shiurim

A shiur (plural shiurim) is a Jewish religious class or lecture, typically given by a rabbi or Torah scholar. In everyday usage, it denotes a scheduled session of Torah study and can be offered in synagogues, yeshivas, colleges, and community centers. Shiurim cover a wide range of subjects, including Talmud, Halakha (Jewish law), the weekly Torah portion (Chumash), and Jewish philosophy or Hebrew language.

Shiurim can be designed for various audiences, from beginners to advanced students. They may be short 20–40 minute talks, longer in-depth lectures, or multi-session courses. Some are meant for individuals, others are part of chavruta or group study. In many communities, daily or weekly shiurim are a central part of religious life.

Formats vary; in modern times they are offered in person, via audio or video recordings, and online platforms. A well-known example is the Daf Yomi program, a daily Talmud study cycle that completes the entire Talmud roughly every seven and a half years. Other recurring formats include weekly parsha shiurim, or specialized series on tractates, halakha, or Jewish thought.

Etymology: in modern Hebrew, shiur means a lesson or class; the term reflects the broader tradition of structured instruction within Jewish study. Shiurim remain a foundational element of Torah study and lifelong learning in many Jewish communities.