Open Learning

Mark Oppenheimer News

Judaism Is About Love with Rabbi Shai Held

A transformative dialogue with Rabbi Shai Held on recovering the heart of Jewish life.

Join three distinguished rabbinical voices in a captivating conversation about the profound insights in Shai Held’s new book, Judaism Is About Love. Rabbi Shai Held, a founder of the innovative Hadar community, will be in conversation with rabbis Brad Artson and Sharon Brous, moderated by Mark Oppenheimer. Whether you are well-versed in Jewish teachings or exploring them for the first time, this event is sure to leave you inspired and enriched.

We are delighted to announce that this event is proudly presented in collaboration with IKAR and is made possible by the generous support of The Dortort Program for the Arts and the Burt Sperber Jewish Community Library Programming Fund.

Doors Open: 6:30 pm 

Author Talk: 7-8 pm 

Parking: Street parking near the venue is available.

Location: Address will be shared in an email with those who register.

Book Purchases: Rabbi Shai Held’s book will be available for purchase at the beginning and end of the event.

Jews and Antisemitism on Campus: A Century of Discord

Join Mark Oppenheimer on a journey through the history of antisemitism on college campuses from the 1920s to today.

We are delighted to offer this class for free. But to ensure we can keep making Jewish education accessible at no charge, will you make the suggested donation of $36 (or more, if you are so moved)? Thank you for your generosity!

Just after World War I, the trustees of Columbia University conspired to limit the number of Jews on their campus, instituting concepts like “geographical diversity” to more easily recruit Gentile students from outside the New York area. In the century since, restrictions on Jews at
schools like Columbia, Harvard, and Stanford came and went—and some worry that campus climates have turned hostile again. We’ll learn the truth—and explode some myths—in this four-part course, ranging over 100 years of higher education.

This class meets the following Tuesdays at 12pm -1 pm PT: 

May 7

May 14 

May 21 

May 28 

Where Have All the Rabbis Gone? Understanding the Rabbi Shortage in America

Shira Telushkin explores why fewer Jews are choosing to become rabbis, raising questions about the future of Judaism in America.

Many synagogues across the country are struggling to find rabbis, leading to concerns about the future of Judaism in America. Shira Telushkin and Mark Oppenheimer will explore the reasons behind the rabbi shortage, the impact on synagogues, and potential solutions for ensuring a vibrant Jewish future.