“In this time of extreme polarization, there is an urgent need for cooperation across religious and cultural divides. BILI aims to raise up a new generation of leaders equipped to carry out this sacred work. Our new partnership with Interfaith America offers us the opportunity to develop a premier national program," said Rabbi Or Rose, Miller Center director. "Hebrew College's new, open-access, digital platform, will extend BILI's reach beyond the bounds of the cohort and share our resources with others engaged in related interfaith educational efforts,” added Rev. Tom Reid, program co-director & Miller Center associate director.

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"Lehrhaus is an amazing vision from Josh Foer and Rabbi Charlie Schwartz, and Hebrew College is thrilled to be an anchor partner," says Hebrew College President Rabbi Sharon Cohen Anisfeld. "Jewish food and drink from around the world, ancient texts, and timeless conversation—it’s going to be pretty magical, and we’re excited to be part of the mix. I’m personally looking forward to trying a taste of summer in Krakow.” Lehrhaus, a tavern/beit midrash, is the brainchild of Sefaria creator Joshua Foer and former Hillel International Senior Director of Jewish Education Rabbi Charlie Schwartz.

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The Hebrew College community is heartbroken by the passing of our dear rabbinical student, teacher and friend, Lea Andersen z"l. In the words of one of her teachers, Rabbi Elizabeth Bonney-Cohen `18, "She was a tremendous soul, with a passion for Torah that permeated everything she did." May her memory be a blessing.

Donations in memory of Lea may be directed to Mayyim Hayyim or Hebrew College. Lea’s friends and family are working with these organizations to find meaningful ways to keep her memory alive. 

Parashat Vaetchanan is bathed in resilience and faith. As Moshe takes up the thread of instructing the Israelites in how to acquit themselves to the longed-for privilege that he will never share in, he reminds them of mistakes along the way and of the slow-acting reward of staying true to core beliefs. In Deuteronomy 4:3 we read about the fate of some Israelites who backslid into idolatry. By contrast, the next verse teaches: "But you who stuck with Adonai your God, each and every one of you is alive today." This verse, familiar from our Torah Service, bespeaks the value of holding on in faith when things seem to be crumbling all around you.

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