About the Beit Midrash (Jewish Learning Center)
The OU Heshe and Harriet Seif Jewish Learning Initiative on Campus (JLIC) is a program of the Orthodox Union in partnership with Hillel. In recognition that the overwhelming majority of Modern Orthodox college students are being educated at secular universities, the OU administers JLIC, a program that helps Orthodox students navigate the college environment, and balance their Jewish commitments with their desire to engage the secular world. In addition, JLIC provides avenues for spiritual development and exploration for Jewish students from varied backgrounds; JLIC presents a positive, sophisticated and welcoming face for Orthodox Judaism on campus. For more info about JLIC check out http://www.jliconline.org/index.php. Through the aid of this program, the students of our community are privileged to select and hire their own rabbi. The JLI program at Cornell is funded jointly by Cornell Hillel, CJL, and CJLF.
There are a myriad of different Jewish learning styles and opportunities available for Cornell students. Studetns can learn in a Chavruta or in group Shiurim (classes) with the JLI couple, the mashgiach, or fellow students.
Regular Shiurim are given on Shabbat and throughout the week. Additionally, we regularly have visiting Scholars-in-residence throughout the academic year. Past guests have included the Chief Rabbi of Israel, Rabbi Yona Metzger Shlit"a, Rabbi Dr. Norman Lamm, Rabbi Marc Angel, and Rabbi Zvi Leshem.
Past topics of learning have included: Parsha , Shechita (Kosher Slaughter), Talmud, Basic Hebrew , Jewish philosophy, and Women's role in Judaism. This is just a small example of what is offered!
The Center for Jewish Living's Beit Midrash, affectionately known as Kollel Zichron Ezra, but officially called the Jewish Learning Center, is located in 104 West! above the Kosher dining hall. This is a place dedicated for students and community members to participate in Torah studies.
Since its inception, the CJL has been a place of Jewish Learning. However, the physical Beit Midrash was created by recent alum Andrew Marks with the aid of a past JLI Rabbi, Rabbi Joshua Ross, and contributions of the Rothman Foundation and others. If you are interested in donating to the Beit Midrash, please contact the CJL President at president@cornellcjl.com.
Can't find a Sefer in our Beit Midrash? A great location in Ithaca to find Seforim is the seventh floor of Olin Library (at times we have had over 100 books from Olin 7 in our Beit).