Program has Gained in Popularity in Light of Covid-19 as People Look for Ways to Come Together
NEW YORK – Nearly 4,000 people are participating weekly in Torat Imecha, a Nach Yomi program from the OU Women’s Initiative, a division of the Orthodox Union, as they look to join the daily online learning community. The program has gained in popularity as more people become homebound as work, schools and shuls close out of concern surrounding COVID-19.
Torat Imecha offers a daily podcast on the books of Prophets (Nevi’im) and the Writings (Ketuvim) at the pace of a chapter a day. Shiurim are given by female scholars and geared toward learners of all levels who would like to participate in the two-year study cycle. Rabbanit Shani Taragin, noted international scholar, delivers an introductory video for each Sefer.
The app has been downloaded in 27 countries, including: Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Panama, Peru, Poland, Russia, Scotland, Serbia, South Africa, South Korea, United Kingdom, United States and Uruguay.
“A core principal of Judaism is bringing people together. At a time like this when we are all davening and learning at home rather than in groups, there is a greater need to create opportunities to bring people together through technology,” said Orthodox Union President Moishe Bane.
“During this time when our community isn’t physically together, the Torat Imecha Nach Yomi program has played a pivotal role in creating a global learning community,” said Orthodox Union Executive Vice President Allen Fagin.
“With many of our synagogues and schools closed, our community is yearning for spirituality and Torah to help us get through these trying times. Torat Imecha brings everyone together to create an online community of learners,” said OU Women’s Initiative Founding Director Rebbetzin Dr. Adina Shmidman. “We’ve received wonderful feedback from users around the world about how this makes them feel part of a community during a time when people feel more alone as communal infrastructures close due to the virus.”
To subscribe to the daily Torat Imecha Shiur and to access more content, visit https://www.ou.org/women/torat-imecha-sign-up/.
Founded in 1898, the Orthodox Union, (OU), serves as the voice of American Orthodox Jewry, with over 400 congregations in its synagogue network. As the umbrella organization for American Orthodox Jewry, the OU is at the forefront of advocacy work on both state and federal levels, outreach to Jewish teens and young professionals through NCSY, Israel Free Spirit Birthright, Yachad and OU Press, among many other divisions and programs.