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dcbeitmidrash.org Mondays 7:00-9:00 pm at the DCJCC 16th & Q, NW (directions) Email us at info@dcbeitmidrash.org or sign up for our email list. • About us! • Source sheets and teachers • Jewish Learning Links • • Beit Midrash Poetry! |
About DC Beit Midrash The DC Beit Midrash is a space for Jewish learning in DC: open, accessible, and non-denominational. You don't need to be a scholar or even be religious to take part in our intellectual community. People from all different backgrounds and levels of knowledge are welcome to learn. We encourage traditional chavrutah, or paired-learning study and the engagement of Jewish texts in a curious, open, and honest spirit. Chavrutah pairs study everything from the weekly Torah reading to tractates of the Talmud to the philosophy of Spinoza to seminal texts of the Kabbalah. What are you interested in studying? The Beit Midrash meets every week on Monday night from 7:00pm-9pm. Snacking starts at 7:00 and study begins in earnest at 7:30. Drop-in participants are very welcome. Presentation on the Parsha From 7:30 to 8:00, the Beit Midrash studies the parsha, or weekly Torah portion. Parsha teachers come from a wide range of backgrounds. Some are from the Jewish community at large, but most are chosen from among those who attend the Beit Midrash regularly. We think everyone has something to learn and something to teach. Some of those presentations are online. We're always excited to have new teachers! If you'd like to teach, please let us know by emailing info@dcbeitmidrash.org. Chavruta - paired learning The last hour is devoted to learning in pairs, or chavruta, a traditional Jewish learning style. If you come with a chavruta, great - now you can learn in the environment of a lively Beit Midrash! Otherwise, we'll pair you up based on your interest and level. People study a variety of Jewish texts, including Bible/Tanach, Mishna, Talmud, prayer, Midrash, and philosophy. If you haven't been paired up immmediately or would prefer group learning, please join the discussion group. This year we are studying the Haftorah portions of the weekly Torah reading. Pre-Beit Midrash Snacking and Schmoozing From 7:00 to 7:30, before the Beit Midrash begins in earnest, people enjoy some light snacks (and sometimes even pizza) courtesy of food sponsors to the Beit Midrash. Feel welcome to introduce yourself to others and kibbitz. If you'd like to sponsor food for the DC Beit Midrash, please email food@dcbeitmidrash.org. Books We have a growing library of books to fit the needs of the community. Text are available in English and in Hebrew. If there's a book you are looking for, we'll help you get it. And feel free to bring your own if you have any to share! We also happily accept donations to cover administrative costs and book purchases. Read more about the Beit Midrash in the Washington Jewish Week (2/27/03) and the Harvard Hillel Newsletter. Also, see Beit Midrash mentioned in articles about our food drive and about the growth of Jewish offerings in the District. "I just wanted to write to tell you how awesome the Beit Midrash is. I can't remember the last time I enjoyed studying Torah this much -- the environment is truly pluralistic and truly non-competitive. I was hesitant at first about whether I could make time in my week for the Beit Midrash, but it is quickly becoming one of the highlights of my week -- intellectually and socially." -- From an email from a participant "Jewish learning happens person to person, in and out of and around texts. DC Beit Midrash fosters a phenomenal learning environment; encouraging all kinds of study, creating a welcoming study space, providing an opportunity for Jews of all backgrounds to participate in this essential, enriching, and joyous aspect of Judaism." -- Testimonial from a participant "Finishing college and moving to a new city and work life leaves an intellectual void - no text analysis, no seminar discussion. So DC Beit Midrash bridges that gap, keeps the mind stimulated, brain exercised, spirit healthy, friends near." -- Testimonial from a participant Comments or concerns about the website should be directed to website@dcbeitmidrash.org. Website updated March 17, 2008. New one coming soon, we promise. |