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# Azara | Opening the Beit Midrash

Azara is a cross-communal yeshiva offering Jewish learning in the UK. Join us to study Torah and build skills through classes, events, and our summer programme.

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://www.azara.org.uk/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [News](https://www.azara.org.uk/news/) - News
- [A diary of Azara](https://www.azara.org.uk/2025/12/27/a-diary-of-azara/) - Wondering what the days are like on Azara's summer programme? Here's an account from participant Sally Michaelson. Monday lunchtimeArrive at Sadeh just in time for Talia’s tour of the farm… so happy to see the Havdallahgarden again where I have happy memories from last year’s Azzara of sitting on the benchamid perfumed lavander, curry plant,
- [Opportunities for Edinburgh locals](https://www.azara.org.uk/2023/06/15/opportunities-for-edinburgh-locals/) - We have lots of opportunities for locals to join in with during the Azara summer programme! From morning Talmud to evening lectures, there's something for everyone, whether you're dipping a toe into Jewish learning or you want to go all-in. Community Beit Midrash Thursday 29th June, Wednesday 5th July, Thursday 13th July, Thursday 20th July7 - 9 p.m., Edinburgh
- [Azara Community Beit Midrash](https://www.azara.org.uk/2023/05/25/azara-community-beit-midrash/) - Chag Sameach! In honour of Shavuot, we are delighted to announce the Azara Community Beit Midrash! During our full time program this summer in Edinburgh, we will be bringing the learning out of the Beit Midrash and into the community. We will be putting on a variety of learning opportunities with our teachers and learners
- [We Are Hiring!](https://www.azara.org.uk/2023/03/08/we-are-hiring/) - Azara is hiring a part-time Operations and Finance Manager to help run our first Summer Programme! The job specification can be read and downloaded below. Please apply by submitting a CV and cover letter to info@azara.org.ukBy the deadline of Monday 20th March. Azara Job SpecDownload
- [Taster session: Did Ezekiel See God?](https://www.azara.org.uk/2023/01/30/taster-session-did-ezekiel-see-god/) - This session was recorded on the 11th of January 2023 as part of our winter taster sessions in the run up to our first Summer Programme. Read the first chapter of Ezekiel together with Rabba Dr Lindsey Taylor-Guthartz, and see how the classical commentators interpret his vision. You can find the sourcesheet here: Azara Did
- [Scotsman showcases Azara's Edinburgh yeshiva plans](https://www.azara.org.uk/2021/04/20/azaras-yeshiva-plans-featured-in-scotsman/) - The Scotsman today featured Azara's launch, and our plans to run a yeshiva summer programme in Scotland. "Jewish learning is to return to Scotland following the first ever cross-communal Jewish group launch from Azara, a new hub for education in the UK. Being the first ever organisation to offer deep inclusive Jewish text learning in
- [Azara in the JC](https://www.azara.org.uk/2021/04/25/azara-in-the-jc/) - There have been not one, but two pieces in the Jewish Chronicle about our launch! "The UK’s first cross-communal yeshivah has been launched in London to extend the reach of advanced Jewish study. Azara, which takes its name from the Temple courtyard where Jews would gather in ancient times, hopes to open text learning to
- [Azara Chanukah Crowdfunder](https://www.azara.org.uk/2022/12/25/azara-chanukah-crowdfunder/) - We are running a Chanukah crowdfunder! The Azara summer programme will be the first ever coed yeshiva programme in Europe's 2,000 year Jewish history. For one month, participants of all backgrounds will come together to immerse in Jewish texts and form a community of learners. We've already received a significant number of applications—now we just
- [Thanks to you, we did it](https://www.azara.org.uk/2023/01/09/thanks-to-you-we-did-it/) - Last month, we asked you to donate to our Azara crowdfunding campaign. We've been blown away by the response: 161 of you gave whatever you could, from £5 to £2,000. We raised £11,670 - more than meeting our £10,000 goal. Thanks to you, we can announce that this summer, participants will contribute through a 'pay

## Pages

- [Home](https://www.azara.org.uk/) - Azara is a cross-communal yeshiva offering Jewish learning in the UK. Join us to study Torah and build skills through classes, events, and our summer programme.
- [Classes](https://www.azara.org.uk/classes/) - Classes Summer Morning Talmud class Monday – Friday, 26 June – 20 July, 9.30am-12.30pm Join us for the heart of the Azara programme, Talmud learning. We’ll be learning the third chapter of Kiddushin, which discusses ethical speech, relationships, and questions of status. When does our speech have power? What makes a marriage? And how can
- [Summer Programme Teachers and Course 2023](https://www.azara.org.uk/summer-programme-teachers-and-course-2023/)
- [Azara x Limmud 2026 Summer Beit Midrash](https://www.azara.org.uk/learn/azara-x-limmud-2026-summer-beit-midrash/) - What is Azara? Azara is dedicated to opening the complex world of Torah to everyone, and building the skills to unlock our texts and traditions. The Temple had an azara in which all the Jews could gather, regardless of gender or priestly status, and we aim to be a space where Jews of all denominations, What is Azara? Azara is dedicated to opening the complex world of Torah to everyone, and building the skills to unlock our texts and traditions. The Temple had an azara in which all the Jews could gather, regardless of gender or priestly status, and we aim to be a space where Jews of all denominations,
- [Events](https://www.azara.org.uk/events/) - Events Azara 2026 Summer Beit Midrash BOOK NOW Summer Programme Explore texts in depth in our month-long intensive. See more Classes Add some Jewish learning to your life. See more News Find out the latest updates from Azara. See more
- [Summer Programme](https://www.azara.org.uk/summer-programme/) - Summer Programme Watch this space for news about the full summer programme 2026! The Azara Summer Programme 2023 was the first ever month-long cross-communal yeshiva programme in the UK. It’s an unprecedented chance to immerse in Jewish texts, deepen your relationship with Judaism, and learn how to shape your own tradition. We welcome people of
- [Contact Us](https://www.azara.org.uk/contact-us/) - Contact Us We'd love to hear from you. If you have any questions about Azara, or you're interested in having a conversation on what we're doing or where we're going, please fill out the form to the right and we'll be in touch soon. Contact Us Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this
- [](https://www.azara.org.uk/donate/) - Donate Donate DONATE --Please select-- £36 £72 £180 £360 £720 Other Gift Aid Through the Government’s Gift Aid scheme, Azara can claim an additional 25p for every £1 you donate. So if you are a UK taxpayer, you can increase the value of your donations to us by 25%, at no extra cost to yourself!
- [About](https://www.azara.org.uk/about-us/) - About Us Azara is creating a culture of Jewish learning in the UK. We want to open the complex world of Torah to everyone, and build the skills to unlock our texts and traditions. Azara was born from two grassroots cross-communal learning projects, Pop-Up Beit Midrash and Open Talmud Project. Our Story Open Talmud Project
- [Learn](https://www.azara.org.uk/learn/) - Learn Summer Programme Applications now open for our first month-long intensive. See more Classes Add some Jewish learning to your life. See more Events Join us for a day, an evening, or more. See more "Neither is [the Torah] beyond the sea, that you should say, 'Who among us can cross to the other side
- [Donation Confirmation](https://www.azara.org.uk/donation-confirmation/) - [give_receipt]
- [Donation Failed](https://www.azara.org.uk/donation-failed/) - We're sorry, your donation failed to process. Please try again or contact site support.
- [Donor dashboard](https://www.azara.org.uk/donor-dashboard/)
- [Shop](https://www.azara.org.uk/shop/)
- [Join](https://www.azara.org.uk/join/) - Join us Can you help build Azara? We’re looking for volunteers to work with us in opening the Beit Midrash to everyone. Whether you’d like to run our social media, help on the day with events, or just chip in an hour or two of admin, we’d love you to join. Please enable JavaScript in
- [Privacy Policy](https://www.azara.org.uk/privacy-policy/) - Who we are We are the Controller in respect of your personal data.Our full name: Azara UKOur contact details: Email – info@azara.org.uk; Web – www.azara.org.uk We may be using your data for these purposes: to provide information you require as a supporter, participant, or site user; to contact you with Azara news, newsletters, and information

## Products

- [Azara 2026 Summer Beit Midrash](https://www.azara.org.uk/events/azara-summer-yeshiva-programme-2025/) - Get a taste of yeshiva learning this summer! Join the Azara Summer Programme 14-18 July at Sadeh Farm in Kent. Together with world-class teachers, we'll create a Torah learning community for the week and beyond. Immerse in Jewish texts, deepen your relationship with Judaism, and learn how to shape your own tradition. All welcome—no matter your background, experience, or gender.
- [Summer Programme Contributions](https://www.azara.org.uk/events/summer-programme-contributions/) - As a reminder, there is no fixed cost for this programme, and instead we are asking participants to donate what they can. The true cost per participant is £3032 for the summer - but because we believe that Torah education benefits the whole community, we are fundraising hard to reduce the burden on participants. Suggested contributions are at three levels, including accommodation, breakfast, and lunch for the month: Unwaged – £400 Waged – £800 Supporter – £1600 We are dependent on your contributions to run the programme, and really appreciate you giving as much as you are able. Nobody will be turned away for lack of funds. If you want to pay a contribution other than one of the tiers, pick "Other" and add the price you want to pay as a donation.
- [Azara Summer Yeshiva Programme 2024](https://www.azara.org.uk/events/summer-2024/) - Get a taste of yeshiva learning this summer! Join the Azara Summer Programme 16-21 July at Sadeh Farm in Kent. Our theme for the week is "to sow and to reap". Immerse in Jewish texts, deepen your relationship with Judaism, and learn how to shape your own tradition. All welcome—no matter your background, experience, or gender.
- [Inui Nefesh: Self Affliction and Atonement](https://www.azara.org.uk/events/inui-nefesh-self-affliction-and-atonement/) - Thursday 21 September 6.30 - 7.30 p.m., Zoom Join Azara and Leah Rosenthal to prepare for Yom Kippur. We will study together a Talmudic discussion of the Biblical commandment of "inui nefesh" (self affliction) as a core observance of the day of Yom Kippur, the day of purification and atonement. Booking will close on 18 September to allow time for participants to prepare in chevruta (paired study) for the class.
- [Yeshiva Open Week](https://www.azara.org.uk/events/yeshiva-open-week/) - Get a taste of yeshiva learning this summer! Join the Azara Summer Programme 10-14 July in the heart of Edinburgh. Immerse in Jewish texts, deepen your relationship with Judaism, and learn how to shape your own tradition. All welcome—no matter your background, experience, or gender. No-one said "you have to", or "do this, do that". People said "would you like to", and "come on, let's all". - Azara participant
- [Summer Morning Talmud class](https://www.azara.org.uk/events/summer-morning-talmud-class/) - Monday - Friday, 26 June - 20 July, 9.30am-12.30pm Join us for the heart of the Azara programme, Talmud learning. We'll be learning the third chapter of Kiddushin, which discusses ethical speech, relationships, and questions of status. When does our speech have power? What makes a marriage? And how can we use the wisdom of these texts in our own lives? There are three levels for morning Talmud: advanced with Jeremy Tabick, intermediate with Leah Rosenthal, and beginners with Dr Laliv Clenman and Jessica Spencer. Knowledge of the Hebrew alef-bet is required for this class.
- [Introductory Aramaic: A Journey through the Akedah](https://www.azara.org.uk/events/introductory-aramaic-a-journey-through-the-targumic-and-zoharic-versions-of-the-akedah/) - Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday afternoons, 10 - 20 July, 1.30 - 3pm This course with Dr Alinda Damsma focuses on the fascinating Aramaic translations of the Hebrew Bible from Late Antiquity, the so-called Targums. Knowledge of the Targumic dialect provides an ideal and solid foundation for further study of the Aramaic language, which evolved into a multitude of dialects throughout its long history. Focal point will be the story about the Aqedah, the Binding of Isaac, in Genesis 22. At a gentle pace participants will receive training in reading and translating a variety of Targumic texts that feature the Aqedah, from the more literal rendering in Targum Onqelos to the extensively aggadic version in Targum Pseudo-Jonathan. The student will learn about the nature and method of Targum as translation and interpretation of the Hebrew Bible and its place and value within Jewish history and literature. Alef-bet needed, no prior experience with Aramaic required.
- [STEPPING OUT: Martin Buber and the implications of Judaism's "Sacred Anarchism"](https://www.azara.org.uk/events/stepping-out/) - Monday, Tuesday, Thursday afternoons, 26 June - 6 July, 3.30 - 5pm This six part course from Rabbi Dr Judith Rosen-Berry is designed to help us understand, elaborate on, and expand the the theological concept of 'sacred anarchism' within Judaism. It will be an exploration via text study, and group discussion - of how modern Jewish anarchist thinkers like Martin Buber and Gustav Landauer engaged with the 'religious' ideas of human equality and freedom, and how they understood the Torah based ideals of ethics and justice as over and above notions of 'rule' and 'law'. Throughout this course we will critically consider, and reflect on the possible implications of Jewish 'sacred anarchism' on what it means to be Jewish today.
- [Abraham and Sarah](https://www.azara.org.uk/events/abraham-and-sarah/) - Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday afternoons, 10 - 20 July, 1.30 - 3pm Abraham and Sarah: What Made Them So Special, and What, if Anything, are We Supposed to Do About It? Abraham and Sarah are, famously, the first mother and father of the Jewish people. What, exactly, did they do to earn that role? Is the position basically biological, or is there a moral/ethical legacy they have handed down to us and, if so, what is it, and is it still relevant? With Rabbi Shimon Felix, we will look at the Biblical text, classical commentaries, and Rabbinic Midrashim to try and get some answers. Knowledge of the alef-bet is required for this class, no other experience needed.
- [Torah of Torah](https://www.azara.org.uk/events/torah-of-torah/) - Monday, Tuesday, Thursday afternoons, 10 - 20 July, 3.30 - 5pm This course with Rabbi Daniel Lichman will study the character of Torah from her origins in the Tanakh to rabbinic and kabbalistic sources which portray Torah variably as tree, lover and daughter. We will consider the gendered and sexualised themes in these stories as we explore the implications of them on how we actually study Torah. Finally we will ask: can the mythology of Torah offer us an approach to Torah in this moment of the climate crisis? Alef-bet required, no other experience or skills needed.
- [Intro to Biblical Hebrew](https://www.azara.org.uk/events/intro-to-biblical-hebrew/) - Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday afternoons, 26 June - 6 July, 1.30 - 3pm Midrash tells us that before birth an angel taps our mouth so we forget all the Torah our souls know. This 8 session course in Biblical Hebrew hopes to recover your soul’s Biblical Hebrew and give a systematic framework to enable you to understand those phrases you know by ear from Jewish liturgy and songs without knowing the grammar behind them. Alef-bet required, no other or skills needed.
- [Ezekiel: Balancing Rebuke and Comfort](https://www.azara.org.uk/events/ezekiel-balancing-rebuke-and-comfort/) - Monday, Tuesday, Thursday afternoons, 10 - 20 July, 3.30 - 5pm Our six sessions with Rabba Dr Lindsey Taylor-Guthartz will introduce the book of Ezekiel, exploring the historical context of the book, its structure, and its unique features. We will study key sections of the book, including the mysterious chariot vision from the first chapter (and its later reappearances), Ezekiel’s use of ‘street theatre’, his theory of sin and teshuvah (repentance), and the last eight chapters - notoriously difficult, but with a vision of God’s plan for the End of Days. Along the way we will investigate the book’s influence on later Jewish mysticism, its relationship with the Creation story, and its surprising links to Kaddish and Hatikva. No prior skills or experience needed.
- [Walking the Chassidic Path of Relationship and Rupture](https://www.azara.org.uk/events/walking-the-chassidic-path-of-relationship-and-rupture/) - Monday, Tuesday, Thursday afternoons, 26 June - 6 July, 3.30 - 5pm This course with Yael Roberts will explore the basics of Chassidic thought through the writings of three Chassidic masters: The Noam Elimelech, the Kedushat Levi, and the Mei Hashiloach. These ancestors were radically shifting what it meant to live in a religious framework in the face of increasing antisemitism. We will read them as texts that speak deeply to political and religious emergencies, how we might pivot and turn, resourcing us for times of deep distress through realising that we are the more than human. We'll be reading them as always with close investigation into the background sources they quote and a humble seeking around returning to them after the Shoah, how we might turn them into not practices or composites or collaged newness, but that old bone knowledge from lost Motherland*. Alef-bet needed, no other skills required.
- [What is Halakhah?](https://www.azara.org.uk/events/what-is-halakhah/) - Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday afternoons, 26 June - 6 July, 1.30 - 3pm Is Halakhah (Jewish law) a technical discussion? Or is it simply nuanced guidance about life? In this course with R' Elisha Ancselovits, we read examples from different layers of Jewish law so as to hear past nuances better and to think with more nuance. Alef-bet required, no other skills needed.
- [Using our Intuition: Spring Talmud class](https://www.azara.org.uk/events/using-our-intuition-spring-talmud-class/) - When do we use our intuition to create new law? In this 4-part Sunday class, we'll explore issues of trust, poverty, and communal responsibility in the Talmud. We'll be learning in the original Hebrew and Aramaic in order to join in the conversation with the rabbinic sages. Participants will need their alef-bet, but no other knowledge required - newcomers to text study are welcome!
- [Taster session: Did Ezekiel See God?](https://www.azara.org.uk/events/taster-session-did-ezekiel-see-god/) - Wednesday 11 January, 6.30 - 8.00 p.m., Zoom Try a taste of Azara learning this winter! Read the first chapter of Ezekiel together with Rabba Dr Lindsey Taylor-Guthartz, and see how the classical commentators interpret his vision.
- [Taster session: Freedom and Oppression in Revelation](https://www.azara.org.uk/events/freedom-and-oppression/) - Monday 12 December, 6.30 - 8.00 p.m., Zoom Experience a taste of Azara learning this winter! Come and explore the question of how can Jewish communities hold one another to account with Rabbi Daniel Lichman.
- [Taster session: How To Learn Right](https://www.azara.org.uk/events/taster-session-how-to-learn/) - Thursday 22 December, 6.30 - 8.00 p.m., Zoom Experience a taste of Azara learning this winter with Rabbi Benji Stanley! What is the moral efficacy of learning, and what does the Talmud say about it? We'll textually dive into the Talmud's claim, finding it at first problematic and then inspiring.
- [Open Talmud Day 2022](https://www.azara.org.uk/events/open-talmud-day-2022/) - Azara Open Talmud Day July 2022
- [Azara x JW3 Community Beit Midrash](https://www.azara.org.uk/events/azara-x-jw3-community-beit-midrash/) - Azara x JW3's weeknight Community Beit Midrash is for beginners and more experienced Torah learners alike. You will learn traditional Jewish texts such as Talmud and Tanakh with a chevruta (study partner for Jewish text). The learning will be open, warm and in depth with a focus on skill-building and meaning-making. Experienced Azara volunteers and teachers Azara x JW3's weeknight Community Beit Midrash is for beginners and more experienced Torah learners alike.
- [Open Talmud Weekend](https://www.azara.org.uk/events/open-talmud-weekend/) - Azara is delighted to announce an Open Talmud Weekend, this summer – in person and online! Drop in for one session or join us for all three days of high-quality, inclusive and joyous learning. 28 - 30 August, Hampstead Heath/Hackney Moishe House
- [Tanach class: Drowning with Jonah](https://www.azara.org.uk/events/tanach-class-drowning-with-jonah/) - Dive into the Book of Jonah this Elul! Along with Rabba Dr Lindsey Taylor-Guthartz, we'll study one chapter in depth per week. Explore the Biblical text along with its interpretation in Midrash and Medieval commentaries (including the world's cutest midrash). This class is with Pop-Up Beit Midrash.
- [Talmud Class: Food in Paradise](https://www.azara.org.uk/events/talmud-class-food-in-paradise/) - What did Adam and Eve eat (before the apple)? Join Rabbi Joel Levy in this three-part class to explore how different generations of sages conceptualised the ideal relationship between humans and the natural world. We will look at how the Talmud weaves biblical sources to imagine and re-imagine paradise before the eating of the forbidden fruit. This series is for beginners to intermediates in Talmud, and will encourage reading sources in their original languages.
- [Talmud Skills class: 16 May - 6 June](https://www.azara.org.uk/events/talmud-skills-class-16-may-6-june/) - Two people are holding one tallit. Both say the tallit is theirs. What do you do? Explore issues of justice, ownership and doubt as seen through the eyes of the sages. In this four-part class, Jessica Spencer will teach skills for how to read an unpunctuated daf (page of the Talmud), and how to follow the logical flow of a Talmudic argument. Knowledge of the alef-bet is required.

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- [Donate](https://www.azara.org.uk/wc-donation/donate/)

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