About the TorahMates Learning Program
Judaism and Torah Study for Beginners and Pros
Oorah's TorahMates is a free Jewish learning program partnering thousands of Torah study partners globally. Our goal is to allow every Jewish individual to learn more about their heritage, and to allow beginners the opportunity to study Torah from the comfort of their own home. Dedicated coordinators match men and women wishing to learn Torah and learn more about their heritage with knowledgeable and friendly volunteer teachers. After choosing the topic they'd like to study, TorahMates learn Torah on the phone or video call for a half-hour a week.
It doesn’t have to end after you hang up the phone! Many TorahMates become close friends as they grow together every week. Annual retreats bring the TorahMates community together for a weekend of growth and bonding, and as a bonus, TorahMates earn miles for every minute they learn which can be used to purchase many different types of great prizes! In 2020, the TorahMates' Jewish Resources website was launched as well, giving visitors a convenient location that houses weekly inspiration, recipes, holiday guides, and more.
Our 11,500+ TorahMates span in age from 7 to 97 years and study in 8 languages!
OUR STORY
1982
Humble Beginnings
The TorahMates initiative began with a small group of volunteers. There was no official TorahMates program or systemized course. The concept was simple- join 2 Jews together, and let them learn Torah.
1995
Widening the Reach
The group of volunteers reached out from their base in Staten Island to families in NJ to spread their knowledge and share their wisdom.
1997
On the Web
Flyers with information were created, as well as a website for people to check out the program for themselves.
2000
Unified
The organization expanded. Once independent partnerships, the learning partners connected and became a part of something greater than themselves.
2004
TorahMates Established
The partnership program became an official division of Oorah, and was named TorahMates. The partners primarily learnt over the phone, choosing a topic in Judaism that interested them, from Talmud to Jewish customs and laws.
2005
TorahMates Expanded
TorahMates became so big that an entire department at Oorah was created specifically for TorahMates coordinators and staff.
2006
Junior TorahMates Established
With the establishment of Junior TorahMates, the youth were able to gain from the benefits that mentorship and Torah study offers.
2008
TorahMates Rapid Growth
TorahMates reached 100 partnerships.
2009
TorahMates reached 500 partnerships.
2010
Mileage Program Begins
TorahMates began to accumulate reward points for learning Torah with their partners, which can then be redeemed for gifts.
2011
TorahMates reached 1000 partnerships.
2012
First Annual TorahMates Retreat
TorahMates retreats were initiated for TorahMates to meet their partners and bond in a relaxing atmosphere.
2016
TorahMates App Released
TorahMates program becomes bigger and better with the TorahMates app for Android! TorahMates can now call their TorahMate, log their miles, and easily contact their TorahMates coordinators, all in one convenient app!
2017
Texting System Launched
TorahMates can now log their progress, check on their points balance, and see any applicable rules simply by texting the automated TorahMates line.
2020
Jewish Resources Launched
TorahMates' Jewish Resources website is launched, giving visitors a convenient location that houses weekly inspiration, recipes, and holiday guides.
2022
A Thriving Organization
TorahMates is a large enterprise with over 11,500 participants who benefit from studying a topic of their preference, while enjoying the warmth gained from a friendship with their TorahMates.
The longest recorded TorahMates study session was 9:20:00 hours.
Topics
EXPAND YOUR KNOWLEDGE, INDULGE YOUR CURIOSITY
Below is a list of commonly studied subjects. From Torah study for beginners, to learning Hebrew, or Jewish philosophy, we've got you covered! See below for a list of commonly studied subjects. If you have another topic you are interested in, we're all ears!
Philosophy
- 13 Principles of Faith
- Ethics of Our Fathers
- The Way of Hashem
- Pain and Suffering
- Free Will
Jewish Law & Customs
- Shabbat
- Holidays
- Daily Living
- Prayer
Oral Law & Torah Study
- Chumash/Bible
- Navi/Prophets
- Mishnah
- Talmud
Hebrew
- Hebrew Reading
- Hebrew Language
History
- Understanding Jewish History
- Timeline of Jewish History
Family
- Marriage in Judaism
- Parenting the Jewish Way
- Family Purity
The greatest age gap between TorahMates partners is 68 years and the farthest geographical distance between TorahMates partners is 9,688 miles, from Miami, Florida to Melbourne, Australia!!