Hebrew College Koleinu: 100% Placement for Rabbinical Class, Teens Tackle Big Torah Questions, Blogs & More

May 30, 2024 | 22 Iyar 5784

Koleinu |our voice|

Reimagining Jewish learning and leadership for an interconnected world.

Parashat Bechukotai | Candlelighting 7:56 PM EST

100% Placement for Our Rabbinical Class of 2024!

The graduates of the 2024 Rabbinic class are transitioning into an array of roles across the spectrum of Jewish life, from congregational life to academia, hospital chaplaincy to community organizing. These new rabbis will take positions across the country, from Pittsburgh to Colorado, although more than a few will stay “in the neighborhood”, enriching the Jewish community of Greater Boston with their vision and leadership. We are so proud of this class. Please consider a gift to the Class of 2024 Scholarship Fund to support future ordination students and celebrate this remarkable cohort of new rabbis!

Learn about their next chapters | Make a Gift

(Pictured above, back row l-r: Ben Einsidler, Jacob Weiss, Michael Fraade, Jessica Spencer, Michaela Brown, Heather Renetzky, Leah Carnow. Front row l-r: Hindy Finman, Eliana Willis, Jacob Chatinover, Emmanuel Cantor, Naftali Hirsch. Not pictured, Allen Lipson.)

SEVENTY FACES OF TORAH

When Dropping Obligations is a Mitzvah

By Rabbi Shoshana Meira Friedman ‘14

This week’s Torah portion Bechukotai begins with promises of blessings should the people obey God, and goes on to list grotesque punishments if they don’t. The portion begins with a seemingly innocuous preamble verse. But this year it’s these few words that catch me and won’t let go: “If you follow My laws and faithfully observe my commandments.” (Leviticus 26:3) I stare at the open Hebrew Bible on my desk, breath caught in my throat, the entire premise of Torah falling down around me. Because — What if you can’t?

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HEBREW COLLEGE TEEN BEIT MIDRASH

Teens Explore the Big Questions of Today Through Talmud

“At our annual Project nights, our students presented their narratives and interpretations of excerpts from the many texts we studied this year. We had a song, with original lyrics and melodies, which asked about how God prays with an accompaniment of nose whistles. Other students discussed how to make the blue of techelet in the form of a cooking show. In our online group we had several works of art depicting how to say Shema and how King David studied and slept. After each presentation, our teens answered questions with intelligence and grace.”

— Rabbi Claudia Marbach, Director of Teen Beit Midrash

Special thanks to Harvey and Marsha Chasen for their ongoing support for HC's Teen Beit Midrash.

Teen Beit Midrash Students performing their original song at the in-person Project night.

Beacons of Hope: Rabbi Getzel Davis & Rabbi Jessica Lowenthal

Each month, we honor an individual whose commitments align with the bridge-building efforts of Hebrew College's Miller Center. For May, we shine a light on two Hebrew College Rabbinical School alumni who spoke at the Hebrew College Spring Gala, sharing how their roles have shifted since the October 7 Hamas attacks and the ensuing war: Rabbi Getzel Davis `13 of the Harvard Hillel and Rabbi Jessica Lowenthal `19 of Temple Beth Shalom in Melrose, MA, whose efforts toward community healing and interreligious engagement during this difficult period give us hope.

IN THE NEWS
Catch up on recent Hebrew College news and stories, including articles about faculty, students, and alumni who have been recognized for their work and scholarship. Read more...

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Hebrew College Commencement & Ordination 2024
Sunday, June 2 | Commencement: 12-1 p.m. | Ordination: 1:30-3:30 p.m. | Hebrew College

Celebrate our graduates. Honorary degree recipients: Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum, Dr. Cochav Elkayam-Levy, and Parker J. Palmer. Special awards: Rabbi David Gedzelman and Joni Blinderman.

Learn more | Support the Rabbinical School Class of 2024 Scholarship Fund

Taste of Me’ah Classic
Tuesday, June 4 at 7-8:30 p.m. | Lehrhaus Tavern and House of Learning, Somerville | Free

Learn more about the amazing two-year journey through Jewish history that provides adults of all backgrounds with a foundation in Jewish culture and civilization. Year 1 of this 2-year program will begin this coming Fall 2024.

Learn more & RSVP

JUNE SOUL SOUNDS CONCERT

The Rabbi's Band: Rabbi Sruli Dresdner, Lisa Mayer, & Zachary Mayer
Thursday, June 6 | 8-9:30 p.m. | Hebrew College Musicant Cohen Center for Performing Arts

Steeped in tradition but with a fully modern and inclusive sense of Yiddishkeit, this trio has performed their beautiful and authentic nigunim (wordless melodies) all over the world.

Learn more & purchase tickets

Tikkun Zoom Shavuot
Tuesday, June 11 at 5 p.m. to Wednesday, June 12 at 6 p.m. | Zoom

Hebrew College is excited to again co-sponsor Temple Israel of Boston’s annual Tikkun Zoom Shavuot. Offerings include learning sessions, discussions, and a tiny desk series with musicians.

Learn more & RSVP

ADULT LEARNING GROW SERIES: JUNE 2024

Jews and the Call for Social Justice: Lessons Learned in The Fight Against Racism
Tuesday, June 18 | 12-1 p.m. EDT | Zoom

 Professor Marc Dollinger, author of the upcoming revised edition of  Black Power, Jewish Politics, will share his experience as a white male scholar writing and teaching about Jews and social justice between the publication of the first edition of the book in 2018 and today.

Learn more

Leading Faithfully in a Time of Division: A Virtual Retreat for Religious Leaders

Tuesday, June 24 | 11 a.m.-6 p.m. EDT | Zoom

In this painfully divisive time, we are called to serve as “repairers of the breach.” Together, we intend to create a sacred space for honest and empathic exploration of how we might engage authentically—individually and collectively—in the shared labor of mending our beloved nation.

Learn more & Register

SUPPORT JEWISH LEARNING & LEADERSHIP
Please make your gift to enhance vibrant Jewish life by June 30, Hebrew College’s fiscal year end! Thank you in advance for your caring investment in a thriving, interconnected Jewish community. Give now

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