Judaism 101 Classes
Some Judaism 101 classes are solely for people who are interested in converting, others are for anyone interested in learning more about Judaism. The length varies from 2-3 months to full-year.
“Introduction to Judaism” classes - Union of Reform Judaism (URJ)
For many years NCEJ has funded umbrella grants for URJ to give to its member synagogues who sponsor Taste® and Introduction to Judaism, primarily to be used for marketing.
URJ provides branded digital ads for Facebook, Instagram, and Google AdWords, and encourages congregations to use other channels, such as local papers, hyper-local media, blogs, and public radio.
Sharing Shabbat Together:
Some congregations teaching Intro have provided a Shabbat dinner to introduce participants to Shabbat rituals and traditions. For example, Congregation Rodeph Shalom in Philadelphia had a program called “Shabbat Deconstructed”. After services clergy shared some of their families’ Shabbat rituals. The discussion and Q&A was moderated by an Intro alum. The congregation sent personalized invites to Intro alumni from the last 3 years. The event description is below.
"Curious about Shabbat rituals and their meaning? Ever wonder why we bow, cover our eyes, or light candles? Join us for an educational community Shabbat dinner after services on May 5th (at approximately 7:15pm) to learn more about the meaning and origins of Shabbat rituals. Hear clergy members share their own Shabbat traditions and get your questions answered during a Q&A session. All are welcome to attend!"
Miller Introduction to Judaism - American Jewish University, Los Angeles
American Jewish University’s 18-week Miller Introduction to Judaism course is taught on its Los Angeles campus several times a year. The program is also available through a multi-denominational network consisting of more than 60 affiliated communities, including synagogues, Hillels, and JCCs located in more than 25 states. The curriculum, entitled "On One Foot," includes a 270-page course book, available in both English and Spanish, as well as hundreds of pages of detailed lesson plans, teaching resources, and supplemental materials.
Advertising: An NCEJ grant helped fund branded customizable marketing materials (both print and digital) to support both local and national affiliate classes. This increased the marketing quality and lowered the marginal cost to advertise for sponsoring groups.
"We believe this will help our partner institutions to bring in new students who are interested in exploring Jewish life and free up needed time and resources to focus on what they do best, educating curious newcomers.”
- Deborah Engel Kollin, relationship manager
The Haberman Institute for Jewish Studies (Rockville, MD), uses the Miller Intro to Judaism Program, developed by American Jewish University for their Introduction to Judaism course.
Virtual Introduction to Judaism Class - Rocky Mountain Rabbinic Council, Denver
The Rocky Mountain Rabbinical Council - Introduction to Judaism classes postcard (funded in part by NCEJ)
Denver’s Intro class (ITJ) is a 28-session program offered 3 times a year for anyone interested in learning more about Judaism or who wants to explore conversion. The classes are taught by a variety of rabbis, cantors and top educators so that students can learn from the many voices of Judaism. The program is a partnership with the Miller Introduction to Judaism program of the American University of Judaism in Los Angeles.
As a result of the switch to an online format the program is drawing participants from a wider area, and more clergy/teachers are involved. Students can view the classes live or taped.
Program Materials: Students receive a book called “On One Foot” by American Jewish University, as well as other suggested readings for the course.
Contact Betsy Eppel for more information.
RMRC is trying several different approaches in an effort for students to get to know each other in a virtual setting.
Break-out rooms so that there can be more intimate conversations during classes.
Having cohort groups from different synagogues meet in addition to regular classes.
Forming groups of 4-5 students to do student presentations at the start of classes. (Students meet a few times before class to pick a topic and design a presentation.)
Offering once a month optional pop-up classes for one hour based on student interests, led by one of the rabbis, cantors, or educators. These are more interactive than the regular classes.
Miller Introduction to Judaism - Congregation B'nai Israel, Albuquerque
Congregation B’nai Israel is an affiliate of the American Jewish University in Los Angeles. The congregation offered this program to the community as an outreach program for non-Jews interested in Judaism, interfaith couples, and people wishing to connect to Judaism.
Advertising: The program was promoted in both Jewish and mainstream media, including the local state university.
Living Judaism - Sutton Place Synagogue, New York City
Sutton Place Synagogue, located on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, recently established the Block Center for Jewish Exploration and Education. The Block Center’s 23-session Living Judaism course started in Fall 2023 and uses American Jewish University’s Miller Introduction to Judaism curriculum. It is the first Conservative conversion program in Midtown Manhattan.
Program Cost: $360/participant
"We plan to combine education and immersion into our community to create a supportive atmosphere that will encourage lasting connections.” - Abby Johnson-Guez, Director of Membership and Development
Marketing: The congregation plans to publicize the course across all of its existing channels. In addition, the course will be advertised on social media, Hulu, and other digital platforms.
Innovative Ideas
The 23 sessions includes 5 field experiences—including a Shabbat dinner, a Jewish ritual item craft making session, a “Kosher in the real world” field trip, and 2 other congregation-wide programs suggested by the facilitators or of the participants choosing.
Participants will receive mentorship from members who were once new to Judaism.
"We aim to grow our Jewish and congregational community and give participants the tools to feel at home as Jews wherever they find themselves.” - Abby Johnson-Guez, Director of Membership and Development
The Value of Having a Mentor - What Sutton Place Learned from the First Session of Living Judaism
SPS added a mentorship experience to the curriculum—someone who also was once new to Judaism. Each student was paired with a member family from the congregation. They met socially to share their Jewish journeys and the observations from the mentors helped SPS strengthen the program.
For example, one mentor shared that the conversion student was single, not part of a couple, and therefore may not have the same support structure as a couple. This insight has allowed SPS to consider new ways to support single students.
"We want our exploring Judaism course to provide a warm welcome to Judaism for those seeking to join our community.” - Abby Johnson-Guez, Director of Membership and Development
For more information contact Abby Johnson-Guez, Director of Membership and Development.
Digital Intro Now Available in French and Spanish
An NCEJ grant paid for the Union of Reform Judaism curriculum to be translated into French, for a Canadian synagogue. Deborah Engel Kollin, Development Director at American Jewish University-Miller Introduction to Judaism, reports that students can sign up for Intro in Spanish.
"Thank you very much to Ellen and the Board of NCEJ for continuing to support the Miller Introduction to Judaism Program as we welcome newcomers to the Jewish tradition. Your support has allowed us to grow in ways that would not have been possible a few years ago. We now plan on offering the course in Spanish on a yearly basis.”
- Deborah Engel Kollin, relationship manager
Judaism 101 - Congregation Sha’ar Zahav, San Francisco
Sha’ar Zahav, San Francisco - Judaism 101, Banner Ad (funded in part by NCEJ)
Judaism 101 is a ten-session Introduction to Judaism course for people who are new or returning to Judaism and looking for a starting point to dive into Jewish learning or practice. In 2020 all sessions were via Zoom. The congregation also offers a Journey to Judaism discussion group, along with one-on-one mentoring for conversion. Anyone from any background is welcome.
The class covers everything from Torah to Israel, spirituality to ethics, through a queer-positive, progressive, inclusive Jewish lens with plenty of room for questions.
Advertising: The class is marketed on social media, by word of mouth, and through weekly emails and the congregation’s website.
Cost: The class fee is $149, but no one is turned away for lack of funds and scholarships are available.
View Judaism 101 Participant Evaluations (PDF), reprinted with permission of Sha’ar Zahav, San Francisco.
View Judaism 101 Syllabus (PDF) - includes a free textbook download, class goals, schedule, useful Jewish websites, and a book list.
"We are so grateful for the support of NCEJ. We would not be able to offer this class without the grant. This class is an easy and engaging entry point for those wanting to learn and understand about Judaism.”
- Congregation Sha’ar Zahav
For details contact Congregation Sha’ar Zahav, San Francisco.
Lessons Learned - Tips and Advice
Timing to cover all material is even more difficult on Zoom.
More visual aids are possible with in-person than with virtual classes.
It is difficult to build cohesion on-line. Break time in person allows for community building and connections.
Introduction to Judaism - Jewish Silicon Valley
The Silicon Valley JCC in Los Gatos offers a one year Intro course that is a collaboration between 4 synagogues and the JCC, and is co-taught by the clergy from each sponsoring shul. Each synagogue uses the class as a step in the conversion process, although there is no expectation that class members will convert and the class is open to all. Typically, the classes rotate between locations. Classes begin with a half hour of Hebrew, taught by a local Hebrew instructor.
Advertising: Each organization publicized the course on its own website, and handled its own marketing.
Program Cost: $180
View Introduction to Judaism 5784 (2023-2024) - Syllabus (PDF)
Books used in the course:
- Essential Judaism: A complete Guide to Beliefs, Customs and Rituals by George Robinson
- The Jewish Holidays, by Michael Strassfeld
- It’s a Mitzvah, by Brad Artson
- Jewish Study Bible (JPS)
- Practice, Drill and Review for Reading Hebrew (Sefardi) by Lillian W. Adler
- The New Reading Hebrew (A Guided Instruction Course) by Dr. C. Castberg and Lillian W. Adler
"Students in the class seemed particularly motivated, engaged, and connected to each other this year.”
- Rabbi Hugh
For details contact Rabbi Hugh Seid-Valencia.
Factors that can Help Create Class Connections - Rabbi Hugh gave several reasons why the 2023-2024 class made such close bonds with each other:
- Renewed commitment to tracking student engagement
- The return to meeting in person
Ideas Worth Implementing:
Keeping the cost under $200
Having the class open to anyone who is interested
Introduction to Judaism - Congregation Beth Israel, Hartford presented by Greater Hartford Reform Rabbis
The 18-week course is sponsored by Congregation Beth Israel, Hartford, and presented by 6 local Reform rabbis. Each teaches 3 sessions. There is also a "learning Hebrew" portion, before class each week. The congregation hopes to offer in person and on-line learning possibilities to reach as many students as possible.
Advertising: The program is advertised in regional and local papers.
Program Cost: $180
For more details contact Wendy Berg, Coordinator.
Exploring Judaism Class - Mishkan Chicago
This is the seventh year that Mishkan Chicago has offered Exploring Judaism. The 2022-2023 cohort had 54 participants. Classes were held every 2 weeks, and most people participated in-person. There was also an online option. The curriculum consists of 4 units: History, Spirituality, Lifecycles and Ethics. The class is geared towards people who didn’t grow up practicing or identifying with Judaism — whether they are studying to convert or looking to bring Judaism into their multi-faith home.
This is the seventh year that Mishkan Chicago has offered Exploring Judaism. The 2022-2023 cohort had 54 participants. Classes were held every 2 weeks, and most people participated in-person. There was also an online option. The curriculum consists of 4 units: History, Spirituality, Lifecycles and Ethics.
Marketing: Mishkan Chicago promoted the class via an email congregational newsletter, social media channels, and word of mouth. Each prospective student had a meeting with the rabbi leading the class before enrollment.
Format: There were 2 cohorts of the class: in-person and online. The virtual class enabled people who did not live in Chicago, or have a disability, or for whom it is more convenient to meet and learn online to participate in the program.
"It is a complete joy to be able to offer this program and bring so many people into the Jewish community.” - Rachel Cort, Executive Director
Innovative Idea
For 2023-2024 the program was redesigned to be modular, so that people could join mid-year and have more choices about the timeline of their conversion journey. It also will allow Mishkan Chicago to spread out the number of mikveh/beit din that are needed throughout the year, rather than having to schedule 35-45 conversions at one time. The name of the program is changing to Blueprint: Considering Conversion.
Looking Ahead: Mishkan Chicago has several ideas for strengthening the program in the future, including:
- Building in a more robust mentorship aspect to the program, where previous participants could mentor and serve as a resource to current students.
- Offering more follow-up programs aimed towards Jews by Choice and people who are considering conversion.
For more information contact Rachel Cort.
Community Wide Course: Judaism for Conversion Candidates - Rabbinical Association of Greater Kansas City
Judaism for Conversion Candidates - Simply KC magazine ad
The year-long 36-week course is taught on a rotating basis by rabbis from the Reform, Conservative and Orthodox movements and is intended to acquaint those considering conversion to Judaism with what it means to live Jewishly.
This program identifies potential Jews-by-choice and provides a meaningful and comprehensive forum to engage, educate and connect them to Judaism, and, guides them in learning how to create a Jewish home and live a Jewish life.
The class combines learning with doing – in addition to coursework, students take part in Shabbat and holiday celebrations. Future Jews by choice have the opportunity to study with rabbis, meet others exploring Judaism, and learn about Judaism and the Kansas City Jewish community. Students gain perspectives on a wide range of topics, presented from the perspective of all three major denominations within Judaism. Hands on extra-curricular activities enhance Jewish learning as students take part in a Shabbat worship service; Chanukah celebration; and Passover Seder and are provided with ritual kits that help them observe and celebrate Jewish holidays.
“By combining community resources students gain a much stronger and richer experience as they explore their spiritual journey.”
- Annette Fish, Administrator/Program Director
Each class includes a 30-minute Hebrew component. An optional 5-week extended Hebrew class was offered to those who wanted to continue their Hebrew learning.
Cost: The $250 class fee includes textbooks.
Format: For 2021-2022, classes were held via Zoom with some in-person activities, and was the largest increase in attendance in recent years. Meeting virtually allowed many students the opportunity to participate in the program who may not have been able to do so in the past due to distance, travel times, work schedules and family commitments.
Marketing: The class is promoted through print and digital advertising, including 2 local monthly Kansas City magazines, Google ads, the RAKC website, and social media. The magazines created the ads for the consortium, and did not charge extra for doing so.
Program Materials: Students are provided with Shabbat and holiday kits containing ritual items so that they become comfortable creating their at-home Shabbat and holiday celebrations. For ex: Shabbat kits include Shabbat how-to-book, Challah, Candles, small grape juice or wine, cloth to cover challah, Chanukah: Chanukiyah, candles, dreidel, gelt, Chanukah song sheet; Purim: hamantashan and gragger, Passover: Haggadah, Seder plate, matzah, and other Passover related items. These have become popular additions to the program.
View Course Flyer (PDF)
View Course Information (PDF)
The Program provides:
- An opportunity to meet and study together and discover what it means to live Jewishly
- A comfortable forum to learn about Jewish holidays, home celebrations, life-cycle observances, rituals and Jewish prayer, Israel, Torah, Judaism’s view of God and information about the various Jewish movements. Course includes a 30-minute Hebrew component each week. Students will acquire a comprehensive introduction to Judaism and a reading knowledge of Hebrew.
- An introduction on how to create Jewish memories in the home by taking part in a “learner’s” Shabbat experience and participating in other group holiday celebrations and observances (Chanukah, Passover, Sukkot).
- Study with Reform, Conservative, Orthodox and non-denominational Rabbis
- A list of on-line Judaic resources along with a list of recommended books that students can purchase additional books to expand their Jewish library.
- Opportunities for creating community; students have the option of arriving a half hour before class for an informal schmooze to discuss a weekly topic or to brush up on their Hebrew.
- Monthly break out sessions are also offered for students to discuss a given topic in smaller groups so that they can make connections with one another.
At the end of the course, students are able to make an educated and informed choice about whether Judaism is the correct spiritual path for them. After completing the conversion process, students are assisted and encouraged to affiliate and become active members of the Jewish community.
Staying In Touch
- There is a strong desire by the group to participate in further informal Jewish learning experiences.
- The course coordinator and the program director serve as an informal support system after the class concludes—available for any questions or concerns that may come up. As students complete their conversions they also connect new Jews by choice to congregations and to the community.
- Some students connected in a private group class Facebook page.
For details contact Annette Fish, Administrator.
Conversion Class - Temple B’nai Israel, Monroe, LA
Temple B’nai Israel generally offers a conversion class every year, which is impressive for a small synagogue. This is a 10-month Conversion Class leading up to formal conversion to Judaism, led by the congregation’s part-time rabbi, Rabbi Judy Ginsburgh.
In 2021-2022 the class met 1-2 times a month, mostly on Zoom. Next year the rabbi hopes to have more classes in person. Some meetings were with the entire class, and some were private. The rabbi teaching the class helped students feel at home in the synagogue.
"As a Rabbi, I loved how excited these students get about learning and how they are sharing this learning and Jewish rituals with their families. I also like how all of them have already become active members of our Synagogue.”
- Rabbi Ginsburgh
She continues, “Our participants have enjoyed being included in Temple life right from the beginning of their learning process. One of our students will be taking over the volunteer job of librarian at the Temple and getting it all in order. Another will be volunteering to teach in our Sunday School. They have loved learning and plan to continue learning.”
Advertising: Local bulletins, flyers and social media were used to promote the class.
Program Materials: In addition to books, the rabbi mailed 4 activity kits to participants: Shabbat/Havdalah, Mezuzah/Home Blessing, Chanukah, and Purim.
Program Cost: $600
Temple B’nai Israel used the NCEJ grant to:
- Provide some basic ritual items to their students such as a menorah, a Shabbat/Havdalah kit, a tzedakah box and a mezuzah
- Partly pay for the cost of the books and materials
- Help pay for security for in-person events
- Help pay for shipping costs involved with getting materials to students
The synagogue was also able to include the students in more aspects of Temple life. This helps to make them more committed and involved Jews in the community.
“We are so grateful to NCEJ. We are such a small community and your support has allowed us to reach out to those in our community who are curious about Judaism and want to learn more”.
For more information contact Rabbi Judy Ginsburgh.
Jewish Cultural Conversion - Society for Humanistic Judaism (SHJ), Farmington Hills, MI
SHJ requested a grant from NCEJ to double the number of conversions it conducted annually. Most of the grant was used for online advertising and promotion of the program, with the remainder being used to update materials for participants to learn about and connect to Judaism during and after the conversion process. SHJ advertised on social media, and created a physical brochure to be distributed to newcomers.
"This program will live on for years after the grant period, thanks to the materials created; the full impact of the grant can’t yet be measured.” - Paul Golin, Executive Director
Society for Humanistic Judaism brochure - NCEJ Credit (PDF)
The program included the creation of professionally designed educational promotional materials. These included a digital and print brochure, a digital and print program resource booklet, advertisements placed on social media, and revamped online content describing Jewish cultural conversion. The ads resulted in a substantial increase in the number of inquiries as well as an increase in the number of people completing the program and becoming Jewish.
"We were able to serve people who felt connected to Judaism, who had long wanted to make their Jewish identity official, yet hadn’t until they became aware of a secular humanistic option - Thank you to NCEJ for making that possible.” - Paul Golin, Executive Director
View Society for Humanistic Judaism brochure (PDF)
View Society for Humanistic Judaism booklet (PDF)
For more information contact Paul Golin, Executive Director.
“Seeking Judaism” - Institute of Southern Jewish Life, Jackson, MS
The Goldring/Woldenberg Institute of Southern Jewish Life (ISJL) is dedicated to serving even the smallest Jewish communities in the South, and welcoming individuals into Jewish life and culture. ISJL employs a staff rabbi who spends much of her time on the road, visiting places too small to have their own local Jewish clergy. NCEJ gave a grant in 2022 to help ISJL expand outreach to potential conversion students.
In 2022 there were 8 completed conversions, significantly more than in prior years.
Marketing: ISJL enhanced its marketing by acquiring Canva Pro and providing training for its entire team on its use. Marketing included:
- Instagram and Facebook posts introducing the rabbi and mentioning conversion opportunities
- Inviting a recent conversion student to contribute a featured article about embracing Judaism to the most recent print edition of ISJL’s print magazine Shalom Y’all
- ISJL's website also encourages newcomers to reach out: "Interested in learning more about Judaism? Reach out to our rabbi anytime! Email now".
"The exponential increase in conversion requests truly seems to correlate with our increased marketing efforts as supported by this grant.”
- Beth Kander-Dauphin
Lessons Learned/Advice for All
"We learned...how much of a hunger there is for welcoming, encouraging, supportive introductions to Judaism and the Jewish community.” She continues, “How can we respond to that eagerness and invite more people to participate in Jewish life?”
- Beth Kander-Dauphin
Here are some of her suggestions:
Personal invitations go a long way. Whether for in-person or on-line events, having someone bring a friend or extend an invitation is one of the surest ways to get someone to attend a program. It’s also often how someone finds ISJL- “my friend told me I should reach out to you.”
Remove barriers to access. It’s intimidating to attend something new, or join a community you don’t yet feel fully “part” of, and any additional barriers to access can be off-putting. Free programs, easy online sign-ups that don’t require a lot of initial information disclosure, or 1:1 conversations with the rabbi are all easy, barrier-free ways to encourage participation.
Social media isn’t enough (but it is also necessary). Social media is vital to outreach, and is often the easiest and most anonymous way for someone to find the Jewish entities they are seeking. ISJL focuses social media on posts introducing the rabbi and encouraging 1:1 conversations, sharing fun Jewish facts and then linking to events or upcoming programs, etc. It’s not just about posting, it’s also about connecting.
Continue conversations. Sometimes it’s a long conversation before conversion.
For more information contact Beth Kander-Dauphin, Chief Strategy Officer.
“Welcome to Judaism” - Jewish Community Alliance of Southern Maine
Jewish Community Alliance of Southern Maine (JCA) offered an introductory course in Spring 2023 called Welcome to Judaism, which was an overview of Jewish life, culture, holidays, foodways, and history. JCA used a variety of curriculum resources to supplement the textbook (Arthur Green's "Judaism's Ten Best Ideas"). Particular attention was paid to the interests, questions, and concerns of attendees, which included learning about Jewish life in Portland and in Maine, interest in mysticism/Kabbalah, and navigating interfaith family issues.
The course began and ended with sessions at the JCA, with intermediate sessions held out in the community and at local synagogues in order to familiarize participants with all of the local Jewish institutions.
"I enjoyed visiting the different synagogues because it really informed my mental picture about what being Jewish is really like.”
- student participant
"I really enjoyed that we spent time going to different synagogues and talking with people from outside the course. That helped make those spaces feel a lot more open and it was wonderful to get to ask questions of a range of different rabbis.”
- student participant
Marketing: The program was marketed via social media, the JCA website and newsletter, local synagogue newsletters, and the local public radio station, MPBN.
Using Public Radio to Bring In Participants:
"MPBN was incredibly helpful! Several attendees said they learned about the course on the radio; others saw it on social media or were referred by people who heard about it on the radio!”
- Molly Curren Rowles, Executive Director
Program materials: Textbook: Arthur Green’s “Judaism’s Ten Best Ideas”.
The grant also helped support a stipend for a rabbinical student to teach the class. In his prior career he focused on interfaith outreach. The executive director of the Alliance describes him as someone who is “passionate about connecting with those outside the Jewish community who are looking for an invitation in.”
For more information contact Molly Curren Rowles, Executive Director.
“Exploring the Jewish Experience” - Shabbat with Friends, New Mexico
Shabbat with Friends New Mexico (SWF) offered Exploring the Jewish Experience (EJE) in Santa Fe and Albuquerque, for adults on Jewish practice, history, and ideas from a pluralistic perspective. It is affiliated with the Miller Introduction Program of the American Jewish University, but its curriculum is more expansive than the Miller program, adding additional units on Jewish culture, anti-Semitism, and other topics.
The course is year-round, consisting of winter, summer, and fall trimesters which repeat every year. The course is open to new students at the interval between the trimesters. Students were able to attend in-person or online, and listen to recordings of each session. There were 21 students in Albuquerque, and 33 in Santa Fe.
Advertising: SWF advertised the program in “The Paper”, a local alternative free paper and also advertised in "ABQJew”, an online listing of Jewish activities in Albuquerque.
In Winter 2024, SWF expanded advertising to the “Santa Fe Reporter” for the new Santa Fe course”. Its two partners in Santa Fe advertised for the EJE course in their newsletters.
Program Cost: $18 / trimester; $54 for the full year.
Program Content: Recommended reading and resources are provided to enhance the experience of the program.
View Reading list (PDF)
View Course Information & Topics (PDF)
Innovative Approaches to Advertising:
One of the Santa Fe teachers knew a reporter at the “Santa Fe New Mexican” and succeeded in convincing her to do a story on the course which appeared in the newspaper on February 3, 2024: Beyond Hebrew School - New Course Delves Into Jewish Religion, Culture and History for Adults.
Rabbi Dov Gartenberg, the program organizer, created a referral program as an incentive for community members and class members to refer new students to the class. People whose referrals joined the class received a free Judaica book on the course reading list.
Rabbi Dov Gartenberg reports that “Our advertising in Santa Fe was successful. Our strategy in Santa Fe was to combine different media. That class has 32 members who came to us through these different sources.” In Albuquerque no source was dominant in leading to enrollment.
"An NCEJ grant enabled us to experiment with marketing techniques... to attract more students.”
- Rabbi Dov Gartenberg
Advice for Anyone Considering a Similar Course:
Student Feedback:
Some students had mixed feelings about the hybrid format in which some students are online while others are in-person
Students appreciated the low tuition for a course with such comprehensive content
Students enjoyed the interactive style of the course
Students enjoyed the team-teaching approach of the Santa Fe course
Organizer’s Comments (Rabbi Dov Gartenberg):
The 3-trimester format allowed new students to enter each semester, which was a plus.
Having a preliminary interview with prospective students would be useful. Some students were not ready for the commitment the course required, for a variety of reasons.
Hybrid teaching is more challenging than teaching either just online or just in-person.
Keeping the decision about conversion separate from class worked well. Rabbi Dov referred some students interested in conversion to other rabbis in the community when he thought they would be happier with a different approach.
Impact of the Course
Over the course of the year, Rabbi Dov oversaw five conversions of graduates from the EJE course. He currently has seven conversion students who are enrolled in the EJE course. Three EJE graduates are working with other rabbis in the community on converting to Judaism. Two couples are enrolled in the course in which the non-Jewish partners have decided to convert.
For more details contact Rabbi Dov Gartenberg.
Jewish Essentials Class - The Jewish Federation of Raleigh-Cary
Jewish Essentials activity take-home kit (funded in part by NCEJ)
Jewish Essentials is a 10-week class that provides an introduction to Judaism, with a focus on the holidays and lifecycle events. The class is primarily geared to potential converts, interfaith couples, and anyone else who wishes to learn more about Judaism in a structured setting. The class is taught by rabbis from all of the congregations in Wake County, NC. The Spring 2021 session was the third time that this class was offered online.
Jewish Essentials offers a pathway to people who are interested in conversion, providing basic education and access to local rabbis as a first step on their Jewish journey. It also offers education for interfaith couples, who may someday get married and raise Jewish children.
Advertising: The class was promoted through e-mail newsletters, Facebook posts and ads, newsletters from local congregations, a “ShopLocalRaleigh” website, and a mailing to potential participants.
Program Materials: In order to enhance the experience of the online version of the class, the Federation supplemented the textbook (“Living Judaism” by Wayne Dosick) with “Intro to Judaism” kits containing items that pertain to the content of the class. The kits included supplemental readings, a printed guide for holidays and Jewish vocabulary, candlesticks, candles, and other items.
"Students reported that the kits helped to bring connectedness to their online classmates and made them feel truly welcome.”
- Jorie Slodki
For more details contact Jorie Slodki, Grants and Content Manager.
Introduction to Judaism: An Exploration for Curious Minds - JCC Brooklyn
JCC Brooklyn's “Introduction to Judaism: An Exploration for Curious Learners” was designed for interfaith couples, adults raising Jewish children, spiritual seekers, individuals considering conversion, and others who wanted a meaningful adult learning experience. This course was suitable for individuals and couples from Jewish and other faith traditions and cultural backgrounds and those with no religious upbringing. This program reached at least 50 couples/individuals over the course of the year.
The course was an online, live weekly video conference class where students joined classmates for an engaging 16-session course offered in the fall and again in the spring. The program best-suited adults who wished to gain a deeper understanding of Jewish life and community in Brooklyn.
Introduction to Judaism: An Exploration for Curious Learners required participants to be present for live-session weekly classes offered through video conferencing. The course included small-group discussion and was supplemented by resources, readings, and videos.
Topics included the Jewish holidays, Shabbat, life cycle, theology and core beliefs, simple Hebrew vocabulary, prayer, Bible, history, Holocaust, Modern Israel, the American Jewish experience, and the tapestry of the Jewish people today. This program reached at least 50 couples/individuals over the course of the year.
Program Cost: Free
Strengthening Community: The JCC Brooklyn hopes to incorporate in person meetings to strengthen the sense of community.
For more details contact Ilona Zeltser.
Judaism 101 - Temple Beth Shalom, Hudson OH
Temple Beth Shalom, located on the fringes of the metropolitan areas of both Akron and Cleveland, has about 100 family units. The number of Jews in the area has been growing, largely the result of universities drawing students who stay in the area. Rabbi Michael Ross has taught the course at previous congregations but this is the first time it has been offered at Beth Shalom.
“The grant enabled us to have a strong marketing budget which is essential to this program.”
“I loved that this group of people became a community of learners together.”
- Rabbi Michael Ross
Interesting Ideas:
Hiring a college student to oversee Zoom, so that the teacher is free to concentrate on teaching.
Keeping the course price affordable. The cost is free to members, $54 for non-members, and pay as you wish for college students and those with limited means.
Purposes of Offering the Class:
Offering welcoming educational experience for conversion
Educating non-Jewish partners in mixed relationships to strengthen their bonds to Judaism
Growing the synagogue’s membership
What Worked Well:
Social media pulled in more people than print ads.
Hiring a zoom host was hugely helpful in coordinating the moving pieces each week, and coordinating communication among the group. The host also posted the Zoom recordings on YouTube. These recordings were watched by class members who missed sessions.
The in-person outdoor dinner and service at the end helped connect participants to each other and the congregation, and offered a wonderful sense of camaraderie.
Other Advice:
The rabbi who taught the class noted several items he would change, next time he teaches the class:
More time in breakout rooms to help with socialization.
Soliciting input from everyone in the class, including those who participated less frequently. He found that in the last class there were a few students who tended at times to dominate the conversation.
Introduction to Judaism - Congregation Keneseth Israel, Allentown PA
Taste of Judaism® participant “schlep” tote bag (click to enlarge)
KI offered a 6-session Intro class in the spring for students who wanted to learn more about Judaism and establish a Jewish home. The course was team-taught by the rabbi and a variety of Jewish educators.
Topics included the Bible and other sacred texts, the Jewish calendar and holidays, life cycle celebrations, Shabbat, antisemitism and the Holocaust, Zionism and Israel. Concluding right before Passover, the final class included a model Seder with instructions on how to prepare for the ritual meal.
A portion of the NCEJ grant was used to defray the cost of a security guard each evening the class was held. The temple’s support staff and guest speakers offered their services gratis, and KI provided free handouts and materials to enhance the content of each session. In addition, the program coordinator brought home-made refreshments tied to the holiday being discussed.
“The foods always get rave reviews and students always ask for the recipes.”
– Martina Obenski, Outreach Coordinator
The class cost $30 for the public and was free to KI members. Each participant received a "Goodwill Giveaway" - haggadah and a “Shalom” mug, imprinted by a local merchant.
Advertising: The class was advertised in digital and print media throughout the greater Lehigh Valley.
Program Content: Session Summary (PDF)
Ideas Worth Replicating:
- Giving out Shalom Mugs to each participant.
- Not charging synagogue members
- Serving refreshments including sweets that enhance the topic material (such as Challah and babka for Shabbat)
- Providing haggadahs for everyone.
Community Classes at Keneseth Israel - Exploring the World of Judaism brochure
Becoming Jewish, Conversion at KI brochure - Keneseth Israel
For more information contact Martina Obenski, Outreach Coordinator.
“Interested in Judaism” program - Kehillah Richmond
Kehillah Richmond: “Being Jewish” banner (funded in part by NCEJ)
Kehillah Richmond, led by Rabbi Patrick Beaulier (who goes by Rabbi Patrick) offers classes for people interested in becoming Jewish as well as those wishing to learn more outside of conversion. There is a weekly virtual gathering.
“When I signed up for this class, I was amazed at how deeply I connected to the materials and the Jewish religion and community.”
- Student
Innovative Features
Students have the option to learn on their own using a variety of media (video, audio, etc), rather than relying solely on workbooks or other printed materials. Each week participants review the “Being Jewish” learning materials available on the kehillah’s website, followed by an online group discussion.
For details contact Rabbi Patrick.
Introduction to the Jewish Experience - Bet Chaverim, WA
Bet Chaverim, WA received a grant for an “Introduction to the Jewish Experience” program that successfully switched to online in spring 2020. Bet Chaverim is a small synagogue with a part-time rabbi. Two regular attendees were interested in conversion. The class was also geared to people who are Jewish and want to re-engage.
Advertising: The class was advertised in a local Jewish paper and college papers, as well as on the synagogue website/Facebook.
View 12-Session Class (PDF)
For details contact Melissa Brooks.
Discovering Judaism: A Journey into Faith, Tradition, and Culture Shabbat - Own Your Judaism, Milwaukee, WI
Own Your Judaism, Facebook feature image
This is a 14-session online course, twice-monthly, starting in March, offered by Own Your Judaism, a nonprofit started by Rabbi Moishe Steigmann in 2016. This program invites participants from diverse backgrounds to discover the essence of Judaism, fostering understanding and appreciation for its beliefs, traditions, and cultural richness. For anyone curious about Judaism or seeking to explore a potential new faith, “Discovering Judaism" offers an interactive online forum for participants to learn about core tenets and practices of Judaism and creates a safe space for questions and discussions. This course also satisfies basic requirements for those interested in conversion.
Marketing: $360
Program Charge: Jewish papers, local posters, Facebook ads
For details contact Rabbi Moishe Steigmann, Director.
Have a Question? Reach Out to Us
Have an idea but not sure it meets our guidelines? Please reach out to us at 301-802-4254, or contact Ellen Gerecht, Executive Director.