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 place, this water can refresh and sustain all who seek it.

Torah study at Romemu is central to our spiritual journey. The Well, our program of educational offerings, provides learning opportunities for seekers at every level.

Regardless of your education or religious background, our programs welcome newcomers while also deepening the knowledge and practice of all Jewish learners, guiding participants toward living with holiness in challenging times. 

Lifelong learning efforts at romemu are led by master educator Rabbi Dianne Cohler-Esses. She is this year’s recipient of a Covenant award. To learn more about her watch this film.

In times of deep crisis, there are those who find the courage to build a new world—one that radically departs from the dominant ethos.

In this Fall/Winter session of Beit Midrash, we will turn to our ancestors: the Midwives, Miriam and Batya the daughter of Pharaoh, Moses, Hannah, King David, Esther, Ruth—and even to the character of God in Torah. Through their stories we will ask: What did it take to move forward in the midst of personal or collective upheaval? What fueled their courage and resolve?

As we reflect on our own era—marked by powerful and destructive forces—we will together explore what these transformative figures can teach us, and what sources we might draw upon at this moment  to act in ways that are life-giving. 

Time: 7-8:30 

Session dates:  November: 4,11, 18, 25 | December: 1, 8, 15 | January: 6, 13, 20, 27 | February 3, 10

Join Rabbi David Ingber at The 92nd Street Y for a transformative weekly Parsha study class.

Delve into the timeless wisdom of the Torah as Rabbi Ingber unpacks the weekly Torah portion (Parsha), offering profound insights, spiritual guidance, and practical wisdom that is directly relevant to contemporary life.

In this engaging class, Rabbi Ingber combines traditional teachings with innovative interpretations, inviting participants to explore the deeper meanings behind the biblical narratives and commandments. Whether you’re new to Torah study or seeking to deepen your understanding, Rabbi Ingber’s warm and inclusive approach ensures a welcoming space for all learners.

Discover how the ancient wisdom of the Torah can illuminate our understanding of ethics, spirituality, and personal growth. Join us weekly as we uncover the relevance of the Parsha to our lives today and forge connections between tradition and modernity in a vibrant community setting at The 92nd Street Y.

Join Rabbi David Ingber for a weekly journey into Jewish spirituality.
This soulful class draws from Hasidic wisdom, Kabbalah, embodied practice, and personal reflection—offering fresh, accessible paths into spiritual life. Open to seekers of all backgrounds, it’s a space for deep questions, meaningful connection, and inner renewal.

Starts Tue, Sep 2 | 2 PM | In person

Shakespeare’s plays are a fount of ethical insight, psycho-spiritual wisdom, and—perhaps even—mystical revelation. Like our Torah, they are deeply revelatory about human nature.  This course asks the question: Can Shakespeare’s stories, characters, themes, and language operate as a kind of holiness code – a torah – for us to live by?

Through engagement with select plays, sonnets, and classical Jewish texts and commentary, we will work to make psychological, moral, and spiritual meaning in and out of these texts, positioning Shakespeare in sacred conversation with Jewish tradition and our own deep yearnings. We will also revel in the aesthetic power of the plays, analyzing the architecture of Shakespeare’s language to discern his full purpose, and consider adjacent works of art and music.

Together, we will experience why so many feel that to read and meditate on Shakespeare is to look deep into the mind and heart of God. Animated, joyful, and community-centered, all learners are welcome as we take a Talmudic dive into this Elizabethan master who created, arguably, the greatest study of human nature ever written.

Teacher: Ray Brahmi

Schedule: Monday nights | 7 – 8:30 PM 

Dates: November: 10, 17, 24 | December: 1, 8, 15, 22 | January:  12, 19, 26 | February: 2, 9

Location: Onsite at the Romemu Offices at the Jewish Theological Seminary, 3080 Broadway (corner of 122nd) & online 

Tuition: $200 

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: November: 4, 11, 18, 25 | December: 1, 8, 15 | January: 6, 13, 20, 27 | February 3, 10

Semester 2: March: 10, 17, 24, 31 | April: 14, 21, 28 | May: 5, 12, 19, 26 | June: 2, 9

Location: JTS, 3080 Broadway

Tuition: $275 Members, $300 non-members | tuition includes both semesters

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: November 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 | December 7, 14 | January 4, 11, 18, 25 | February 1, 8 

Semester 2: March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 | April 12, 19, 26 | May 3, 17, 24, 31 | June 7, 14 

Location: JTS, 3080 Broadway and Online

Tuition: $275 Members, $300 non-members | tuition includes both semesters

The Jewish idea of the soul, and of the journey of the soul before birth and after death, has evolved over time. In these three sessions, we’ll look at a number of primary sources and learn about biblical, rabbinic, kabbalistic and contemporary views of the soul. We’ll journey from the belief in the soul as an ancestral spirit to the idea that the soul is an ever-evolving multiplicity, a complex and composite human identity. We’ll consider implications for how to think about the soul, and the journey through life and death, in our own lives.

Teacher: Rabbi Jill Hammer

Schedule:  Wednesday nights 7:00-8:00PM

Dates:

December 3, 10,17

Location: Online

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.