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.

Looking to join our next cohort in the fall? Contact Hilary at helfman@bethsholomsf.org for more information.

Register Here!

  • Unit 1 Classes

    September 18, 2025
    Holidays

    October 16, 2025
    Torah

    October 30, 2025
    World of the Bible

    November 6, 2025
    Pluralism

    November 20, 2025
    Shabbat

    December 4, 2025
    Prayer

  • Unit 2 Classes

    January 8, 2026
    Talmud

    January 22, 2026
    God

    February 5, 2026
    High Holy Days

    February 19, 2026
    Kashrut

    March 5, 2026
    Kabbalah

    March 19 2026
    Passover

  • Unit 3 Classes

    April 16, 2026
    Antisemitism

    April 30, 2026
    Love

    May 7, 2026
    Kids

    May 19, 2026 (Tuesday)
    Grief

    June 4, 2026
    Israel

    June 12, 2026
    Tikkun Olam and Shabbat Dinner

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.

  • “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