Journey to Judaism

religion image of Prayer book and Shofar (horn) jewish religious symbols. Rosh hashanah (j

An online intro course for all things Jewish

Discovering or Rediscovering Judaism

Join us for an intro session on Thursday, October, 29th, 2026 at 6:30 PM. (Class days and times will be determined by participants who attend the intro session)

Our Journey to Judaism program provides some of the essential elements needed for a foundation in Jewish basics. By design, it is not strictly a "conversion" course, but is required for anyone seeking conversion. During our 36 weeks together, we will review many topics that relate to Jewish theology, tradition, sacred texts and peoplehood. However, it is impossible for any one class to encapsulate the depth and breadth of Jewish wisdom, history and tradition, and, therefore, each student is asked to begin the course with an awareness that this program is by conception and implementation just a stepping stone into greater Jewish study and practice. We can provide, at best, an outline to the vastness of Jewish law, knowledge, literature, observance, and contemporary concerns. Jewish learning and living is a journey, not a destination. We are so honored that you want to begin that journey with us!

Because most of us learn best by doing, students are encouraged to actively participate in as many aspects of Jewish life as possible. Religious services, lectures, social action, community programs and Shabbat/holiday observances will help students gain a deeper understanding of Jewish life and the Jewish community.

I look forward to learning, studying and growing together.

Shalom u'vracha, peace and blessings,

Rabbi Sydney

Metal plate with matzah or matza and Passover Haggadah on a vintage wood background presen

Course Outline

Week 1: WELCOME AND COURSE INTRODUCTION
- During this class, we will spend some time getting to know one another and learn about each other's motivations for taking this class.
Week 2: WHAT IS A JEW? WHAT IS JUDAISM?
- Communal definitions and self-definitions. What does it mean to be Jewish? Who’s in and who’s out?
Week 3-5: GOD
- A glimpse at the diverse Jewish views on God throughout the ages.
Week 6-9: TORAH AND TALMUD
- The textual sources of Jewish wisdom.
Week 10-11: JEWISH DENOMINATIONS
- Reform, Conservative, Orthodox and everything in between.
Week 12-14: PUBLIC JEWISH SPIRITUALITY
- Prayer and ritual observance.
Week 15-17: PRIVATE JEWISH SPIRITUALITY
- The Jewish home and family.
Week 18-19: MYSTICAL TRADITIONS
- Jewish mysticism, views on the afterlife, Kabbalah and Mussar.
Week 20-22: HOLIDAY CUSTOMS
- Jewish Calendar and High Holidays.
Week 23-25: HOLIDAY CUSTOMS CONTINUED
- Shabbat, festivals and minor holidays.
Week 26-29: THE JEWISH LIFE CYCLE
- birth, coming of age, marriage, and death.
Week 30-31: CONVERSION
- What does it mean to join the Jewish people and how is it done?
Week 32-33: ANTISEMITISM AND THE HOLOCAUST
- Classical and emerging definitions of Anti-Semitism, the history of Jew hatred culminating in the Holocaust, and the need for a Jewish state.
WEEK 34-35: ISRAEL AND THE JEWISH STATE
- What is Zionism, what is anti-Zionism and what does the modern state of Israel mean for world Jewry.
Week 36: ASKING THE QUESTIONS AGAIN
- What is a Jew and What is Judaism?