A radical thought: study the Talmud – without the religion

Young Jews are looking for secular contexts through which to embrace their cultural heritage. For some the yearning has been filled through music, or language, others have found a connection through “humanist” Shabbat services.

Now a growing cohort is exploring another path through the study of Jewish texts – without the religion.

There is a growing phenomenon of Jewish cultural centres are offering programs on traditional Jewish thought and literature detached from the synagogue context.

Topics such as Talmud and Kabbalah and interpretations of the Bible are offerred in new formats such as feminist frameworks or with music. The formats are broad and flexible, in a regular weekly context or through immersive weekend retreats.

Importantly, there is no expectation of observance or faith accompanying knowledge.

Beit Midrash Oz, a non-denominational learning centre in Melbourne, offers weekly classes on Midrash, Talmud, and Zohar (Kabbalah), and also holds a weekly informal parashah group, a monthly women's learning circle, and public talks and events combining music with textual learning. 

Its weekly programs have 5-15 participants, with special events that combine music with textual learning drawing up to 100 participants, says Raphael Dascalu, who co-ordinates the program. 

“There certainly seems to be a growing appetite for Jewish learning,” says Dascalu. “My sense is that many Jews are seeking ways to engage deeply and honestly with their cultural heritage, and Jewish thought and literature are both the richest context for such engagement, and the least provided in most mainstream Jewish settings.”