Well Courses
“All who thirst, come to the water.” (Isaiah 55:1)
הוי כל צמא לכו למים (ישעיהו נה:א)
Scholars often compare the Torah to a well, and its words to water. Drawn from a deep and meaningful place, this water has the ability to sate all who seek it. Applied wisdom and devoted study are instrumental in our spiritual quest at Romemu. The Well is a place to meet deeper dimensions of our faith, our tradition, our community, and our lives. Classes featuring a variety of subjects are taught by Romemu clergy, guest scholars, and community members and are offered throughout the year.
We invite all who are thirsty for knowledge and wisdom to come to The Well to drink.
Beit Midrash | Free Weekly Course - Join Anytime
If so, why do I exist?* Existential Crisis in the Torah | Beit Midrash
*Our Foremother Rebecca in crisis over the wrestling of her twins within:
וַיִּתְרֹֽצֲצ֤וּ הַבָּנִים֙ בְּקִרְבָּ֔הּ וַתֹּ֣אמֶר אִם־כֵּ֔ן לָ֥מָּה זֶּ֖ה אָנֹ֑כִי וַתֵּ֖לֶךְ לִדְרֹ֥שׁ אֶת־יְהוָֽה׃
“But the children [almost] crushed one another inside her, so she said: If so, why do I exist? And she went to inquire of YHWH.”
We often think our ancestors were entirely different than we are – more primitive, knowing less about life and overall less sophisticated. But, if we read the Torah closely we discover something surprising about our ancient forebears: psychological complexity, depth of character and complex motivation. Moreover, as one reads through the Torah one finds existential crisis in many of the Torah’s central characters. We encounter depression, anguish, a sense of abandonment, wondering whether life is worth it, even a desire to die. Rebecca wonders why she exists; Hagar is alone and anguished in the wilderness; Moses accuses God of abandoning him and wants to die; Hannah is clearly depressed; Aaron wonders if he is worthy of his role, and both Jonah and Elijah explicitly wish to die. The list continues.
Through a close reading of these characters we will discover the nature of their conflicts and crises and what helped them navigate these agonizing moments. In so doing we will also explore what spiritual touchstones might support us in these treacherous times.
Schedule:
Tuesday nights 7:00-8:30
Dates:
Semester 1: 11/5, 11/12, 11/19, 11/26, 12/3, 12/10, 12/17, 1/7, 1/14, 1/21, 1/28, 2/4, 2/11
Semester 2: 2/25, 3/4, 3/11, 3/18, 3/25, 4/1, 4/8, 4/15, 4/22, 4/29, 5/6, 5/13, 5/20, 5/27, 6/3
Location:
JTS, 3080 Broadway and Online
Lifelong Learning Courses
Aleph Bet I – Introduction to Hebrew
Dive into the Hebrew language in an intimate, relaxed and supportive environment. We will start by learning the Hebrew alphabet. Participants will be exposed to all aspects of the language, including reading and writing. Once we have a solid grasp of the basics, we’ll introduce Shabbat and holiday liturgy.
Teacher: Wendy Miles
Schedule: Tuesday nights 6:00-7:00PM
Dates:
Semester 1: 11/5, 11/12, 11/19, 11/26, 12/3, 12/10, 12/17, 1/7, 1/14, 1/21, 1/28, 2/4, 2/11
Semester 2: 2/25, 3/4, 3/11, 3/18, 3/25, 4/1, 4/8, 4/15, 4/22, 4/29, 5/6, 5/13, 5/20, 5/27, 6/3
Location: JTS, 3080 Broadway
Tuition: $275 Members, $300 non-members | tuition includes both semesters
Aleph Bet II: Culture and Spirituality in the Hebrew Language
In this class, we will delve deeper into the Hebrew language and through the words gain the keys to our spiritual tradition. Familiarity with Hebrew letters and basic reading* is required. We will work on developing additional Hebrew skills, vocabulary, reading and comprehension. Using the Romemu Siddur (prayer book) and other Jewish texts, we will uncover the meaning of words, discover hidden secrets in the word roots, and make connections to our broader Jewish heritage. Our study will allow us to connect more deeply to sacred language. Supplementary sources like songs, poems and expressions will add to our joy of discovery.
*Basic reading means the ability to sound out letters. Reading comprehension is not required.
Teacher: Jeremy Rosenshine
Schedule: Sunday Mornings 10:30-12PM
Dates:
Semester 1: 11/3, 11/10, 11/17, 11/24, 12/1, 12/8, 12/15, 1/5, 1/12, 1/19, 1/26, 2/2, 2/9
Semester 2: 2/23, 3/2, 3/9, 3/16, 3/23, 3/30, 4/6, 4/13, 4/20, 4/27, 5/4, 5/11, 5/18, 5/25, 6/1
Location: JTS, 3080 Broadway and Online
Tuition: $275 Members, $300 non-members | tuition includes both semesters
Year-Long Courses
Walking the Path: Introduction to Judaism
In this course, led by Rabbi Lindsey Healey-Pollack, we will probe the big questions of what it means to be Jewish as we explore the diverse ways that people practice and live Judaism. Why and to Who do we pray? Can keeping kosher be spiritual – what’s up with separating dairy and meat? What does Judaism have to say about social justice and the environment? How might I want to keep Shabbat? Topics will include: holiday and life cycle celebrations, theology, history, Israel, the Bible and other Jewish texts, practicing and learning about rituals and their ritual objects, and building a Jewish vocabulary. We will focus on experiential, hands-on learning and nurturing our own unique Jewish spirituality. Dipping into the sea of Jewish knowledge and practice may seem daunting, but we will move together from the shallow end towards the depths, sharing our struggles and joys along the way. All questions are encouraged, and no topic is off limits. Join Rabbi Lindsey on an inclusive, supportive, and accessible path to participating fully in Jewish community. This course serves to fulfill conversion requirements at Romemu.
Teacher: Rabbi Lindsey Healey-Pollack
Schedule: Thursday nights 7:00-8:30PM
Dates:
Semester 1: 11/7, 11/14, 11/21, 12/5, 12/12, 12/19, 1/16, 1/23, 1/30, 2/6, 2/13
Semester 2: 2/27, 3/6, 3/20, 3/27, 4/3, 4/10, 4/17, 4/24, 5/1, 5/8, 5/15, 5/22, 5/29, 6/5
Location: Online with select hybrid sessions at JTS, 3080 Broadway | Hybrid session dates will be communicated to registrants
Tuition: $275 Members, $300 non-members | tuition includes both semesters
Israel Lit
Read Israeli literature in english translation. Ronnie and Rhonna have led connected, complicated, and always meaningful discussions of over 40 books during their time teaching this beloved Romemu class. All are welcome to become part of this community of readers! All sessions meet on zoom.
Teachers: Ronnie Scharfman and Rhonna Rogol
Schedule: Thursday nights 7:30-9:00PM (individual dates listed below)
Dates:
November 21 – The Hebrew Teacher, by Maya Arad
January 16- Inside Information, by Eshkol Nevo
February 20th- On Her Own, by Lili Lapid
March 20th- Track Changes, by Sayed Kashua
April 17- Stockholm, by Noah Yedlin
May 15th- A selection by Yoram Kaniuk
June 19th- Combo: Love, by Maayan Eitan and Where I Am by Dana Shem Ur
Location: Online
Tuition: $120 ($100 for members) for the series, $25 ($22 for members) for each session
The Genesis Project: Performing Midrash
The Sefer Yetzirah teaches us that the mother letters Aleph, Mem, Shin are the basis for earthly creation as Air, Water and Fire or for spiritual creation as Time, Place and Story. Transforming, meditating, sharing and playing with these three elements; we will explore the creative possibilities of our ancestral archetypes: Sarah and Hagar, Abraham and Isaac, Rachel, Jacob and Leah, Joseph and Mrs. Potiphar, Tamar and Judah and more. Our creative journey through Time, Place and Story will be open to all forms and all levels of writing and performance culminating in a presentation.
Teacher: Betsy Shevey
Schedule: Thursday nights 7:00-8:30PM
Dates:
Thursdays: 11/7, 11/14, 11/21, 12/5, 12/12, 12/19
Location: JTS, 3080 Broadway and Online
Tuition: $150 ($125 for members)
The Sky in the Well: Rosh Chodesh and New Moon Astrology
With this monthly hybrid class (in-person and online) we will join the ancient Hebrews as well as modern astrologers in aligning with the new moon as a powerful time for new intentions and opportunities. New Moons mainly have “sowing and starting” energy, whereas Full Moons mainly have “completion and maturity” energy. The class will introduce the themes in each Jewish Month as well as the qualities of the associated astrological sign. Participants will work directly with their own charts as the class explores the area (or house) in each participant’s chart which we will emphasize for a new moon intention or kavanah. The class will also introduce astrological symbols and look at the significant current placements of the planets.
Every month Jewish people recite a special blessing—known as Kiddush Levanah—as they witness the moon re-emerge and grow full again. Blessing the month in its time is comparable to greeting the Divine presence, said the sages of the Talmud. For those able to attend in person, we will imbibe sweet smelling refreshments and other light food as the Ancient Hebrews did to bode for a sweet month ahead.
Teacher: Alina Bloomgarden
Schedule: Wednesdays 7:00-8:30PM (individual dates listed below)
Dates:
11/27, 12/18, 1/29, 2/26, 3/27, 4/24, 5/29,
RSVP to Eden Foster at eden@romemu.org for registration and location information
Lunch & Learn
Climate Hope with Rachel Makleff
Stay for a meal and meaningful conversation after Shabbat services! We will discuss climate advocacy and learn from Rachel Makleff about her decades of experience in grassroots climate justice work, focusing on an important climate bill that needs support today.
Date: Saturday, November 9th | After Shabbat Services
Member Price: $20
Non-member Price: $25
Book Talk With Rabbi Michael Strassfeld & Rabbi Dianne Cohler-Esses | Judaism Disrupted: A Spiritual Manifesto for the 21st Century
Stay for a meal and meaningful conversation after Shabbat services! Rabbi Michael Strassfeld will join Rabbi Dianne Cohler-Esses and the Romemu community to discuss his latest path-breaking book about the Jewish world: Judaism Disrupted: A Spiritual Manifesto for the 21st Century
Date: TBA
Member Price: $20
Non-member Price: $25
Additional Learning Opportunities at Romemu
In addition to the courses above, families with young children are encouraged to check out all our Youth and Family offerings, including Seekers Holistic Hebrew School.
On Shabbat mornings, join us for Open Book at 8:45 AM (Learn more on our Shabbat page)
Financial Policies
No one will ever be turned away from any Romemu course or event for financial reasons. To request scholarship funds, email support@romemu.org before registering for a course.
Please review our refund policy here.