What is essential to understanding Judaism as an adult? Are there particular concepts, values, facts and events? Are there particular books an educated Jew ought to know of, to have read in part or in their entirety? How does an individual become comfortable in synagogue services? At a seder table? At a celebration of Israeli culture?
Knesset Israel’s Introduction to Judaism course will consist of 21 classes, each with a particular theme, encompassing themes of Jewish identity, sacred books, Jewish time, Jews in America, ethics and values, lifecycle and medieval and modern Jewish history. This accessible course is especially suitable for interfaith couples looking for understanding, individuals considering conversion and inquisitive people who have not participated in Jewish education since childhood. The class assumes that most participants will be new to Jewish education and welcomes all who are interested in broadening their Jewish experience as adults.
Taught primarily by Judith and Rabbi David Weiner, classes will incorporate dynamic activities to pique participants’ interest and maximize their learning. While some will choose to register for all 21 classes, each class will be open to the community for general enrollment. Classes will meet on Sunday mornings, 10:10-noon and babysitting will be available from 10-12.
The Sunday morning schedule will be as follows:
8:45-9:30 a.m. – Pathways of Prayer Learners’ Service (Library)
9:30-10:10 a.m. – Breakfast (Social Hall)
10:10 – Introduction to Judaism Class (Social Hall).
Class will vary in length but always end before noon.
If you are interested in signing up for part or all of the class or have questions, please contact Chris Kelly-Whitney in the Knesset Israel office. Upon registration, participants will be offered a reading list to enhance their experience of the class, as well as access to class materials via the congregation’s website.
Registration in advance of class is required so that we can prepare appropriate lessons. Substantial work and time is going into the preparation of materials for this course. Knesset Israel suggests a donation be made by students – $10 for each session per household or $100 for the series.
Class Schedule (Subject to Change)
| Date | Title |
| April 22, 2012 | Introductions/Jewish Perspectives on God |
| April 29, 2012 | Tanakh - Bible |
| May 6, 2012 | Ancient Jewish History & Literature |
| May 20, 2012 | Rabbinic Literature in its Historical Context |
| June 3, 2012 | Halakha: An Overview of Jewish Law/Shavuot |
| June 24, 2012 | The Jewish Calendar |
| July 1, 2012 | Shabbat: A Palace in Time |
| July 8, 2012 | Prayer: Structure, Nature & Music of Jewish Worship |
| July 15, 2012 | The Services of Shabbat: Making Sense of the Siddur |
| July 22, 2012 | Medieval Jewish History |
| July 29, 2012 | Anti-Semitism, The Shoah (Tisha B’av; no breakfast) |
| August 5, 2012 | Zionism & The Modern State of Israel |
| August 12, 2012 | Jewish Values Roundtable I |
| August 19, 2012 | Kashrut, Medical Ethics, Jewish Values Roundtable II |
| August 26, 2012 | Days of Awe |
| September 9, 2012 | Jews in America/Four Streams of Contemporary Judaism |
| September 30, 2012 | Women & Judaism/Season of Joy |
| October 14, 2012 | Lifecycle: Early Life, Midlife |
| October 21, 2012 | Lifecycle: Late Life, Jewish Thoughts on Afterlife |
| October 28, 2012 | Passover: As if You Came out of Egypt |
| November 4, 2012 | Hannuka, Conclusions |
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