All classes take place at UMass Hillel 388 N Pleasant St unless otherwise noted.
TUESDAY
Jewish Learning Fellowship
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
with Rabbi Raffi Leicht in the Front Lounge
The Jewish Learning Fellowship (JLF) is a 8 week experiential, conversational seminar for students looking to deepen their understanding of Judaism on their own terms.
WEDNESDAY
Likutey MoHaRaN: The Writings of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov
8:00 – 9:00 a.m.
with Rabbi Raffi Leicht in the Front Lounge
In this class we’ll be studying the teachings of the chassidic master Rebbe Nachman of Breslov in the original Hebrew (no previous knowledge required). Rebbe Nachman (1772-1810), a great-grandson of the Baal Shem Tov, revived the chassidic movement by combining the esoteric secrets of Judaism (Kabbalah) with in-depth Torah scholarship. His teachings and stories have been described as a precursor to post-modern Jewish philosophy.
Jewish Learning Fellowship
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
with Rabbi Raffi Leicht in the Front Lounge
The Jewish Learning Fellowship (JLF) is a 8 week experiential, conversational seminar for students looking to deepen their understanding of Judaism on their own terms.
THURSDAY
Jewish Elevator Pitches
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
with Rabbi Raffi Leicht in the Conference Room
A collaborative writing exercise. What is Shabbos? What is Kosher? Why do we wear a Kippah? What does ____ mean to you? Crafting meaningful answers to common questions
about Judaism that Jewish students on campus are asked by their peers.
FRIDAY
Yoshev uMitzapeh L’Shabbos Kodesh: Practical Halacha, Topics in Jewish Law and Philosophy
5:00-6:00 p.m. (January 25 – March 8)
with Rabbi Raffi Leicht in the Coffee Bar
In this class we explore a wide range of pertinent questions and topics that students have selected themselves. There’s no better way to go into Shabbos.
SHABBAT
Shabbat Dinner
7:15 p.m.
Shabbat Lunch
1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Gemara Shiur
2:00 – 3:00 p.m. (January 25 – March 8)
with Rabbi Raffi Leicht in the Front Lounge
This class begins with the studying of gemara b’chavruta (in pairs) with Hebrew and Aramaic dictionaries on hand to look up words and concepts. Following chavruta we discuss the gemara and go through it as a group. To further strengthen our Hebrew, Aramaic and gemara reading skills we also hold workshops for learning Rashi script.
Practical Halacha, Topics in Jewish Law and Philosophy
2:00-3:00 p.m. (March 30 – May 11)
with Rabbi Raffi Leicht in the Front Lounge
In this class we explore a wide range of pertinent questions and topics that students have selected themselves.
Hitbodedut in the Field
1 Hour Before 3rd Meal
with Rabbi Raffi Leicht at the OU-JLIC Home
When the weather is nice, students meet up at the OU-JLIC home and walk to a beautiful field nearby to find their own secluded corner for some Hitbodedut. Hitbodedut refers to an unstructured, spontaneous and individualized form of prayer and meditation.
Weekly Eternity in an Hour Seudat Shleesheet (3rd Meal)
1 hour Before Shabbat “Ends” at the OU-JLIC Home
The highlight of the week and a tremendous source of personal and communal growth and fulfillment, Seudat Shleesheet with OU-JLIC is filled with great people, delish food, strong niggunim and sweet sweet Torah. Ain’t nothin’ better.