Classes and Education
Where prospective converts go to learn more about Judaism
We are so lucky here in the Bay Area to have so many learning opportunities. Covering the entire bay is Lehrhaus Judaica, the AdultSchool. Their classes are cited in synagogues all around the bay. You can see their catalog online at www.lehrhaus.org.
Each synagogue offers classes. If you are interested in a particular synagogue, call them and ask to receive their class schedule. Most of the classes will run like a school year: starting in the fall, with a second "semester" of classes beginning around Jan - Feb. Summer is often a slow time for Jewish classes. The rabbis and teachers get the summer break, too!
What sort of classes are a good start? An "Introduction to Judaism" class is a good beginning. These classes vary in length. Some of the Intro classes are ten weeks and the big EastBay one is 20 weeks. But the rabbis all study individually with those seeking to convert so you want to ask your rabbi about what he or she wants you to take. If you want to get an idea of what the range can be, you can email us at becomingjewish1@yahoo.com. Start planning now for fall. Many classes will begin right after the High Holidays, which are Rosh Hashanah, sunset of September 18 through nightfall of September 20, and Yom Kippur, sunset of September 27 through nightfall of September 28. Synagogues and Lehrhaus (the adult Jewish School) will begin classes throughout September/October. If you are at the beginning of your conversion studies, you want to be looking for a beginning or introduction to Judaism class. If you are not sure you’ll convert, just sign up for a class and see what you think. If you KNOW you want to convert, you need to talk to your rabbi about which class he or she sends students to. If you don’t have a sponsoring rabbi yet but you want one, email us (becomingjewish1@yahoo.com). We can help you meet a few rabbis to see where you feel there is a “fit.”
There is a new Intro class, conceived and taught by rabbis, just announced, held at EastBay synagogues. There are 3 specific entry points: you can pick one or all three. Sign up through Lehrhaus Judaica's website at this specific link.
Introduction to the Jewish Experience overview
This is a three-part course designed to equip students to engage with Jewish life and Jewish institutions. The course will follow the course of the Jewish year, preparing students for the holidays shortly before they occur. The course is designed to engage students not only intellectually but experientially: we will visit Jewish institutions, study with panels of local rabbis, and have many opportunities to experience Jewish life in the EastBay first hand.
You can sign up for Part I, or Part II or III separately, or all three at once.
Sign up for Part III! Intro has had one class; it's not too late to sign up for the rest of the classes! Next class March 24, 2010, at MerrittCollege in Oakland.
Part III: The People Israel
Who is a Jew? Who are the Jews? We will explore these questions by looking at Jewish life from many different angles: kashrut, Israel , the Movements of Judaism (Reform, Conservative, Orthodox, Reconstructionism, Renewal), Jewish institutions, and the relationship of Judaism and its sister religions, Christianity and Islam.
Begins March 17, 2010, 7:30pm at Temple Sinai , Merritt Campus
Cost: all three units: $240 non-members; $195/members
Each individual unit: $95non-members; $80/members
Enrollment is NOW open on the Lehrhaus Judaica website, www.lehrhaus.org
Rabbi Adar has her own website (just click on "website") devoted to this new Intro class, a site that includes the syllabus, the book list, links to resources, and a more complete description of the class. And a mechanism for asking questions and communicating directly with her.
You definitely want to expand your knowledge. You may want to take a class on the liturgy of the service, or Jewish history or music. You will certainly want to learn some Hebrew. Again, one of us can talk to you, or you can go straight to a rabbi, or check the Lehrhaus site (www.lehrhaus.org).
Be sure to check our What's New page for classes that have been recently announced!