Intro To Judaism

Judaism is built around community, ritual, tradition, and faith. If you are Jewish, interested in converting or raising a Jewish family and looking to learn more, delve deeper, and connect - learn with us! Our engaging, university-accredited Intro To Judaism course is interactive and encourages questions, discussion, and hands-on learning. No knowledge of Hebrew is required.

This Introduction to Judaism class will be taught in three units. For those who are on the path for conversion, please register for the full course - all three units, as this is not a drop-in model.

Classes are in-person from 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.*

Upon registration, each person or couple will receive a hard copy of the Introduction to Judaism course book. You should also order Aleph Isn’t Tough: An Introduction to Hebrew for Adults, which we will be using for learning the Hebrew language. There is also a recommended reading list for the class.

A single unit of the class for each student is $100 for members and $150 for non-members. The full 3 unit course for each student is $225 for members and $350 for non-members.

The first class of Unit Three begins March 28.

*Please note that classes marked with an asterisk are not the regular Thursday cadence.

Unit 1 Classes

  • 10/5/23 — Holidays

  • 10/19/23 — Torah

  • 11/2/23 — World of the Bible

  • 11/16/23 — Pluralism

  • 11/30/23 — Shabbat

  • 12/5/23 — Prayer*

Unit 2 Classes

  • 1/4/24 — Talmud

  • 1/18/24 — God

  • 2/1/24 — High Holy Days

  • 2/15/24 — Kashrut

  • 2/29/24 — Kabbalah

  • 3/7/24 — Love

Unit 3 Classes

  • 3/28/24 — Kids

  • 4/4/24 — Grief

  • 4/18/24 — Passover

  • 5/2/24 — Antisemitism

  • 5/16/24 — Israel

  • 5/31/24 — Shabbat Dinner and Tikkun Olam*

“We loved Intro to Judaism with Rabbi Russell. We took the class right after we got engaged, and it was such a special opportunity to learn about Judaism together as we reflected on what traditions and values we wanted to have as a family. Rabbi Russell is an incredible teacher. She encourages her students to explore and ask questions and makes every topic accessible no matter what your reason is for taking the course. We are thrilled to have her officiate our wedding!”

— Kate and Jake