On May 1, the Hebrew College community gathered for our Spring Gala, “Braiding Hope”. As Jews, we carry a deep sense of responsibility for the ongoing work of Tikkun Olam, typically translated as “repairing the world.” But the Hebrew root of tikkun can also mean “to braid.” “In ways that we can’t even begin to fully understand,” said Hebrew College President Rabbi Sharon Cohen Anisfeld, “we are part of something larger, older, deeper, and more enduring than ourselves.”

President Anisfeld offered words of gratitude and brachot to our four award recipients, each of whom is braiding together a world of beauty, connection, courage, and hope: Denise Sobel received the Betzalel Award, honoring leadership in arts and culture. Ted Teplow z''l and the Teplow family received the L’Dor Vador Award, honoring intergenerational learning and leadership. Dr. Judith Rosenbaum of the Jewish Women’s Archive received the Esther Award, honoring courageous women’s leadership. And Rabbi Angela Buchdahl of Central Synagogue in New York received the Rabbi David Ellenson Memorial Award, honoring leadership in pluralism and ahavat yisrael. (Pictured above l-r: President Anisfeld, Rabbi Angela Buchdahl, Dr. Judith Rosenbaum, David Teplow, and Hebrew College Board Chair Nancy Kaplan Belsky.)

Rabbi Buchdahl and Dr. Rosenbaum joined in conversation about leadership in turbulent times, moderated by rabbinical student Rafi Ellenson. The evening also included musical performances, delicious food and time to shmooze, and the announcement that we met and surpassed our event fundraising goal. What a night! 

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(Above l-r) Dancing at the end of the evening; the Teplow family. (Below) "For a Time Such as This: A Conversation about Leadership, Courage, and Hope" with Rabbi Angela Buchdahl, Dr. Judith Rosenbaum, and Rafi Ellenson.

"The Path: Labyrinth" – Outdoor Exhibition and Artist's Reception at Hebrew College  

Join us on Sunday, May 18 at 10:30 a.m. for a special artist reception for "The Path: LAByrinth". This immersive exhibit, installed outdoors at Hebrew College through June 2, invites listening and reflection through personal and communal journeys along a walkable labyrinth. Meet artist Shirah Rubin, walk the labyrinth, and enjoy a song circle with Rubin and Hebrew College's Miller Center Director Rabbi Or Rose and Rosh Tefillah & Artist-in-Residence Rabbi Jessica Kate Meyer.

In conjunction with the art installation, Rubin will teach a Tamid Adult Learning course, “Shaping Time: Celebrate Rosh Chodesh & the Path LAByrinth”, three Thursdays beginning May 22. The experiential workshop invites participants to walk “The Path: LAByrinth” and to engage their hands and imaginations in an act of creative resilience. Explore texts and clay to create clear intentions for the Hebrew month of Sivan. 

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Capstones and Cake Day

Yesterday, the Rabbinical School celebrated Cake Day, an important annual tradition at Hebrew College when we have the opportunity to celebrate our Shanah Heh students, hear about their final capstone learning projects, and shower them with blessings from their peers as they head towards ordination. The morning concludes with a celebration of all our students to mark the completion of another year of learning — including the presentation of cakes to each cohort that are decorated with the number of letters in the word "Rabbi" that corresponds to their class year. (Above: Shanah Heh celebrates with their R-A-B-B-I cake.)

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 here. 

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TAMID ADULT LEARNING
GROW Session: What is Creativity and Why Does it Matter?

Wednesday, May 14 | 12-1 PM | Zoom

Examine Jewish creativity with Jewish Studio Project Director of Learning Rabbi Adam Lavitt`12.

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SOUL SOUNDS MUSIC SERIES 
Di Khassene with Ezekiel's Wheels
Wednesday, May 14 | 6:30 PM wine & cheese reception | 7-8:30 PM concert | Hebrew College

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AN EVENING WITH RABBI NEHEMIA POLEN
Hasidism and the Land of Israel 

Thursday, May 15 | 7:30 PM | Hebrew College

Join us for a thought-provoking journey through a particular moment in the history of Hasidism in Israel with beloved Hebrew College beloved faculty member Rabbi Nehemia Polen.

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ART EXHIBIT OPENING

The Path: LAByrinth

Sunday, May 18 | 10:30 AM-12 PM | Hebrew College Grounds

Join us for a unique new outdoor art installation from artist Shirah Rubin.

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TEEN LEARNING CEREMONY

Hebrew College's Jewish Teen Foundation of Greater Boston (JTFGB) Grant Ceremony

Sunday, May 18 | 5-6:30 PM | Hebrew College 

Celebrate JTFGB’s achievements, honor students, and meet the 2025 grant recipients from organizations focusing on education and disaster relief.

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SAVE THE DATE

Commencement & Ordination

Sunday, May 25 | 12-4:30 PM | Hebrew College
Commencement 12-1:15 PM | Rabbinical Ordination 1:45-3:15 PM | Reception 3:30 PM

Please join us for this year’s Hebrew College Commencement and Ordination ceremonies. Honorary degrees recipients: Rabbi David Saperstein and Bishop Mariann Budde. Special award recipients: Dr. Maya Arad and Idit Klein.

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NEW! TAMID ADULT LEARNING

Tamid of Hebrew College GROW Session: “Our Class Lessons on Understanding”

Wednesday, May 28 | 12-1 PM | Zoom

Join director Igor Golyak and his producing partner Sara Stackhouse as they share stories and lessons learned during their journey to produce the celebrated off-Broadway play "Our Class."

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SAVE THE DATE

25 Hour Tikkun Zoom Shavuot

Sunday, June 1, 5 PM to Monday, June 2, 6 PM | Zoom

Hebrew College is co-sponsoring Temple Israel of Boston's Tikkun Zoom Shavuot. Learn alongside people from around the world as dozens of teachers, artists, and facilitators lead study, prayer, art making, music, and more over 25 hours in the Zoomosphere. 

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