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Introduction to Judaism

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Introduction to Judaism 2007 - 2008

Introduction to Judaism provides an opportunity to learn about Jewish history, traditions, holidays and life-cycle ceremonies. Participants will gain comfort and familiarity with the symbols, liturgy, music and traditions that accompany Jewish celebrations in the home and synagogue, including some basic Hebrew.

Introduction to Judaism is designed for individuals and couples wishing to explore Judaism, as well as for those individuals considering becoming Jewish. Partners in interfaith relationships are encouraged to enroll together. Note that this is not a conversion class, but it does fulfill one of the basic requirements for conversion.


Why take the course?
For some things in life, it is never too late. Somehow, when you were younger, maybe you didn't learn what you'd like to know about the culture and religion of the Jewish people. Perhaps you grew up in a place where there was no synagogue. Perhaps you weren't quite ready to appreciate the Jewish Education you were offered. Perhaps you parents didn't think you needed a Jewish education.

Perhaps you now seek a way to live a fuller and richer Jewish family life. Perhaps you now want to narrow the cultural gaps between you and your children. Whatever the reason, Introduction to Judaism offers you a time and place to broaden your Jewish awareness.

Introduction to Judaism can launch you on a path to authentic personal Jewish identity. This course can help you acquire a basic Jewish vocabulary. You can gain intellectual knowledge of Judaism as well as the skills necessary to "do Jewish".


Included in the Introduction to Judaism course are the following concepts:

  • Anti-Semitism
  • Belief in God
  • Birth
  • Conversion to Judaism
  • Death and Mourning
  • Israel and Zionism
  • Jewish Culture
  • Jewish History
  • Jewish Holidays
  • Marriage and Family
  • Messiah
  • Personal Responsibility
  • Sin and Repentance
  • Worship and Spirituality
Click here for the URJ website which contain additional information on the Introduction to Judaism course.


Introduction to Judaism Course Schedule
Introduction to Judaism is an 18-week course that meets on Sundays from 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. The instructor is Rabbi Elizabeth Goldstein 858-451-1200 or email: . Course meeting dates are as follows (latecomers are welcome):


September 9, 2007 November 11, 2007
September 16, 2007 December 2, 2007
September 23, 2007 December 9, 2007
September 30, 2007 January 13, 2008
October 7, 2007 February 3, 2008
October 14, 2007 Febreary 10, 2008
October 21, 2007 February 17, 2008
October 28, 2007 February 24, 2008
November 4, 2007 March 2, 2008


Click here for a more detailed outline of the class sessions.


Shabbaton - Saturday, January 12, 2008, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Note that a required all day Shabbaton is arranged for a Saturday during this course. Attendance at one Shabbaton is required for every student of the Union for Reform Judaism Introduction to Jdaism course. The word Shabbaton is related to the word Shabbat (the Hebrew word for Sabbath or day of rest). During this Shabbaton you can expect to enjoy yourself experiencing prayer, study, Jewish songs, debate and discussion with rabbis and fellow students. You will meet students from other course locations.

Click here for Shabbaton flyer.



Tuition
Tuition* is $275 per individual or couple, for members of URJ-affiliated congregations; $350 per non-affiliated member or couple. Textbooks are included in the tuition.

Click here for course registration form.

Please make check payable to URJ and mail registration form to URJ, INTRODUCTION TO JUDAISM, 15760 Ventura Boulevard, Suite 1125, Encino California 91436 with a copy to the Temple Adat Shalom Office, attention Adult Education. For additional information please contact Fran Goldstein in the Temple office at 858-451-1200 or email: .


*Introduction to Judaism is sponsored by the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ). Please call the URJ office toll free at 888-834-8242 or TAS at 858 451-1200 to make arrangements if you have a financial hardship.