Alef to Amen - with Rabbi Shuie (6 Thursdays: 1.5 hours per week)

From Alef to Amen

Take a soulful journey through the Siddur. Learn to Read, Pray & Connect.

Have you ever opened a Siddur and had no idea what you were saying?

Do you go to Shul every Shabbat and just hum along to the tunes?

You're not alone, and it's never too late to make a change!

This 6-week online course will walk you step-by-step through the Hebrew Alef Bet, the structure of the Siddur, and the deeper meaning behind it all so you can finally connect to the prayers, the words, and the experience with confidence.

Each session includes:

🔤 Hebrew Alef Bet + Reading Fluency
Start from Alef and build fluency in reading - even if you’re starting from scratch.

🧠 The Deeper Meaning of Each Letter
Explore the spiritual significance, form, number (gematria), and Kabbalistic essence of the Hebrew letters.

📖 Siddur Navigation + Prayer Familiarity
Get to know the layout of the siddur from weekday through Shabbat to the Festivals. Learn to confidently find your way through key prayers like Shema, Amidah, and Kiddush.

💫 Spiritual Connection through Language
This isn’t just about reading. It’s about feeling connected - to tradition, to the prayers, and to yourself.

Led by Rabbi Shuie Gestetner this course is rooted in warmth, clarity and spiritual insight. You'll not only learn how to read Hebrew, you'll also understand it's essence.

Course Topics by Week:

1. Alef–Yud & the Shema

2. Kaf–Tzadi & Shabbat Kiddush + Blessing the Children

3. Kuf–Tav & Weekday Amidah + Elohai Neshameh

4. Shabbat Amidah & Intro to the Machzor

5. Mourners Kaddish (1) & Rosh Hashanah Prayers

6. Mourners Kaddish (2) & Yom Kippur Prayers

   Sessions will take place on Thursday evenings from 7:45 pm to 9:15 pm (Sydney time) starting 4th September 2025. The last session for the term will be Thursday, 30th October 2025.

   LOCAL TIMES, EVERY THURSDAY FOR 6 WEEKS STARTING SEPTEMBER 4TH, 2025:
   SYDNEY/MELBOURNE/CANBERRA/GOLD COAST: 7:45 pm to 9:15 pm
   PERTH: 5:45 pm to 7:15 pm

   SOUTH AFRICA: 11:45 to 13:15 
   UK: 10:45 to 12:15
   ISRAEL: 12:45 to 14:15
   

   Note that times will change slightly post daylight saving - we will keep you posted on the new times.

Details:

📅 6 Weeks (including 2 bonus weeks to fully immerse in the Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur Prayers - ready for next year!)
🕯️ Open to all levels - no background necessary
📍 Online via Zoom
👨‍🏫 Taught by Rabbi Shuie Gestetner

If you’ve ever felt disconnected from the words in your siddur, or longed for a richer relationship with the Hebrew language, this course is for you.

We’ll meet you right where you are … and take you from Alef to Amen.