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.

Registration is open for our next cohort! Contact Hilary at helfman@bethsholomsf.org for more information.

Register for Units 1–3
Register for Unit 1

  • “The Intro to Judaism course was such an enriching, informative experience. As someone new to Judaism, I wouldn't have known where to start learning on my own. This course provided a comprehensive overview while offering additional ways to deepen understanding and connection. Rabbi Russell is an incredibly approachable teacher who invites questions and shares insightful answers with a candor that balances both reverence and humor. It was such a delight taking this course and I am grateful to have made new friends during. I highly recommend this course!”

    Diana

  • “This class was essential to me on my Jewish journey and I looked forward to every session. There was an excellent mix of teachers, meaty topics, a surprising field trip, and I always felt comfortable asking questions and engaging with the material in a way that felt personally relevant. I left with new friends, a much stronger appreciation of Judaism's wisdom, and a deeper connection to its ancient traditions. What a gift!”

    MacKenzie

  • “I was very shy about entering a Jewish space, but Rabbi Russell is patient and welcoming, and she creates a space where it is safe to ask questions. Each week covers a different topic, so by the end of the class you have a strong foundation for diving deeper into whatever aspects of Judaism interest you. It is also a great way to meet other people. I only wish there were a Judaism 2.0 class to continue learning.”

    Sabrina

  • “Joining the Intro to Judaism class at Beth Sholom was a transformative experience. Rabbi Russell has a gift for making every topic both tangible and deeply personal; she welcomed every question, which allowed us to explore and rediscover our Jewishness in such an inviting, relevant way. I cannot recommend this class enough.”

    Bert

  • “My now-wife and I took Intro to Judaism together. Beth Sholom reflects my progressive conservative Jewish upbringing and my wife really connected with Rabbi Russell. The class was amazing in its ability to provide us a broad intro to Judaism from many perspectives — enough to motivate continued learning and practice outside class. Even growing up with some Jewish education, I learned multiple new things every class myself, too.”

    L.R.

  • “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.”

    Kate & Jake

  • “Even though I was raised Jewish, I took Rabbi Russell’s Intro to Judaism class because I wanted to learn more about the origins and meaning of the holidays, rituals, and lifecycle practices I’d grown up with. The class was a perfect fit, and I loved it. Rabbi Russell is a fantastic teacher — thoughtful, humorous and open-minded. The class included a group of diverse and highly curious students, making the conversations really interesting. I’m so glad I took the course.”

    Liz

  • “We took Intro to Judaism before getting married as one of us looked to gain familiarity with the Jewish faith while the other needed some refreshing! Rabbi Russell communicates complex topics in such a familiar, relatable manner, and the amount of content that we covered in a short period of time was really enjoyable and stimulating. The connections we made with our class membershelped us feel much closer to the CBS community.”

    Caitlin & Sam

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Jewish conversion is a comprehensive spiritual journey involving:

    • Educational study with a Beth Sholom rabbi

    • Demonstrating understanding of Jewish beliefs and traditions

    • Taking part in the Jewish community (religious services, holidays, programs and more!)

    • Personal commitment to Jewish ritual and practice

  • Candidates must:

    • Be sincere in their desire to join the Jewish community

    • Have no active commitments or beliefs to another religious tradition

    • Be prepared and willing to embrace Jewish religious practices

  • Conversion students typically:

    • Complete the Introduction to Judaism class at Beth Sholom

    • Read recommended Jewish texts and literature

    • Complete 1-2 years of structured Jewish learning (this can be in tandem or separate from the class)

      • This includes regular meetings with a Beth Sholom rabbi and a series of reading and writing
        assignments to reflect on certain topics

    • Learn the basics of the Hebrew language (letters, vowels and basic decoding)

  • This is a marathon, not a sprint. Taking on rituals and practices is an educational and spiritual process
    that is not expected to happen overnight. Conversion candidates should be working towards:

    • Observing Jewish holidays and lifecycle events

    • Practicing Shabbat and holiday traditions

    • Following kosher dietary laws

    • Actively participating in Jewish community life

    • Developing a personal connection with Jewish spirituality

  • Conversion typically takes 1-2 years for comprehensive preparation. The timeline varies by the
    individual's background and dedication. This is your journey — it can happen at your own pace.

    • Introduction to Judaism class course fees and workbook

    • Donation to the SF Mikvah: the Mikvah sustains itself by community support and donations. They ask for a suggested donation of $54-$72 for using the Mikvah.

    • Congregation Beth Sholom membership: connection to Jewish community is one of the highest priorities for being able to build and sustain a Jewish life. We hope that by choosing Beth Sholom and our rabbis, you will also choose Beth Sholom as your spiritual home. This is not a strict requirement, but a topic that we will discuss at some point during the process.

    • Meeting with a Beit Din (rabbinic court of three rabbis)

    • Ritual immersion in a mikvah

    • For men: hatafat dam brit (ritual drop of blood — see more) OR circumcision

  • A Jew-by-choice can (and should!):

    • Fully participate in Jewish religious life

    • Be recognized as Jewish by the community

    • Enjoy all religious and cultural traditions

    • Continue their journey of lifelong learning

Classes are in-person on Thursday from 6:30–8:30 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 $125 for members and $175 for non-members. The full 3 unit course for each student is $325 for members and $475 for non-members.

Non-members who join Beth Sholom after the start of the class can put the difference in class price towards their membership.

  • Unit 1

    October 8, 2026
    October 22, 2026
    November 5, 2026
    November 18, 2026
    December 3, 2026
    December 10, 2026

  • Unit 2

    January 7, 2027
    January 21, 2027
    February 4, 2027
    February 18, 2027
    March 4, 2027
    March 18, 2027

  • Unit 3

    April 1, 2027
    April 15, 2027
    May 6, 2027
    May 20, 2027
    May 21, 2027
    June 3, 2027