register here
In a society that doesn’t often value wisdom we will explore the journey into the autumn of life. Through the teachings of Reb Zalman and the wisdom of many elders, we can share the experience of redefining purpose and meaning as the leaves begin to fall.
Raphael (Ralph) Benmergui currently serves as the Executive Director of ALEPH Canada. Certified as a Spiritual Director he has led many workshops on Age-ing to Sage-ing. His podcast Not That Kind of Rabbi is available wherever you find your podcasts.
Click here for a full list of the Awakening to Mortality Learning Series
Join us Friday mornings at 9:00 am at the bayit for text-based Torah study as we start learning at the beginning, with Parshat Bereshit on Friday, October 13, and finish at the end, with Ha’azinu and Vezot HaBerakha on Friday, October 4, 2024. No registration required.
Heart-centred Torah Study for Women & Non-binary Members
This closed group reads the weekly (Torah) parsha together, a gleaning from scholars and/or our own impressions is presented by 1-2 participants, then each responds from the heart to what is speaking to us from the Torah portion and writes freely for 15-20 minutes. This is followed by each classmate sharing their rough, heart-centred writing. And a short reflection at the end. Contact programs@orshalom if interested.
