Welcome to our program for people learning more about Jewish identity, culture, history, holidays, lifecycle, text, language, conversion to Judaism, and of …
Being Jewish
Week 2: God
Before We Begin Please consider giving a donation to support our hard work and the materials we provide for free online. Let's Get Started! Let's …
Week 3: People of the Book(s)
A few books you need to know about. But more importantly, learning about how we as Jews understand those books! The Hebrew Bible We recommend students …
Week 4: Israel is a Person, a Place and a People
The term Israel means "to struggle with God" (Yisra-El). Israel is... A person. Jacob the patriarch, son of Isaac and grandson of Abraham. He is named Israel …
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Week 5: Shabbat & Havdalah
Before we dig into the details of the Jewish calendar, let's talk about the most holy day in the Jewish calendar -- and it comes 52 times. Shabbat! Shabbat: …
Week 1: The Jewish Calendar & The High Holidays
The Calendar: Made Far Too Complicated Learning the Jewish calendar can feel almost as complicated as learning ancient Hebrew. This is because people who …
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Week 2: Sukkot and Simchat Torah
Keeping it a little simple this week. Sukkot is one of those holidays that Richmond just doesn't celebrate. And that's a real shame, because it's like …
Week 3: Chanukah and Tu Bishvat
Two holidays this week: one that is mistakenly thought of as "Jewish Christmas" and another holiday that is not thought of much. Chanukah Ted Falcon lays …
Week 4: Purim, Passover, Tisha B’Av and Tu B’Av
Purim Purim is called the "Jewish Halloween". But that's not quite right -- it's a lot more like Mardi Gras. The topsy turvy, costumed revelry celebrating …
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Week 5: The Jewish Lifecycle
A quote from an old coworker of mine: My son married a Jewish girl. And they had a Jewish wedding. My wife and I couldn't believe how much Jews enjoyed …
Week 5 Part II: Conversion
Since we are half way through our series, now is a great time for those converting to Judaism to do a few things. Hebrew Name First, you'll need to choose …
Week 12: The Jewish Prayer Service
We're so excited to have Rebbetzin teaching this class. Unlike past units, there is not a lot to read beforehand, but this handout is a good preface for our …
Week 1: Jewish Ethics
Before you begin reading this unit, please do the following homework. We'll have a show-and-tell at our meeting. Strength, Peace & Security …
Week 2: Jewish Home Life
By request, we're doing a section on kashrut/kosher, as well as some fun Jewish recipes. As that's not really enough to fill an entire week, we're bundling this …
Week 3: Gender and Sexuality
Note: the following includes frank discussions of human sexuality Here we have an assortment of Jewish texts, videos and ideas for you to browse. They are in …
Week 4: American Jewish Movements, History & Ideas
Due to most of my books being in storage, I don't have a lot of written materials for you. But knowing that video is your preferred method of learning, I did …
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Week 5: Antisemitism’s History & Today
Why the Jews? As the milkman Tevye says in the film Fiddler on the Roof, "I know, I know. We are Your chosen people. But, once in a while, can't …
Bonus: The Conversion Ceremony
For a few of you, the end of the Being Jewish series marks the beginning of your conversion to Judaism and a whole new framework for understanding your …