Liana Wertman
Founder & Executive Director
she/her/hers
I'm Liana, and I've been lucky enough to teach Torah to thousands of people around the world through my work! Of course at The Torah Studio, but also at HUC, BCI, MyJewishLearning, Judaism Unbound and in many other communities. I am a recipient of the 2022 Pomegranate Award from the Covenant Foundation for my work with the Torah Studio.
I graduated with a BA in History from USC (2016) and a Masters in Educational Leadership from HUC-JIR Rhea Hirsch School of Education (2022). I'm also a proud alumna of The Pardes Institute for Jewish Learning, the Classic Talmud Program from Yashrut, and the SVARA Pedagogy Chaburah.
I run The Torah Studio from my home in the forests of Idyllwild, California with my husband Joe and our dog Daisy. When I'm not teaching Torah, you can find me making art, listening to fantasy audiobooks, or looking at something beautiful (probably at the same time).
My Approach
Learning or teaching Torah that transforms requires rooting in traditional knowledge, of course, but also an openness to challenge and others to growth with to actually create resilient Jewish identities and communities. As the founder of The Torah Studio, I've spent years developing an approach to text learning that opens hearts and new futures through Jewish text. When you learn with me, we'll experience Torah as a living though ancient conversation, and create a space where every person in the room knows how to add their authentic voice to it.
My work with any partner community begins with conversation. Getting to know who you are, what you're seeking, and what will actually serve your community is essential. Across dozens of workshops and for as many communities, my teaching has helped transform young adults exploring Judaism for the first time, teens wrestling with big questions, and adults hungry for depth. My approach is accessible and engaging but most importantly builds more connection and trust within your community to grow meaningfully.
I work with synagogues of any denomination and Jewish organizations of any size want to create text rooted. I am excited to bring this meaningful learning directly to and for your community, whether that's a scholar-in-residence weekend, an online workshop, or building a custom curriculum or experience together. If you're looking for Jewish learning that's rigorous, joyful, and truly transformative for any and all ages, let's talk about what's possible together!
My Offerings
Community Learning
I create ongoing and one-time learning experiences that bring people together around Torah and Jewish texts.
This might look like Parsha study or Art Midrash sessions where creativity and curiosity become ways into the text. Maybe your community wants to journey through the Jewish library (Tanakh, Talmud, Commentary...).
I also love serving as a scholar-in-residence for Shabbat weekends or multi-day intensives, diving deep into whatever your community is curious about.
These experiences work for young adults, adults, families, teens, or intergenerational groups—whoever is hungry to learn.
Supporting Educators
I work with Jewish educators who want to deepen their own text study skills and their capacity to facilitate meaningful learning.
This could be a longer term program based on my Certificate in Liberatory Torah Education, custom workshops on teaching strategies and facilitation techniques, or intensive training tailored to your team's needs.
Whether you're looking for a one-time professional development session or sustained partnership, I'm here to help educators feel more confident and creative in their practice.
Building Curriculum
I design courses and programs from the ground up, and beyond just what you can see here at The Torah Studio. I've written a full Introduction to Judaism curricula, have built University accredited intensives, and consulted on curriculum for a variety of communities and needs.
I have a lot of experience writing for in person programs, but I'm known internationally for creating low-tech, high-impact online learning experiences that actually engage people of all ages.
Exploring New Ground & Creating new Conversations
I'm developing workshops around constructive disagreement through intentional and somatic text study. These are tools for communities who want to practice holding difficult conversations with safety and courage. Whether trying to face big changes in our communities, building trusting and resilient teens, or trying to heal serious conflicts we must create spaces to practice hard conversations before we need them.
If your community is ready to revitalize critical conversations that build more loving communities, let's talk about what might be possible together.
Past Teachings
Multi-Session Learning
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3 week Introduction to Jewish Text, HUC Jewish Ideas Fellowship
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Genesis Models for Divine Relationships, Brandeis Camp Institute Beit Midrash
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A Deep Dive into the Book of Jonah, Brandeis Camp Institute Beit Midrash
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Teen Program series on Torah, Art, and Interpretation, Adat Ari El
One Time Workshops And Sessions
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Complex Conversations with Complicated Texts, for the LA Jewish Teen Initiative
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Introduction to Text Study, Zumwalt Acres Fellowship
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The Torah As High Fantasy, Chavura USC & at Shtibl Minyan
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The Story of Ruth, Shavuot at Temple Beth Am LA
Curriculae
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Complete Update to the Miller Introduction to Judaism Program, AJU
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University Accredited 10-Day Judaism and Arts Intensive for College students, BCI
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Youth Group and Teen Programming, Temple Israel of Hollywood
Let's Start a Conversation!
Reach out and we'll have a conversation about your community—what you're seeking, what questions are alive for you, what would serve your people. From there, I'll design learning that belongs to you.
I'm in Southern California and available for local in-person teaching. I also work online with communities everywhere. Let's talk about what might be possible.