Learning the values of Judaism made easier

Learning the values of Judaism just became easier for residents with the opening of the Community Kollel of Sharon.

Two rabbis relocated to town last October to launch the new initiative.  A Jewish learning center, the kollel provides an opportunity for Jews of all affiliations and religious backgrounds to learn Jewish values as well as their relevance in today’s world.

Housed at Congregation Etz Chaim on Billings Street, the kollel, a non-profit organization, came to fruition through the efforts of a committee of Sharon families seeking additional religious educational opportunities closer to home.  The group raised funds to recruit Rabbis Yitzi Weiner and Moshe Frohlich, both former rabbinical students at Ner Israel Rabbinical College in Baltimore, to head up the effort in Sharon.
"I’m so impressed at the unusual thirst for knowledge and thirst for growth here in Sharon," said Weiner.

During the course of the past 20 years, many large cities throughout the country have formed kollels. Locally, there are kollels in Boston and Providence. As small suburban community, Sharon, said Weiner, is an exception to the norm.  

"This is an anomaly in the United States … a town bringing in a kollel," said Weiner.  
Teachings at the kollel are focused on the basic idea of Judaism, which is to help people become godly in every facet of their lives, according to Weiner.

"The codes of Jewish law are not for only when you are in a temple or a synagogue, but for when you are with your family, at work, having fun and in about every aspect of life," said Weiner.

Class offerings at the kollel can help Jews further understand the roots of their beliefs and teach them how to integrate those beliefs into their everyday lives.

For example, the kollel hosts a weekly contemporary case studies class where topics include organ transplants, cosmetic surgery, seeing eye dogs and hypnosis.  Leading this class, Weiner works with participants to explore the ethical and moral issues related to each topic.  This fall,  Weiner plans to expand the scope of the class into a four part, eight-week forum.  Medical, legal and business issues will be examined.  A professional expert will be brought in to speak on each topic and then a rabbi will explain how Jewish law addresses each of the issues.

As a leader of the kollel, Weiner said his role is not that of a practicing rabbi, but rather as a teacher or facilitator who helps engage people in learning.
"We try to help show (people) the richness and depth of the Jewish religion," said Weiner.

Added Frohlich, "We want to show our fellow Jews how their Jewish tradition can enhance their marriage, enhance their relationships with their children and give a general sense of meaning and purpose."

Programs, according to Weiner, are very participatory and are catered to the unique desires of each individual. Weiner and Frohlich make an effort to build relationships with the people who attend their classes.  

"We are here to help all Jews with their learning," said Weiner.  "We want to try to meet people at a place and a level where they feel comfortable.  We are happy to work with anyone who is sincerely interested in pursuing his or her Jewish learning."
Today, said Weiner, many people grapple with how to pass along their religious traditions to their children.  

"It is a struggle for continuity today … we offer fun ways to inspire children to continue with their religion…and we help people understand the value and the vitality of these traditions," said Weiner.

Although its home base is at Etz Chaim, the Community Kollel of Sharon has been conducting programs at Temple Israel, Young Israel, Chabad, and Adath Sharon.  The kollel is starting a class at Temple Klall Yisrael in October.  A moderated discussion program focused on issues relevant to Jewish teens is expected to be launched soon.  The program will be held once every two weeks at a local café.  

Weiner said he hopes the town’s other synagogues will also host programs.  
Regardless of where they are held, programs are open to all who want to attend.  Regular weekly programs are free.

Currently being offered through the kollel are classes for men and women on practical lessons on the weekly parsha (section of Torah reading), psalms, Talmud, contemporary Jewish practice, understanding prayer, Torah and Science, Jewish Mysticism and Hebrew reading.  Suggestions for new programs are welcomed by the rabbis.  

"We are so appreciative of the welcome reception we have received here in Sharon," said Weiner.  "Across the board people have welcomed us with open arms and it is most gratifying to see the interest in learning that the Jewish community has here in Sharon."

For more information, call the Community Kollel of Sharon at 781-806-KOLLEL (5655) or visit its temporary Website at www.ekiruv.com/sharonkollel.