QueerCore Talmud

Ages 18+

Online

QueerCore Talmud classes are open to everyone seeking to learn Torah in an inclusive and welcoming environment.

Jewish Life
Classes
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QueerCore Talmud is a new style of old-school Jewish learning – rigorous and radical, traditional and transformative, empowering and engaging.

We learn in traditional havruta/learning pairs to explore ancient Jewish wisdom texts in their original languages (Hebrew and Aramaic). Our Beit Midrash/study space – an exciting, participatory and queer normative learning community – is inclusive and welcoming. If you long to have a deep and meaningful relationship with Talmud, this is your Beit Midrash. QueerCore Talmud engages your mind, heart and spirit.

These classes will take place on Zoom. Digital materials will be provided throughout the course. Those new to the program must attend orientation on Saturday, February 20 from 5:00 – 7:30 pm PST.

Man and woman sitting at table with book in front of them

Talmud for All

Our QueerCore Talmud program was birthed out of SVARA, an organization committed to creating learning spaces in which people historically excluded from the tradition can engage in intimate and intense conversation with it – and each other.

Meet the Teachers

QueerCore Talmud is taught by Svara Teaching Fellows Jhos Singer and Julie Batz.

Jhos Singer

Maggid

Jewish Life

FAQs

What if I can’t make it to class every week?

Attendance is expected for all five class sessions. Sorry, no drop-ins.

What do I need for class?

If you don’t already have The Practical Talmud Dictionary, we strongly encourage you to obtain the book before class starts. It will greatly enhance your learning! We’ll be using this book throughout the class.

Do I need to know how to speak, read or white Hebrew?

You must be able to sound out words written in Hebrew with vowels (in both printed and cursive letters). With or without comprehension. Slow is fine!

Who are Jhos and Julie?

Jhos Singer (he/him) is the Maggid (spiritualist) for the JCCSF and one of the congregational leaders at Chochmat Halev in Berkeley. He holds an MA in Jewish Studies from the Graduate Theological Union and is a SVARA teaching fellow. Jhos is a dynamic, fun and passionate teacher.

Julie Batz (she/her) is a well-known and beloved Bay Area Jewish Educator. She is one of the congregational leaders at Chochmat HaLev in Berkeley. Julie has served as a service leader/cantor for the Coastside Jewish Community, Chochmat Halev, and Congregation Netivot Shalom. She is a SVARA teaching fellow. Julie is a warm, encouraging, and effective teacher.