Hebrew College Koleinu: Upcoming Celebrations, Raising Jewish Children, Spring Events & More

April 3, 2025 | 5 Nisan 5785

Koleinu |our voice|

Reimagining Jewish learning and leadership for an interconnected world.

Parashat Vayikra | Candlelighting 6:55 PM EST

Honoring Intergenerational Learning and Leadership:
The Teplow Family

At our spring gala on May 1, Hebrew College is honored to present the L'Dor V'Dor award to Ted Teplow z’’l, beloved former Hebrew College trustee and board chair, and the Teplow Family. The Teplow family has been a pillar of leadership and philanthropy for Hebrew College for multiple generations — from David Teplow, a supporter of the College and of Boston’s Combined Jewish Philanthropies, to his father Ted, to his grandfather Dr. Harry Savitz z’’l, who served as President of Hebrew College, to his great-uncle, Nathan Friedman z’’l, a former trustee whose generosity helped build the college’s previous campuses. The Teplows’ intergenerational commitment to Jewish leadership and philanthropy also is reflected in David’s great-uncle, Dewey Stone, a visionary Zionist who played a pivotal role in establishing the Weizmann Institute of Science and supporting the foundation of the State of Israel.

Learn more & RSVP to the April 9 Tamid Adult Learning Celebration.

We are living in a time when so much conspires to make us feel powerless and divided. This year, we remember that we always have the capacity to choose how we care for ourselves and each other, what kind of communities we are creating, and what kind of world we are braiding together. At this year’s gala, we honor four award recipients — Rabbi Angela Warnick Buchdahl, Dr. Judith Rosenbaum, Denise Sobel, and Ted Teplow z''l and the Teplow Family — who are braiding together a world of beauty, connection, courage, and hope. Help us sustain a community where we all belong with your gift and/or your reservation for our Gala on May 1. Thank you!

Rabbi Dan Judson Leads American Jewish Committee Seder

Last Sunday night, Rabbi Dan Judson, Provost of Hebrew College, led the annual American Jewish Committee Diplomatic Seder. The Seder attracted 450 attendees including numerous members of the diplomatic corps. Highlights included a testimonial from State Senator John Velis, who chairs the Massachusetts Commission on Combatting Antisemitism, as well as an inspiring message of commitment to the Jewish people from the consulate general of Greece. (Pictured l-r: Jerry and Susan Cohen, Rabbi Judson, Heidi and Lew Pearlson)

Rabbi Judson was also the scholar-in-residence on March 30 for the New Haven Jewish Historical Society, where he lectured about the history of American Zionism. This evening he is a featured speaker for the Touro Synagogue Foundation, where he will speak about the history of Jewish and African American relations in American history.

Hebrew College Honors Dr. Jonathan Sarna

On Wednesday, Hebrew College honored Dr. Jonathan Sarna on the occasion of his retirement from 46 years of teaching. Dr. Sarna spoke to rabbinical students and members of the community about the Hebrew College Rabbinical School in historical perspective. He was joined by Dr. Shirley Idelson, Director of the Hebrew Union College Zelikow School of Jewish Nonprofit Management. Dr. Idelson spoke about the history of the Jewish Institute of Religion as a pluralistic Jewish seminary and a precursor to Hebrew College.

Rabbi Or Rose and Professor Rev. Rob Schenck Interfaith America Series

"Praying for Peace — Inner & Outer", edited by Rabbi Or Rose, Director of Hebrew College's Miller Center for Interreligious Learning & Leadership, and written by Visiting Professor Rev. Rob Schenck, appeared in the March 27, 2025 issue of Interfaith America. The article is part of Rabbi Rose's series asking clergy to share spiritual or religious practices to help us ground ourselves and respond to these times and other challenges as bridge-builders, with greater compassion, courage, and focus.

Rabbi Rose & Rev. Schenck

Soul Sounds: Jacob's Ladder Fuses Traditional Jewish Music & Bluegrass

On March 27, Jacob's Ladder filled Hebrew College's Musicant Cohen Center for Performing Arts with soulful, grassroots Jewish music — playing everything from niggunim to Jewish bluegrass. It was a moving evening of song, dance, and spirituality. Save the date for our final Soul Sounds spring concert with Ezekiel's Wheels on May 14 at 7 PM.

Trustee Mark Atkins Hosts Gathering with President Anisfeld in Miami Beach

We are profoundly grateful to Hebrew College Trustee Mark Atkins, and his partner, Miho Sato (above, left), for hosting a gathering of friends and neighbors in Miami Beach to do a special pre-Purim study session with Hebrew College President, Rabbi Sharon Cohen Anisfeld, on “Lessons from the Book of Esther: On Jewish Unity in a Time of Division.”

If you are interested in a hosting a Hebrew College faculty member in your home for an evening of learning with friends, please contact Rosa Franck at rfranck@hebrewcollege.edu. In these turbulent and often divisive times, Hebrew College is committed to providing welcoming opportunities for rich Jewish learning as a source of meaning, purpose, and connection.

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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FLOWING TOGETHER: WATER, RITUAL, AND SACRED COMMUNITY

A Day of Learning, Connection, and Collaboration

Monday, April 7 | 8:30 AM–3:30 PM | Zoom and Hebrew College

A collaborative in-person and online gathering by Kavod v’Nichum and Rising Tide Open Waters Mikveh Network. Hebrew College is a co-sponsor.

Learn more & RSVP

NEW EVENT!

HEBREW COLLEGE TEEN BEIT MIDRASH OPEN HOUSE

Tuesday, April 8 | 6–8:30 PM | Hebrew College

Meet other teens who love to learn and explore the big questions of today through our ancient texts and share some pre-Passover learning.

Learn more & RSVP

TAMID ADULT LEARNING
Tamid Adult Learning Celebration

Wednesday, April 9 | 7-8:30 PM | Hebrew College

Celebrate our adult learning faculty and adult learners including a Chai Society Induction and Me’ah Classic Graduation.

Learn more & RSVP

TAMID ADULT LEARNING
GROW Session: In Miriam’s Footsteps-Jewish Women’s Leadership and the Pursuit of Justice

Wednesday, April 16 | 12-1 PM | Zoom

Examine Jewish women’s leadership with Judith Rosenbaum, PhD, CEO of Hebrew College shared campus partner Jewish Women’s Archive.

Learn more & RSVP

HEBREW COLLEGE SPRING GALA 2025
Braiding Hope

Thursday, May 1 | 6 PM Cocktail Hour | 7:15 PM Program | Dessert reception

Hebrew College

Join us to celebrate Hebrew College and our award recipients, Rabbi Angela Warnick Buchdahl, Dr. Judith Rosenbaum, Denise Sobel, and the Teplow Family.

Learn more & RSVP

NEW EVENT!
BOOK LAUNCH

“My Legs Were Praying: A Biography of Abraham Joshua Heschel” by Rabbi Or Rose

Thursday, May 8 | 7-8:30 PM | Zoom and Hebrew College

Celebrate the release of Rabbi Or Rose’s new book.

Learn more & RSVP

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

Hebrew College hosts the internationally-acclaimed klezmer band Ezekiel’s Wheels.

Learn more & purchase tickets

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.

Learn more & RSVP

NEW EVENT!
LEARNING WITH RABBI NEHEMIA POLEN
Hasidism and the Land of Israel

Thursday, May 15 | 7:30–8:30 PM | Hebrew College

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

Learn more & RSVP

ART EXHIBIT OPENING

Walking the Path: LAByrinth

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

Save the date for a unique new OUTDOOR art installation from artist Shirah Rubin, coming to Hebrew College’s collaborative campus this spring.

Learn more & RSVP

NEW EVENT!
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.

Learn more & RSVP

SAVE THE DATE

Commencement & Ordination

Sunday, May 25 | 12-4:30 PM | Hebrew College

Please join us for this year’s Hebrew College Commencement and Ordination ceremonies.

Commencement 12-1:15 PM | Rabbinical Ordination 1:45-3:15 PM | Reception 3:30 PM

Learn more

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