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“Thrilling, creative, accessible, queer. Would you believe us if we told you we were describing the Talmud, the foundational work of rabbinic Judaism?”

– Julie Batz and Noah Westreich, SVARA Teaching Fellows

For two decades SVARA has offered immersive, joyful, and radical learning that centers queer and trans folks.

No matter who you are or how you identify, we invite you to dive into our offerings.

SVARA 101

Explore what we learn and how we learn it

Summer 2024

Dazzling drop-in programming plus in-person day camps across the country!

SVARA 101

No matter where you are in your learning journey, we want you to feel at home at SVARA.

Scroll through the sidebar to identify the starting point that most resonates with you. We’ll help you find a good place to dive in.

I’m new!

We’re so glad you’re here! All learning at SVARA starts with the CRASH Talk. You’re also invited to check out these “I’m new” resources:

Mishnah Collective (our daily 30-minute learning space)
The Oral Talmud (a livestream video series with our Rosh Yeshiva Benay Lappe)
Hot Off the Shtender (our weekly blog)
Fairy Hours (chat with a teacher one-on-one)

I want to find community.

One of the best ways to build community at SVARA is by attending our daily 30-minute learning space Mishnah Collective. We also offer a collection of affinity spaces with spiritual frameworks and recurring community events. Check out the Trans Halakha Project, the Disability Justice Torah Circle, and the Communal Loss Adaptation Project.

I want to go deeper with my Talmud practice.

We can relate! Nurture an independent Talmud practice, or consider entering one of our teacher training programs.

SUMMER 2024

Where the tools of our tradition are y’all’s for the taking!

Two learners sit next to one another at a table covered with masechtot and hint sheets. The learner in the foreground has short dark hair, glasses, and a black N-95 mask. They have a pen in their right hand and look toward the masechet on the table.

There’s SO much happening this summer!

Whether you’re hoping to nurture a daily Talmud practice or get more comfortable with your alef-bet, there is space for you at SVARA! This season we’re continuing to offer daily and weekly drop-in programming for learners of all backgrounds. We’re also thrilled to be serving up some in-person learning at fully enrolled Day Camps in the Bay Area, Boston, Chicago, New York, and Philadelphia.

A SVARA-nik learns with folks on a zoom screen. They are using a rainbow alef-bet ruler.

Monday through Friday

Mishnah Collective

TalmudDrop-In

A learner is seated at a large wooden table, watching a video recording of Rabbi Benay Lappe give a CRASH talk. Benay is smiling in front of a large white board.

The Oral Talmud

TalmudDrop-In

Disability Justice Torah Circle

Drop-In

Chicago Day Camp

In-Person Learning

A group of svara-niks are seated at a table in the bet midrash, they are smiling joyously and raising their hands to hi-five each other. on the table are volumes of talmud and colorful learning materials.

Boston Day Camp

In-Person Learning

New York Day Camp

In-Person Learning

Two SVARA-niks learn together in the bet midrash. The table is crowded with dictionaries, masechtot, and Talmud resources.

Bay Area Day Camp

In-Person Learning

A SVARA Fairy can be seen through a glass window. They are sitting with their back to the camera, and their green Fairy wings are holding the reflection of the green trees outside.

Philadelphia Day Camp

In-Person Learning

Questions about which spaces are right for you?

Schedule some time to chat one-on-one with SVARA Staff!