"Beit Midrash" literally translates to "house of study" in Hebrew. Traditionally, it refers to a room or hall dedicated to the study of Torah and Talmud, distinct from a synagogue (or "beit knesset"), though in modern times it can be used to refer to a Hebrews school or Jewish day school. What distinguishes it from a synagogue or sanctuary is that, rather than being a place of worship, the beit midrash is a place of learning. Typically, this learning occurs in pairs (or havruta), who read the text aloud to one another and then debate the meaning amongst themselves.

New Haven Beit Midrash is a cross-denominational evening of structured study, conducted in groups rather than pairs, that is themed around a specific topic. Each session features a keynote educator from Pardes North America, as well as 2-3 breakout sessions led by local New Haven teachers. Rather than refer to a location itself, New Haven Beit Midrash is a "floating" place of study, rotating amongst local area synagogues every other month.

Absolutely not! While knowledge of Hebrew and midrashic background would certainly enhance your experience, New Haven Beit Midrash programs are open to folks at all levels of Jewish education and no prior knowledge is required to attend.

Originally from Washington, D.C., Meesh has a B.A. in Near Eastern and Judaic Studies from Brandeis University, and a M.A. and Ph.D. from New York University. Her dissertation explored the courageous manner in which the rabbis of the Talmud created a new criminal punishment system. In 2015, Meesh completed her studies at Beit Midrash Har’el and received Orthodox ordination from Rabbi Herzl Hefter and Rabbi Daniel Sperber.

Meesh is also a graduate of NATIV, Pardes, Midreshet Lindenbaum, and Drisha. She has received many fellowships including Lady Davis, National Foundation for Jewish Culture, Memorial Foundation and ATID. She has also taught at NYU, Drisha and Midreshet Lindenbaum.