Three Torah Study Opportunities
Linda Hulbert and Kent Rissman
When we retired from work that was intellectually challenging, we said to each other “We need to keep the gray matter working!” Study has been our primary method of doing that. We belong to three small groups at Bet Shalom which are communities of learners studying traditional Jewish texts. These three weekly sessions with people we have come to know are nearly sacrosanct in our calendars. We are enriched by the people there as much as by the ancient literature. We find that the discussion of these sacred texts and their meaning for us is far richer than simply reading on our own. We get to be active participants in a more than three thousand year old conversation on the deep spiritual and ethical journey of our people. Moreover we've become good friends with a couple of other participants and their spouses!
These small groups study our “wisdom literature,” the Hebrew Bible. Torah study on Thursdays at noon is led by the rabbis and cantor, and we dig into the weekly portion texts and commentaries. On Saturdays at 9:00 am we have a special Torah study based on the inspirational teachings of the Ḥasidic Master S’fat Emet, which are riffs on the weekly Torah portion, also led by our clergy. Beyond Torah, at 11:00 am Thursdays, is led by the group members with clergy serving as consultants; currently we are studying Psalms.
Each small group is open to new members, and no experience or Hebrew literacy is necessary! Learners of all ages attend, and occasionally some are from other synagogues. A small core of people are usually at all three sessions. Many converts participate, all of whom add so much to the discussions. People feel so safe that they make themselves vulnerable and are treated warmly and gently. There are those who bring personal issues and ask for input, especially at the beginning of Beyond Torah. Life and work experiences are brought to bear on the study as well as in support of our community.
We asked our co-learners to express what these sessions mean to them
John Geier: I am taking this opportunity to express my appreciation for the friendship and knowledge I've found within the universe of the adult learning experience at Bet Shalom. Having recently arrived on a life journey visiting many ports of call, I've found the topics, issues and insights gleaned to be timely and fulfilling. Where else can one read an item from the Tanakh (Torah, Prophets and Writings) in the morning, then apply the insight to a situation that afternoon? Some days it all works out. Other times, weeks or months are required for more nuanced understandings. And that is what friends and adult learning is all about: the lifelong experiences and remarkable insights of each learner sharing a distinct opinion, a sharing from that deep pool of history (personally, socially and politically amalgamated) in a safe forum that’s pragmatic as well. It helps to have backup: engaging leadership from the rabbis and cantor.
Gayle Kaplan: Initially I was perturbed when the rabbis suggested doing our own group learning in Beyond Torah. How could we learn anything without a rabbi to lead us? The group has shown we can and do learn from each other. Our use of different translations is stimulating (especially because I love looking at the Hebrew). And the opinions and ideas each of us brings up are thought-provoking. We share from our different backgrounds and knowledge and thereby enrich each other's learning.
Elizabeth Wigglesworth: The Bet Shalom Torah Study and Beyond Torah Study classes have solidified my great love of studying Torah. Enzo's and my conversion transitions became a wonderful experience because of the patience of our co-learners. We had many, many questions! The class members, cantors and rabbis helped us see that answers are often not the end goal, but that learning and questioning are what define the journey of Torah study. And Torah study defined our return to Judaism, a journey not taken alone. Newfound friends made rediscovering and embracing our Jewish roots a delightful and life-altering experience. There are no adequate words to truly express my gratitude to those who welcomed us into the study groups with such kindness!
The door is open, the content is engaging, and the groups are welcoming. Check it out! If you have any questions, please contact us at tapestry@betshalom.org
