On Wednesday mornings, 11 am to 12 noon, from late November to late-May, people gather at Congregation Or Shalom in Orange to explore the ancient texts of the Jewish tradition and the light they shed on issues of our own day.

Past topics have included: “Three Ideas that Changed the World;” “Is the Tower of Babel Story a parable for Modern-Day America?” “Understanding Judaism—& life—through the lens of the Kabbalah,” and more. Those interested can attend either in person or via Zoom— either the entire series or individual sessions.

Sessions are led by Or Shalom spiritual leader Rabbi Alvin Wainhaus, who incorporates music, humor and Yiddish into his talks. The son of Holocaust survivors, Rabbi Wainhaus was raised in an Orthodox environment in Brooklyn. He was ordained in Israel and earned a Master of Education degree from New York University.

Congregation Or Shalom is an egalitarian synagogue. Individuals and families of all backgrounds and faiths are welcome.