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Mission

 

The New School for Jewish Studies is an online school offering short- and long-term study of the Hebrew writings of the Tanakh and Chazal, the sages of early Judaism.

Upcoming Courses

JUNE 10 - JULY 15

BIBLICAL HEBREW POETRY - How poetry uniquely expresses the divine message of the Tanakh (Van Riper)

RABBINIC HEBREW - Intensive study of the language of Midrash (Kinbar)

A Learning Community

The New School is committed to the idea that the needs and goals of learners are best met in a learning community. Since this is not available in every locality, we offer classes, chevruta (pair) study, and tutorials in live, online settings where students engage in active, collaborative learning under the guidance of New School teachers who are themselves lifelong learners of those writings.

Our online community is made up of a wide range of Messianic Jews – men and women of various ages, rabbis and laypersons, short- and long-term students. The breadth of our student body arises from the conviction that Torah study is not meant to be the specialized possession of the few but a common, central practice of all Messianic Jews. READ ON


FROM THE DIRECTOR

 

The New School has a sharply defined focus: to offer short-and long-term study of  the Hebrew writings of the Tanakh and Chazal, the sages of early Judaism. These are, each in its own way, essential writings that illumine the words of Yeshua and the apostles and speak to the situation of Jews in every generation.

Our students are a mix of adult learners of various ages, lay men and women as well as rabbis, who share a common passion to connect deeply with these writings which are so essential to Jewish spirituality. Our faculty members, who are all lifelong learners and bring a wealth of knowledge to the table, consider it a privilege to teach such students. 

Yet our interactive video sessions do not focus on lectures but on collaborative study of a selected portion of the Tanakh, Midrash, or Mishnah. The class works its way through the text, exploring its Hebrew idiom, plain sense meaning, and spiritual dynamics. Under the teacher's guidance, the discussion generates new insights, perspectives, and questions. The class comes to grips with the facts and meaning of the text while also responding to it on a personal level. The cumulative effect of these sessions is not only knowledge of individual texts but a deeper grasp of how these writings shape a developing Messianic Jewish spirituality.  

As Director, I offer in-depth hadrakha (direction) to students who are committed to long-term study at the school. Hadracha is designed to ground students in a common body of tradition and interpretation and to meet their individual goals as learners. This approach arises from the personal interest I take in every student who walks through our virtual doors, whether to take one course or engage in long-term study. I want each one to have the best possible learning experience at our school and to take away something that will affect their lives in a positive way.

If you are interested in learning more about the New School, I encourage you to explore the pages on the drop-down "Menu." For more information, fill out a contact form and I will get back to you within 24 hours except on Shabbat.

With Blessing,

Rabbi Carl Kinbar