Our Tent Feels Different Because It's Built Differently
Moving beyond textbooks, Our Tent engages learners in conversations and immersive experiences helping life long learners lead richer Jewish lives.
Our program for younger students, older students and everyone in between is innovative. It features peer and multigenerational classes fostering community, a variety of topics encouraging diverse perspectives and worship bringing everyone together. Lifelong learners delve into topics to gain a greater sense of mastery- leading to a richer sense of Jewish identity.
Eitz chayim hi lamachazikim bah, v'tom'cheha m'ushar. D'rachehah darchei noam v'chol n'tivoteha shalom. It is a tree of life for those who hold fast to it, and all of its supporters are happy. Its ways are ways of pleasantness and all its paths are peace.
These verses referring to the Torah, which we sing when we return the Torah to the ark after reading it, can be found in reverse order in the Book of Proverbs. (3:18, 17) Why is the Torah compared to a tree? It gives us roots, a sturdy trunk of values, and the freedom to take its lessons and branch off in many directions, sprouting leaves and blossoming with fruit and flowers as we grow. Why is the Torah called a tree of life? Because through its stories, values and lessons it teaches us how to live.
As we enter year six of Our Tent, our learning theme will be Eitz Chayim Hi: It is a Tree of Life, and we will spend the year discovering all the ways Torah roots us and helps us grow.
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Our Lifelong Learners Rave
Playing with LEGO bricks as we do in class is a child’s activity taken to an adult level to uncover and creatively express the meaning of mensch.
- Susan Gordon Merdler
I am enrolled in Old Words; New Meanings. I picked this one in particular because of its focus on a feminist perceptive in viewing the Torah. I love the idea that we are creating our own midrash based on how women were viewed during biblical time
– Becky Streem
Our Tent is prayer and learning for all ages... Pick your class...and learn something new.
– Karen Schneiderman
The Cleveland Jewish News Agrees
Middle School and Adult Agreement? Yup.
Click this photo to watch a middle school student's perspective...
...and click this photo to see a long-time member share her experiences...
Questions?
Review Learners Guide / Frequently Asked Questions
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