📖Join Makom on Tuesdays, October 13 - December 1 at 7:30 pm, to learn anything Jewish in a warm and open environment at House of Searching: The Downtown Beit Midrash.
This is not a class, but a space for you to:
• Choose a Jewish text that interests you – we have a wide variety, from weekly Torah portion to ethics, mysticism to law, and much more; or bring your own book
• Find a havruta (study partner) – come with a friend or we’ll help pair you with someone with a similar interest as you
• Sit and learn together – read aloud, ask each other questions, discuss, debate, and reflect
Rabbi Aaron will be your Torah concierge to help you pick a text that works for you, find a havruta, get started, and navigate any difficulties you encounter.
Everyone is welcome, no matter your Jewish learning background!
And of course, LGBTQ+ folks, interfaith couples, and people from interfaith backgrounds are always absolutely welcome.
This program is free. Please help us cover costs by donating when you register.
Our recommended donation amounts are lower for current Makom members. Be part of the Makom community: become a Makom member now.
What’s a Beit Midrash?
Beit Midrash is usually translated as House of Study, a place in which people come together to learn, discuss, and debate Jewish texts of all sorts. But the root of the word “midrash” means searching. When we study Torah, we’re not just trying to comprehend it intellectually, but seeking meaning from it to apply in our lives. Hence, House of Searching.
Who is this for?
Torah is for all of us! It’s not some secret knowledge just for certain people. As the Torah says about itself: כִּי־קָרוֹב אֵלֶיךָ הַדָּבָר מְאֹד בְּפִיךָ וּבִלְבָבְךָ – “This thing is very close to you, in your mouth and in your heart” (see Devarim 30:11-14). House of Searching is intended for all adults; high school teens are also welcome.
Donations & Sponsorships
Sponsorship opportunities are still available. Please connect with Rabbi Aaron if you’re interested in supporting this program in general or for a particular week, perhaps in honour or memory of someone or to mark a special occasion.
Donations are tremendously helpful and greatly appreciated; if you’re able, please contribute.