The Abenaim Program for
Jewish Literacy
Spnosred by Yoni (DMD '05) and Sarah Abnaim in honor of their parents Salomon and Dina Abenaim, Zevi and Rebecca Isseroff who have instilled within them a love for Torah.
Lubavitch House at Penn offers a very stimulating and intriguing forum for open exploration through Jewish study. Whether individual or group discussion sessions are your thing, or perhaps a more formal setting, we provide all possibilities.
Scroll down to browse the list.
New in Spring 2012
"JGW"; Jewish Group of Why.
Dates: Tuesday nights 8:-9:30pm, (begins Jan 31st, 2012)
Location: Lubavitch House
Participants: Exclusively for Sinai Scholars Alumni.
Contact: Maddie Mayerson if you would like to join or suggest a topic.
Menu: Kosher Pizza
Upcoming Selected Topics:
- Proof of the Existence of G-d
- What is Life's Purpose?
- What is the Secret of Jewish Survival
- Are Science and Religion a Contradiction
- What is Wrong with Intermarriage?
- Belief After the Holocaust
- What is the Jewish Belief About 'The End of Days'
- Did Human Rights Begin with Torah
- Do Jews Believe in Karma?
- Is Psychoanalysis Kosher
- What Can I Do about My Bad Luck.
TNT: Talmud & Tanya: Discover the body and soul of Judaism.
Date: Thursdays, 8:00-9:00pm
Location: Lubavitch House at Penn, 4037 Pine Street.
Dinner: Kosher Pizza, so that the body doesn't get in the way of the soul.
The Talmud is the central text of Judaism; it is a record of rabbinic discussions pertaining to everything from Jewish law to ethics, customs to history, folklore to biblical interpretation, mysticism and everything in between. Complied between c. 200-500 CE it is compendium of Judaism's Oral Law and wisdom and the basis of Jewish thinking in the past two thousand years. Come study a text and its commentary and sharpen your skills of analyzing Talmudic style. (We will begin at the start of Tractate Taanit)
The Tanya is one of the important spiritual works of Judaism. It is the philosophy of mysticism as it pertains to the spiritual development of the individual and realizing his or her purpose on this planet. Authored by Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi circa 1797 it has become a Classic text studied by laymen and scholars alike. Dozens of commentaries have been written to expound its meaning and thousands have sited it’s passages. This group class/discussion will enable the novice and seasoned alike to plumb the shining depths of this Chassidic philosophy.
Talmud and Tanya will split the hour into two sections covering both the Body (Talmud) and Soul (Tanya). It enables those who would like to explore both aspects but are limited in time.
For more information contact Rabbi Levi at (rabbi@pobox.upenn.edu)
To register Click here
Sinai Scholars:
≈ Passport to Israel ≈
Dates: Begins Wed. Oct. 26th, Meets weekly untll Dec. 7th 8-9:30pm (another 6 meetings will take place in the Spring Semester)
Location: Lubavitch House, 4037 Pine Street
Contact: Brian Yormak bryormak@sas.upenn.edu
Apply: By Oct. 12th.
Sinai Scholars, now offered at over 65 campuses across the country, has met with overwhelming popularity on Penn’s campus.
With an innovative program of study, activities and national networking, the Sinai Scholars Society offers a fresh and exciting context for Jewish life and learning on university campuses.
Requirements & perks:
For more information Contact Contact Rabbi Levi Haskelevich or apply online.
Student Coordinator: Drew Goldberg and Alee Schwartz
Apply online at www.SinaiScholars.com
Pre-Marital Marriage Prep
Marriage preparatory courses for engaged couples. Understanding Jewish weddings, Jewish spiritual & psychological prep' for a wholesome fulfilled married life.
Contact: Rabbi Levi or Nechama for more information.
One-on-One Learning
Date: Your suggestion.
Location: Your suggestion.
Topic: Your suggestion.
Contact: Rabbi Levi or Nechama to request a session.
Alumni Learning Dinners (NYC);Torah Study, Dinner, discussion and catch up with old and new Penn people.
Dates: First Tuesday of Each Month, 8-9:30pm
Location: NCH Capital, 712 5th Ave. 46th (enter on 56th Street)
Instructors: Rabbis Menachem Schmidt, Ephraim Levin and Levi Haskelevich visiting from Philly.
Must RSVP to get on the building security list to Rabbi Levi Haskelevich
Click here for upcoming dates and topic details
Not in session during Fall 2011. See Above TNT. 
Mysticsim 101; a basic work of Jewish mysticism. Get to know your soul. This class will shed new light on you, and the world around you.
Date: Shabbat afternoon, one hour before nightfall.
Location: Lubavitch House
Requirements: No knowledge of Hebrew or Aramaic is required, just a genuine thirst for Jewish spirituality and growth. This class is open to all levels of study.
Instructor: Rabbi Levi Haskelevich
Contact: Anderw Kener
Not offered during Fall 2011
Acheiving Integrity;Torah Studies for the Workplace.
Housing Crisis, Credit Crunch, Maket Crashes...
Learn how to balance profit and principles. Discover the Torah's version of Capitalism. Explore the true meaning of making money.
All sessions will take place in Huntsman Hall, F96 and a
Free Kosher lunch will be served.
Dates:
1. Wednesday, Feb. 11, 12-1:20pm - Compassionate Capitalism
2. Wednesday, Feb. 18, 12-1:20pm -Careful Communications
3. Wednesday, Feb. 25, 12-1:20pm - Head Hunting
4. Wednesday, March. 4, 12-1:20pm - Jewish Work Ethic
Instructor: Rabbi Levi Haskelevich
Contact: Dan Turgel
Sepharadic Torah Study
Date: TBA
Location: Student's apartment. Dinner is usually served.
Requirements: Must be Sephardic, Latin American or admirer.
Instructor: Rabbi Ephraim Levin
Hebrew Reading
Has not yet commenced.
Date: TBD (Apply by clicking the link below and select what times work for you).
Location: Lubavitch House
Spring 2009
We are organizing beginner Hebrew lessons for a small group of people interested in learning (i) how to read Hebrew and (ii) beginning level Hebrew language/conversation. Lessons will be 1 hour long. If you are interested, please complete the application form and we will get back to you. Begins in February.
Tought by:
If you are interested please email us at rabbi@pobox.upenn.edu
Apply Here
Teffilin bagel brunch.
Wrap Teffilin and enjoy discussion over Bagels and Lox.
Dates: Selected Sundays at noon.
Fall 2009:
November 1st: 12pm
December 6th: 12pm
Location: Lubavitch House
Requirements: No Tefflin or knowledge of "how to" is necessary.
Contact: Andrew Kener
If you are interested in beginning to lay Tefflin daily and would like financial assitance in purchasing a pair, please contact us.
Fireside Chat
Date: Thursdays, 8:00-9:00pm
Location: Alpha Epsilon Pi (204 N. 34th St)
Fireside Chat; Chips and salsa, a discussion on any given Jewish topic of interest. Ask all the questions you have always wanted to, but never have.
Facilitator: Rabbi Levi Haskelevich
Contact: Elliott Berkowitz Sturgis
