Global Day of Jewish Learning FAQs

1. What is the Global Day of Jewish Learning?
2. Why November 7th?
3.  Learning that Scarlett Johanssen is Jewish is as close as I've come to Jewish study since my Bar Mitzvah.  Why should I participate in the Global Day of Jewish Learning?
4. I study the daily daf, participate in a study group at my shul, and have read Rabbi Steinsaltz's work in Hebrew.  Why should I participate in the Global Day of Jewish Learning?
5. What will we study?
6. I'm excited about these topics! I want to learn now!
7. Is my JCC or synagogue signed up to host a Global Day event?
8. 8. I don't want to attend an event or there isn't one in my community. Can I still participate?
9. I believe in the ideals of the Global Day and want to support it.  How do I designate a contribution?


1. What is the Global Day of Jewish Learning?

On November 7, 2010, Jews all around the world will come together in their communities, homes, and online to celebrate our shared heritage.  To be Jewish is to think, to study, and to learn, so that's how we'll celebrate! On the Global Day of Jewish Learning, Jews everywhere will focus their attention on a single set of texts to glean, wisdom, questions, and a sense of being part of one people.
 

2. Why November 7th?

On November 7, 2010, Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz will complete his 45-volume translation and commentary of the Talmud in a Jerusalem ceremony (siyyum) celebrating the completion of a lifelong labor of love to make the Jewish texts, including the Talmud, accessible to all Jewish people (even those of us who cannot read it in its original Aramaic).
 

The Global Day of Jewish Learning is scheduled to mark that momentous achievement and kick off a new era of Jewish learning and unity.
 

3.  Learning that Scarlett Johanssen is Jewish is as close as I've come to Jewish study since my Bar Mitzvah.  Why should I participate in the Global Day of Jewish Learning?

Because it would make your Bubbe happy! And because you might be surprised how meaningful even just a little bit of learning and thinking about our shared texts can be.  The plans for the day don't require you to break out your old Hebrew School workbooks or remember any Hebrew. Just sign up to join your community, host an event, or even participate online.
 

4. I study the daily daf, participate in a study group at my shul, and have read Rabbi Steinsaltz's work in Hebrew.  Why should I participate in the Global Day of Jewish Learning?

Even if you're already well acquainted with the value of Jewish learning and have made it a part of your every day life, you'll value joining in your global community of Jews the world over in a first-of-its kind act of unity.  The first step is easy.  Just sign up here.
 

5. What will we study?

Plans for the day include learning around seven main topics: Environment, God, Love, Leadership, Miracles, Prayer, and Tzedakah.  All of these topics originate from tractate Ta'anit of the Talmud, which explores the cycles of the Jewish calendar, and its punctuation by commemoration and celebration.  Click here for more about the topics.
 

6. I'm excited about these topics! I want to learn now!

Great! Participate every week in discussion on a "Big Question" - big, hairy, important topics that matter in our lives and for which Jewish tradition may be of some help in answering.  Click here to learn more about the Big Questions and join the conversation.
 

7. Is my Federation, JCC or synagogue signed up to host a Global Day event?

Click here to search for events in your community.
 

8. I don't want to attend an event or there isn't one in my community. Can I still participate?

Of course! You can host your own get-together or learn online.  Pledge to participate and we'll keep you informed as we develop our online learning programs, and/or volunteer to host a get-together.

9. I believe in the ideals of the Global Day and want to support it.  How do I designate a contribution?

Thank you! Click here to make a secure donation on-line.
 

If you prefer to make a donation via the mail, you can mail your donation to:
The Global Day of Jewish Learning
Aleph Society
25 West 45th Street, Suite 1405
New York, NY 10036
The check should be made out to "Aleph Society."
 

You can also make your donation over the phone by calling Gabriela at 212-840-1166.
 
Your contribution will be tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.