Ohel Eidot Chemdata, poetically rendered as the “Tent of the Precious Congregations”, is intentionally curated as our very own spiritual refuge. We have experienced countless challenges over too many years as African American/Caribbean Jews. This is our answer.
OUR VISION
To provide a safe, loving, thriving haven for African Diaspora Jews to grow, thrive, and elevate our identity, belief, and culture.
OUR MISSION
By providing invigorating services, exceptional literacy opportunities, and dynamic programming, every guest will be forever transformed, continuously uplifted, and endlessly empowered.
About the Program
Makhon T’Shuvah is a Jewish Literacy masterclass developed specifically for professionals and rabbinical students seeking advanced Jewish education. Offered by OEC DC in partnership with the Pluralistic Rabbinical Seminary, courses combine live instruction, assigned readings, homework, oral examinations, electronic assessments, and, in some courses, unit-based projects. Students who successfully complete coursework with a minimum grade of 85 receive both a certificate of completion from OEC DC and academic credit recognized by PRS.
Curriculum
The Makhon T’shuvah rabbininc curriculum is a Jewish Literacy masterclass designed for professionals vs the traditional community members. MT for Rabbinical Students pairs weekly course lectures with reading assignments, homework, examinations, and in some courses unit based projects. The course was curated and will be taught by the esteemed Rabbi Shais Rishon and will also feature, from time to time, guest rabbis who have produced academic and mainstream literary works on specific course topics. Students will need to receive a passing grade of 85 on all course work to receive credit. Distinguished students will be recognized for scoring 90-94, and 95-100. Course subjects can be found here: https://www.oheleidotchemdata.org/syllabus
Qamma Unit – $6,080
The Qamma Unit is a year-long course designed to be completed over fifty-two (52) weeks, with three live instructional sessions each week.
The first session is held on Sundays from 9:30 AM–12:00 PM (Eastern) and is mandatory, as students receive their weekly reading and homework assignments during this session.
Students then choose one of the following weekday sessions each week:
- Monday or Tuesday: 7:00–8:00 PM (Eastern), with the virtual classroom opening at 6:30 PM for Q&A.
- Wednesday or Thursday: 7:00–8:00 PM (Eastern), with the virtual classroom opening at 6:30 PM for Q&A.
Students may attend additional weekday sessions as often as they wish.
At the beginning of the course, students will select an annual project theme upon which each unit project will build. During the final week of the program, students will present a capstone project before a beit din of rabbis.
Weekly coursework is due each Thursday, and an electronic examination is administered at the conclusion of each unit throughout the year.
Registration
OEC will provide administrative support Sunday – Thursday from 9am to 6pm. Students will be able to email courses@eidotchemdata.org for dedicated support or may dial 301.564.1111, A dedicated WhatsApp group will also be available for students to join.
