What is Bayit l'Bayit?
Bayit l'Bayit (House to House) is a program of small study groups that meets with a teacher on a weekly basis to learn classic Jewish texts. The small group setting promotes deep learning and great camaraderie. When you commit to a Bayit l'Bayit class, you are assured of a knowledgeable instructor and of studying with fellow Jews dedicated to furthering their Jewish education.

How does Bayit l'Bayit work?
Bayit l'Bayit classes meet weekly in a home, around the dining room table. Such intimacy provides an opportunity to engage in textual study without the formality of a classroom. Since the class can only be as big as the table, you are guaranteed a small class and a wonderful learning experience.

Who takes a Bayit l'Bayit course?
All adult Jews are welcome to take a Bayit l'Bayit course. Whether you grew up in a synagogue, are presently unaffiliated, or have chosen Judaism as an adult, you are welcome. The only pre-requisites are a desire to learn the material and a commitment to participate in the course. You do not have to be a member of a congregation in order to take a Bayit l'Bayit class; you only have to be interested in serious Jewish learning.

Where do the classes meet?
At present, the classes meet at Rabbi Jordan Parr's home in Plano, Texas. If there is interest, classes can be scheduled at other homes around the Dallas Metroplex. We are eager to recruit Bayit l'Bayit teachers across North America so that adults everywhere can take a Bayit l'Bayit class.

What classes are offered?
Currently, there are three classes that Rabbi Parr teaches. All classes will meet on Thursdays for 60 minutes each. They are:

  9:30 - 10:30 AM Parashat HaShavua (Portion of the Week)
10:45 - 11:45 AM The Tanach, Word by Word
12:00 - 1:00 PM Judaism 101

Parashat HaShavua will look at the weekly Torah Portion according the Triennial Cycle. Consequently, a full study of Parashat HaShavua will take three years. Along with the reading of the text, we will look at the classical commentators, such as Rashi, and modern commentators, such as the Sefas Emes, to gain insight into the portion. The primary text will be the Stone Chumash (Artscroll); additional texts might include the Plaut Torah Commentary (Union for Reform Judaism) and Etz Chayim (Rabbinic Assembly). Knowledge of Hebrew is helpful but not required, as Rabbi Parr will highlight the Hebrew passages when necessary.

The Tanach, Word by Word, takes a different approach to Torah study. In this class, we will not move forward in our reading until we have exhausted every last letter of every word in the Bible! This course will encourage depth of understanding; we will read the text at our own pace, not bound by the requirements of the weekly cycle of Torah readings. And eventually, we will even read the Prophets and Writings! As with all Bayit l'Bayit classes, we will read the passages in English, with periodic references to the original Hebrew whenever necessary. The maximum enrollment for each class is 11 students. Additional classes can be scheduled if necessary.

Judaism 101 will give you "the basics". We will look at Jewish holidays, the life cycle, the prayerbook and rabbinic literature. All materials will be in English; no prior knowledge of Judaism is assumed. This class is perfect for Jews who want to deepen their observance, Jews who want a refresher on the basics and even those considering Judaism as a life discipline.

Don't see a class you like? Then contact Rabbi Parr for a customized class! Shorter-length classes are available!
Rabbi Parr is eager to create unique classes to satisfy your appetite for Jewish learning. Once we agree on a topic, time and place, you can invite your friends to join you for some Jewish learning! Rabbi Parr will help you to fill your table if necessary. All we ask is at least six people and a 4-week minimum commitment.

How much does it cost?
Ongoing Bayit l'Bayit classes are $100/month. Your check is your monthly reservation. You may withdraw at any time; however there are no refunds given once a month has begun. You must also give one month's notice if you intend to withdraw so that we can fill your spot and maintain the integrity of the group.

Short-term classes are priced according to topic and length. Students are expected to participate in all sessions of these classes. Once the class has begun, no refunds are given.