INTRO TO JUDAISM

Judaism is built around community, ritual, tradition, and faith. If you are Jewish, interested in converting or raising a Jewish family and looking to learn more, delve deeper, and connect — learn with us!

Our engaging, university-accredited Intro To Judaism course is interactive and encourages questions, discussion, and hands-on learning. No knowledge of Hebrew is required. This Introduction to Judaism class will be taught in three units. For those who are on the path for conversion, please register for the full course — all three units, as this is not a drop-in model.

Class is fully enrolled for Unit 1 and registration is now closed.

  • Unit 1 Classes

    September 5, 2024
    Holidays

    September 19, 2024
    Torah

    November 7, 2024
    World of the Bible

    November 21, 2024
    Pluralism

    December 5, 2024
    Shabbat

    December 19, 2024
    Prayer

  • Unit 2 Classes

    January 9, 2025
    Talmud

    January 23, 2025
    God

    February 6, 2025
    High Holy Days

    February 20, 2025
    Kashrut

    March 6, 2025
    Kabbalah

    March 20, 2025
    Love

  • Unit 3 Classes

    April 3, 2025
    Passover

    April 17, 2025
    Kids

    May 1, 2025
    Grief

    May 15, 2025
    Antisemitism

    May 29, 2025
    Israel

    Friday, June 13, 2025
    Shabbat Dinner / Tikkun Olam

Classes are in-person on Thursday from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Upon registration, each person or couple will receive a hard copy of the Introduction to Judaism course book. You should also order Aleph Isn’t Tough: An Introduction to Hebrew for Adults, which we will be using for learning the Hebrew language. There is also a recommended reading list for the class.

A single unit of the class for each student is $120 for members and $170 for non-members. The full 3 unit course for each student is $300 for members and $450 for non-members.

Non-members who join Beth Sholom after the start of the class can put the difference in class price towards their membership.

  • “We loved Intro to Judaism with Rabbi Russell. We took the class right after we got engaged, and it was such a special opportunity to learn about Judaism together as we reflected on what traditions and values we wanted to have as a family. Rabbi Russell is an incredible teacher. She encourages her students to explore and ask questions and makes every topic accessible no matter what your reason is for taking the course.”

    Kate & Jake

  • “Even though I was raised Jewish, I took Rabbi Russell’s Intro to Judaism class because I wanted to learn more about the origins and meaning of the holidays, rituals, and lifecycle practices I’d grown up with. The class was a perfect fit, and I loved it. Rabbi Russell is a fantastic teacher — thoughtful, humorous and open-minded. The class included a group of diverse and highly curious students, making the conversations really interesting. I’m so glad I took the course.”

    Liz

  • “We took Intro to Judaism before getting married as one of us looked to gain familiarity with the Jewish faith while the other needed some refreshing! Rabbi Russell communicates complex topics in such a familiar, relatable manner, and the amount of content that we covered in a short period of time was really enjoyable and stimulating. The connections we made with our class membershelped us feel much closer to the CBS community.”

    Caitlin & Sam