Smart. Spiritual. Surprisingly Relevant.

IJKL is a pre-eminent educational center based in South Florida offering multiple on ramps to meaningful and transformative adult Jewish learning and living.

We believe that Jewish learning should be transformative, meaningful, and deeply personal. Through accessible, affordable classes and events, we connect seekers of all backgrounds with some of the world’s most engaging and respected Jewish educators.

Our History

IJKL was founded in 1990 by Rabbi Akiva Mann and Kim Lerner. Created as a platform for Rabbi Akiva to offer programs in Jewish Mysticism, it grew to invite Scholar in Residence programs, trips to Israel and Shabatons.

In 2017 IJKL became the Adult Jewish Education Provider for Broward County and Dr. Sandra Lilienthal and Rabbi David Paskin joined the leadership team. IJKL began to expand it’s classes and involvement in the community creating avenues for Synagogues to include IJKL class passes as part of their membership benefits.

With the pandemic came a need for changes to the in-person class model, and IJKL was an early adapter to Zoom programming and was able to again increase the offerings and diversity of classes as well as inviting new teachers and program leaders. We have also increased our student population to now include IJKL lovers from around the world.

IJKL continues to grow and evolve to reach its vast seekers of Jewish Knowledge.

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Our Values

We are a welcoming, inclusive community committed to lifelong learning and spiritual growth. We provide a loving environment for our community & help build a solid spiritual and theological foundation for those seeking in-depth Jewish study, connectedness, and holiness.

Community

Jewish learning has always been a team sport and we honor that heritage through building a learning community where each person is a teacher and a student.

Inspiration

We believe Jewish learning inspires us to be our best selves and see ourselves and others created in the image of the Divine.

Depth

According to the sages there are four levels of Jewish text interpretations. We learn the p'shat (literal meaning) and dig deeper to discover the mystical teachings and profound wisdom that lie beneath the surface.

Equality

We see every person regardless of gender, religion, ethnicity, race, sexual orientation or background as a sacred partner in creating our learning community.

Integrity

We seek to honor the integrity of the texts and traditions we study and teach. We also yearn to validate each person's perspective, questions and insights with the same commitment and level of depth.

Diversity

We are pluralistic and help each member identify and cultivate their unique Jewish identity.

Empowerment

We believe Jewish learning inspires Jewish living. We seek to empower everyone to discover how.

Meet the IJKL Team

Mark Goldman

Director

Cantor and Rabbi Mark Goldman brings a deep passion for modern Judaism and notable accomplishments to our community.

Kim Lerner

Emeritus, Co-Founder

kim@ijkl.org

Kim co-founded, with Rabbi Akiva Mann, the Institute of Jewish Knowledge and Learning in 1993. She now serves as Executive Director and has played a key role in envisioning and enacting IJKL's development. Kim brings to IJKL a successful business background and joy and passion for learning and building community. Married with two daughters she is now grandmother to grandson Henry.