About Text and the City
Text and the City is an immersive experience for adult learners that combines Jewish text study with unique opportunities to explore New York City through a Jewish lens. 
- Discover new approaches to classical Jewish texts with leading JTS scholars.
- Explore New York City with expert-guided visits to cultural institutions, including The JTS Library and its world-renowned collection of rare materials.   
- Join a community of like-minded, curious adult learners. 
Text and the City will take place from Sunday, June 6 to Wednesday, June 9, 2027, at The Jewish Theological Seminary in New York City.  
Registration will open soon. Sign up here to be notified when registration opens.Â
Text Study
Text and the City offers participants of all learning backgrounds the opportunity for a close reading of classical Jewish texts with JTS scholars, each bringing a different set of questions and interpretive approaches to the text. Participants also have the opportunity to study in hevruta, the traditional practice of paired learning. Through thoughtful conversation and collaborative inquiry, learners deepen their understanding of the text while building connections with one another. 
2027 Theme: Our 2027 program will take place in the days leading up to Shavuot, and the learning will be appropriately centered on the revelation of God at Mount Sinai and the giving of the Ten Commandments.  We’ll explore the mystery of revelation, the meaning of receiving the Torah, and the enduring questions that continue to shape our relationship with God and Jewish tradition. Our learning will also include Shavuot-themed topics such as Megillat Ruth and the origin of Tikkun Leil Shavuot. Stay tuned for more information and a listing of topics.Â
2027 Faculty
These outstanding JTS scholars bring expertise across a range of disciplines, offering diverse perspectives and fresh approaches to the text.
Dr. Shira Billet, Assistant Professor of Jewish Thought and Ethics, JTSÂ Â Â
Carlie Hoffman, Assistant Director, MFA in Creative Writing
Dr. Amy Kalmanofsky, Dean, List College and Kekst Graduate School; Blanche and Romie Shapiro Professor, Bible, JTSÂ
Dr. Benjamin Kamine, Lecturer in Rabbinic Literatures and Cultures, JTSÂ
Dr. Yitz Landes, Assistant Professor of Rabbinic Literatures and Cultures, JTSÂ
Dr. Natan M. Meir, Joseph J. and Dora Abbell Librarian, JTSÂ
Dr. David Moster, Director of the Biblical Hebrew Program, JTSÂ Â Â
Dr. Marcus Mordecai Schwartz, Ripps Schnitzer Librarian for Special Collections, JTSÂ
Dr. Benjamin Sommer, Professor of Bible and Ancient Semitic Languages, JTSÂ
Dr. Sarah Wolf, Assistant Professor of Talmud and Rabbinics, JTSÂ
New York City Explorations
Text and the City features cultural outings where learning extends beyond the classroom. Participants join JTS scholars and other experts who apply the different interpretative tools that they use in the Beit Midrash to other cultural artifacts: books, documents, visual art and NYC landmarks.  Note: Participants will have the opportunity to choose between NYC outings and extended text study sessions.
Past outings have included visits to some of New York City’s most significant cultural institutions, such as the JTS Library’s world-renowned special collections with Dr. Marcus Mordecai Schwartz, a walking tour of Jewish life on the Lower East Side led by Dr. Sandra Fox, a special visit to The Met Cloisters with Dr. Julia Perratore and Prof. David Kraemer, and a private tour of Paul Klee: Other Possible Worlds at the Jewish Museum.  
Daily Schedule
Text and the City will begin on Sunday at 2:00 p.m. and conclude on Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. View a sample schedule for Text and the City.
Accommodations
The George Manhattan, Tapestry Collection by Hilton is located just a few blocks from JTS. There are several other nearby hotels including the Night hotel, Arthouse hotel, Hotel Belleclaire and the Lucerne hotel.  In addition, the JTS residence hall is also available. If you wish to reserve a room at the JTS residence hall, please contact textandthecity@jtsa.edu.
Fees and Registration
By April 1, 2027: $850 Â
After April 1, 2027: $950  Â
The registration fee covers learning sessions and study materials, afternoon outings, and some meals.    
Bring a group from your synagogue or community for a special rate.
We do not want finances to deter anyone from participating in this program, and scholarship funding is available. If you wish to inquire about a scholarship, please contact textandthecity@jtsa.edu.
Testimonials
“Text and the City is among the best adult educational experiences I have attended. The JTS faculty is without parallel in the depth and breadth of their teaching. The afternoon excursions into the city were thoughtfully curated. I am eager to do it again next year.” —Marc Gary, Atlanta, GA
“Text and the City was one of the richest and most satisfying Jewish study programs I have ever experienced. It was a highlight of my year and I savored every single moment. Absolutely incredible!” —Hannah Raz, Mill Valley, CA
“This is Jewish adult learning and community-building at its very best.” —Mark Deitch, Ossining, NY
“This was a powerful week of community, connection, and profound learning. I loved every minute.” —Andie Levinger, New York, NY
Contact Us
Text and the City is directed by Rabbi Luciana Pajecki Lederman, Director of the Beit Midrash, JTS, and Tani Schwartz-Herman, Program Director, Division of Lifelong and Professional Studies, JTS.
For more information, please contact us at textandthecity@jtsa.edu.
