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Category: Study

Beit Tefilah Israeli, Study, Sabbaths and holidays

As part of "L'chaim" – a series on life ceremonies: wedding canopy and marriage ceremony

Wedding canopy and betrothal

Everything you wanted to know And you didn't hesitate to ask
On the wedding canopy and the wedding ceremony

WhatsApp Image 2026-02-16 at 1.55.15 PM

Tradition and innovation in one word

What really happens under the chuppah?
When did rings become part of the ceremony? Who can perform a wedding?
Why do we break a glass—and has it always been there?

You are invited to a special class with Tamar Gur-Krause—the woman who has married the most couples in Israel.

Let's dive into the history of the chuppah:
From its ancient roots, through its halachic and cultural development over the generations, to the new forms it takes today.
We will examine the ketubah, the blessings, the rings, and the breaking of the glass—and ask what lies behind them.
We will also discuss the legal situation in Israel and how to create a ceremony that is relevant to modern life without losing touch with tradition.

A gathering for learning, conversation, and sharing.

Wednesday | February 25, 2026 | 7:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.
"Bafnoko" space"
9 Itamar Ben Avi Street, Tel Aviv.

To register
Beit Tefilah Israeli, Study, Sabbaths and holidays

Journey to Shabbat – Beit Midrash 5776

A journey to Shabbat

The personal, the domestic, the community and the national

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

To the registration form

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

Beit Tefilah Israeli, Study

Kabbalah together in the shadow of war

Kabbalah together in the shadow of war

Friday 20.6.25 18:00

Musical Shabbat reception on Zoom, Facebook and YouTube

Dear community

This week, given the situation, we will hold our Shabbat reception virtually, and broadcast it on our Facebook and YouTube pages, and also on Zoom.

You are invited to register to receive the links. The Shabbat reception will begin at 6:00 PM. Together, we will forget a little about what is outside and connect to what is inside and to the Shabbat that is above time and these times… 

We send you encouragement and pray for all of us for days of peace, security, and tranquility.

Study

We share in your sorrow – Beit Midrash 5785

We share in your sorrow - Beit Midrash 5785

We share your sorrow.

Thinkers and creators talk about loss, grief, fulfillment, and rebirth

We share your sorrow.

Music and danceThinkers and creators talk about loss, grief, fulfillment, and rebirth

We live within time and try to bear its abysses. The events of the times continue to draw us
Our forces demand that each and every one of us deal with reality to the best of our ability.

This year's Beit Midrash will be a gentle journey into pain and sorrow, into the fear for the future of our shared home together with
The determination to rise and build another layer of life and hope. Learning that looks directly at the difficulties but also asks,
Uncompromisingly, a better horizon!

 
We approach our annual theme from several angles:

Jacob the bereaved father and the collection of stories of Joseph
Laws of Mourning, Mishneh Torah of Maimonides
Lamentation and consolation in the world of prayer and piyyut
From the Storm: On Mourning, Suffering, and the Human Condition, Rabbi Soloveitchik
Glimpses from Hebrew Poetry

Throughout the year, meetings will be held with people who plant hope.

Beit Midrash: Rabbi Dr. Rani Yager
Among the guest lecturers: Dr. Roni Magidov, Prof. Moshe Halbertal, Rachel Korazim, Dr. Omri Shasha, Rabbi Avi Dabush, Dr. Renana Pilzer-Ravitsky
 

Study framework:
The Beit Midrash meets every Monday from 8:15-9:30 PM as a regular study group. (Total 20 meetings)
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, 24 Cheshon 25.11.24

Price: 1000 NIS – for members of an Israeli house of prayer: 600 NIS

For more information: Rani 050-8828307

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Beit Tefilah Israeli, Holidays, Study

Gathering for Holocaust Remembrance Day 1975

Holocaust Remembrance Day gathering

Holocaust Remembrance Day gathering

5785

2015 Gathering

Music and prayer are two universal languages that express the depths of the soul and spirit. Both connect us to each other, to nature, and to something greater than ourselves. What is it about music that enables a meaningful prayer experience? What is the place of sacred and profane in synagogue music? And what is the role of the piyyutim?

Holocaust Remembrance Day gathering
From lament to hope
5785
 
Holocaust Remembrance Day Eve, 23.4.25 at 8:00 PM
In the "Bafnocho" space – 9 Itamar Ben Avi St., Tel Aviv
 
As every year, we will gather together to remember with hospitality out of the responsibility to remember. For a meaningful, personal and communal ceremony, we will hear testimony, and we will turn mourning into hope. 
 
The event takes place in the space at 9 Itamar Ben Avi St., Tel Aviv. (The new home of the Israeli Prayer House offices). On Wednesday, April 23, 2025 at 8:00 PM. Admission is free with advance registration.

 

To register, fill out the form.
Beit Tefilah Israeli, Holidays, Study

Therefore we have gathered.

Therefore we have gathered.

Therefore we have gathered.

Reading the Declaration of Independence - Study Circles - Falafel and Beer

Amit Ullman's performance

Opening remarks: Iris Haim

Therefore we have gathered.

 
Therefore we have gathered.
Changing Trends – The Scroll is Here to Stay
Tuesday 22.4.25 19:00-22:30
Beit Shalom Aleichem, Berkowitz 2 Tel Aviv
 
 

In a year of external war and internal divisions, we would like to return to a moment of diverse voices and broad consensus and come together around the most important text in the history of Zionism – the Declaration of Independence.

Tonight's schedule:

19:00-19:30 Gathering, falafel and beer
19:30-20:30 Opening remarks by Iris Haim and ceremonial reading of the Declaration of Independence
20:45-21:30 Study circles in collaboration with the Koret Center (Ano Museum), Bina, Daniel Centers, Israeli Prayer House, Daniel Community, Chavruta and Mamoua
21:30-22:15 Performance by Amit Ullman

The event will take place at Beit Shalom Aleichem, Berkowitz 2, Tel Aviv.

What will we talk about? The study circles will take place simultaneously and you will be able to choose which one to join.

* From Independence to Reality: From the Vision of the State to the End of a Constitutional and Social Crisis
Would we be able to reach agreements today that define the state?
Led by Ruth Amino – former content director of Beit Ha'atzmaut and Rabbi Benny Minich – Daniel Centers for Progressive Judaism.

* Under the Bloody Attack | A Compass of Values and Hope in a Time of War
We will study the paragraph of the charter that discusses the fighting events that began even before the Declaration of Independence and what compass of values and hopes the signers adhered to despite the situation.
Led by Dr. Moshe Weinstock, research fellow at the Hartman Institute, and Dr. Rani Yager, an Israeli house of prayer.

* A State in Reserves | On the Resounding Call of the Declaration of Independence From the Beginning to the Present Day
Moti Pasal (Mboa), a reserve officer, and Ayla Dekel (Bina), the wife of a reservist, have gone through a personal and family upheaval in the past year and a half, with the reserves at its core. Between the front and the rear, between tours, the Declaration of Independence continued to resonate in their minds and hearts. Now, they invite you to an open conversation about the place of the Declaration of Independence at the heart of our Israeli story.

* “To be a free people in our country” | “Back to the Past” game”
Let's return to the fateful meeting where the content of the Declaration of Independence was determined. We will try, through a game, to return to those moments and understand who the people who drafted the Declaration of Independence were, what dilemmas they faced, and how they reached compromises and agreements. Led by Noam Baram, Koret Center for Jewish Civilization.

* “It will maintain complete social and political equality for all its citizens, regardless of religion, race, or gender” | On the conflicts in 2025 On religion, LGBTQ, and the state Religion and pride – tolerance and inclusion
An open discussion on the conflicts of religion and LGBTQ from places of faith, legislation, and establishing a home in Israel. Hosted by the Hevrota organization.

To register
Beit Tefilah Israeli, Study

Prayer Jam – Creative Beit Midrash for Musicians

Prayer Jam - Beit Midrash for Musicians

Prayer Jam

A creative seminary for musicians on the connection between prayer and music


Intended for professional musicians who wish to expand their familiarity with Jewish prayer, piyyut, traditions, and intentions.

Prayer Jam

Music and prayer are two universal languages that express the depths of the soul and spirit. Both connect us to each other, to nature, and to something greater than ourselves. What is it about music that enables a meaningful prayer experience? What is the place of sacred and profane in synagogue music? And what is the role of the piyyutim?

Music and prayer are two universal languages that express the depths of the soul and spirit. Both connect us to each other, to nature, and to something greater than ourselves. What is it about music that enables a meaningful prayer experience? What is the place of sacred and profane in synagogue music? And what is the role of the piyyutim?

We invite you to join us on a fascinating journey into the world of Jewish prayer. Together we will explore the deep connection between music and prayer, discover the secrets of ancient and new melodies, and learn how music plays a central role in the prayer experience. As part of the study, we will delve into the foundations, sounds, history, and traditions of prayer, while observing its development throughout the generations: from piyyutim to Hasidic niggun, and from traditional prayer to contemporary Israeli prayer.

During the Beit Midrash, we will dedicate time to playing together, exploring possibilities for composing old and new prayers inspired by the meetings, and at the end of the program, we will invite you to record the new compositions we created together.

Among the lecturers:

Additional details:

The meetings will open and close with shared music, and traditional and new prayers will be taught. The pieces composed in the Beit Midrash will be produced as part of a new prayer album by an Israeli prayer house.

when?
11 meetings on Thursdays 10:30-12:30, starting 20.3.25

where?
The new cultural center on Da Vinci Street in Tel Aviv.

The cost is 300 NIS per participant with the possibility of subsidizing subject to a personal interview.

For further details please contact the prayer house team: Esteban Gottfried or Rabbi Dror by email: office@btfila.org1

11 sessions of shared learning and creation

Meeting schedule

Thursdays 10:30-12:30

Thursday, March 20, 2025

Dr. Rani Yager and Rabbi Esteban Gottfried

Opening – On All These – Israeli Prayer, Sources of Inspiration and Inspiration,  – Israeli poetry and singing as part of the prayer order. Discussion of external sources that entered the prayer and an introduction to the order of an Israeli prayer house.

Thursday, March 20, 2025

Thursday, March 27, 2025

Rabbi Uri Kreuzer

The world of poetry –Piyut traditions in the various denominations and their role in prayer. Introduction to types of piyut, makams, and the singing of requests.

Thursday, March 27, 2025

Thursday, April 3, 2025

The bard will sing for five

Artist Workshop – My musical prayer

Thursday, April 3, 2025

Thursday, April 10, 2025

Prof. Dalia Marx

One prayer has many faces –The prayer book as a reflection of the values and beliefs of its editors. A study of a variety of prayer books as reflections of the various streams of Judaism. Gender and prayer.

Thursday, April 10, 2025

Thursday, April 24, 2025

Rabbi Esteban Gottfried

Man as a praying creature – On the different languages of prayer and their effect on the soul and emotions. An introduction to the thought of Abraham Yehoshua Heschel and Rabbi Nachman of Breslov. 

Thursday, April 24, 2025

Thursday 8 May 2025

Rabbi Mishael Zion

The Development of Jewish Prayer –Study of the prayer book, familiarization with its structure, characteristics, and significant anchors.

Thursday 8 May 2025

Thursday, May 22, 2025

Dr. Zeev Kitsis

The Hasidic Nigun
On the Hasidic Nigun as music used to worship God and connect man to his soul and the divine spark within him. The meeting will include a practical workshop and a Nigun circle.

Thursday, May 22, 2025

Thursday, May 29, 2025

Hacham David Menachem

Master's Workshop – Let every soul praise the Lord – Praying through musical instruments

Thursday, May 29, 2025

Thursday, June 5, 2025

Rabbi Ruth Gan Kagan

Towards Shabbat, let's go and let's go
On the acceptance of Shabbat and the Kabbalists in Safed who composed it, and on the special hymns: "Yedid Nefesh," "Lecha Dodi," "Ana Boq" and the Psalms.

Thursday, June 5, 2025

Thursday, June 12, 2025

Closing meeting

Closing Session – Prayer Jam – Recording prayer songs written by the participants of the Beit Midrash

Thursday, June 12, 2025

To register, fill out the form.
Beit Tefilah Israeli, Study

The main idea

The main idea

A series of study and practice sessions on the interface between prayer and mindfulness

About the course

The course "The Essence of Intention" was born from our interest in the interface between the spiritual practices of prayer and mindfulness and is built from experience, study, practice, and dialogue. The study will include an in-depth dialogue around topics that concern us and that we believe have the power to support the personal growth of the course participants. From our experience, each in their own world, we will create a dialogue between the components of the practices of mindfulness and prayer. Each session will also include an experiential practice of mindfulness, prayer, and music. 

When and where

The course will take place on Sundays at 8:00 PM, in one and a half hour sessions, starting on 12/27/21 - 

The meetings will be held on ZOOM.

27/12/20

First meeting

What is prayer? What is mindfulness? A sketch of the main concepts and boundaries of space.

27/12/20

3/1/21

Second meeting

Here and now - intention, intention, awareness, blessings.

3/1/21

10/1/21

Third meeting

Radical Astonishment - A Space From Which Spiritual Practice Is Born

10/1/21

24/1/21

Fourth meeting

The sanctity of time - meaning that comes from practice

24/1/21

31/1/21

Fifth meeting

Daily Thanksgiving - Miracles in Every Day.

31/1/21

7/2/21

Friday meeting

Aiming to establish - determination, resilience, and training the muscles of prayer and listening

7/2/21

Course instructors

Picture of הרב אסטבן גוטפריד

Rabbi Esteban Gottfried

Co-founder of an Israeli prayer house, certified in the rabbinical rabbinate at the Hebrew Union College's Israeli Rabbinical Seminary and the Hartman Institute's Israeli Rabbinical Seminary and the Oranim Seminary. Engaged in prayer for decades as a public messenger, editor and writer of prayers.

Picture of מתי ליבליך

When is Lieblich?

Mati Lieblich has been studying and practicing mindfulness for 30 years. She is a founding co-author of the Center for Mindful and Caring Education and the Mindfulness-Based Therapy Program at Bar Ilan University. Mati is the editor and co-author of the books "Mindfulness Paths - Spaces for Daily Practice" and "Mindfulness to Be Here and Now," published by Keter.

Price for the entire course

For the general public
₪ 360
  • For all six sessions
To register
Clicking the button will take you to the registration form.

Price for the entire course

For members of an Israeli house of prayer *
₪360
₪ 200
  • For all six sessions
To register
Clicking the button will take you to the registration form.

* Members of an Israeli house of prayer who pay membership fees for the year 2011.

If you would like to pay 5741 membership fees for the Israeli Prayer Room, please click here.

Beit Tefilah Israeli, Holidays, Study

Ramzei Elul – Study and Conversation for the Season of Atonement

Ramzi Elul - Study and Conversation for the Season of Atonement

Ramzi Elul - Study and Conversation for the Season of Atonement

To register

In order to allow all those interested in taking part in the study of the HaBait Midrashi, participation is free but subject to prior registration:

We encourage donations to help cover costs. For donations:

Study, Community, Regular programs

Training of ceremony leaders and community leaders

Training community facilitators and entrepreneurs

A course in facilitating Shabbat receptions and community entrepreneurship to train leaders of Israeli Jewish communities.

In light of the expansion of the Israeli House of Prayer activity throughout the country, we are looking for additional pairs of facilitators who will integrate into the roles of guiding and leading ceremonies on Shabbats and holidays and will establish community projects in their place of residence. 

For those interested in developing community life in their place of residence around Shabbats, holidays, and Israeli Jewish culture.

» For those interested in leading and facilitating Shabbat receptions and ceremonies in the community, town, city, neighborhood, campus or organization, in the spirit of an Israeli house of prayer.

» For experienced prayer and ceremony leaders who are interested in learning the language of prayer and ceremony of an Israeli house of prayer and specializing in it.

At the end of the course, each pair of graduates will be given the opportunity to present a community project and the possibility of competing for project funding and professional guidance. 


» Musical ability – (in singing and/or playing a musical instrument) an advantage.

We believe in collaborative and circular leadership and encourage establishing projects in pairs rather than individually. (Pairs can also be based in the course itself)

 

The course is led and supervised by Rabbi Esteban Gottfried and Rabbi Dr. Rani Yager, founders and leaders of an Israeli prayer house - and guest lecturers include: Rabbi Dr. Michael Marmor, Rabbi Shai Zarchi, Rabbi Tamar Elad - Applebaum, Prof. Avigdor Shanan, Athaliah Lavie, Rabbi Uri Kreuzer, Rabbi Ruth Gan Kagan, Rabbi Galit Cohen Kedem, Idan Gavish and more.

Due to the Corona crisis, the course date has been postponed and an alternative date has not yet been set. Please leave your details and we will update you when registration opens.

» A member of the household in the Jewish-Israeli cultural world
» Charisma, expressiveness, eloquence and ability to stand in front of an audience
» Shabbat Joy, Openness and Creativity
» Introduction and interest in the world of Jewish prayer
» Leadership and management skills
» Excellent interpersonal skills and community approach
» Pluralistic worldview
» Experience in supervision – an advantage