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 Adult School. 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 East Bay 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 East Bay 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 East Bay 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! It begins March 17, 2010, at Merritt College 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 CampusCost: all three units:
$240non-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.
Here's another Intro class, this time in Redwood City:
Who Knew? An Introduction to Judaism
Seven-week course for Jews, non-Jews, and interfaith couples who are interested in gaining knowledge of Jewish history, life, traditions, and culture. Study together for seven weeks, be a welcome guest for Shabbat dinner in a congregation member's home, and top it off with a Rockin' Shabbat. (Friday, February 26 - Shabbat Dinner; Friday, March 5 - Rockin' Shabbat and Dinner) Taught by Rabbi Ezray, Bill Futornick, and Cantor Barbara Powell.
Date: Wednesdays, January 6 to February 17
Time: 7:30 to 9:00 p.m.
Place: In Rabbi's Office at Congregation Beth Jacob, 1550 Alameda de las Pulgas, Redwood City
Free and open to all. Questions? Call Eric at 650-366-8481, ext. 333, he is the very nice Exec. Director of Congregation Beth Jacob.
Details: http://www.bethjacobrwc.org/seriescourses.html#Introduction%20to%20Judaism
"Discover Judaism!"
An intro to Judaism cosponsored by Congregation Netivot Shalom and Lehrhaus Judaica;please call Netivot Shalom at 510-549-9447 to enroll.
Discover Judaism is series of classes, designed to help you access the deep meanings of Judaism through a friendly, beginner-level journey. Participants can join one series at a time, and are welcome to begin at any point. Jews, non-Jews, and those on the journey are welcome!
It's time to sign up for Series 3!
Series 3: Spiritual Practice and Jewish Law
With Rabbi Menachem Creditor
What is the system of Jewish Law, and is it the same as spirituality? Over the course of Jewish history, communities and individuals have developed many forms of Jewish spiritual practice. Is there a sense of “command” in Judaism today? Can a search for spirituality influence the way Jewish law functions? We will explore these questions, and also engage questions of Denominations and modern community. No Hebrew is required for this class.
Dates: Tuesdays, Jan. 19, 26; Feb. 2, 9, 16
Time: 7:30 to 9pm
Place: Netivot Shalom, 1316 University Ave., Berkeley,
Class fee: $50-$75 — (sliding scale, no one turned away for lack of funds)
For more information or to enroll call Netivot Shalom at 510-549-9447
What about other classes on specific topics?
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).