Opening the Beit Midrash
Azara is a new initiative creating Jewish text learning for everyone in the UK.
Elul Bootcamp: Exploring the Rosh Hashanah & Yom Kippur Machzorim (prayerbooks)
TUESDAYS in September,
6:30 – 8:00 PM:
1st, 8th & 15th September
@ Azara co-founder Rabba Dr Lindsey Taylor-Guthartz’s house
in Hendon
SOUP PROVIDED
We will prepare for the High Holidays by focusing on three key parts of the Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur Machzorim: the medieval poems (piyyutim), the Selichot service of Erev Yom Kippur, and the Avodah section of Yom Kippur Musaf. We’ll explore decoding techniques, weave together meanings from prayer sequences, and relate ancient Temple rituals to our lives today.
Our Story
Azara was formed from two grassroots groups, Open Talmud Project and Pop-Up Beit Midrash. We’re coming together from across the community because we think the Torah belongs to everyone.
AZARA participant
“Azara has given me an opportunity I have only ever had in Jerusalem or New York. To study complex Jewish text, at a high level, in the original with excellent teachers, but, most importantly, with an unprecedented diversity of participants. We read, discuss and argue our way through traditional texts but with people who I have never had the privilege of studying together – Orthodox, progressive, liberal, ex-chareidi, LGBTQI+, across class and parts of the UK.”
Help us grow the Beit Midrash
Azara would be nothing without our friends, volunteers, and donors. If you want to make Torah learning possible in the UK, we need your help. Whether it’s a spare afternoon or a few pounds, we can’t do it without you. Regardless of your contribution, you’ll be welcome to learn with us, because we’re making the Beit Midrash open to everyone.
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