Learning Fellowships
These various conversational, cohort-based 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/lunch is a part of the experience) and value your time (KY and 4tM include a stipend for eligible participants).
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 2026 Cohorts
Kol Yisrael
Pluralism
Taught by Justin Sherman and Noah Hochfelder; Wed 12:00–1:30pm, 1/28-3/11
This series explores how Jews navigate and share space in the Jewish state. Using five Israeli case studies, we will explore the values and challenges that are animated when making choices about Judaism within the public sphere. Because this series focuses on questions relating specifically to Jewish practices, the content will center around Jewish-Israeli voices.
Learning Series with Rabbinic Intern Morgan Figa
Learning about Lashon Hora
Mondays 5:30-7pm: 2/9, 2/23, 3/9
What is gossip? How do you identify it? When do you do something about it? Is there ever a time that it is okay to gossip? This class will tackle these questions as we explore Jewish texts about "lashon hara."
Jewish Ritual
Mondays 5:30-7pm: 3/30, 4/13, 4/27
This class will look at Jewish rituals in the context of life cycle events. We'll learn about the origins and history of life cycle rituals as well as look at the ways in which Jewish communities are modifying, changing, or even creating new rituals to key moments in our lives. We'll conclude the class with an opportunity to write or design a ritual.
Four the Moment (4tM)
Bridging: Building Relationships Across Difference
Taught by Noah Hochfelder and Morgan Figa; Tues 12:00–1:30pm, 1/27-3/17
4tM Bridging: Building Relationships Across Difference is a powerful opportunity to start developing the mindset and skills needed to communicate meaningfully across divides—on campus, in our communities, and in the wider world. In a time of deep polarization and increasing complexity, this course helps us lean into difference with curiosity rather than fear, and connection rather than judgment. Rooted in Jewish values and narratives, this course invites participants to reflect on their own experiences and identities while building empathy for others whose worldviews and stories may be very different from their own. Through structured exercises, real dialogue, and Jewish learning, we’ll explore how to become more effective, thoughtful, and courageous communicators. Note that this is a special, extended 4tM curriculum that will offer 6 sessions rather than the usual 4.
Talmud Learning with Rabbinic Intern Alex Goldfarb
Thurs 5:30–7:00pm, 1/22-3/26
Study of the Babylonian Talmud has been central to Jewish religious, cultural, and intellectual life for centuries, shaping the way Jews live to this day. We will learn sugyot (section) from Masechet Megillah (in the run-up to Purim) and then from Masechet Pesachim. We will be learning in the original Hebrew / Aramaic, but no previous text learning experience is expected. Whether you just learned your alef-bet or have a consistent Talmud learning practice, this class is for you!