Basic Judaism Classes for Fall 2021

Wow, here’s the new year, 5782, and I owe you a list of basic Judaism classes being offered around the Bay. I’ll start now and add on as I gather more.

 

Introduction to the Jewish Experience
This is a 24-week online class in Basic Judaism. The series is for anyone who hasn’t had a basic Jewish education, or who wishes to learn as an adult.
We study in three terms of 8 weeks, which students may take in any order.
In this fall’s session, Jewish Holidays & Lifecycle, we learn about the Jewish year and Jewish time as we explore the important days in the Jewish year, as well as the life ceremonies of Judaism.
Taught by Rabbi Ruth Adar.

Date:   8 Sundays beginning Sept. 26
Time:   3:30 to 5pm Pacific Time
Class is on Zoom.
Cost:    $240/8 week session, but no one will be turned away.
For details and to register go here.

I’m afraid this is all I know currently about the Rodef Sholom Exploring Judaism class. I am hoping to get more details very soon. Since it beings VERY SHORTLY – October 3rd – I thought it best to just post it!
Exploring Judaism: An Introduction
This course is organized around the three pillars of Judaism mentioned in the Mishnah: Torah, Prayer, and Acts of Loving Kindness/Social Justice. We also cover the Jewish calendar, Shabbat practice, and holidays. This class welcomes beginners and all those looking to (re-)ground themselves in the basics of Judaism.
Some additional information here.

Select Sundays beginning October 3, 9:30 am
In-Person and Zoom Options Available. This class will be hybrid.
Offered by Rodef Sholom, 170 North San Pedro Road, San Rafael
Email heidi@rodefsholom.org with questions.

Judaism 101
Taught by the Beth Am clergy, this course is for anyone who wishes to learn (or re-learn) more about Judaism. All are welcome: non-Jews, Jews, interfaith couples or those considering conversion. Students will learn the basics of Judaism in a friendly and informal atmosphere. We’ll explore fundamental aspects of Jewish practices, such as holiday observance and lifecycle celebrations. We’ll also discuss Jewish understandings of God and religious beliefs, important Jewish texts, Jewish history, literature and the significance of Israel in Judaism today.

Dates:  Tuesdays, October 5 to April 5, 2022
Time:   7:30pm to 9pm
Host:   Beth Am, Los Altos
Cost:    Prices begin at $200 per person for non-members
Details and sign up here.

Miller Introduction to Judaism
This 18-week course is for those who would like to learn about Judaism from the ground up, or to fill in gaps from what they learned (or didn’t learn) as a child. The class also prepares those considering conversion. It covers biblical and rabbinic writings, history and culture, holy days, festivals, Shabbat, Jewish concepts of God and ethics, life cycle, dietary laws and Israel. Students who wish to take a single class by topic may do so. Topical learning begins a half hour into the session. This year class will be held on Zoom until further notice.

Dates:  Tuesdays, Oct 12 to March 22, 2022
Time:   6 to 8pm
Host:   Kol Shofar, Tiburon
Tuition: $275 for the 18-week series; Free for members or $20 per class for the community. Classes will begin on October 27, 2020 and goes from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Zoom. To register or for more information, contact Sara at sglass at kolshofar dot org or (415) 388-1818 x106
See their website also.

Exploring Judaism
This course is a year-long exploration of the history, beliefs, traditions, and practices of the Jewish people. “Exploring Judaism” will be interesting and meaningful whether you are becoming an adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah, you are just beginning to explore Jewish studies, you are considering choosing Judaism, you are in an interfaith relationship, or you are simply looking for a deeper and more mature understanding of Jewish history and tradition. Students are encouraged to expand their Jewish literacy by taking this course in conjunction with Hebrew 1. Please note that books are not included in the price for the course.

Date:   Sundays, Oct. 17 to May 22, 2022 (21 sessions)
Time:   10:10 to 11:10am
Place:   Temple Isaiah, 945 Risa Rd., Lafayette, in the Contra Costa Day School building
Cost:    $200 members / $400 non-members
21 Sessions (2021-2022)
Details here.

Intro to Judaism
Join Rabbi David Booth for our Introduction to Judaism class, where you can encounter the foundations and traditions of Judaism in a warm, non-judgmental environment.  Class cohorts form on a rolling basis, and we welcome beginners and explorers of all backgrounds. To learn more about the class, or to find out when the next cohort will launch. Visit the Kol Emeth website for further details.

Dates and times to come.
Host:   Kol Emeth, Conservative shul, Palo Alto
*Contact me, Dawn, if you would like to speak to individuals who have completed Rabbi Booth’s class.

 

 

The Reform Movement offers a 21 session online Introduction to Judaism class.  You can read the details here. They also have a synagogue locator. It looks a bit off when the first box asks the name of a synagogue, but just skip that and put in your own address & hit SEARCH. They’ll offer you shuls close to your address.