The Konikoff Center for Learning supports Jewish education in a variety of ways in Tidewater. With a goal of nurturing inter-denominational relationships between individuals and synagogues, David Konikoff drives the direction of the Center by sponsoring programming and brain-storming new initiatives to bring people together to learn.
In 2020, KCL was created as Tidewater’s hub for experiential Jewish education and engagement, with plans for high-impact learning experiences including programs, classes, workshops, and symposiums that span generations and interests.
“My thoughts are to help have a facility to enhance Jewish learning and bring more awareness to who we are and how important it is for all of us to be proud – as well as to participate, contribute, and step forward together as Jews. We also hope to educate and expose other faiths to the Jewish experience,” says Konikoff.
Through Jewish Innovation of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, KCL promotes roughly 10 course series each year. Current multi-week classes include Rabbi Sachs Community Book Club – a year-long study aimed at deepening an understanding of Jewish values through the teachings of Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks – and The Undiscovered Country: Jewish Views of the Afterlife taught by Rabbi Michael Panitz.
In addition, the Konikoff Center for Learning partners with religious schools and area synagogues in support of opportunities open to the public. Examples include B’nai Israel Congregation’s Shabbos Project, an initiative to bring in Shabbat along with Jews around the globe, and Community Impact Day, an event combining a camp fair and mitzvah mall – a partnership with Ohef Sholom Temple, UJFT, Tidewater Jewish Foundation, and Congregation Beth El.
National speakers also visit Tidewater each year as part of KCL’s outreach. This month, Abigail Pogrebin and Rabbi Dov Linzer, authors of It Takes Two to Torah, led an exploration of the Five Books of Moses from the perspective of Reform and Orthodox Judaism. Along with their presentation, members of the Great Jewish Book Shelf (another effort supported by KCL) who chose this book as their selection, had a private gathering with the authors prior to the public event.
Sierra Lautman, senior director of Jewish Innovation, says David Konikoff envisions “building bridges across denominations,” wanting people to leave an event having created a new relationship with someone with a different Jewish perspective. “The ultimate goal of KCL is to inspire people and give them practical tools to advance their Jewish learning.”
In May, Konikoff Center for Learning will sponsor Celebration of Lifelong Learning, a special program acknowledging the contributions of teachers and students engaged in meaningful Jewish learning throughout Tidewater. The event will recognize the dedication of learners of all ages and celebrate the pursuit of knowledge.
