Koleinu Beit Midrash (or “KBM” for short) is Germantown Jewish Centre’s hub for lifelong learning. “Koleinu” means “our voice.” KBM is a beit midrash (house of learning) for each of us. It values our life wisdom as essential to learning Torah. KBM brings in people and voices who have traditionally been left out of the beit midrash and is a space where we harmonize our different voices and perspectives, honoring the Jewish tradition of sacred argument. We learn with diverse methodologies, bringing both traditional modes of text study and creative practices into the beit midrash. KBM is a place for us to question, create, build relationships, and strengthen community through sacred study.
Click here to access the Koleinu Beit Midrash Archives for past classes.
Current Learning Opportunities
Our classes include traditional text study, creative exploration, skill-building, and opportunities to deepen Jewish ritual practice. As you’ll see below, some classes are offered in person at GJC, and some classes are online. Please join us! If there is a topic you would like to teach or learn in the future, please reach out to Student Rabbi Maria Pulzetti.
We also offer weekly Pirkei Avot study between Passover and Shavuot, and coordinate a night of learning for Tikkun Leyl Shavuot.
NEW THIS YEAR: Hevruta Matching!
Studying is better together! If you want to learn topics we’re not currently offering in the Koleinu Beit Midrash and wish to be paired with a study partner (hevruta), please fill out the form. We will match you with someone who has a corresponding interest. You’ll meet to study together as many or as few times as you’d like. Please contact Student Rabbi Maria Pulzetti with questions. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP
Fall 2025-26 Classes:
- Elul Shul: Classes start on September 3!
- Weekly Torah Study (with Rabbi Fredi Cooper) – online
- Studies in Spirituality: Torah in Relationship (with Student Rabbi Maria Pulzetti & Rabbi Adam Zeff) – online
- Learning with Rabbi Zeff: Exploring his High Holiday Sermon – in-person
- “Can One Pray without Praying to God?” A conversation and book talk with Herb Levine – in person at GJC
- Lunch and Learn: Exceptions, Exemptions and Leniencies in Law (with Student Rabbi Maria Pulzetti & Rabbi Adam Zeff – online
- Clergy Study Group: Lifnim M’shurat Ha-Din (with Student Rabbi Maria Pulzetti & Rabbi Adam Zeff) – in-person at GJC
- “Mendel the Mess-Up” Book Talk & Discussion with Terry LaBan – in-person at GJC
- Poetry of Faith and Doubt (with Rabbi Reba Carmel) – in-person at GJC
Spring 2025-2026 Classes:
- Israeli Women Teach Torah: Ancient Wisdom Through a Modern Voice (with Rabbi Reba Carmel) – online
- Interfaith Study Group: Encountering Difference in Scripture (with Rabbi Zeff) – in-person at GJC
- Inter-generational Learning with Teen Tuesday: What makes food Jewish? led by Chava Weissler – in-person at GJC
- Jewish Ethics on State Power (with Rabbi Josh Gutoff) – in-person at GJC
Access, accommodations, and scholarships
Koleinu Beit Midrash recognizes the diverse learning and access needs of its students. We offer some classes in person and some classes online to recognize different learning styles and needs. Our building is largely wheelchair-accessible. Please contact the student rabbi with specific questions about access or to request accommodation.
We do not want tuition to be a barrier to learning! Scholarships are available to GJC members upon request.
Who teaches in the beit midrash?
Koleinu benefits from the wisdom of our community members. Many of our teachers are from our own community, giving us the blessing of learning from one another. Sometimes, we also bring in visiting guest scholars.
May I learn in the beit midrash if I am not a member?
Yes! All are welcome to learn in the beit midrash, regardless of membership. Each class registration page specifies non-member rates for participation. We also welcome you to explore membership at Germantown Jewish Centre! Please reach out to Kate Lawn, Assistant Director at community@germantownjewishcentre.org to find out more about becoming part of our community.