Atlanta Scholars Kollel

Comprehensiveness: Many Jews feel that there are gaps in their knowledge of some area of Judaism. While we all have areas where we are comfortable, we all feel that a comprehensive in-depth understanding in all areas of Jewish knowledge would truly make a difference. The Kollel Institute was designed with this in mind. The Institute will give you a grounding in the most essential areas of Jewish history, philosophy, and practice, as well as a solid grounding in the entire text of the Torah.

Authenticity: Perhaps the most unique aspect of the Institute is that all classes are taught using primary source texts. All of our materials are designed to give you the student the ability to see the primary text so that rather than simply hearing an idea, you see it for yourself. This method gives the student the opportunity to wrestle with the text and see it in its proper context. All materials are translated and organized to make them accessible to students of all levels.

The curriculum of the Kollel Institute consists of four modules, the combination of which is intended to give you a comprehensive knowledge of the primary areas of Judaic thought and scholarship.

What is the curriculum at the Kollel Institute?

Jewish History: Some of the most crucial aspects of Judaic self-knowledge stem from a clear understanding of Jewish history. This course covers the entire gamut of Jewish history, from Abraham all the way to the modern era.

Jewish Living: Life as a Jew is greatly enriched by an understanding of the basic details and meanings of the rituals, customs, and observances of Jewish life. Learn the meaning of the holidays and their customs, understand the rituals which mark the passages of life, find the richness of the Jewish practices that suffuse our daily lives as Jews – all through the study of authentic text sources.

Jewish Thought: Learn and understand the foundational ideas and concepts which form the basis for Judaic thinking through the ages. This module covers the Jewish approach to free will, suffering, the development of Jewish law, the afterlife, and more – all studied with authentic source texts and class discussion.

The Book: The Torah is the foundational text of our people. For this reason, participants of the Kollel Institute are taken on a tour of the entire body of the five books of Moses. Learn about the essential personalities, events, and lessons of the entire Torah in a mere three years!

Jump in at any time...

While the Institute operates in a three year cycle, you can begin at the beginning of any year! The curriculum has been designed so that the material of each year is independent of the material taught in a previous year. Just jump in and stay for three years and you will complete the curriculum!

Who attends the Kollel Institute?

No specific Judaic background is required. Classes consist of Jews of all educational backgrounds and with varying degrees of affiliation. Attendees range in age from young adults to retirement age. The classes are designed to be enriching and meaningful for all Jews regardless of background.

Testimonials
	“Education and learning is what Kollel Institute provides to our community, addressing numerous interests through a wide range of courses. We have experienced a most wonderful learning journey filled with curiosity, knowledge, and interactions amongst the teachers and pupils. With many questions and deeper interests remaining – we feel that our lives are more meaningful and our minds and hearts more at peace" - Alek and Halina Szlam
	“A major highlight of my week is attending the Kollel Institute on Wednesday evenings. The Rabbis at the Kollel are truly amazing. They share their love of Judaism and the Jewish people in a way that makes it very easy to talk to them about a wide variety of topics. They are very knowledgeable and know how to relate ancient texts and traditions to the modern world. They are warm, patient and loving to everyone regardless of their student’s religious background or level of observance. The Institute is helping me to better understand my heritage and what it means to be a Jew. I was raised in a Jewish home and went to Hebrew School but have never enjoyed learning about Jewish History and religion as much as I do now. I highly recommend this class to anyone who wants to learn more about Judaism and the history of the Jewish people.”— Murray Pelta
	“The classes at the Kollel Institute have been some of the most enlightening and inspiring educational courses I've ever taken. I LOVE the discussion opportunities, and each week I feel as if my Jewish IQ rises a few more points! I wish that every Jew in the world had access to this kind of teaching!” — Angela Sokol
	"I cannot tell you how much I enjoy the Kollel Institute... I never knew how much I didn't know about my own religion. Every Wednesday night that we have classes, I want more and more. Two hours are not enough. After each session I drive home brimming with anticipation of discussing the lessons with my wife... It matters not if you are Orthodox, Conservative or Reform, the Kollel Institute is the one place to really get the flavor of what it means to be Jewish. You don't even have to be able to read Hebrew! I defy anyone to come, learn and then try to walk away unmoved, uninspired and uneducated."— Frank Vexler

Class Information

Classes are held on Wednesday evenings at the Kollel Dome – 5237 Tilly Mill Rd., Dunwoody.

Classes run from 7:00-9:00 p.m. Each session consists of two 50-minute classes with a break between the two.

Each semester of The Kollel Institute is approximately 7 weeks in length.

Semester 1: Begins October 29, 2008

Yearly Tuition: $150 for one year (three semesters). $50 non-refundable registration fee (Applied toward tuition when you pay remainder)

Registrants are not committed to the entire 3-year program when enrolling. Call for information on scholarships.

SPECIAL DOUBLE REGISTRANT RATE: $200 for two attendees registering together. Any two people who register together are eligible for the special rate. The two need not be spouses or relatives. Just get a friend to join up with you, and you both get the special rate – you both pay only $100 each. Make sure to indicate that you are applying for the special rate when registering and write in the name of the person who is co-registering. The second person must also send in a separate registration form.

Registration fee is due when registering. Make checks payable to: ATLANTA SCHOLARS KOLLEL

For additional information you can contact us at 404-321-4085 or e-mail us at ask@atlantakollel.org

Why the Kollel Institute?

What is the curriculum at the Kollel Institute?

Who attends the Kollel Institute?

Class Information

The Kollel Institute