Introduction to Judaism - Worcester, MA

Introduction to Judaism: Who is this class for? Disenchanted but hopeful Jews? Folks on the way to Judaism? Friends of Jews who want to learn more? 

The answer is: all of the above! 

While this class was designed as an introduction to Judaism for those on the path towards conversion, our curriculum works for anyone, including non-Jews curious about Judaism who do not seek to convert, those considering conversion, and Jews looking to be reintroduced to Judaism. Part lectures, part study club, part spiritual laboratory, and an introduction to Judaism class that covers Judaism as a religion, history, culture, and spiritual mode.

We believe that there is no singular way to teach “what Jews believe” or “what Jews do,” and it is even harder to introduce an entity that may look very different very soon. As such, this course is designed to both teach about and challenge mainstream Judaism. We intend to familiarize students with longstanding tenets of Judaism while also empowering them to view what they learned as raw material that they can shape to best reflect their own lives. 

This class is 18 zoom sessions, including an in-person Shabbat Dinner Experience and a closing Havdallah gathering. The classes are taught by Rabbi Valerie Cohen of Temple Emanuel, Sinai of Worcester, MA, and Rabbi Rachel Gurevitz of Congregation B’nai Shalom in Westborough, MA, plus a few other individuals from around the country. 

Registration is open until December 7th.