“Torah Unboxed,” a JNet video series by Rabbi Mendel Winner, aims to demystify the world of Torah texts for newcomers. The first part looks at four popular editions of the Chumash, analyzing their features, translations, and commentaries in a format familiar to YouTube fans.
As the sun sets behind the rugged mesas of the Jemez Mountains in New Mexico, casting long shadows across the landscape, David Levinson makes himself comfortable in his study. His laptop glows softly as he immerses himself in the weekly Torah portion with his JNet Chavrusah.
“After October 7, I felt an urgent need to reconnect with my roots,” says Levinson, 52, a software developer who moved to this remote corner of New Mexico 10 years ago. “But when I started studying the Torah on my own, I was overwhelmed. There were so many editions, commentaries and translations. I didn’t know where to start.”
Levinson’s journey is an example of a growing trend: Jews around the world are exploring their heritage. Often far from traditional centers of Jewish education, they use digital platforms to do so on their own.
Enter JNet, the Jewish Learning Network, which is at the forefront of this digital Jewish renaissance. For nearly two decades, JNet has brought together mentors and mentees studying Torah on a weekly basis. Its latest offering, “Torah Unboxed,” a video series hosted by Rabbi Mendel Winner, aims to demystify the world of sacred texts for newbies like Levinson.
“We are essentially creating an ‘unboxing’ experience for Torah texts and study materials,” explains Rabbi Mendel GronerDirector of JNet. “Our goal is to make these ancient texts accessible and engaging to a modern audience, especially those who feel intimidated by the vast array of options.”
The first part of “Torah Unboxed” reviews four popular editions of the Chumash, analyzing their features, translations, and commentaries in a format familiar to YouTube fans.
“In my years as a Chabad rabbi, I have seen how newcomers to Torah study are often overwhelmed by the number of options available and don’t know where to start,” explains Torah Unboxed host, Rabbi Mendel winner of Chabad Neshama Brighton Beach, NY and host of the new series. “This series is geared towards them. They can now buy their first Torah book with confidence, knowing that it is something they will appreciate.”
rabbi Mendy KotlarskyExecutive Director of Merkos 302, the umbrella organization of JNet, emphasizes the importance of this project today: “We are witnessing a wonderful awakening of the Jewish soul. Many Jews are exploring their heritage for the first time. Our role now is to feed that spark by providing them with the tools and resources they need to study from the source for themselves. We offer a lifeline to those rediscovering their heritage, no matter where they are.”
JNet’s flagship offering remains its personal learning partnerships, which match learners with volunteer teachers around the world. This personalized approach has proven particularly effective for people in remote areas or with unconventional schedules.
For Levinson, of New Mexico, this virtual community has been transformative. “My study partner in Brooklyn feels closer than my next-door neighbor,” he muses. “And now, with JNet resources like ‘Torah Unboxed,’ I’m getting the tools to dive deeper myself.”
JNet connects volunteers who have had a Jewish upbringing with Jews from all walks of life who want to learn more. For the mentee, it offers a one-on-one session to explore their Jewish heritage at their own pace. For the mentor, it offers an opportunity to tap into their arsenal of Jewish knowledge and share it as part of a weekly shlichus.
To register a visit, www.jnet.org/learn
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