Want to Study Torah Together?
I’ve been thinking a lot that I’d like to have a Torah study group for the month of Elul (mid-August to mid-September) to help get ready for the High Holidays. I don’t really have a local group of people to do this with, but I know have a lot of you out there in cyber-space that might be into it.
What I need to know is how many of you, and which day/time would be best for the majority of us.
Here’s what I’m thinking:
Day/Time: Either Tuesday from 7:30 -9:30pm (EST) or Sunday from 7-9pm (EST) from Mid-August to mid-September (Elul)
What: Exploring the traditional high holiday Torah portions. Most likely, we’ll focus on Rosh Hashanah Torah portions.
How: Everyone will have their own translation (or Hebrew if you like) versions of the text. A leader will begin reading what they have in the text. Whenever the text you have is dramatically, or interestingly, different you “raise your hand” and share what you have. That also would be the same for fascinating notations or if you just have no idea what it meant. The leader, or leaders, may also provide additional commentary along the way and open things for further discussion.
Who: Whoever wants to participate. No knowledge of Torah required. Being Jewish not required — however this will not be a forum to push other spiritual paths as the “right” path. I think an interfaith discussion could be really fascinating and enlightening, but it must be done respectfully. There is no “right” interpretation in my world, so the conversation will be open to what ever anyone sees in the text.
Technology: However I set this up, there will be a dial-in number and a way to chat online. That way people can participate however they like. If you just want to listen — great! If you want to listen and chime in occassionally — great! If you want to lead/guest host — let me know!
Please chime in, via the comment form below or on Facebook, to let me know your interest level and thoughts on day/time. Also — if this were SUPER public like on Blog Talk Radio — would that freak you out? Even if you only had to identify yourself as you chose? Please chime in and let me know what you all are thinking.
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Culture: I am fascinated by both culture on most levels. I mostly focus on American culture and what makes us who we are as a country, but I'm also intrigued by sub-cultures in the USA and the growing global cultural trends.
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I would love to. So glad you asked.
During Ellul I'll be on GMT, so 5 hours ahead of you. Outside of my Torah writing/fixing and wifely housekeeper duties, I'm flexible. Happy to participate via AIM/Skype.
Have a beautiful Shabbes
wonderful idea ketzirah, thank you for being the priestess to initiate/coordinate it! yes i am interested. sunday is better because earlier but i could do either evening either way. keep me posted, and i will be there. love it.
This sounds like a wonderful idea! I'd only be able to use a text-type chat (like AIM) though but I'd love to join in.
Hi Ketzirah – This is a wonderful idea and I'd love to participate. I can do either evening, though there is one Sunday during Elul when I will not be available, so naturally I would prefer Tuesday.
I'm not sure how I feel about the blog talk radio option – I'm not very familiar with that and would want more information before deciding whether to opt in if that were the forum.
Sounds good to me; my preference would be Sunday evening – I use a cell phone and unlimited week end minutes! Online would be okay either day.
Thanks for organizing this. It sounds cool.
I would be interested in participating. However, I would not be able to do it Tuesday night — only Sundays would work for me. I also don't think I could quite last for two hours; I would have to drop off around 8:30 p.m. or so.
Hi Ketzirah' Yes I would like to participate in the Elul Torah study.
Ooh, I love this idea. I've been feeling out of touch lately with my Jewishness and because of my earth-centered aspects, I'd be more comfortable doing this here than in a lot of other places.
I'd be interested in participating via chat, but could only do it on say 2 out the 4 Tuesdays, maybe more.
Even though I am local, I would be interested. I prefer Sunday night.
With luck, I will be able to find one or more Torah Commentaries under the painter's drop cloths ;
I'd love to do this and Sunday evening would be better.
Sounds interesting. I'd prefer Tuesdays as I'll be with family on weekends during two of those weeks.
Since my blog skills are nil, I'm able to participate in a pre-arranged conference call. I look forward to hearing further.
Hi Ketzirah, Of course you know I would LOVE to participate. Sunday evenings work best for me with my work schedule. HOWEVER, I am going out of town the weekend of 8/15 for a family wedding. Will return that Monday though. And I won't freak out if it is a public broadcast thing. I think that's cool. I am soooo looking forward to this!! Thank you so much for this wonderful study! Carol
Dear Ketzirah,
I would love to be part of this. I would be joining by phone. Thank you for organizing this.
Mei Mei
Ketzirah,
what a fabulous idea! I'm in ~ just let me know when!
Batya
Dear Ketzirah,
I just found your blog via Interfaith Family. Your website is wonderful.
I have just been learning who I am as a Jew for the last 2 years. I was born Jewish, but had no idea what that meant.
What a great idea you have to bring people together to study the Torah. I would love to join, hoever, I am not the most computer savvy.
Melissa
Absolutely!
Blog talk radio sounds like a *very* interesting notion!
Hopefully this will get to all of you! Here's the final info on the Elul torah study: http://www.peelapom.com/classes-and-workshops/elu…
I hope to "see" many of you there.
Hi Ketzirah,
Thank you for organizing this study group. I am very interested. Tuesday works best for me but Sunday might work too.
hugs,
Stephanie