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. Lehrhaus has just posted their online catalog for 2011, including Rabbi Adar's Intro classes around the Bay Area - be sure to take a look!
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. Many classes will begin right after the High Holidays in October. 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.”
Rabbi Ruth Adar has announced that she will be teaching "Intro" classes in three locations this fall: Oakland, Lafayette, and Marin. Look at Rabbi Adar's website, which is devoted to her Intro classes. A complete list of Rabbi Adar's Intro classes are listed on the What's New page, with links. Remember that for these classes, there is rolling enrollment -- you can sign up during any one "section," and complete your education by enrolling in the next sections until you've completed the year of education.
AND we are currently putting together a conversion workshop specifically aimed at the Gay & Lesbian, GLBTQ, community. It will be held the night of November 3rd at Temple Sinai in Oakland. Put it on your calendars!
In addition, Temple Sinai in Oakland, CA is offering several events regarding Jews and color; check the What's New page for these dates.
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!
