As the sun dips behind the rugged mesas of New Mexico’s Jemez Mountains, casting long shadows across the landscape, David Levinson settles into his study. His laptop casts a gentle glow as he delves into the weekly Torah portion with his JNet Chavrusah.
"After October 7th, I felt this urgent need to reconnect with my roots," says Levinson, 52, a software engineer who moved to this remote corner of New Mexico a decade ago. "But when I started looking to study Torah on my own, I was overwhelmed. There were so many editions, commentaries, and translations. I didn't know where to begin."
Levinson's journey exemplifies a growing trend: Jews worldwide are exploring their heritage. Often far from traditional centers of Jewish learning, they turn to digital platforms to do so on their own.
Enter JNet, the Jewish Learning Network, which has been at the forefront of this digital Jewish renaissance. JNet has been matching mentors and mentees to study Torah weekly for almost two decades. Now with their latest offering, "Torah Unboxed," a video series hosted by Rabbi Mendel Winner, aims to demystify the world of sacred texts for newcomers like Levinson.
"We're essentially creating an 'unboxing' experience for Torah Texts and study materials," explains Rabbi Mendel Groner, JNet's director. "Our goal is to make these ancient texts accessible and appealing to a modern audience, especially those who might feel intimidated by the vast array of options."
The first installment of "Torah Unboxed" reviews four popular editions of the Chumash, breaking down their features, translations, and commentaries in a format familiar to YouTube enthusiasts.
“Throughout my years as a Chabad Rabbi, I've seen how newcomers to Torah study are often overwhelmed with the number of options out there and don’t know where to begin,” explains the Torah Unboxed Host, Rabbi Mendel Winner of Chabad Neshama Brighton Beach, NY and host of the new series. “This series Is geared towards them, they can now comfortably purchase their first Torah book knowing it’s something they will appreciate.”
Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, executive director of Merkos 302, JNet's parent organization, notes the importance of this project today: "We're witnessing a beautiful awakening of the Jewish soul. Many Jews are exploring their heritage for the first time. Our role now is to nurture this spark by providing the tools and resources they need to study from the source on their own. we're providing a lifeline to those rediscovering their heritage, no matter where they are."
JNet's flagship service remains its one-on-one study partnerships, connecting learners with volunteer teachers across the globe. This personalized approach has proven particularly effective for those in isolated areas or with unconventional schedules.
For Levinson in New Mexico, this virtual community has been transformative. "My study partner in Brooklyn feels closer than my nearest neighbor," he muses. "And now, with JNet resources like 'Torah Unboxed,' I'm gaining the tools to dive deeper on my own."
JNet pairs volunteers who’ve had the gift of a Jewish Education with Jews from a diverse array of backgrounds looking to learn more. For the mentee, it offers a one-to-one session where they can explore their Jewish heritage at their own pace. For the mentor, a chance to tap into their arsenal of Jewish Knowledge and share it, as a weekly Shlichus.
To register visit, www.jnet.org/learn
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