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Introduction to Judaism I, II

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.

This class is recognized nationally by the Union of Reform Judaism. It is intended for those who wish to join the Jewish People, and those who want to learn about their Jewish heritage and faith. 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.

Click here for the registration form.


Introduction to Judaism Course Schedule
Introduction to Judaism is a 12-week course that meets on Mondays from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Course meeting dates are as follows (latecomers are welcome):


November 7, 2011 January 23, 2012
November 14, 2011 February 6, 2012
December 5, 2011 February 13, 2012
December 12, 2011 March 5, 2012
December 19, 2011 March 12, 2012
January 9, 2012 March 19, 2012


Books for the Class Include:
1. Journal
2. Tanakh: The Holy Scriptures (Philadelphia: The Jewish Publication Society of America)
3. Mishkan T'fillah: New York Central Conference of American Rabbis (can be purchased in Judaica Shop at TAS)
4. Choosing Judaism by Lydia Kukoff (New York: UAHC Press)
5. Seasons Of Our Joy by Arthur Waskow (Boston: Beacon Press)
     Or The Jewish Path by Rabbi Wendy Pein & Naci FreedbergTucson: The Jewish Path LLC
6. PLUS one of the following:
     The Story of Judaism by Bernard J Bamberger (New York: Schocken Books);
     Jews, God, and History by Max Dimont (New York: New American Library Inc., Signet Book;
     My People: The Story of the Jews by Abba Eban (New York: Random House)