Book Circles

We are also launching an exciting new project in connection with launch of Judaism Unbound: Bound and Beyond the Bindings! We are seeking Unbounders to become a guide for in-person small groups to engage in deep study of the book and the experience guide.  There are six chapters to work through in Beyond the Bindings, specifically designed for in-person small groups. We are looking for Guides to help hold space, convene gatherings in their local neighborhoods, and help be part of this pilot initiative to engage deeply in Jewish wisdom. 

A GUIDE IS…

Patient. Compassionate. Loves to listen as part of leading. Understands how to hold space and lift up sparks of hope, truth, and challenge. A seeker for greater knowledge. An intellect who aims to embody ancient wisdom for the purpose of igniting possibility in their own lives and the lives of others. They consider themselves an Unbounder, someone open to exploring beyond what they’ve been told and pursuing their own sense of meaning-making. 

SOUND LIKE YOU? Great!  We are accepting applications to serve as a guide for a small group. You can apply by completing this form.  We will review all applications and select up to 20 individuals to serve as guides.  Check out some of the details about the program below. If you have any other questions, please email us at Bound@judaismunbound.com.

WHAT’S A SMALL GROUP? Thanks for asking. A small group is either a group of friends, neighbors, or fellow seekers, a Jewish board or committee, or any grouping of 5-30 humans who want to engage in meaningful and joyful dialogue around Jewish wisdom and innovation.  

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS TO BE A GUIDE?  

We ask that you agree to meet six times with your Book Circle, attend a training, and contribute $20 a month (per person), plus a one-time materials cost of $40 for both books,  to Judaism Unbound.  

There are group rate discounts for the materials (for groups larger than 10 people). Also, finances should never stop you from being part of something at Judaism Unbound. We mean it. So, if you’d like to be part of a group, but require financial assistance, please let us know. 

WHAT RESOURCES ARE COMING FROM JUDAISM UNBOUND?  

Judaism Unbound will provide training to support Book Circle Guides, lesson plans, downloadable copies of Beyond the Bindings, group meet-ups for Guides, and in some cities (with more than six active groups), we will bring live Judaism Unbound events to you! 

There are study questions in the Judaism Unbound: Bound book and communal activities in the Beyond the Bindings book, as well as resources for leaders to hold space. We will ask that you attend four training sessions on the book, and then there will be optional gatherings for Guides to learn and connect as peers around the texts. 

Also—and this is important—this is a pilot initiative. Anyone joining or leading a group will be asked to participate in a low-barrier evaluative process so we can keep learning and making relevant resources. You will be part of a sacred experiment in empowered belonging, sourced in inclusive Jewish wisdom, designed to spark creativity and connection. We plan to follow the path of these pilot groups for years to come. Each one of you will be a scout into a new land. 

HOW IT WORKS

Gather 5-30 people (or grab 3 friends and let us know if you are open to others in your area joining your group)

Apply! Fill out this form to apply to be a guide for a small group.  We will review all applications and select up to 20 individuals to be guides. 

Those who are selected will learn with the Judaism Unbound team and other guides how to share these Unbound materials in ways that are engaging and heart-opening.

Looking for a Book Circle to join in your area? We’re on it. Please email us at Bound@judaismunbound and we will let you know if a Book Circle is forming in your area.