I always advocate for MORE INFORMATION. I believe that the people I work with – you – are intelligent and know what you want. BUT you have to have enough information to make decisions. Whether you’re trying to decide how your wedding will look, how your raise children, negotiate holidays, pick one or more spiritual homes, you need and DESERVE enough information to make your choices. The starting point is to know what Judaism really is, not just what you saw in a movie. A basic introductory course is the best place to start. You can do an in person class or an online class.
The class described below began in March, but take a look now. You have months to mull it over and discuss with your significant other. The fall classes won’t begin until September. Talk it over now. I highly recommend that you take the class as a couple so that you’ll hear the same thing.
Take a look —
Since the very beginning, the People of Israel have had multiple understandings and expressions of a living Torah. In this class we will study the varieties of Judaism in the 21st century. That list includes expressions that go back to the Middle Ages (Ashkenazi, Sephardic, Mizrahi) and modern movements (Reform, Orthodox, Conservative, Reconstructionist, Renewal). We will also look at some of the regional differences among Jews in North America and the historical reasons for those differences. We’ll begin by looking at the synagogue and the service. We’ll finish up by taking a look at Jewish food traditions and practices.
This class is part of a three-unit series.
Dates: Wednesdays, March 27 – May 29
Time: 7:30 – 9:00 pm
Place: Congregation Beth El, 1301 Oxford St., Berkeley
Additionally, you can take this class online. Perhaps it will fit your schedule better to take the online class. Also, if you live too far from the Berkeley/Oakland area to comfortably drive to class, this may be a better option.
If you are on my email list you’ll receive notices about other intro to Judaism classes taking place around the San Francisco Bay Area. You can sign up for the email here.