To Belong as Individuals: Making Meaning – Personal and Shared – In Liberal Jewish Talmud Study

בתי מדרש התחדשות יהודית זהות יהודית-ישראלית חינוך יהודי יהדות ליברלית לימוד תלמוד קהילה

This dissertation investigates how liberal Jewish adults engage in Talmud study to create personal and communal meaning. Through extensive ethnographic fieldwork in diverse settings - including traditional-style Batei Midrash and liberal educational programs, Kern explores the pedagogical strategies that allow learners to find themselves within ancient texts. The study identifies that liberal Talmud study is not merely about gaining knowledge but serves as a tool for community building and identity formation. The author argues that these learning environments empower individuals to belong to the Jewish community while maintaining their autonomous, modern identities. By analyzing the dialogue between the students and the text, the research highlights how the "Havruta" (partnership) model is adapted to foster empathy, social justice, and a sense of shared destiny in a pluralistic world. Ultimately, Kern demonstrates that liberal Talmud study functions as a vital component of contemporary Jewish renewal, bridging the gap between historical tradition and modern liberal values.