Learning Fellowships
These various conversational seminars are for those looking to deepen their understanding and connection to Judaism on their own terms. When you participate you’ll have the opportunity to ask the big questions – Who am I? What communities am I part of? What is worth committing myself to, and why?
We make no claims about the “right” way to practice or not practice Judaism. Our job is to help you explore the tradition and find your own place, on your terms, in some of Judaism’s great conversations. We want to nourish you (dinner is a part of the experience) and value your time (after completion of the program you will receive a stipend).
Each semester, there are different cohorts , taught by various members of the Hillel staff. Students who participate come from diverse backgrounds and have a broad range of experience with Jewish learning. These cohorts are about meeting you where you are, bringing all of our knowledge, curiosity, and learning together.
Spring 2024 Cohorts
Jewish Learning Fellowship
Life’s Big Questions
Taught by Rabbi Miriam and Rabbinic Intern Ben; Monday Nights (5:30-7), starting Jan. 29, for 10 weeks.
College is a time to explore some of the big questions that orient a life well-lived. Who am I? What communities am I a part of? How do we disagree? While these are universal questions, we believe they can be illuminated through the unique light of Jewish texts and traditions. In this class we will explore the big questions of life as refracted through the Jewish tradition.
Sex, Love and Relationships
Taught by Rabbi Miriam; Thursdays at Lunch (12-1:30), starting Feb. 1, for 10 weeks.
Judaism has A LOT to say about sex and relationships. Together in a dedicated and safe space, we will explore traditional texts on gender, sex, love, consent, and more while also deciphering our own sexual ethic (what shapes and informs the relationships we hold).
Kol Yisrael
Ethnic Minorities
Taught by Allyson; Thursday Nights (5:30-7), starting Feb. 1, for 6 weeks.
This 6-session series explores resilience and antisemitism through the lens of Jewish peoplehood and Jewish experience. This course is designed to support you in claiming positive Jewish identity even while navigating antisemitism, contemporary discourse around Israel, and the nuances of Jewish experiences in the 21st century. You will engage with Jewish diversity, grapple with narratives that harm and marginalize and, uplift and celebrate Jewish resilience and joy.
Peoplehood, Resilience and Antisemitism
Taught by Allyson, featuring other Hillel staff; Tuesdays at Lunch (12-1:30), starting Jan. 30, for 6 weeks.
This series will explore how ethnically diverse communities in Israel navigate "being Israeli" alongside unique identities and particular historical narratives. Exploring questions of identity and inclusion in the context of six ethnic/cultural groups within Israel, we will consider how the values of diversity and uniformity animate the public sphere in Israel and in our own Hillel spaces.
More cohort learning…
Difficult Conversations
Taught by Allyson and Lena ‘24; Mondays at Lunch (11:30-1), starting Mar. 1, for 5 weeks.
Join with your peers to create a brave & safe space to explore how to have difficult conversations. Each week we will go through various exercises that will give us the tools to engage with nuanced and note worthy topics in the news.