The Binyan Certificate in Jewish Learning and Leadership
- Advance your Jewish knowledge and Hebrew skills
- Strengthen your foundations for Jewish ritual and educational leadership
- Build relationships with mentors from the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College
- Explore pathways for soulful study and meaningful service
The Binyan Certificate is designed for adult learners who want to go deeper — in Hebrew, in Jewish knowledge, and in their sense of purpose. Classes are held online, designed to fit a full life.
- Biblical Hebrew: Two semesters of intensive biblical Hebrew, offered online in the evenings, EDT
- RRC Coursework: Two semesters of an additional RRC course with subjects to include Jewish Ritual Practice and Reconstructionism
- Mentoring: Optional mentoring meetings with RRC faculty members or rabbis serving in the field and the chance to explore if rabbinical school might be right for you
Accessible, flexible pricing:
The Binyan Certificate is offered at a flat per-semester rate, with a Hebrew-only option for those focused on language study.
- Full Certificate Program: Hebrew + RRC coursework per semester: $1,800
- Single course per semester (either Hebrew or Jewish learning): $900
RRC Academic Calendar 2026-2027:
- Fall semester: Courses begin August 25, 2026 and end Dec 14, 2026.
- Spring semester: courses begin the week of February 1, 2027 and end May 18, 2027.
Download full AY 26-27 calendar here
Course descriptions:
- Credits: 3
- Time: Tuesdays and Thursdays – 7:30-9:00 pm EST
- Instructor: Dr. Tamar Kamionkowski
- Mode of Instruction: Online
Fall semester course meets twice a week for 90-minute sessions. Participants must be familiar with the Hebrew alphabet and vowels and must be able to read Hebrew aloud. No other prior learning is necessary.
This full semester course introduces students to Hebrew nouns, adjectives, prepositions and basic verb forms. By the end of this semester, students will be able to identify all varieties of the basic Hebrew verb form; to navigate and translate basic biblical narrative with the assistance of supplementary notes and will have mastered about 200 vocabulary words.
- Time: Tuesdays and Thursdays – 7:30-9:00 pm EST
- Instructor: Dr. Tamar Kamionkowski
- Mode of Instruction: Online
Spring semester course meets twice a week for 90-minute sessions. Participants must successfully pass Biblical Hebrew 1 to enroll in this course (or receive exemption via assessment due to prior learning.)
This full semester course solidifies the learning from the first semester and then introduces all the remaining verb forms. By the end of this course, students will: know vocabulary words that appear at least 500 times in the Bible; be able to navigate their way through biblical Hebrew lexica (dictionaries); and will be able to translate beginner and intermediate level biblical narratives.
Students enrolled in the program will have the choice from two other class offerings learning alongside RRC students:
JEWISH TRADITIONS
- Time: Mondays – 6:30 pm-7:50 pm EST
- Instructor: Laynie Soloman
- Mode of Instruction: Online
In this course students will explore traditional Jewish beliefs and practices. Through primary texts (Bible and Mishnah) in translation, students will encounter the fundamentals of prayer, kashrut, Shabbat and festival observance. This course also investigates the phenomenon of halakhah (Jewish lived practice) and how it evolves through ever-changing times.
RECONSTRUCTIONISM 1
- Instructor: Rabbi Alex Weissman
- Time: Tuesdays – 3:30 pm-4:50 pm EST
- Meeting Details: 1.5 hours once per week
- Mode of Instruction: Hybrid
This course surveys the history of the Reconstructionist movement and places particular emphasis on the basic categories of Mordecai M. Kaplan’s thought. Students become acquainted with the categories that differentiate the Reconstructionist approach to Judaism and reflect upon their continuing relevance.
We welcome Jews of all backgrounds with an interest in Jewish learning and leadership.
Deadline to Apply for Fall 2026: All application materials must be submitted/received by Wednesday, July 15, 2026.
What to Expect:
- Open to Jews of all backgrounds with an interest in Jewish learning and leadership
- Applicants must have completed undergraduate studies before beginning the certificate
- Rolling admissions through the summer — apply when you’re ready
