Heading West The Kollel Institute sets up classes outside of Oak Park. LYNNE MEREDITH COHN STAFF WRITER I n response to the calls that have been coming in for a year, the 23-year-old Kollel Institute is setting up shop in West Bloomfield. Starting Sept. 8, the Oak Park-based, full-time Torah- learning center will send about eight teachers to Ohel Mohed Shomrey Emunah in West Bloomfield for men's and women's learning nights. And if teens accompany their parents to class, Rabbi Elazar Meisels, program director, says there will be teachers for the teens. "You come up with your suggestions, your needs, and we'll fill them," he says. Even if an individual is look- ing for a chavruta (study part- ner) for one-on-one learning, Meisels says the Kollel will make the match. The instructors will be comprised of students of the Kollel, says Meisels. Rabbi Eli Jundef, spiritual leader of Ohel Moed-Shomrey Emunah, will serve as dean of the program. Some lay leaders in West Bloomfield wanted Jewish learn- ing activities closer to home, Meisels explains. Others want- ed the Jewish community in that area "to solidify," and "some sim- ply want to do homework with their kids." Monday evenings have been designated for women and Tues- days are for men, each night from 8-9 p.m. There is no cost, although "sponsorships are al- ways welcome," Meisels says. The program is being funded through private contributions. Individuals at all levels of Jewish knowledge and from any level of observance are welcome; the program will be attuned for each level. The topics for the men's pro- gram will include Talmud, week- ly Torah portion and relevance of the holidays. The women's lineup includes classes in He- brew reading and language and the weekly Torah portion. The program, to be known as the Jewish Learning Experience of West Bloomfield, will not of- fer a Talmud class for women be- cause, according to Rabbi Shmuel Irons, head of the Kol- lel, "historically, the study of Tal- mud was a men's endeavor." Because of its abstract nature, Irons says Talmud study "fits better into the psychological makeup of a man." • COLORWORKS STUDIO OF INTERIOR DESIGN Meisels assumes that people have been asking for Jewish learning because they "are look- ing for meaning, spirituality, the pintle yid [Jewish spark]. With all the issues being raised [about Jewish continuity], it makes peo- ple wonder, want to see what it's all about, make an informed de- cision. "This program entails a lot more than just sitting down and studying," Meisels says. Irons says that just "the exis- tence of such a program, it's very being, is something that will im- pact the community. It's a state- ment that studying Torah is important." ' For information or to sign up, call (248) 988-7256. • Studio in Ha rvard Row Mall _ keNat quishatei The SPOT 50%-70% OFF ALL NAME BRANDS •Vertical Blinds • Pleated Shades •Levolor Blinds • Wood Blinds 21728 W. Eleven Mile Rd. Harvard Row Mall Southfield, Ml 48076 Free Professional Measure at No Obligation Free in Home Design Consulting Robert Stewart Photography As you've heard by now, we're making news in design! Whether its planning your new home, remodeling your existing one, or furnishing a room— we invite you to explore the difference in interior design and encourage you to interview one of our designers for your next project.! Hours: Mon.•Sat. 10 5 - 1,11 V 352-8622 L New Rochester Hills 651-5009 Come in and see our- FabuIc3us Fall Arrivals! The Shirt Box. Shirts And A Whole Lot More. Ahvays 20% - 35% Off Heidi Courtyard Center • 325CONorlivirestem tivy • Farmington Hills (248) 851.6770 32506 Northwestern Highway • Farmington Hills, MI • (248) 851-7540 HORS: Mon. - Sat. 930-6 Thursday till 7:03