Hebrew College Instagram Stories

A Calling to Ukraine and the Outdoors: The Many Paths to Rabbinical School

There is no one path to rabbinical or cantorial school. Rabbis and cantors come from a variety of geographical and socio-economic locations, life situations, and educational backgrounds. If you’re considering ordination, learn more at hebrewcollege.edu.

“I decided to go to rabbinical school to fulfill a need to have a deeper formational experience that I was lacking,” said Michelle Goldhaber, a shanah gimmel (third year) rabbinical student at Hebrew College. The College, she feels, is a unique place where intellectual, practical, and spiritual formation meet and help creative (aspiring) rabbis like her thrive and develop.

The (Future) Comic Book Rabbi: The Many Paths to Rabbinical School

Hebrew College shanah aleph (first-year) rabbinical student Sivan Piatigorsky-Roth has an idea of what he wants his life to look like in five years: “I want to be in the rabbinate,” a typical admission from a student in a rabbinical school, “and I want to be [creating comics],” a less typical passion from an ordination student. These two lifepaths, though, show no signs of contradiction for Piatigorsky-Roth. “I know of artist rabbis and writer rabbis, so why not [a comic book rabbi]?”

“All That Jazz”: Cantor Kevin Margolius’ Jewish New Orleans

When you think of New Orleans, you think jazz, Mardis Gras, improvisation. And the city’s unique spirit is exactly what Cantor Kevin Margolius `13, cantor of New Orleans’ Touro Synagogue, is infusing into shul—leading his community with a jazzy Jewish mix rooted in inspiration from his Hebrew College experience, Jewish tradition, and nusach accompanied by slide trombone, Zydeco, and joy.

Temple Beth Sholom Visits Syncopation

Hebrew College was delighted to welcome Rabbi Allison Poirier ‘19, with members of her congregation, Temple Beth Sholom in Framingham, to visit our “Syncopation” exhibit, on display at the College through November 30.

The group’s visit was the first in a series of Temple Beth Sholom programs studying and celebrating Israel. The series will culminate in “Israel’s Birthday Party” at Temple Beth Sholom on April 23rd. Contact rabbi-poirier@beth-sholom.org for more info on the series.

Beacons of Hope

Beginning this month, once a month the Miller Center for Interreligious Learning & Leadership of Hebrew College will honor an individual (or group) who inspires the bridge-building efforts of the Miller Center. Each honoree embodies the values of inclusivity, justice, and compassion in different and unique ways. These are our Beacons of Hope.

Amsterdam’s Liberal Jewish Community Looks to Hebrew College for Educational Resources, to Reinvigorate and Preserve their Community

Hebrew College’s MaTaRoT Center for Professional Learning & Leadership is delighted and honored to be hosting colleagues from the liberal Amsterdam Jewish community for this week, including both veteran educators and teen madrichim.

Sukkot: Kavanah in 60 with Rafi Ellenson

Hebrew College rabbinical student Rafi Ellenson shares a 60-second kavanah (short teaching) about Sukkot. Watch more videos in our Kavanah in 60 series at http://hebrewcollege.edu/kavanah-in-60 and on YouTube.

Yom Kippur: Kavanah in 60 with Aron Wander

Hebrew College rabbinical student Aron Wander shares a 60-second kavanah (short teaching) about Yom Kippur. Watch more videos in our Kavanah in 60 series at http://hebrewcollege.edu/kavanah-in-60.

Celebrating the Publication of Dirshuni—Contemporary Women’s Midrash

Join us on Wednesday, November 30, 2022 at 7:30 p.m. at Hebrew College for an evening of study and conversation where we will explore the meaning of the project that seeks to expand our sacred texts.

“Hayom harat olam. May we be brave this year. Together, may we reach out to the world—this world—and try to embrace it,” writes Hebrew College President Rabbi Sharon Cohen Anisfeld.

Please join us on Tuesday, September 20, 2022 from 7-8:30 p.m. for the opening of Hebrew College’s fall art exhibition Syncopation, featuring Israeli art from the College’s permanent collection in celebration of Israel’s 75th anniversary. Explore 22 works on paper, all created in the 1970s. This is the College’s final exhibit it Newton Centre before we move to our new home on January 2023.

RSVP required for the opening.

One of the most widely recognizable Jewish labor activists in modern history, Clara Lemlich Shavelson was born in 1886 in Gorodok, Ukraine. According to the Jewish Women’s Archive, “As an immigrant garment worker in New York City, [Shavelson] began organizing women began organizing women into the International Ladies Garment Workers Union in 1905, forcing male union leaders to include women workers in strikes. At a 1909 strike meeting at the Cooper Union, Shavelson’s fiery speech set off the Uprising of the 20,000, the largest strike by women workers to that date. She later focused on the suffrage movement and organized housewives around food boycotts, including the 1917 kosher meat boycott.”

The Miller Center for Interreligious Learning & Leadership of Hebrew College recently announced a new partnership with Interfaith America and the national expansion of the BILI fellowship program. Religion News Service national reporter Bob Smietana covered Interfaith America’s annual summit, where he interviewed several of the incoming BILI fellows.

Kol HaKavod Hebrew College Rabbinical School alumna Rabbi Jessica Kate Meyer on The Kitchen‘s first album “Shabbat in The Kitchen.” The music is an offering, a tikkun, & a collaboration of many voices and melodies from the prayersong of The Kitchen community in SF. 

Baby birds on the construction site of our new shared campus in Newton, MA. Construction workers were protecting the eggs and babies throughout the process!

Construction continues on our new shared campus! Learn more and view new construction photos.

President Sharon Cohen Anisfeld (center) was part of #HebrewCollege‘s team at yesterday’s Mother’s Day Walk for Peace. The team raised funds to advance the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute’s mission as a Center of Healing, Teaching, and Learning. (Rabbi Suzanne Offit & #HCRS student Hindy Finman were Hebrew College’s Team Captains.)

“This is the centennial anniversary of Hebrew College, and I wanted to help celebrate that milestone, to contribute to the future of the College, and to ensure the sustainability of vibrant Jewish learning.” (Mark Atkins, honoree) Join us on June 2!

“On the eve of Exodus as we prepared to leave behind all that had befallen us in Egypt & make our way out into the vast expanse, do you remember the way a galaxy of possibility opened inside of you?” writes Hebrew College rabbinial grad & Jewish Studio Project‘s Rabbi Adina Allen.

Thank you to everyone who joined us yesterday for the opening of Hebrew College’s Centennial Art Exhibit “Remember. Renew. Reimagine.” The exhibit runs through mid-June in Hebrew College’s Ted Cutler Atrium.

Hebrew College alumna Frankie Snyder  discovers major find from the archaeological excavations at Mt. Ebal in Israel—what some are saying could be as consequential as the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls.

The Hebrew College Passover Companion offers a pathway into one of our central ritual moments—the Passover seder. We hope it will generate new questions and conversations around your own seder table—and that you will be touched and surprised by the many ways we can tell our story of liberation.

“Hebrew College teen beit midrash is the perfect environment for those of us who are sometimes marginalized and encounter hostility and disrespect in other parts of our lives. After all, havruta learning centers around listening, openness, support, and respect.”

“I initially planned to take a couple of Hebrew College courses. After learning more about the program, and the availability of a mid-career fellowship, I realized that seeking a Masters in Jewish Education would be an excellent opportunity for me.” — Bridget Connor-Feldbaum, MJEd`21

When she’s not in the beit midrash, you can find Shana Bet rabbinical student Michelle Goldhaber swimming in all weather, on Cape Cod! “I often dedicate my swims to people upon request who submit prayers, wishes, hopes, dreams, etc. to me. I also dedicate them to issues, causes, themes, holidays, etc. Sometimes I post YouTube videos of them. Since February 24, you can find me in nonstop contact with my friends in Ukraine and advocating for their peace and safety from my vantage point in the US.”

Become a Hebrew College Monthly Sustainer!

“Our Hebrew College classes are a time for us to slow down and connect. As working parents of teenagers, we don’t have much time to do things for us. And, as Director of Adult Learning and a former director of Me’ah, it is also a way for me to observe the magic of our programs in motion, and to participate in the beautiful community of learners of all ages who come together through Hebrew College.” —Sara Riedner Brown, Director of Adult Learning at Hebrew College.

Click the link in our bio to read more about Sara’s Jewish learning journey!

Hebrew College Alumni Rabbi Margie Klein Ronkin to Lead Essex County Social Justice Group 

Veteran activist and Hebrew College alumna Rabbi Margie Klein Ronkin `11 was named  executive director of the Essex County Community Organization (ECCO), a faith-based grass-roots organization that fights for racial and social justice. She is the first rabbi to hold this position.

Come and dream along with Rebbe Nachman of Breslev this winter in “Dreawmweaver: The Stories of Rebbe Nachman of Breslev,” starting TONIGHT on Zoom. Rebbe Nachman was an amazing storyteller, weaving tales that were often fairytale-like in their construction and filled with the most esoteric Kabbalistic symbolism.

This class — led by @rebgetzel — is geared towards adults in their late 30s and 40s. All are invited (but not required) to bring their own dreams or daydreams for spiritual inquiry.

Looking for some levity during these trying times? Think ahead to Purim with “Feasts, Fasts, and Fakeries: The Scroll of Esther through a Photographic Lens.”

Join Leann Shamash on Zoom, Sundays, 10:30 a.m.-Noon, starting February 6.

Read the Megillah and explore a theme of your chosing through photography.

Continue your Jewish learning journey this winter with Hebrew College Adult Learning Classes start in February. Find your favorite topic and register today. 

Thinking about learning Hebrew? Want to advance your Hebrew conversation skills? Hebrew College Ulpan Hebrew language classes start in February. Classes are offered on Zoom, in beginner through advanced levels. Register by January 24!

Hebrew College Ulpan Hebrew language classes start in February. Classes meet on Zoom, in beginner through advanced levels. Register by January 24!

Hebrew College is offering a discounted mid-session registration rate for its special centennial course, “The Old Made New and the New Made Holy.” In addition to the five upcoming sessions, registrants will receive access to the three previous session’s video recordings with Rabbi Arthur Green, Rabbi Jennie Rosenn, and Rabbi David Ellenson.  

Thanks @jewishjournalma for writing about our shared campus groundbreaking celebration!

Hebrew College is looking for works of art for its centennial art exhibit, “Remember, Renew, Reimagine.” This exhibition will center on Torah, reflecting a variety of inspirations from its teaching, traditions, and rituals. Artists are invited to submit works in a variety of media. The curators will select works that demonstrate how artists in the Hebrew College community are actively “Remembering, Renewing and Reimagining” the tradition through the visual arts (2D and 3D), poetry, music, and performances. 

Thanks EJewish Philanthropy for featuring our Shared Campus Groundbreaking and Hanukkah Celebration as your “Pic of the Day”! @jartsboston 

It was wonderful to celebrate our new home with so many friends at our Shared Campus Groundbreaking yesterday. Visit our website (link in bio) to watch the video and see additional photos. #templereyim @keshernewton @keshetlgbtqjews @zamirchoraleofboston @jartsboston @jewishwomensarchive #synagoguecouncil

In these dark days, we could all use a little hope and light. Join @joindayenu, Hebrew College, and other co-sponsors for “Lighting The Way: Jewish Song, Art and Activism in the Climate Movement,” the premiere of two new Jewish climate anthems, on Thursday, December 2, the 5th night of Hanukkah. 

A longing to do God-talk as part of my daily life, with others similarly inclined, led me to chaplaincy training, a theology degree, and a training program in spiritual direction. Today, spiritual direction permits me much God-talk, but does not require the use of the word God. For me, the word god is a placeholder; it awaits naming flowing from deep contemplation and careful noticing. My directees and I offer many names to each other—the Divine, the Holy One, the Great Whatever, the Rock, the Source are but a few examples . . . . — Roslyn G. Weiner, a spiritual director at Hebrew College, and author of Seeking in the Company of Others: The Wisdom of Group Spiritual Direction, published by Spiritual Directors International Press

Join food historian Sara Gardner for a Hebrew College Adult Learning #opencircle class (starting November 7) to explore how Jewish culinary heritage affirms and reflects diverse expressions of Jewish identity throughout the diaspora. We will work together to construct our own individual “culinary action plans,” enacting change in our kitchens and beyond!

Hebrew College Rabbinical Programs Shana Aleph students and their teacher Rachel Adelman had fun with a creative re-enactment of the midrash of the snake pushing Eve to touch the tree of knowledge of good and evil.

Want to be a part of the next theatrical rendition of a famous midrash? Join us for Ta Sh’ma in November and sit in on classes with students at Hebrew College!

“I would not be on the Jewish path that I am today as a rabbinical student if I hadn’t participated in Avodah and seen and experienced how justice is deeply integrated into Jewish tradition. I was able to engage with Judaism as an adult in a space where I could be vulnerable and grow.”—Sarah Rovin, Shana Aleph rabbinical student.

Thinking about rabbinical or cantorial school as part of your Jewish journey? We all have meaningful points along the way to rabbinical or cantorial school. What places helped shaped your path? Join us virtually or in person for Ta Sh’ma.

ONLINE: Sunday, November 7 from 2-5:30 p.m. EST
IN-PERSON: Monday and Tuesday, November 15 and 16.

Join us for Ta Sh’ma (Come & Hear), #HebrewCollege‘s ordination program Open House: Virtual Open House Nov. 7; In-person Open House Nov. 15.

Hebrew College rabbinical student Ezra Furman was featured yesterday in JTA news. Ezra joins the Shanah Aleph class.

Learn more about Hebrew College’s rabbinical program at one of our November Open Houses on Nov. 7 (virtual) or Nov. 15 (in person). 

Introducing Koleinu (“our voice”), Hebrew College’s new weekly newsletter, replacing News & Views. As we begin our 100th year this fall, we are excited to share with you a selection of resources, special features, and reflections each week in time for Shabbat. We look forward to sharing the inspiring voices of our community with you during this centennial year! Link in Bio.

Know any teens who are interested in studying Talmud? Encourage them to check out Teen Beit Midrash of Hebrew College. Classes offered in person and online. 

Hebrew College MaTaRoT

Doing Our Part to Create a Healthier and More Just Society

“Through our training, we have also learned to listen carefully to people who are vaccine hesitant, knowing that individuals from different communities often have very different experiences with vaccines and with medical care more broadly, including painful experiences of medical racism.” #HebrewCollege #IFYC #FaithinVaccineProgram

Welcoming Rosh Hodesh Av

As we welcome the new Hebrew month of Av, we invite you to read, listen, and share the words of Torah in this newsletter—bringing your lives to Torah and Torah to your lives. We again thank @nireh_or Instagram Project founders Rabbi Hayley Goldstein`19 and Lizzie Sivitz for their words and artwork.

2021 Fall Ordination Open House

Learn about our rabbinical and cantorial programs and attend Ta Sh’ma (Come & Hear) — our fall Open House.

The Kids Are All Right

Food insecurity, homelessness and health education have been amplified during the pandemic—particularly for underserved populations. Hebrew College Teen Fellows & Ambassadors aren’t just standing by. They are taking action to help heal the city of Boston.

Hebrew College's New Home: A Shared Campus in Newton, MA

Hebrew College will partner with Temple Reyim and several other Jewish organizations to create a new shared campus for Jewish life in Newton and relocate to our new home in December 2022.

Speaking Torah Podcast: Stop Making Sense

“For me, the poetry of Torah is very loud and very magnetic, and I think it can transform us if we let it in,” says Rabbi Mónica Gomery`17 in HebrewCollege’s SpeakingTorah podcast episode “Stop Making Sense.”

Rabbi Art Green Receives National Jewish Book Award

Hebrew College Rector Rabbi Art Green, founder of the Rabbinical School at Hebrew College, has been award­ed his first Nation­al Jew­ish Book Award for Judaism for the World: Reflec­tions on God, Life, and Love .

#HebrewCollege is honored to be part of The Big Bold Jewish Climate Fest, making climate change a central moral issue of the Jewish community. Come learn with us & explore over 100 other Festival events — free and online January 27-31, 2021.

Hebrew College Elul Together Project

It’s Thursday, which means #elul is about bees! Watch today’s #hebrewcollege #elultogether offering “Sweetness in Elul” with #HCRS alumna Rabbi Suzanne Offit.

From artist to rabbi

New ordination students come to Hebrew College with diverse perspectives & life experiences. Performance artist Lawrence Dreyfuss is among the fall 2020 cohort.

Leadership, Learning, and Love in this Uncertain Time

Heres a sampling of the Torah and tefillah our #HebrewCollege community is creating for this moment. Wishing you a healthy and peaceful Shabbat. #NewsandViews