Perek Yomi Reaches Major Milestone: Program of Daily Bible Study Concludes First Cycle

Perek Yomi -- the program of daily Bible study launched by The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism in October 1999 -- recently celebrated a milestone: the conclusion of the first full cycle of reading and study. The project, which fosters individual study of the entire Tanakh, has had a major impact not just on Conservative Jews but on their congregations as well. Many synagogues scheduled regular study sessions to enhance their members' learning experience, with some holding lively celebrations to mark the completion of the reading.

For some, the Perek Yomi siyyum (concluding scholarly commentary) was particularly festive and meaningful. Rabbi Edward Bernstein, Associate Rabbi of Beth El Synagogue Center in New Rochelle, New York, points out that the congregation "had a true celebration of our accomplishment at our siyyum on April 13. It was especially important for those who didn't have any previous experience. By doing a little every day for two and a half years, participants went through a significant amount of text, getting a good overview of the foundation of Jewish literature."

Rabbi David Lerner of North Suburban Synagogue-Beth El in Highland Park, Illinois, stated: "When I first came to the synagogue as a new rabbi, [Perek Yomi] was given to me as one my projects, and it has blossomed into one of my core programs. We have had a weekly gathering to study the texts, and it has had huge benefits for individuals. It's harder to appreciate the wisdom of later writings without knowing the foundation. And I learned as much as the students. As a community, we created a culture of learning."

Said Rabbi Lerner: "On April 21, 80 people came for a siyyum and dinner and looked back over what we've done and accomplished over the past three years. Most people are going on to Mishna Yomit, which will be the focus of our weekly study gathering. Some who came in during the 'middle of the movie' are going back to Perek Yomi." Rabbi Daniel Isaak of Congregation Neveh Shalom in Portland, Oregon, said that "many congregants had their eyes opened to a huge area of Jewish literature they had no idea about." He added: "Even those who didn't actively participate knew about it through the weekly e-mail and announcements during services. Some took it quite seriously and read commentary, some did it as bedtime reading. Those who came to a siyyum or talked with me during the week found it a wonderful way to continue to study Judaism and to do it on their own."

Originally a pilot project of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism's Council of Regional Presidents, Perek Yomi began in Spring 1998, involving only the members of the Council. The enthusiasm of participants led to an expansion of the program the following year.

USCJ Executive Vice-President Rabbi Jerome Epstein, who first initiated the project, was honored at the siyyum held by the Council of Regional Presidents in Chicago on April 18, marking the conclusion of Ketuvim. At the meeting, Rabbi Vernon Kurtz Rabbi, past president of the Rabbinical Assembly, launched Mishnah Yomit, USCJ's second project of daily Jewish learning.

Participants now have two options for continuing study. They may join Mishnah Yomit to read one or two passages in the Mishnah each day with the goal of learning an entire "order" of Mishnah in the course of a year. Alternatively, they may choose to repeat the Perek Yomi cycle, which began with Joshua on April 19. For further information about Perek Yomi or to obtain study materials, contact Dr. Morton Siegel, coordinator of the project, at The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, 155 Fifth Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10010, tel: 212-533-7800, ext. 2234. A website and chat room for participants will be available this fall. Founded in 1913 by Dr. Solomon Schechter as the association of Conservative synagogues in North America, The United Synagogue serves as a resource to its affiliated congregations and works to formulate a Conservative Jewish response to pressing social and religious issues.

Home| About CBI| Board Of Directors| Rabbi Spitz| Services| Contact Us| Calendar| Shofar