Kollel facts for kids

A kollel (pronounced koh-LEL) is a special school for grown-up Jewish men who want to spend their time studying important Jewish texts. It's a place where they learn about Judaism at a very high level. They focus on books like the Torah and the Talmud, which are central to Jewish life.

What is a Kollel?

A kollel is an educational place where men dedicate themselves to deep study. They learn about Jewish law, traditions, and the teachings of ancient rabbis. It's like a college or university, but specifically for advanced Jewish studies.

Studying Important Texts

The main focus at a kollel is studying sacred Jewish writings.

• The Torah contains the foundational laws and stories of the Jewish people.
• The Talmud is a huge collection of discussions and interpretations by rabbis about the Torah and Jewish law.

Students spend many hours each day reading, discussing, and understanding these complex texts.

Kollel vs. Yeshiva

You might have heard of a yeshiva. Both kollels and yeshivas are Jewish study centers. However, there's a key difference:

• Most students at a yeshiva are usually younger, often single men. They study before they get married or start their careers.
• Most students at a kollel are married men. They often have families and continue their studies even after finishing a yeshiva.

Why Do They Study?

Men choose to study at a kollel for several reasons. Many feel it's important to keep learning and growing in their Jewish knowledge. It's a way to deepen their connection to their faith and heritage.

Students at a kollel often receive a small allowance. This helps them support their families while they dedicate their time to learning. This allowance allows them to focus fully on their studies without needing to work a full-time job.

Images for kids

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  Kollel Birkat Yitzchak in Moscow