A Hairy Family Business: Commentary on Parashat Emor 5785
This week’s Torah commentary, written by Hebrew Seminary Rosh Yeshivah Rabbi Jonah Rank, has been sponsored by Elliot Eisenberg in honor of Lisa Eisenberg. * * * As
May 16, 2025
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ברוכים הבאים לסמינר העברי
Programs We Offer
Hebrew Seminary hosts two programs of study:
Rabbinic
The Rabbinical School of Hebrew Seminary is intended for emerging Jewish leaders who seek to become ordained as rabbis and to serve Jews, Jewish communities, multifaith communities, and seekers.
Pararabbinic
The Pararabbinic Program at Hebrew Seminary is designed for emerging Jewish leaders who would like increased knowledge in matters of Torah study, Jewish ritual, and communal leadership but do not seek rabbinic ordination at the present time.
What makes Hebrew Seminary home?
“At Hebrew Seminary, I was taught 'how to learn' from wise and wonderful teachers while I was supported and learned from my dear chevruta (study partner) and classmates. I learned how to access our beloved Rabbinic texts in order to learn from our sages over the centuries. It was a taste of the olam haba (the world to come).”
“Hebrew Seminary’s approach was truly a blessing to me, to begin to understand that there was no single monolithic way to be or to do Jewish, and what that might mean in my own life and personal practice.”
“The signing has inspired me to become the woman I am today. I chose Hebrew Seminary as my rabbinic school because I never have to worry about an interpreter, classes are modified based on one’s needs and it’s an all inclusive place regardless of what abilities you have.”
“One of the best things about Hebrew Seminary was that we didn’t just study mysticism; we practiced it. Rabbi Goldhamer had us doing meditations and healing prayer in class. Nothing beats that kind of real experience. There were other top notch teachers as well whose fantastic teachings and perspectives still inform me today.”
“My rabbinic cohort is comprised of Jews of Color, LGBTQ+ Jews, Deaf Jews, Jews in interfaith/multicultural relationships, people who’ve previously been told that we don’t belong in Jewish communities, let alone deserve to lead them. Instead of sticking to that narrative, Hebrew Seminary is empowering us to learn from our people’s past and create a more just and inclusive Jewish future.”
"I wanted a school that had an innate spiritual approach to Judaism, and I found it. The things I want to accomplish in the rabbinate require training through a diversity-centered lens; as soon as I was exposed to the pedagogy that allowed me to tap into the world of the mystic, ASL, and deaf culture and modern approaches to the trends of Jewish life, I knew that this school fit my niche interests. Hebrew Seminary has been the calm in my storm. I'm motivated by learning to be exactly who I am here and much more."
"As someone coming to the rabbinate as a second career, I really struggled to find a seminary that felt right. Hebrew Seminary’s student-centered approach, legacy of Deaf and disabled accessibility, and inclusive values have created an environment where I can learn effectively and develop the skills I will need to serve the Jewish people in a rapidly changing world. I love that my learning objectives and needs feel prioritized by the excellent faculty, without sacrificing career preparedness."
“I remember that morning of the interview. It’s etched in my memory. I also remember the Rosh Yeshivah of Hebrew Seminary asking me if I wanted to become a rabbi. I thought for a brief moment and closed my eyes only to see myself standing at Mt. Sinai. Then I answered, 'We were all standing on Mt. Sinai to receive the Torah.' Dr. Goldhamer would become my mentor and teacher, especially in mysticism and Kabbalah, my favorite subject, a subject I continue to study to this very day.”
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All classes are currently held virtually and are open to Rabbinic and Pararabbinic students, as well as auditing students from around the world.
Holiness is No Hiding Spot: Commentary on Parashiyyot Acharey Mot & Kedoshim 5785
This week’s Torah commentary has been sponsored anonymously. To sustain Hebrew Seminary’s work of bringing the words of the Torah to life, please consider sponsoring an upcoming Torah commentary through
May 9, 2025
Dreaming Into Israel: Commentary on Yom HaZikkaron and Yom Ha’Atzma’ut 5785
This week’s Torah commentary has been sponsored anonymously. To sustain Hebrew Seminary’s work of bringing the words of the Torah to life, please consider sponsoring an upcoming Torah commentary through
April 30, 2025
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