Koleinu Beit Midrash (or “Koleinu” for short) is Germantown Jewish Centre’s hub for lifelong learning. “Koleinu” means “our voice.” Koleinu is a beit midrash (house of learning) for each of us. It values our life wisdom as essential to learning Torah. Koleinu 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. Koleinu is a place for us to question, create, build relationships and strengthen community through sacred study.
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.
Fall 2023 learning:
- Both/And Thinking: Lessons from the Ancient Rabbis (with Rabbi Adam Zeff & Wendy Smith)
- Shabbat Liturgy Through a Woman’s Lens – co-sponsored by Women of GJC (with R. Beth Janus)
- Studies in Spirituality: Torah in Relationship (with Student Rabbi Maria Pulzetti)
- Weekly Torah Study (with Rabbi Fredi Cooper)
- Lunch and Learn – Legal Ethics: Issues in American and Jewish Law (with Rabbi Reba Carmel and Student Rabbi Maria Pulzetti)
Winter & Spring 2023 learning:
- Theology in a Time of Collective Tragedy (with Rabbi Reba Carmel)
- The 12th Commandment: Book Talk (with Daniel Torday)
- Clergy Text Study: Masechet Sofrim (with Student Rabbi Maria Pulzetti)
- Demystifying Teen Language Around Gender (with Rabbi Tamara Cohen)
- What Does the Jewish Bible Look Like? The History of the Jewish Bible as a Physical Book (with David Stern)
- Trans Halakha: Intergenerational Learning (with Laynie Soloman)
- From This Broken Hill I Will Sing to You: The Process/Relational Theology of Brokenness in the Life and Artistry of Leonard Cohen (with Dr. Gary Goldberg)
We also offer weekly Pirkei Avot study between Passover and Shavuot, and coordinate a night of learning for Tikkun Leyl Shavuot – stay tuned for more details!
Access, accommodations, and scholarships
Koleinu Beit Midrash recognizes students’ different learning and access needs. In 2023-24, we are offering some classes in person and some classes online, in order 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 bring in visiting guest scholars, as well.
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, Program & Membership Director at community@germantownjewishcentre.org to find out more about becoming part of our community.