Community Meetup

As we pilot this program, we require that attendees prepay for dinner will to help us plan accurately. Meals will rotate among local restaurants, and we’ll do our best to keep prices low. The cost is $20 per person, and advance registration is required by Wednesday of the week prior; you are welcome to register for multiple weeks at once. Each buffet will include options for a variety of dietary needs, including vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free selections. Please indicate in the Notes section if you have any dietary needs.

Join Rabbi Young for a few short sessions of Dungeons & Dragons. Not for first-timers. Stretch your creativity with a little improv bolstered by dice rolls and step into the world of warriors and wizards. Must commit to the entire series to join. Please contact Rabbi Young to sign up at young@rodefshalom.org. (4–8 players) 

Do you want to learn more about Israeli politics and culture, the relationship American Jews and Israelis share (or don’t)? Do you want to dig into a bit of biblical and rabbinic text? The Hartman Learning Group explores these issues, using the Shalom Hartman curriculum under the leadership of Rabbi Fellman. (Contact Dana Block, Executive Assistant to the Clergy, for the pro-rated cost at Dana@RodefShalom.org.)

This isn’t Monopoly or Clue — we’ll explore the world of modern board games known for creative themes, cooperative play, clever strategy, and engaging storytelling. Whether you’re brand new to contemporary games or already a fan, experienced gamers will teach the rules. 

Horticulturalist Rachel Kudrick's classes will orient students to gardening basics. Each class functions independently, so you can pick and choose the areas you relish. (Full descriptions of classes.) Rachel runs Beit Kulanu’s vegetable garden, where all of the produce gets donated to people in need. All classes are $18 unless otherwise noted and payable to the instructor via cash, check, PayPal, Venmo, Zelle or major credit card. Please reach out to Rachel at (412) 251-9759. (Sliding scale and fee waiver available for those on fixed incomes.)

May 11: "Birds, Bees, Butterflies, & Bats" These critters aid your garden in so many ways! Learn about each of them, what they have to offer, how to attract them to your garden, and how to mitigate any havoc they might want to wreak.

Join us for a delightful evening of mahjong every Monday! Whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience, you’re sure to enjoy the camaraderie and good times as you make new friends or cherish moments with longtime pals. All are welcome! Sponsored by Your Town Realty. Bring the most recent Mahjong card with you. You can purchase one at nationalmahjonggleague.org. There will be a $5 charge at the door each session, payable by cash or check (made out to Women of Temple Sinai). Winners will be awarded Giant Eagle gift cards. Want more Mahj? Join our game that meets Wednesdays at 1 PM.

Join Kyle Fisher of Rothrock’s Kung Fu & Tai Chi Academy for a six‑week introduction to Tai Chi. This gentle, slow‑motion practice is both a low‑impact exercise and a traditional self‑defense system designed to improve muscle tone, flexibility, and overall well‑being. Tai Chi helps reduce stress, encourages relaxation, and enhances balance, coordination, and cognitive function. Movements are performed slowly, evenly, and rhythmically, creating a calm and meditative experience. Open to all abilities. Chairs may be used for support. Cost: $30 paid to the instructor for the entire six-week class.

This series of classes showcases the remarkable knowledge, passions, and expertise that live right here within our own community. For each class, a congregant will step into the role of teacher to share insights drawn from their professional work, academic fields, or personal interests. 

May 11: As Consumers and Patients, Can We Expect More from Our Healthcare Systems Anytime Soon? with Ken Segel

Healthcare costs continue to rise, while patients and clinicians face growing challenges — from uneven care quality and preventable harm to burnout and staffing shortages. Drawing on 25 years of advising hospital system CEOs, Ken, member of the Rodef Shalom Congregation Board and co-founder of Value Capture LLC, will explore how these issues are connected and whether meaningful improvement is on the horizon. The session will begin with brief remarks followed by open discussion.

Join us for this relaxed, welcoming gathering where you can bring your knitting, crochet, embroidery, or any handwork project and enjoy great company along with a favorite beverage. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced maker, this is a no-pressure space to create, chat, and unwind. Share ideas, pick up new tips, or simply enjoy the calming rhythm of stitching in community. Bring your project and settle in for an evening of creativity, connection, and cozy fun.

Join Rabbi Young for a few short sessions of Dungeons & Dragons. Not for first-timers. Stretch your creativity with a little improv bolstered by dice rolls and step into the world of warriors and wizards. Must commit to the entire series to join. Please contact Rabbi Young to sign up at young@rodefshalom.org. (4–8 players) 

Join us for a delightful evening of mahjong every Monday! Whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience, you’re sure to enjoy the camaraderie and good times as you make new friends or cherish moments with longtime pals. All are welcome! Sponsored by Your Town Realty. Bring the most recent Mahjong card with you. You can purchase one at nationalmahjonggleague.org. There will be a $5 charge at the door each session, payable by cash or check (made out to Women of Temple Sinai). Winners will be awarded Giant Eagle gift cards. Want more Mahj? Join our game that meets Wednesdays at 1 PM.

Horticulturalist Rachel Kudrick's classes will orient students to gardening basics. Each class functions independently, so you can pick and choose the areas you relish. (Full descriptions of classes.) Rachel runs Beit Kulanu’s vegetable garden, where all of the produce gets donated to people in need. All classes are $18 unless otherwise noted and payable to the instructor via cash, check, PayPal, Venmo, Zelle or major credit card. Please reach out to Rachel at (412) 251-9759. (Sliding scale and fee waiver available for those on fixed incomes.)

May 11: "Birds, Bees, Butterflies, & Bats" These critters aid your garden in so many ways! Learn about each of them, what they have to offer, how to attract them to your garden, and how to mitigate any havoc they might want to wreak.

This isn’t Monopoly or Clue — we’ll explore the world of modern board games known for creative themes, cooperative play, clever strategy, and engaging storytelling. Whether you’re brand new to contemporary games or already a fan, experienced gamers will teach the rules.