Lishma Learning
לשמה · Lishma · For its own sake
A Path Shaped Around You
Customized Jewish learning & coaching for learners ages 10 to 100.
Whether you’re preparing for a life cycle milestone or building skills for your own practice, we can chart a path centered in accessing personal meaning.
Adult Access Skills
Support for adults of all backgrounds seeking confidence with Hebrew reading, prayer and ritual, Torah chanting, and more.
Adult Hebrew learning.
B’ Mitzvah Preparation
Customized tutoring that centers each unique student and their family, weaving skills and meaning making together.
B’ Mitzvah tutoring.
Ceremony Officiation
Design and officiation for life cycle ceremonies rooted in your family's unique make-up, background and comfort level.
Baby naming ceremony.
Different options of classes where adults can develop access skills. Offered virtually in 8-week increments.
“Cara is such a great teacher! I came to this Yesod Hebrew class as a beginner with a personal goal of learning how to read and understand enough Torah that I can make my own meaning. Cara did an excellent job outlining tasks for beginners in such a way that we felt comfortable making mistakes and strengthening our skills confidently. I especially appreciated the extra resources Cara shared with us each week.”Laura Goldstone
Meet Your Educator
Cara Abrams
Cara Abrams helps learners of all backgrounds build the skills and confidence to find meaning in Jewish life. She specializes in guiding unaffiliated families through meaningful B’ Mitzvah experiences and supporting adults beginning or deepening their Jewish learning.Cara holds a Master of Jewish Education from Hebrew College and certificates in Advanced Jewish Studies and Jewish Day School Education from the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies. Her two years living and studying in Israel shaped her own journey toward greater confidence in Jewish texts and practice—and inform her welcoming approach to teaching.A B’Mitzvah tutor since her teens, Cara has developed customized learning and ceremonies at Seattle’s Kavana Cooperative and led family engagement and education at Congregation Shaarie Torah in Portland. Her experience also includes leading a Jewish community nonprofit and teaching in Jewish day schools across four states.
What Might We Work On?
▪ Hebrew reading, conversational Modern Hebrew and Biblical Hebrew
▪ Finding your way through a particular service
▪ Leading a particular service (morning, afternoon, evening, Shabbat, holidays)
▪ Torah and Haftarah chanting
▪ Textual preparation and writing a D’var Torah
Get in Touch
Share a little about yourself, your goals, and any timing you have in mind. Cara will be glad to connect.
Classes
Yesod: Foundation of Hebrew Reading
An 8-week virtual class for adults who want to learn to read Hebrew or review and strengthen their skills to build confidence. We will learn the Hebrew alphabet and vowels and practice combining them to sound out words, working toward reading accurately and fluently. Along the way, we will explore vocabulary that connects Modern and Biblical Hebrew, opening doors to greater access and meaning-making. No previous experience is required.
Starting the week of November 9, 2026.One-hour weekly classes on Monday or Tuesday evenings, scheduled between 6 and 9 p.m. Pacific. The final day and time will be determined based on participant availability.Sliding scale rates for the full eight-week course$360 Supported | $500 Standard | $600 Sustaining
Bina: Understanding What You Read
An 8-week virtual course for adults who want to build on their Hebrew reading skills and begin understanding what they read. We will expand our vocabulary and explore how Hebrew words work together, learning basic grammar and practicing with simple sentences and short readings. Along the way, we will build confidence and open doors to greater access and meaning-making. For graduates of Yesod or anyone who can sound out Hebrew words, even if reading feels slow or rusty.
Starting the week of January 4, 2027.One-hour weekly classes on Monday or Tuesday evenings, scheduled between 6 and 9 p.m. Pacific. The final day and time will be determined based on participant availability.Sliding scale rates for the full eight-week course$360 Supported | $500 Standard | $600 Sustaining
© 2026 Lishma Learning · Cara Abrams