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A journey to Shabbat

The personal, the domestic, the community and the national

Beit Midrash 5786 under the direction of Rabbi Dr. Rani Yager

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A journey to Shabbat
The personal, the domestic, the community and the national

Israeli Judaism in practice

[...] If we return to Israel – we must return with the Sabbath, it is our symbol full of beauty and grace, from which we can draw beauty for all forms of our life,",

H.N. Bialik, at the laying of the cornerstone for “Ahel Shem” in Tel Aviv, in Iyar 1948.

It seems that these celebratory words of Bialik are more relevant today than ever within the broader context of the reconstruction of Israeli society after the war and the struggle for the Jewish-democratic character of Israel in the spirit of the Declaration of Independence.

The Sabbath is the cornerstone of Jewish tradition and a crossroads that touches on the challenge that a significant portion of the liberal public in Israel is currently engaged in – providing a practical, deep, broad, and relevant meaning to our Israeli Judaism. It raises the question of the construction of Judaism in the public sphere, but, no less importantly, stands as a personal, practical challenge that invites a positive response in the private sphere.

In our learning journey this year, we will delve into Shabbat while incorporating several sources of wisdom.

  1. We will come to the discussion with our weekly Shabbat.
  2. The wealth of perspectives on Shabbat from classical and modern sources.
  3. The experiential side of Shabbat as it is revealed in ritual, poetry, poetry, and food.
  4. The book "Shabbat of Freedom" (Yediot Aharonot, 2025) by Dov Elbaum and Ariel Picard, which was recently published. In this book, Elbaum and Picard propose five different ways to observe Shabbat, each of which in itself deserves to be included under the definition of "observing Shabbat" in Jewish culture. All of this, based on a thorough halachic investigation into the sources of Judaism. Opening up the "Shabbat Package" to a number of ways that integrate with each other can allow families and individuals in Israel to rediscover their own personal and familial path to Shabbat.

Participants in the Beit Midrash will receive the book, which will serve as a common platform for our study.

Study framework

The Beit Midrash meets every Monday from 8:15-9:30 PM as a regular study group. (Total of 20 meetings including a tour on Friday morning)

Most meetings are held on Zoom for the convenience of learners.

Throughout the year, approximately four face-to-face meetings are held, as well as a tour of the participants' study center.

Beginning of studies: Beit Midrash Yiftach (Zoom) on Monday, 26 Cheshon, 5786, November 17, 202

Picture of מנחה ומוביל: הרב ד"ר רני יגר

Moderator and leader: Rabbi Dr. Rani Yager

Among the guest lecturers: Dr. Ariel Picard, Dr. Roni Magidov, Prof. Moshe Halbertal, Rachel Korazim, Tani Frank, Rabbi Uri Kreuzer, Rabbi Felicia Sol (Bnei Yeshurun Community, New York), Rabbi Shai Zarhi (Kibbutz Ganiger)

To register

Cost of all 20 sessions

₪ 900
  • For the general public
For registration and payment

Cost of all 20 sessions

₪ 600
  • For members of an Israeli house of prayer
For registration and payment
Price for members of an Israeli house of prayer

Class schedule