Bible Study Groups

Explore the depths of ancient wisdom alongside a community of passionate learners. Every level is welcome โ€” from complete beginners to advanced scholars.

Open to All Levels

Ancient Wisdom for
Modern Living

At House of El (God), we believe that Torah study is not just an intellectual exercise โ€” it is a spiritual practice that transforms how we see the world, how we treat one another, and how we understand our calling as a people.

"Turn it and turn it again, for everything is in it. Reflect on it and grow old and gray with it."

โ€” Ben Bag Bag, Pirkei Avot 5:22

Whether you are reading Torah for the very first time or have been studying for decades, there is a group here for you. Our study circles are small, intimate, discussion-based gatherings where every question is valued and every voice is heard.

Join a Study Group

Find Your Study Group

Six different study groups, each with a unique focus, pace, and audience. Find the one that's right for you.

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Beginners Torah Circle

Beginner

New to Torah? This is the perfect starting point. We read slowly, explain everything, and create a safe space for all questions โ€” big or small. No prior knowledge required, just an open heart and curious mind.

Tuesday Evenings 7:00 PM โ€“ 8:30 PM Max 15 people
๐Ÿ•ฏ๏ธ

Shabbat Portion Study

All Levels

Each Saturday morning we gather to explore the weekly Torah portion (Parasha). This lively discussion group connects the ancient text to our everyday lives, drawing on commentary, personal reflection, and community dialogue.

Saturday Mornings 10:30 AM โ€“ 12:00 PM Open enrollment
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Women's Torah Study Group

All Levels โ€” Women

A sacred space for women to explore Torah through the lens of their own lived experience. This group focuses on the stories of women in scripture, feminist commentary, and the practical wisdom of Jewish law for women's lives today.

Thursday Afternoons 4:00 PM โ€“ 5:30 PM Max 12 women
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Advanced Torah Study

Advanced

For those with a strong foundation in Torah and Jewish texts. This intensive group engages with Talmud, Midrash, and classical commentators (Rashi, Maimonides, Nachmanides), pursuing deep textual analysis and halakhic discussion.

Sunday Mornings 10:00 AM โ€“ 12:00 PM Max 10 people
๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿ‘งโ€๐Ÿ‘ฆ

Family Torah Night

Families

Designed for parents and children to learn Torah together. Using stories, games, art, and discussion, this group makes Torah accessible and fun for all ages โ€” building a love of learning that lasts a lifetime.

Friday Evenings 5:00 PM โ€“ 6:30 PM Family units
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Heritage & Identity Study

Intermediate

Exploring the intersection of African American history and Jewish identity. This unique study group examines our heritage through Torah, history, and lived experience โ€” answering the question: who are we, and where do we come from?

2nd & 4th Wednesday 7:00 PM โ€“ 8:30 PM Max 20 people

Weekly Study Schedule

All groups meet in-person at our main facility unless otherwise noted.

Day Time Group Level Location
Sunday 10:00 AM โ€“ 12:00 PM Advanced Torah Study Advanced Study Hall A
Tuesday 7:00 PM โ€“ 8:30 PM Beginners Torah Circle Beginner Community Room
Wednesday 7:00 PM โ€“ 8:30 PM Heritage & Identity Study (2nd & 4th) Intermediate Main Hall
Thursday 4:00 PM โ€“ 5:30 PM Women's Torah Study Group Women Only Study Hall B
Friday 5:00 PM โ€“ 6:30 PM Family Torah Night All Ages Family Room
Saturday 10:30 AM โ€“ 12:00 PM Shabbat Portion Study All Levels Sanctuary

What Happens in a Study Session?

Every group is different, but here's what you can generally expect when you walk through the door.

Warm Welcome

Every session begins with a warm welcome, introductions, and a brief prayer or blessing to center the group spiritually before study begins.

Text Reading

We read Torah passages together โ€” in Hebrew and in translation โ€” giving everyone the opportunity to engage with the text directly, at their own level.

Group Discussion

The heart of every session is open discussion. We explore the text's meaning, its application to modern life, and the diversity of perspectives in the room.

Commentary & Context

Our teachers bring in classical commentators, historical context, and modern scholarship to deepen understanding โ€” always in an accessible, engaging way.

Personal Reflection

We invite participants to reflect on how the text speaks to their own lives, challenges, and spiritual journey โ€” connecting ancient wisdom to lived experience.

Fellowship

After most sessions, we share light refreshments and informal conversation. Community is built not just in study, but in the connections made around the table.

What Our Students Say

"The Torah study sessions here are unlike anything I've experienced. The discussions are deep, inclusive, and always connect ancient wisdom to our modern lives. I've grown so much in my faith."

โ€” Dr. Rachel M., Advanced Torah Study

"I was terrified to join as a beginner โ€” I knew almost nothing. But the Beginners Circle made me feel so welcome. Now I look forward to Tuesday nights more than anything else in my week."

โ€” Marcus T., Beginners Torah Circle

"The Women's Study Group has become one of the most important communities in my life. We laugh, we cry, we wrestle with the text together. It's sacred space."

โ€” Sister Miriam J., Women's Torah Study

"Doing Family Torah Night with my kids has been transformational. They ask questions I've never thought of, and we leave every session having learned something new together."

โ€” The Williams Family, Family Torah Night