Please share any messages of love and support for HaMaqom educators, staff, board, and community here.
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Messages:
Thanks for all of your work over these past many years. You have touched many people and your contributions to the Bay Area Jewish community are long lasting. Wishing the entire team much success and strength as you move forward,
marci dollinger
June 17, 2021
I am really crushed, not surprised, but so very sad to read this.... I felt HaMaQqom was struggling since you had such frequent leadership changeovers. And I just recently felt you finally got back on the right path. I am so sad that some other business model couldn't have been found.
However I am extremely grateful for your courses and hope that your educators will continue to find channels to teach. If that doesn't happen it will be the greatest loss of all.
In appreciation,
However I am extremely grateful for your courses and hope that your educators will continue to find channels to teach. If that doesn't happen it will be the greatest loss of all.
In appreciation,
Marcia Liberson
June 17, 2021
I have been learning with Lehrhaus/HaMaqom off and on since I was a teen in the 1970's, and it has contributed tremendously to my development as a Jew and a member of the community. I have been blessed with wonderful teachers, most recently Kevah teachers Rachel Brodie and Josh Buchin. I know there are always many people contributing in other ways, including staff, board members and other volunteers, and donors, to make this kind of effort possible. I wish everyone the very best and hope the great work done by this group will continue in other forms.
Rochelle Nason
June 17, 2021
So many emotions over this. Thank you so much to the HaMaqom staff and educators for making adult Jewish education accessible. I have had many wonderful experiences in HaMaqom "classrooms" (mostly online during covid) and have especially enjoyed the 101 series. I appreciate the opportunity to explore Jewish wisdom on my own constructed path through your programming. Thank you so much.
Emily R.
June 17, 2021
Thank you for all you’ve done to give me deeper understanding and learning about All facets of judiasm.
I’ve taken 4 classes and ranging from Talmudic study to most recent tree of life.
Your instructor s are so knowledgeable and pleasant.
Stay well and all the best.
I’ve taken 4 classes and ranging from Talmudic study to most recent tree of life.
Your instructor s are so knowledgeable and pleasant.
Stay well and all the best.
Lori Rush
June 17, 2021
Dear Lehrhaus (even in a time of grief I cannot reconcile myself to the change of name),
Over the last thirty years, you have been a mainstay of my becoming Jewish and growing as a Jew. You've taken me from Jehon Grist's Biblical Hebrew classes, through a number of "X in a day" sessions, workshops, forums, special topics, and modern language classes, on to my current obsession, Yael Chaver's Yiddish reading group. Which, you should realize, is IN THE MIDDLE of a novel by Chaim Grade.
Is there nothing we can do to avert the evil decree?
Thanks to leadership, staff and teachers for all you've done for the community,
Over the last thirty years, you have been a mainstay of my becoming Jewish and growing as a Jew. You've taken me from Jehon Grist's Biblical Hebrew classes, through a number of "X in a day" sessions, workshops, forums, special topics, and modern language classes, on to my current obsession, Yael Chaver's Yiddish reading group. Which, you should realize, is IN THE MIDDLE of a novel by Chaim Grade.
Is there nothing we can do to avert the evil decree?
Thanks to leadership, staff and teachers for all you've done for the community,
Alice Webber
June 17, 2021
I only learned of you this last year from a friend.
I found the courses, lectures-----AND ESPECIALLY FRED!!!!!!!!! an utter joy as well as a relief from the covid isolation.
thank you and Fred for the wonderful lectures. I shall miss you (and, of course, Fred). wishing you all the best of things. mazes tov.
shalom
I found the courses, lectures-----AND ESPECIALLY FRED!!!!!!!!! an utter joy as well as a relief from the covid isolation.
thank you and Fred for the wonderful lectures. I shall miss you (and, of course, Fred). wishing you all the best of things. mazes tov.
shalom
paula bakalar
June 18, 2021
I attended many classes through the years and will miss your great service to the Jewish community.
Mary Schwartz
June 18, 2021
I am so very sad to hear this news. Lehrhaus Judaica has been a treasured community resource! I have enjoyed (and still am enjoying) your excellent courses! Thanks for all you have done for so many years.
Joanne Donsky
June 18, 2021
I took my first Lehrhaus class in the mid-eighties. I was never a “regular,” but returned sporadically over the years—always appreciative of its many and varied offerings and frequently marveling at the dedication of everyone associated with it. I understand about changes, but I’m almost never happy when old offerings disappear before I’ve made better use of them, and well before I’m able to make friends with whatever is coming in their stead. Thank you Lehrhaus and Hamaqom.
SerachBracha Albert
June 18, 2021
I have taken Lehrhaus and HaMakom courses on and off for thirty years. The teachers have always been great. I am so sorry that you couldn't continue to make it work.
I especially want to acknowledge the Talmud Circle with Rabbi Peretz Wolf Prusan and Hebrew with Orna Morad. These were both wonderful long term groups.
I hope you consider trying to transfer some of the programs and course to other appropriate institutions - maybe some of the JCCs. I will miss both the teachers and fellow students.
I especially want to acknowledge the Talmud Circle with Rabbi Peretz Wolf Prusan and Hebrew with Orna Morad. These were both wonderful long term groups.
I hope you consider trying to transfer some of the programs and course to other appropriate institutions - maybe some of the JCCs. I will miss both the teachers and fellow students.
Bruce Furman
June 18, 2021
I made lasting friendships via the Hebrew classes and really enjoyed the archeology classes (80’s & 90’s)
Sandy Bardas
June 18, 2021
Though I've not been a recent participant, I wish to thank Fred Rosenbaum for all his efforts over the years and his founding of Lehrhaus. I was sorry for the name change and am sorry to see Hamaqom leave us now.
Best regard to all.
Best regard to all.
Diane Schoenfeld
June 18, 2021
As a member of the Bay Area Jewish community and recent Jewish professional, I have been so impressed with HamaQom and it's predecessor Lehrhaus--what an incredible place you have served in educating so many people in our area. I am saddened that you are no longer going to be continuing...it just doesn't seem like it will be the same place without you!
Warmest regards to all who have been involved with this wonderful institution! Wishing good luck to all as you find places for your talents and energies!
Warmest regards to all who have been involved with this wonderful institution! Wishing good luck to all as you find places for your talents and energies!
Stephanie Brown
June 18, 2021
I'm so very sorry to learn that HaMaqom must shut down. Over the years I've taken a number of courses and classes offered by Lehrhaus/HaMaqom, and they have provided such wonderful resources to so many in the Bay Area.
Ami Zusman
June 18, 2021
I have been taking classes with you since 1974. Lehrhaus has been the source of all my Jewish studies since then. Even now I am studying Hebrew with Tikva, a class that has offered me so much opportunity and challenge, especially during this last year. I hope you are proud of all you have accomplished. I’m sure that Lehrhaus teachers and students will find creative ways to continue studying. Todah rabah!
Cindy Ostroff
June 18, 2021
I'm shocked! Seemed like yesterday when the name was changed from Lehrhaus Judaica to HaMaqom. I've been studying Prayerbook Hebrew with Professor Jehon Grist for the past year+ and was planning to continue with him in the fall. He's a great teacher and HaMaqom is an essential part of the Jewish Bay Area. What can we do to keep HaMaqom going?
Tom Levy
June 18, 2021
Thank you for your stimulating, enlightening programs. We'll miss you.
Susan Averbach
June 18, 2021
Twenty five years ago my life was changed by Jehon Grist and Lehrhaus Judaica. After classes, reading books and traveling to Israel, where Dr. Grist provided an incredible archeological background to our JUF group, I converted to Judaism. I was honored to have Dr. Grist serve on the Beit Din which welcomed me into a new Mishpacha. I moved away from the Bay Area in 1998 but I left a bit of my heart with Lehrhaus Judaica. I am saddened to hear HaMaqom will close its doors but we are certainly in a time of change. I am grateful for the Jewish education I received there which has been a foundation for my Jewish life. May all involved be blessed as you move on to new endeavors.
Sybil Malinowski Melody
June 18, 2021
I'm so sorry to hear about the closure, though I trust the board is doing what is best. I've loved the classes and programs I've engaged with--Talmud Circle was especially illuminating. Berkeley and the Bay Area won't be the same without you though the seeds you have planted will continued to grow. Blessings to all of you, B'Shalom, Rachel Eryn
Rachel Eryn Kalish
June 18, 2021
Hope the final donation we gave gets used well. 😊. We always depended on Hamaqom. Thank you.
Louise Snitz
June 18, 2021
i will write from gratitude later - i am terribly sad and shocked at this sad announcement. i’ve been with Lehrhaus since Fred Rosenbaum and find this unbelievable.
karen stern
June 18, 2021
In 2018 Rabbi Adar's Intro to the Jewish Experience classes were one of the first places I began to engage Judaism and Jewish community as a patrilineal grandchild seeking to begin to cure my ignorance. In 2021 I had the honor of her presence on the beit din that welcomed me into the People Israel.
Words are not adequate to convey my gratitude to her and to HaMaqom. I am grieved to see this institution of communal and lifelong learning finding its end. I hope that the gifts it has so long offered will indeed find new ways to reach those who need them.
Words are not adequate to convey my gratitude to her and to HaMaqom. I am grieved to see this institution of communal and lifelong learning finding its end. I hope that the gifts it has so long offered will indeed find new ways to reach those who need them.
Janine deManda
June 18, 2021
Dr. Yosef Rosen's classes are amazing and I hope to continue learning with him!
Riv
June 18, 2021
I am sorry to hear this news. Although I was not a frequent student I definitely learned a lot when I studied with you. Wishing all of you well.
Barbara Kraus
June 18, 2021
Jehon, I've very much enjoyed your excellent classes -- most recently your series exploring the context and content of the Dead Sea Scrolls. I'm looking forward to your future offerings.
Warm regards,
Kori
Warm regards,
Kori
Kori Kody
June 18, 2021
HaMaqom (Lehrhaus) provided a critically important introduction to Jewish studies to someone like me who had a totally secular background. I have great memories of week-end studies at the Marconi Conferrence Center at Tomales Bay. What a great place to be inspired by Rav Kook! I also remember Jehan Grist's slides of winemaking in ancient Israel, which he presented here in Sacramento. Many thanks are due to the wonderful teachers and students whose tremendous efforts successfully transplanted the Lehrhaus vision to California.
Ann Kanter
June 18, 2021
I have so much admiration for the courage and dedication you have all shown over these last couple difficult years. Thank you for all you have brought to the Bay Area Jewish community over the years.
Rabbi Lisa Levenberg
June 18, 2021
In the short time that I became familiar with HaMaqom
over Zoom (because of Corona) I was so impressed!
I live in Los Angeles, but really was impressed over what HaMaqom had to offer the Jewish community in the Bay Area!
Thank you for being there in the past and best of luck, best wishes to all for success in future endeavors.
over Zoom (because of Corona) I was so impressed!
I live in Los Angeles, but really was impressed over what HaMaqom had to offer the Jewish community in the Bay Area!
Thank you for being there in the past and best of luck, best wishes to all for success in future endeavors.
Debra Alden
June 18, 2021
Thank you for enriching the Jewish educational landscape and empowering the community with robust and diverse learning and engagement opportunities. We wish you success in the future and extend sincere appreciation for your efforts and impactful contributions.
The Polster Family
June 18, 2021
Sorry to see "the place" go. I'll always remember it as Lehrhaus Judaica. Hope the concept can re-materialize some time soon in the East Bay.
Dave Harris
June 18, 2021
It has been my privilege to work with Lehrhaus/HaMaQom's staff for several decades. Wishing everyone future engaging work and meaningful connections. You have made a difference. B'shalom, Riva Gambert
Riva Gambert
June 18, 2021
I am saddened to hear of your upcoming closure. Hamaqom has been a wonderful provider of Jewish knowledge to the Bay Area and beyond. For a while we had a presence in Sacramento and although it didn't endure, it did have a positive impact. I was especially happy to see the promotion of my colleague Rabbi Adar. It is my hope that the mission will continue in a new reconstituted form.
Rabbi Matt Friedman
June 18, 2021
I am sad and very surprised you are closing. I hope this announcement will bring forth a huge groundswell of support and renewal that will allow you to continue. Don't give up hope, it is possible. With some great leadership and perhaps a fundraising campaign you can move forward and continue.
Lea Delson
June 18, 2021
We are devastated to learn that Lehrhaus is terminating. It has been an invaluable resource for our community and will be sadly missed, particularly in this time of rising antisemitism when the Jewish Community needs more self knowledge.
Jeffrey Carmel, M.D.
June 18, 2021
I am so very sad to hear the news. You have deepened Jewish education for so many. Thank you for all you’ve done.
Mychal Copeland
June 18, 2021
I have many fond memories of taking classes at Lehrhaus Judaica. Fred Rosenbaum created an impressive institution that the Bay Area can be proud of.
Jeff Rosenberg
June 18, 2021
We are so very sorry to read this news; Lehrhaus was one of my favorite agencies in the rich and diverse offerings in the Bay Area Jewish Community; its founder and original director is a super star and visionary, a scholar and a gentleman and Jehon Grist and the others kept the vision thriving. What a huge loss this is for all of us. I predict that in less than a decade, something very similar will arrive on the scene that will be extremely similar and fill the need for adult Jewish learning that is ubiquitous and ambitious, with extraordinary teachers and eager students. We are very short sighted when it comes to supporting institutions such as Hamaqom aka Lehrhaus Judaica. Here's to Jewish learning!! And thanks to all who made Lehrhaus a reality for so many years!
Nechama (Nancy) Tamler
June 18, 2021
Thank you all for the wonderful quality programming you have provided over the years. You have made an indelible mark in the community. We are most grateful!
Sheila Yudenfreund
June 18, 2021
This is just SO sad. I have enjoyed the process and learned so much from Orna Morad (and more recently Tikva Farber as well). The loss of their teaching as well as the others at HaMaqom is a loss for our entire Jewish kahila.... I hope that from the ashes something of the same or better quality will take its place.....
Ed Colloff
June 18, 2021
I am so sad to learn that this wonderful community resource will be no more. HaMaqom is so rich in amazing educators with such a breadth of learning. Actually, I’m devastated. Although I’m sure many long-standing courses will somehow continue, the possibilities for new learning will end.
Personally, I’ve spent years in ulpan with Orna Morad. Our class is itself like a small community. I’ve taken classes on ancient Israelite music, food, and other short courses. And, over three years, scratched the surface of the Zohar’s splendor with Professor Matt.
Thank you for years of learning. —Michal Strutin
Personally, I’ve spent years in ulpan with Orna Morad. Our class is itself like a small community. I’ve taken classes on ancient Israelite music, food, and other short courses. And, over three years, scratched the surface of the Zohar’s splendor with Professor Matt.
Thank you for years of learning. —Michal Strutin
Michal Strutin
June 19, 2021
I'm so sorry to learn that you'll be closing. I just took my first Hamaqom class (The Dead Sea Scrolls with Jehon Grist) during the spring session, and I enjoyed it immensely. I was looking forward to taking more of your online classes and feel sad that they will no longer be available. Thank you for all you have done for the Jewish Community in the Bay Area.
Ruth Kohan
June 19, 2021
As the poet Browning said: "Oh Galuppi, Baldassaro, this is very sad to find." I will always be grateful for the time spent with Jehon Grist in his Advanced Biblical Hebrew Class and the time spent with Ken Cohen for his "Beyond the Torah" course.
Steven Torrey
June 19, 2021
I loved teaching for your organization. It was an honor to work with such professional scholars. You will be missed and I am grateful for all I learned from you
Elaine J. Leeder
June 19, 2021
The SF Bay Area needs a place like HaMaqom. How else will Jews there keep their curiosity and learning alive and growing?
Please let us know what we can do to help.
Please let us know what we can do to help.
Sherman Rosenfeld
June 19, 2021
This is NOT a message of support; this is a message of OUTRAGE! How can the board make such a draconian decision without any consultation with the broader community: the thousands of Lehrhaus students, hundreds of teachers (I first taught at Lehrhaus in 1977), and the community institutions - from the Federation on down, on how to come together to save this stellar and beloved institution?
We are owed a thorough, transparent investigation and explanation and an action plan. I am fine with abolishing HaMaqom - I never understood the rationale for a name change (not to mention that it's offensive to religious Jews who refer to God this way and Orthodox women who refer to the vagina by that word), but let's come together to SAVE LEHRHAUS!
We are owed a thorough, transparent investigation and explanation and an action plan. I am fine with abolishing HaMaqom - I never understood the rationale for a name change (not to mention that it's offensive to religious Jews who refer to God this way and Orthodox women who refer to the vagina by that word), but let's come together to SAVE LEHRHAUS!
Rachel Biale
June 19, 2021
I hope that somehow the educators and materials will be able to be used in some manner. This program has been a wonderful resource, and the educators so knowledgeable. We are going to miss Hamaqom! Thanks so much for your programming and instruction over the many years you've been in existence.
Gail Giacomini
June 21, 2021
I was so privileged to take Introduction to Judaism through you. Good luck in transitioning to the next stage!
Mary Mazzocco
June 24, 2021
Many thanks and praise to Fred for his vision and steadfast leadership over many years, and to Jehon and Peretz for sustaining and building on Fred's vision. You, and so many other Lehrhaus staff and teachers created a vibrant community, based upon learning.
The organization may be gone, but its legacy and impact live on.
The organization may be gone, but its legacy and impact live on.
David Waksberg
June 24, 2021
It is with sadness that I read about the closing of HaMaqom. I first met Fred Rosenbaum when i lived in Berkeley and was able to partake in several of the classes at Lehrhaus. When I moved to Napa, over 20+ years ago, he and Lehrhaus and many of the educators there were extremely helpful and knowledgeable in working with Congregation Beth Shalom as well as the Jewish Historical Society of Napa Valley in providing stimulating programs. One of my wonderful memories is being a part of Fred's group tours to Jewish New York with my husband David.
May we rejoice in all that HaMaqom ( Lehrhaus) provided to us.
Donna Mendelsohn
May we rejoice in all that HaMaqom ( Lehrhaus) provided to us.
Donna Mendelsohn
Donna Mendelsohn
June 24, 2021
Connecting my history, my values and learning from a community has been incredible. I am grateful for the experiences and wish all of the staff well in their next adventures. I know they will bring deep thought and care into whatever comes next. Thank you!
Esther
July 15, 2021
I took a Ladino folksong class thru Lehrhaus in the mid 80s, which jump-started a whole host of other discoveries & journeys — learning Spanish, living in Spain, and of course listening to AND singing many a Ladino song over the years.
Diana Naparst
July 15, 2021
