The Learning Communities Program in Bet Shemesh-Adulam-Washington DC sets out to bring secular and traditional Jews closer to Judaic sources.

"The study groups that we have formed," explained Yair Alberton, of Bet Shemesh's Center for Cooperative Learning and coordinator of the Learning Communities program, "meet once a week to study such topics as the weekly Torah portion, upcoming festivals. These groups not only deepen the connection with Judaism but also provide a social outlet for many of the participants."

Alberton said that eight groups of between ten to twenty adults have been formed (three in Bet Shemesh and five in Adulam). He is also in contact with two such study groups in Washington DC as part of a program to deepen the connection between the two communities.

"This program is invaluable in making religious education available to the community at large," stressed Sharon Joffe, Partnership 2000's Regional Coordinator.

The Learning Communities program also operates through a local community Bet Midrash in Bet Shemesh that brings teachers, youth leaders and other professionals as well as students to day-long seminars on Judaism.

November 1998