When Rabbi Elana Kanter first founded the Women’s Jewish Learning Center, over a decade ago, her aim was to bring rich Jewish learning to the women of the Valley. She achieved just that, offering a wide variety of class offerings and inspiring regulars and new learners alike. As the organization grew and developed to include the leadership cohorts of the Women’s Leadership Institute, Rabbi Kanter continued to teach Jewish literature, rabbinic texts, and even “Tea and Torah.”
In May of this year, Rabbi Kanter and the Women’s Leadership Institute transitioned to a new Executive Director, Rabbi Emily Langowitz, who will continue the organization’s long and sacred tradition of offering Jewish learning courses for the women of Greater Phoenix. This fall, she will continue two of the longest-standing courses, Joan’s Class, named for longtime WLI supporter Joan Beren (z”l), and Tuesday Morning Talmud.
Joan’s Class meets on Mondays from 10-11am and focuses on all types of Jewish literature written by women. This fall’s selections will be short stories from Lilith Magazine’s collection Frankly Feminist. These short stories touch on topics like “To Belong,” “Body and Soul,” and “Transitions.”
Tuesday Morning Talmud meets from 9-10am on Tuesdays. This semester, the class will discuss different Talmudic passages that help us learn more about our relationships – with our families, our neighbors, our broader communities and even the Divine. This class in particular aims to make Talmudic learning, which may be intimidating to some, accessible and meaningful in our 21st century.
Classes are currently open for registration and will begin on Monday, September 9 and Tuesday, September 10. All women are welcome. While classes meet in person, zoom links are available for those who need an online accommodation.
If you have questions about the fall classes or about the greater work of the Women’s Leadership Institute, be in touch with Executive Director Rabbi Emily Langowitz at rabbilangowitz@womenlearning.org
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