Makom B’Siach
A collaborative, high-level, immersive Torah learning experience for SAR parents where you will discover ideas you have never considered and marvel at the collective wisdom of fellow parents.
Who Is The Program For?
Makom B’Siach is for parents of SAR students and alumni who are looking to make a serious commitment to their own Torah learning. Adults with a wide variety of Jewish backgrounds study together in an open, investigative, curious learning environment. You may be a regular Torah learner, or someone who rarely finds time for study. If you are interested in cultivating a way of thinking about and talking about Torah that is expansive, Makom B’Siach will challenge and enrich you.
What Do We Study?
In our eight sessions, we will explore a variety of topics in Bible and Jewish thought. The first half of the year the group will learn to read biblical texts with fresh, critical eyes, while bringing their life experience to the texts. The second half of the year the group will grapple with key theological issues that concern modern Jews. In both segments of the year, we will utilize our sacred texts to ask universal questions about truth and purpose, as we delve into the values and messages that our tradition offers. Through careful analysis and discussion of both primary and secondary sources, we will consider how the ideas we study offer communal and personal meaning to our lives.
What Can A Participant Expect?
Makom B’Siach is a cohort experience due to the commitment that participants make at the outset. In fact, alumni of the program have consistently remarked on the joy they felt at learning together with the same group of parents, who carved out the time alongside them. Prior to each class, participants read 1-2 articles in order to set the stage for the class discussions. Classes are 2 hours long, with a 1/2 hour communal dinner in the middle
How does the program connect with SAR learning?
Makom B’Siach is taught by two longtime SAR faculty members, who regularly draw from their classroom experiences in their teaching. The dynamic, intellectually rigorous, and respectful learning environment of Makom B’Siach mirrors the SAR high school classroom. You will not be listening in on your children’s learning, but you will be learning in a similar style. More importantly, you may be discussing topics that your children explore.
