A new Sunday morning programme at the London School of Jewish Studies will offer classes in Talmud to schoolchildren.
Whereas the rabbinic text is still considered unsuitable for women in more conservative circles, the Beit Limmud is open to girls as well as boys.
It was launched in autumn 2020 in partnership with Mizrachi UK, which is based at LSJS’s Hendon campus, and is now looking to recruit for a third year.
LSJS chief executive Joanne Greenaway said: “Our aim is to provide Jewish learning at a high level in a social environment with excellent teaching and teachers who are great role models for the young people.
“We are so pleased to be able to work in partnership and provide something that many parents are looking for.”
The programme is aimed primarily at pupils in non-Jewish secondary schools, though there are a few from Jewish schools who have chosen to supplement their education.
Participants do one hour of study in Tanach and another in Talmud.
While initially it had been planned to start with year seven boys, LSJS responded to requests for a parallel class for girls. The original cohort returned for a second year, while a fresh group of year sevens signed up; there are now four classes with 32 pupils on the programme.
The group has a chance to socialise at break and extra-curricular activities have included a trip to the British Museum.
Pupils benefit from what Ms Greenaway said was a “pipeline of great teachers” who are taking teacher training courses at LSJS. The Beit Limmud is now being managed by one of the students doing a BA in Jewish education.
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