Thank you for your interest in Hebrew College Open Circle Jewish Learning.
Starting in 2016, Hebrew College Open Circle Jewish Learning courses took place in living rooms and synagogue meeting rooms, creating safe, intimate spaces to strengthen social connections through shared learning journeys. Open Circle Jewish Learning has expanded with online learning to include learners from as far as the FIJI Islands and Australia!
Open Circle Jewish Learning brings groups of friends together to learn with veteran and new instructors. Designed for learners of all backgrounds, sometimes groups approach the Open Circle Jewish Learning team to request a course in a specific topic, and we work to match instructors with groups. Sometimes instructors submit course proposals (in May and November) after coordinating with student groups.
Some topics that groups of students are interested in are: Jewish Texts, Ritual, Israel, History, Jewish Thought, Holidays, Calendar, Social Action, Young Adults, Mussar, Spirituality, Parenting, Grandparenting, Art and Culture. We welcome the opportunity to match your interests with instructors.
For instructors wishing to teach through Hebrew College Open Circle Jewish Learning, we welcome the opportunity to understand your particular passions and keep your name handy for groups looking to learn a topic within your area of expertise.
Student groups and instructors are invited to contact the Hebrew College Open Circle Jewish Learning Team at opencircleregistration@hebrewcollege.edu.
Class Title: The Stories we Heard, the Stories we Live and the Stories we Share: A Special Session for Grandparents Program:Open Circle Jewish Learning, Parenting and Grandparenting Instructor: Margie Bogdanow LICSW Date: November 5, 2023 (1 session) Day and Time: Sundays 3:00-4:30 p.m. Location: In-person, Lehrhaus, Cambridge, MA
Fee: $25
Course Title: Parenting Through a Jewish Lens Chelmsford MA Program:Open Circle Jewish Learning, Parenting and Grandparenting Partner Organization:Congregation Shalom, Chelmsford, MA Instructor:Carolyn Keller Day and Time: Sundays, 9:30-11:00 a.m. Dates: 10/15, 22, 29; 11/5,19; 12/3, 2023 (6 sessions) Location: In-person, Congregation Shalom, Chelmsford, MA Fee: $150 per person *Congregation Shalom members, $100 per person
Financial scholarships available.
Join a group of fellow parents of young children to discuss topics that matter to you as a parent; reflect on the joys and challenges of raising kids today; and find support, encouragement, and connection. Our curriculum helps parents discover the many ways in which Jewish sources of wisdom can inform their choices. Topics will include Towards Joyful Parenting, Shabbat: A time to Recharge and Reconnect, and Finding Peace in Our Homes, among others.
Many of us have experienced the challenges and opportunities of supporting aging and ailing family members. The opportunity to care for our elders, especially our parents, can be a unique privilege, but also creates considerable challenges for both parent and child. In this course, we’ll encounter a variety of sources that explore the limitations and qualifications of the mitzvah to honor one’s parents. This poignant topic is open to people of all ages–regardless of whether you are currently supporting an aging parent.
Hebrew College Open Circle Jewish Learning classes are for learners of all backgrounds.
Canadian and other registrants from outside the US: please email Anna Katsevman to complete your registration. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Parents often wish for an instruction manual as they raise their children, especially in challenging times. Parenting is one of the hardest jobs, and we need all the help we can get. Mussar is an ancient Jewish method for inner spiritual development. It gives us texts and guidance for finding balance, calm and objectivity in all aspects of life. In this course, we will use Mussar to help us become the best parents, and people, we can. Parents of all ages and stages are welcome. No prior experience with Mussar is necessary. Texts will be available in English.
Hebrew College Open Circle Jewish Learning classes are for learners of all backgrounds.
Canadian and other registrants from outside the US: please email Anna Katsevman to complete your registration. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Join a group of fellow parents of young children to discuss topics that matter to you as a parent; reflect on the joys and challenges of raising kids today; and find support, encouragement, and connection. This Hebrew College designed curriculum helps parents discover the many ways in which Jewish sources of wisdom can inform their choices.
Specific topics will include: Towards Joyful Parenting, Infusing Our Lives with Meaning, Shabbat: A time to Recharge and Reconnect, Finding Peace in Our Homes. On-site babysitting with pizza is included with registration.
Parenting Through a Jewish Lens is now part of Hebrew College Open Circle Jewish Learning and is for learners of all backgrounds.
