Secular Yeshiva holds Socratic-style seminars

For the second year in row, local Yiddish learning organization Arbeter Ring (Workmen’s Circle) will offer Secular Yeshiva, a bimonthly course with Socratic-style seminars, focused on “history and basic ideas of secular Jewishness,” “critical examination of Tanakh and post-biblical literature,” “Jewish calendar and holidays” and more.

The course begins in February and is open to the public. Instructors will include local scholar Hershl Hartman, a member of the Workmen’s Circle District Committee.

Secular Yeshiva demands a two-year commitment; each class will last two-and-a-half hours. Classes take place two Sunday evenings per month.

Participants may take an additional third year of study to earn certification as a “vegvayzer,” which means they can conduct secular life cycle and holiday ceremonies.

Registration for Secular Yeshiva is due no later than Jan. 21. To apply, e-mail hershl@sholem.org with a brief description of past education and/or activities in Jewish and general cultural/educational/social movements. Visit circlesocal.org for more details. Prices to be announced.