Open Circle Jewish Learning
Open Circle Jewish Learning brings together groups of curious, engaged learners with exceptional educators to dive into an array of compelling topics and practices.
Due to the pandemic, all Hebrew College Community Learning courses, including Open Circle Jewish Learning classes, are currently meeting online.
- time Adults of all ages
- location Virtual living rooms, synagogues, and community spaces
- duration 8 or fewer sessions, 1.5 hours each
- Open Circle Jewish Learning
- Open Circle Jewish Learning
Find meaning and community in Jewish sources of wisdom through personal conversations via virtual or in-person living rooms, synagogues, and community centers throughout the Greater Boston Area.
Create your own learning circle on any topic of your choice with friends and fellow community members, or even a favorite instructor. Hebrew College is a pluralistic institution. All learners are welcome, regardless of religious background.
Open Circle Jewish Learning Classes
Open Circle Jewish Learning: 20s & 30s
Learning circles for young adults interested in making new connections to the Jewish community through a shared learning experiences. (Formerly known as Eser.)
| Program | Title | Instructor | Time | Date | Description | Cost | Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OCJL 20s and 30s | Sabores de Sepharad: Exploring the Sephardic Jewish Community through its Kitchen. (4 sessions) | Sara Gardner | Wednesday evenings, 7:00-8:30 pm | June 9, 16, 23, 30, 2021 | Read now | $60 | Register |
| OCJL 20s and 30s | Mystical Connections: Kabbalistic teachings on intimacy and relationships (6 sessions) | Rabbi Getzel Davis | Thursdays, 8:00-9:30 pm EDT | June 10, 17, 24, July 1, 8, 15, 2021 | Read now | $90 | Register |
For additional information about classes, please contact Ahava Rosenthal.
To register for multiple courses or to apply for a financial scholarship, please contact Cindy Bernstein at 617-559-8709.
In order to gain access to courses, all class fees must be paid prior to the beginning of class. To ensure timely access to classes, we recommend that late registrations submitted less than 48 hours prior to the start of class be submitted over the phone with Cindy Bernstein, 617-559-8709 during regular business hours. Any requests for financial aid should be made at least two days prior to the start of class.
Cancellation Policy: Those who withdraw from a course before the first session will be given a full refund. If you choose to withdraw from a course after the first session, a $50 administrative fee will be deducted from your refund.
Please note: Currently we can accept on-line payment using MasterCard or VISA credit cards only. Credit card payments are subject to a 4% administrative fee.
Open Circle Jewish Learning: Social Action
Learning circles that encourage social action and social justice work for all adults in the community. Social Action topics include Racial Justice and Equity, Gender Equity, Social and Economic Justice, and Environmental Guardianship through a Jewish lens.
| Program | Title | Instructor | Time | Date | Description | Cost | Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OCJL Social Action | Activist Zivug | Rabbi Getzel Davis | Wednesdays, 8-9:30 pm | June 2, 9, 16, 23, June 30, July 7, 14, 2021 | Read now | $126 | CANCELLED |
For additional information about classes, please contact Ahava Rosenthal.
To register for multiple courses or to apply for a financial scholarship, please contact Cindy Bernstein at 617-559-8709.
In order to gain access to courses, all class fees must be paid prior to the beginning of class. To ensure timely access to classes, we recommend that late registrations submitted less than 48 hours prior to the start of class be submitted over the phone with Cindy Bernstein, 617-559-8709 during regular business hours. Any requests for financial aid should be made at least two days prior to the start of class.
Cancellation Policy: Those who withdraw from a course before the first session will be given a full refund. If you choose to withdraw from a course after the first session, a $50 administrative fee will be deducted from your refund.
Please note: Currently we can accept on-line payment using MasterCard or VISA credit cards only. Credit card payments are subject to a 4% administrative fee.
Open Circle Jewish Learning: Arts and Culture
Learning circles that fulfill the mitzvah to beautify the commandments (hiddur mitzvah) by examining Judaism through visual, dramatic and musical arts.
| Program | Title | Instructor | Time | Date | Description | Cost | Register | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OCJL Classic, Arts and Culture | Ritual Hebrew Calligraphy -Summer (6 Sessions) | Rachel Jackson | Tuesdays 6-7:30pm Eastern Time | June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; July 6, 2021 | Read Now | $162 and Course Materials Kit: www.binahdesign.com/opencircle (order by May 11 to receive materials by start of first class) | Register |
For additional information about classes, please contact Linna Ettinger.
To register for multiple courses or to apply for a financial scholarship, please contact Cindy Bernstein at 617-559-8709.
In order to gain access to courses, all class fees must be paid prior to the beginning of class. To ensure timely access to classes, we recommend that late registrations submitted less than 48 hours prior to the start of class be submitted over the phone with Cindy Bernstein, 617-559-8709 during regular business hours. Any requests for financial aid should be made at least two days prior to the start of class.
Cancellation Policy: Those who withdraw from a course before the first session will be given a full refund. If you choose to withdraw from a course after the first session, a $50 administrative fee will be deducted from your refund.
Please note: Currently we can accept on-line payment using MasterCard or VISA credit cards only. Credit card payments are subject to a 4% administrative fee.
Open Circle Jewish Learning: Gender Studies
We have no summer courses in this area. Please check back in August for our fall offerings.
Learning circles that provide safe spaces for us to listen to all voices with compassion and empathy.
For additional information about classes, please contact Linna Ettinger.
To register for multiple courses or to apply for a financial scholarship, please contact Cindy Bernstein at 617-559-8709.
In order to gain access to courses, all class fees must be paid prior to the beginning of class. To ensure timely access to classes, we recommend that late registrations submitted less than 48 hours prior to the start of class be submitted over the phone with Cindy Bernstein, 617-559-8709 during regular business hours. Any requests for financial aid should be made at least two days prior to the start of class.
Cancellation Policy: Those who withdraw from a course before the first session will be given a full refund. If you choose to withdraw from a course after the first session, a $50 administrative fee will be deducted from your refund.
Please note: Currently we can accept on-line payment using MasterCard or VISA credit cards only. Credit card payments are subject to a 4% administrative fee.
Open Circle Jewish Learning: Mindfulness
Learning circles that provide safe spaces with instructors trained in Mussar ethics and values.
| Program | Title | Instructor | Time | Date | Description | Cost | Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OCJL Classic, Mindfulness | Being a Better Person – A Close Reading with Martin Buber (6 sessions) | Rabbi Eric Gurvis | Wednesday evenings, 7:15-8:45 pm | June 16, 23, 30; July 21, 28, August 4 | Read Now | $162 | Register |
For additional information about classes, please contact Linna Ettinger.
To register for multiple courses or to apply for a financial scholarship, please contact Cindy Bernstein at 617-559-8709.
In order to gain access to courses, all class fees must be paid prior to the beginning of class. To ensure timely access to classes, we recommend that late registrations submitted less than 48 hours prior to the start of class be submitted over the phone with Cindy Bernstein, 617-559-8709 during regular business hours. Any requests for financial aid should be made at least two days prior to the start of class.
Cancellation Policy: Those who withdraw from a course before the first session will be given a full refund. If you choose to withdraw from a course after the first session, a $50 administrative fee will be deducted from your refund.
Please note: Currently we can accept on-line payment using MasterCard or VISA credit cards only. Credit card payments are subject to a 4% administrative fee.
Open Circle Jewish Learning: Texts and Traditions
Learning circles that offer different gateways of modern interpretation and understanding through the study of history, Jewish thought, literature, Kaballah and Talmud.
| Program | Title | Instructor | Time | Date | Description | Cost | Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OCJL Classic, Text and Traditions | Daf Yomi | Layah Lipsker | Mondays and Thursdays 9-9:45am Eastern Time | May 10, 13, 20, 24, 27; June 3, 7, 10, 14, 17, 2021 | Read Now | $135 | Register |
| OCJL Classic, Text and Traditions | Daf Yomi - Session II | Layah Lipsker | Mondays and Thursdays 9-9:45am Eastern Time | June 21, 24, 28; July 1, 8, 12, 15, 19, 22, 26, 29, 2021 | Read Now | $148 | Register |
| OCJL Classic, Text and Traditions | Elul and the High Holidays: Rethink, Renew, Rejoice | Rabbi Getzel Davis | Thursdays, 8-9:30 pm | August 12, 19, 26; September 2, 2021 | Read Now | $75 | Register |
For additional information about classes, please contact Linna Ettinger.
To register for multiple courses or to apply for a financial scholarship, please contact Cindy Bernstein at 617-559-8709.
In order to gain access to courses, all class fees must be paid prior to the beginning of class. To ensure timely access to classes, we recommend that late registrations submitted less than 48 hours prior to the start of class be submitted over the phone with Cindy Bernstein, 617-559-8709 during regular business hours. Any requests for financial aid should be made at least two days prior to the start of class.
Cancellation Policy: Those who withdraw from a course before the first session will be given a full refund. If you choose to withdraw from a course after the first session, a $50 administrative fee will be deducted from your refund.
Please note: Currently we can accept on-line payment using MasterCard or VISA credit cards only. Credit card payments are subject to a 4% administrative fee.
Open Circle Jewish Learning FAQs
Accessibility Needs
Hebrew College is committed to accommodating adult learners with accessibility needs for a limited number of courses. Please contact us so we can determine how we might best accommodate you.
Financial Aid
Registration Tips
Cancellation Policy
Want to learn more about Open Circle Jewish Learning?
For more information contact Linna Ettinger, Director of Open Circle Jewish Learning.