Hebrew College Koleinu: Emerging Trends in Jewish Education, Bridge-Building in Trying Times, Fall Classes & Events

September 11, 2025 | 18 Elul 5785

Koleinu |our voice|

Reimagining Jewish learning and leadership for an interconnected world.

Parashat Ki Tavo | Candlelighting 6:40 PM EST

“Our Responsibility is to Keep Growing”

Josh Hare, Associate Director, Meyerhoff Center for Jewish Education at Hillel International

“Learning from Jewish Education faculty members Jonathan Golden and Rabbi Batya Ellinoy `22, MJED`23, was meta in the best way—you’re absorbing the material while also watching how excellent educators teach. It was a double education. They showed how warmth, authenticity, and thoughtful design create environments where students truly want to engage.” — Josh Hare, (Hebrew College’s Certificate in Emerging Trends in Jewish Education`25)

Bridge-Building in Trying Times: A Reflection on Jewish Interreligious Leadership

By Rabbi Rafi Ellenson`25, Assistant Rabbi at Congregation Shir Chadash in Los Gatos, CA

On Tisha b’Av, I delivered remarks through a translator to nearly 1,000 predominantly Spanish-speaking congregants at St. Lucy’s Church in Campbell, CA. When I chose to serve as Assistant Rabbi at Congregation Shir Hadash in Los Gatos, CA, I committed myself to cultivating multi-faith relationships with leaders throughout the Greater San Jose area—people dedicated to dialogue, learning, and activism—building intersectional coalitions in challenging times. Hebrew College's Miller Center’s commitment to developing a distinctively Jewish approach to interreligious engagement, so urgently needed today, deeply shaped my worldview. I have personally experienced the power of this model in action.

TAMID OF HEBREW COLLEGE: YOUR HOME FOR ADULT LEARNING

Hebrew College Me'ah: Meet Rabbi Benjie Samuels, PhD

“Teaching Hebrew College Me’ah for the past 29 years has been one of the greatest gifts of my life. It has allowed me to weave together the details and broader arcs of Jewish history into a coherent and meaningful narrative. There is nothing like teaching to sharpen your eye for historical patterns—continuities, discontinuities, even continuity through discontinuity—and to share those insights with others. Each time I teach, I encounter the material anew and gain so much from the people who learn with me. I call them my students, but in truth, they are also my study partners. I hope I’ve offered them valuable tools for textual study and critical perspectives for exploring Jewish history. It has been a profound blessing to be part of this learning journey.”

Learn more...

Register for "A Taste of Me'ah" on Sept. 29 at 8 PM to learn more about the program

SEVENTY FACES OF TORAH

To Inscribe Most Distinctly

The shimmery surface of a well (or any pool of clear, fresh water), permits both a view into its inner depths as well as a view of one’s own reflection. By this conception, these teachings—and our/the Torah in general—can both reveal new details and reflect or challenge our own perspectives and assumptions. As a ‘well,’ these teachings are multi-faceted and multi-purpose: perhaps they can quench our thirst, cool our fevers, help to clean our stains and spills. Perhaps these teachings, like a well dug deep, can be a renewable resource.

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Sounds of Awe Concert

More than 130 people attended last week’s Soul Sounds: Sounds of Awe concert, featuring renowned paytan, musician, and composer Roni Ish-Ran (above, third from left), visiting Hebrew College for his second selichot season. Accompanied by friends and musical collaborators (l-r) Anat Halevy Hochberg, Hebrew College Artist-in-Residence Rabbi Jessica Kate Meyer ’14, Yoni Battat, and Fabio Pirozzolo, Roni and the ensemble led the community into the high holiday season with stirring Syrian, Iraqi, and Sephardi-Yerushalmi piyyutim.

Hebrew College Arts Committee Tours MFA Boston

On September 4, members of the Hebrew College Arts Committee visited the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA) for a private tour led by Simona Di Nepi, the Charles and Lynn Schusterman Curator for Judaica, who is responsible for building and displaying the museum's Judaica collection. In 2023, the MFA dedicated a new gallery specifically for displaying pieces of its Jewish art and Judaica. Simona's lecture was a fascinating insight into the curatorial choices she made in creating the first Jewish art exhibit of its kind. The tour was also an opportunity to explore new collaborative opportunities between Hebrew College and the MFA.

Prayers for Liberty March

Several members of the Hebrew College community and alumni joined the second Prayers for Liberty Walk on Labor Day, September 1 including (left) Massachusetts Board of Rabbis Rabbi Alison Adler`08, her husband Chuck Hirschberg, President Sharon Cohen Anisfeld and (right) Hebrew College faculty member Rav Rachel Adelman. Marchers walked all or part of the route from Lexington to Boston Common, with an option to participate in one of the interfaith prayer services along the way.

Join a dedicated community committed to reimagining Jewish learning and leadership for an interconnected world. Now it’s even easier to support our students and faculty with planned gift. Join us in endowing the future by becoming a member of Hebrew College's Living Legacy Society. Please contact Rosa Franck, Director of Development at rfranck@hebrewcollege.edu or (617) 559-8736 to start a conversation.

An Evening with Bestselling Author Mitch Albom
Saturday evening, October 11, 2025 | 7-9 PM | Hebrew College

Join Hebrew College and the JCC of Greater Boston for a special evening with internationally acclaimed author and master storyteller Mitch Albom, whose beloved books include Tuesdays with Morrie and The Five People you Meet in Heaven. Hear about his new novel, Twice, which takes readers on an unforgettable journey through love, second chances, and the choices that define our lives.

Learn more & RSVP

ELUL YIZKOR PROGRAM

Remembering Loved Ones Who Died by Suicide

Sunday, September 28 | 6:30-7 PM | Zoom

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.

Learn more & RSVP

TAMID ADULT LEARNING

GROW Session: The Audacity of Job: Rethinking Faith in the Face of Suffering

Wednesday, September 17 | 12-1 PM | Zoom

GROW, Hebrew College Adult Learning’s free monthly series, is back for the new academic year. Join us to dive into the story of Job with instructor Adriane Leveen, PhD.

Learn more & RSVP

NEW! Taste of Hebrew College Me’ah

Monday, September 29 | 8-9 PM | Zoom

Meet Me'ah instructor Dr. Jordan Katz and experience a sample lesson.

Learn more & RSVP

GROW Session: Holy Humor

Thursday, October 9 | 12-1 PM | Zoom

Explore how tradition can pair with humor to offer opportunities for spiritual and religious growth with instructor rafa kern, PhD.

Learn more & RSVP

BOOK TALKS WITH RABBI ANGELA BUCHDAHL

President Anisfeld to Join Rabbi Buchdahl Book Event with Stephen Colbert

Tuesday, October 21 | 8-9 PM | Temple Emanu-El, NYC or Online

Rabbi Buchdahl discusses her new memoir, "Heart of a Stranger: An Unlikely Rabbi’s Story of Faith, Identity, and Belonging", with "The Late Show" host Stephen Colbert. She will be joined by President Anisfeld and three other friends/family members. Learn more & RSVP

Rabbi Buchdahl in Conversation with Dr. Judith Rosenbaum
Sunday, October 26 | 6:30-8:30 PM | Hebrew College

Rabbi Buchdahl discusses her new memoir with Jewish Women's Archive CEO Dr. Judith Rosenbaum. Co-sponsored by Hebrew College and shared campus partner Jewish Women’s Archive. Learn more & RSVP

CONCERT

Zamir Chorale of Boston in Concert

Sunday, November 17 | 4:30-6 PM | Temple Israel Sharon

Shared-campus partner Zamir Chorale of Boston in concert featuring guest soloist Cantor Jamie Gloth. Tickets: $15 by 11/14; $20 at the door

Learn more & purchase tickets

RABBINICAL SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE 2025

For Prospective Rabbinical Students

In-person: Monday, Nov. 17 | 8 AM-5 PM | Hebrew College

Virtual: Sunday, December 7 | 2-5 PM | Zoom

Join us for an in-person or virtual Ta Sh’ma (Come & Hear) to experience Hebrew College’s vibrant, pluralistic rabbinical program.

Learn more & RSVP

Today we remember the nearly 3,000 lives lost on September 11, 2001. We honor the victims and their families. We also extend our deepest respect and gratitude to the first responders whose courage and selflessness on that day continue to inspire us. Let their sacrifice and service remind us to choose compassion, resilience, and unity in the face of hardship. May the memories of those whose lives were lost be a blessing.

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