A unique initiative is transforming how young Anglo professionals in Jerusalem approach their week. The JLIC JLEM Morning Seder and Coworking Space, the creative vision of community directors Rav Jeremy and Emily Zimmer Tibbetts, offers a refreshing blend of Torah study, productivity, and community connection every Sunday morning.
A Space for Connection and Growth
The Morning Seder wasn’t just designed as another learning program—it’s a deliberate response to the unique challenges facing Jerusalem’s diverse young professional community. Many community members navigate unconventional work schedules, juggling part-time positions, remote work for international companies, or academic pursuits. These varied timetables can create isolation, with many working alone in cafés.
“We noticed that many people in Jerusalem have wonky schedules,” explains Emily Zimmer Tibbetts. “They work nights, they’re students, they have multiple part-time jobs, or they work for American companies. When schedules don’t sync up, it can be lonely. We wanted to create a Torah-oriented space where people could come together, learn a bit, join a shiur, see friends, collaborate—all with good energy surrounding them.”
Fighting the “Sunday Scaries” Together
Unlike the American weekend structure, Israel’s work week typically begins on Sunday, creating what some call the “Sunday scaries”—that feeling of anxiety as the workweek approaches. The Morning Seder directly addresses this challenge.
The program runs weekly at the Tibbetts’ home, following a thoughtfully structured schedule: (this is the schedule from a recent Sunday)
- 9:30 AM: Doors open with light refreshments and coworking begins
- 9:45 AM: Hilchot Tefillah Chabura with Rav Jeremy
- 10:30 AM: Pirkei Avot Chabura with Emily
- 11:15 AM: Likutei Moharan with Rav Jeremy
- 12:00-12:30 PM: Coworking concludes
What makes this format special is its flexibility. Participants can join for any part of the morning—attend all the learning sessions, focus on work with Torah learning in the background, or simply come for the community and coffee.
Creating Community Beyond Programs
By opening their home for this weekly gathering, the Tibbetts are exemplifying their approach to community building—creating spaces that meet people where they are. The Morning Seder represents the couple’s only daytime program, filling an important gap in community offerings.
“Community isn’t just about organized events,” Emily reflects. “It’s about creating spaces where people feel they belong, where their real needs are met. Some people need Torah during daylight hours because they can’t make evening programs. Others need a place to take on the week together. By blending learning and coworking, we’re building a more robust community that acknowledges the real rhythms of people’s lives.”
Growing Impact
What began with around ten regular participants is steadily growing as word spreads. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with many appreciating the collaborative nature of the shiurim and the ability to accomplish work while absorbing Torah teachings.
For many olim, having a designated place to go after davening, complete with Wi-Fi, refreshments, and friendly faces, has become an anchor point in their week. It’s a space where the transition into the new week feels less daunting and more communal.
The JLIC JLEM Morning Seder represents a thoughtful innovation in community programming, recognizing that community building happens not just through formal events but through creating spaces where people’s everyday needs intersect with Jewish learning and connection.
Reach out to any of our Directors to learn more about and to support JLIC and our programming.
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