Beit Midrash Canberra is the ACT Jewish Community’s official Jewish adult education program. Beit Midrash began in 2004 in response to the declining level of Jewish literacy in Canberra’s Jewish community and the concern for nonexistent tertiary study of Jewish civilization in the Australian national capital and at the Australian National University.

Beit Midrash fosters reflection and debate in an open and stimulating environment and the courses are intellectually challenging and spiritually enriching. The only prerequisite for enrolment in the program is the desire to learn. Beit Midrash welcomes participants from the Jewish and non-Jewish community. Students enrol in specifically developed courses of study for adult learners, who meet one day a week for eight weeks throughout each school term. There are no exams, but Beit Midrash encourages Jewish students to make Jewish learning a way of life.

Beit Midrash Canberra provides courses in the following fields: Hebrew, Bible, Talmud, History, Philosophy and Jewish Living. All courses are moderately priced and most of the Jewish Living classes are free. The curriculum is designed and approved by the ACT Jewish Community Board, which is also the accrediting body. Certificates of Attendance are issued when students have completed a number of classes.

Recent courses taught in 2005
· Beginners Hebrew A, B & C
· Intermediate Modern Hebrew
· Introduction to Judaism
· Jewish Philosophy Maimonidies
· Introducation to the Dead Sea Scrolls
· Reading the Dead Sea Scrolls (in English)
· Jewish Living (singing the Grace After Meals)

Beit Midrash vigorously maintains the highest level of educational standards drawing upon the great wealth of Jewish sources within Canberra’s Jewish community. To preserve the high standards of Beit Midrash all educators within the community must participate in ongoing professional development programs. This contributes to the community’s overall educational resources. If you have a particular skill and would like to become a Beit Midrash tutor please contact the ACT Jewish Community.