We’re Almost There!
By Lisa Paule, Torah Fund Director
When the Torah Fund Creating New Spaces special campaign was initiated in 2019, it was planned that half of the anticipated $200,000 proceeds would be allocated for the naming of a study area in the new residence hall for List College students at Jewish Theological Seminary (JTS). Thanks to the generosity of many, Torah Fund has almost met this campaign goal, but about $6,000 must still be raised. When the Spaces campaign is finished, this designated area on the fourth floor of the dormitory will officially be named The Women’s League Study Space.
The new building housing undergraduates is physically connected to the Seminary, so that students can take advantage of all that JTS offers just a few steps away. The fourth floor includes the resident director’s apartment, making it ideal for first-year students to become acquainted with their new surroundings. There are two resident assistants on this floor, and resources and programs are provided to help the new students become acclimated to JTS. There are single and double rooms, and a large shared kitchen is across the hall from the dining area. The dorm is used year-round, though there are far fewer students in the summer, and most of August the dormitory is empty to prepare it for the coming school year.
The study space, adjacent to the dining area, was thoughtfully designed. It is furnished comfortably for students, whether studying, reading, or spending leisure time together. The bold, graphic wall coverings were adapted from images found in the JTS Rare Book Room. Thirty students live on the fourth floor and have close access to the study room, but students in the building can use any study areas they choose. This study area is mostly used in the evening, and it isn’t uncommon to see ten students in the space. With Wi-Fi, a printer and a television that students can use for gaming or accessing their personal TV apps, there are many options.
For over eight decades Torah Fund has helped provide resources for students to become future leaders serving Jewish communities worldwide. It will be a momentous occasion when this study section can be named, with gratitude to hundreds of dedicated, caring Torah Fund donors. If you would like to make a donation to the Spaces campaign, please click here.
