Beit Midrash: Learn to Swim (Module 1)

Learn to swim in the sea of Talmud: Mishnah and Gemara

Structured Methodology and Skills Programme

The world of the Oral Law – Mishnah, Gemara (the Talmud) – is often a closed book to many women and men. Even if we’ve learnt a little of it, it can seem obscure and overwhelming. Many of us have had either no exposure to this intriguing world or perhaps even negative experiences due to unstructured approaches. Others are concerned that their lack of Hebrew or Aramaic skills blocks them from opening these books. Others still are wary of never-ending commitments.

If any of this resonates with you, then the “Learn to Swim” Programme is what you have been seeking.

Introducing a structured methodology and approach to learning key components of the Oral Torah. The Mishnah, the Gemara (Talmud) all the way to Halachah (Jewish law).

We invite you to join the Academy Beit Midrash, where – in person or online – you’ll be able to both get the basics and start learning how to learn. This is a first, where you’ll get a holistic approach to all of the Oral Torah – how it came about, its structure and mapping, and how it all fits in with the Written Torah. At the same time, you’ll start interacting with it, Beit Midrash-style, empowering you to learn in chavruta (partnership), and getting that total grasp of a particular masechet (tractate), using the tools of ancient commentators, the Gemara, as well as modern literary techniques.

THE PROGRAMME:

· Is for beginners or those who have learned before but wish to acquire a structured methodology.

· Is very practical! Get ready to roll up your brain-sleeves.

· Is modular and educationally designed to help you explore the world of Torah Sheba’al Peh (the Oral Torah) as far as you would like to take the journey.

· Requires no prior knowledge of Hebrew or Aramaic.

· Is Hybrid: in-person in Johannesburg and on Zoom.

· Runs once a week for 1½ hours with additional, optional preparation time.

· Can be done on your own or with a chevrutah (study partner) – there’s nothing as inspiring as learning with a friend!

· Is open to men and women

· Starts with the Talmudic Masechet (Tractate) Rosh Hashanah