Blessing for the Month of Elul:
Listening for the Voice that Stammers

By Rabbi Sharon Cohen Anisfeld, Hebrew College President

One of the things I find most compelling about Moses is his stammer. “Choose someone else,” he says to God, right from the start. “I am heavy of speech and heavy of tongue.” 

During these waning weeks of summer, when we read the parshiyot of Sefer Devarim (literally, the Book of Words) one cannot help but wonder what has happened to the reluctant, reticent man who first heard the voice of God calling to him at the burning bush? What has happened to his sense of hesitation, and “heaviness of tongue”? What has happened to his stammer? Moses addresses the people at the end of his life — at the edge of the Promised Land he will not be allowed to enter with them — and it seems that the man who didn’t know how to start speaking now doesn’t know how to stop. 

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Elul Writing Prompts: From a Circle of Classmates to a Global Practice

Rabbi Jordan Braunig `14

Fall Exhibit Invites Artistic Conversation with Psalm 27

For generations, Psalm 27 has accompanied the Jewish people through the spiritual work of Elul and the High Holidays. This fall, Hebrew College’s new exhibition, Psalm 27: A Dialogue with Text and Art, features pieces from eighteen artists working across painting, photography, sculpture, mosaic, printmaking, and mixed media. Rather than seeking a definitive interpretation, the exhibition embraces the diversity of encounters inspired by sacred text. Together, the collection presents a remarkable range of creative responses inspired by a single biblical poem. Each artist brings a distinct visual language, aesthetic practice, and spiritual perspective to the psalm, creating works that stand on their own while participating in a larger conversation. As visitors move through the gallery, they are invited into a conversation that has been inspired by Psalm 27 across generations.

The exhibit opens on September 9 with a special reception and is available for exploration through December 18, 2026. 

Learn more and RSVP for the opening celebration

Fall Ulpan Registration is Open!

Hebrew College Ulpan is an immersion language program that teaches grammar, reading comprehension, and conversation skills. Ulpan brings Hebrew to life through discussions of contemporary political, social, and cultural topics, and readings drawn from current Israeli news and social commentary.

Ulpan is offered online through ten levels of study, including beginner, intermediate and advanced.

Learn about our Ulpan offerings and figure out what level is right for you

Remembering Loved Ones Who Died by Suicide

Wednesday, September 16 | 6:30-7 PM | Zoom

As the High Holy Day season approaches, we are reminded that remembrance is integral to the Jewish experience. Hebrew College is proud to co-sponsor Jewish Family & Children’s Service’s virtual Yizkor moment and gentle remembrance of those who have died by suicide on Wednesday, September 16. We are grateful to JF&CS for offering this Jewish response to suicide loss, remembering those who have died and supporting those who live with this unique loss.

The event will be led by Rabbi Suzanne Offit `09 and Chaplain Nancy Smith.

Register...

Have You Thought About Becoming a Rabbi? 

Join us for Ta Sh’ma (Come & Hear) to experience the vibrant pluralistic community of Hebrew College’s rabbinical program. We hope you’ll take this opportunity to learn, pray, and grow with our students and faculty.

Please contact Rabbi Gita Karasov, Dean of Admissions, if you have questions at gkarasov@hebrewcollege.edu.

IN PERSON
Monday, November 16 with an option to stay Tuesday, November 17 for regular classes. Register...

ONLINE
Sunday, December 6, 2-5 PM Register...

Hebrew College is reimagining Jewish learning and leadership for an interconnected world, making our lives more meaningful, our communities more vibrant, and our world more whole.