Torah with friends
Shabbat with Friends' Platform for Jewish Learning
Above: Havruta at the Hadar Institute, NYC
Above: Students Learning Havruta Method at Brandeis University Education Lab
Left: Havruta at Camp Ramah
Torah with Friends is the platform for Jewish learning offerings of Shabbat with Friends. Just like Shabbat observance and celebration in Judaism is highly social, Torah study in Jewish tradition has always been interpersonal. Havruta-the Hebrew/Amamaic term for friend refers to one’s study partner. Friendship in classical Jewish texts is based on the strong preference for interactive study. According to rabbinic tradition most forms of Torah study involve studying with a partner.
Torah with Friends is the platform for Jewish learning offerings of Shabbat with Friends. Just like Shabbat observance and celebration in Judaism is highly social, Torah study in Jewish tradition has always been interpersonal. Havruta-the Hebrew/Amamaic term for friend refers to one’s study partner. Friendship in classical Jewish texts is based on the strong preference for interactive study. According to rabbinic tradition most forms of Torah study involve studying with a partner.
This traditional and uniquely Jewish mode of learning is central to Torah with Friends. These are the considerations we make when offering opportunities for rich and meaningful Torah study.
First, most of our offerings will be “text based.” Judaism is blessed with a vast literature stretching from the 5 Books of Moses to modern novelists and Hebrew literature and poetry. The study and engagement with texts is at the heart of Jewish learning and living. Torah study is considered by many Sages to be the most important Mitzvah. Others see Torah study as the prerequisite for living an intentionally moral and mindful spiritual life. Torah with Friends embraces both views. We will offer great text classes. Rabbi Gartenberg is known in the community as a master teacher of sacred texts. The guest teachers who teach with Torah with Friends, whether in-person or remotely, will be invited based on their skill in engaging people with the great texts of Judaism.
Second Torah with Friends courses will encourage Jewish study partnerships-Havrutot. For instance, in 2023 Rabbi Gartenberg will be offering a Talmud study group. As part of engaging with Talmudic texts, he will teach the way of Havruta-how to study Torah with a partner-a friend. This will be a feature of most of our courses, seminars, and shi’urim (lessons).
It is our fondest hope that as people engage with Torah study with us, they will make new and substantial friendships. It is also our hope that a love of Talmud Torah-Torah study will emerge through the endeavor of learning together. Friendship and Torah study are mutually reinforcing. Jews have known this for centuries. Torah with Friends is committed to preserving and passing on this tradition. Tse U’lamed-Go and study.
First, most of our offerings will be “text based.” Judaism is blessed with a vast literature stretching from the 5 Books of Moses to modern novelists and Hebrew literature and poetry. The study and engagement with texts is at the heart of Jewish learning and living. Torah study is considered by many Sages to be the most important Mitzvah. Others see Torah study as the prerequisite for living an intentionally moral and mindful spiritual life. Torah with Friends embraces both views. We will offer great text classes. Rabbi Gartenberg is known in the community as a master teacher of sacred texts. The guest teachers who teach with Torah with Friends, whether in-person or remotely, will be invited based on their skill in engaging people with the great texts of Judaism.
Second Torah with Friends courses will encourage Jewish study partnerships-Havrutot. For instance, in 2023 Rabbi Gartenberg will be offering a Talmud study group. As part of engaging with Talmudic texts, he will teach the way of Havruta-how to study Torah with a partner-a friend. This will be a feature of most of our courses, seminars, and shi’urim (lessons).
It is our fondest hope that as people engage with Torah study with us, they will make new and substantial friendships. It is also our hope that a love of Talmud Torah-Torah study will emerge through the endeavor of learning together. Friendship and Torah study are mutually reinforcing. Jews have known this for centuries. Torah with Friends is committed to preserving and passing on this tradition. Tse U’lamed-Go and study.
A Man and a Woman Havruta Studying Talmud
