Discovering Judaism
An engaging multi-session course for anyone who wants to gain a deeper understanding of Jewish life. Discover what could be meaningful to you in liberal Judaism!
Join us for a 20-session course presenting an overview of Jewish rituals, holidays, theology, and the civilization of the Jewish People.
Judaism is both ancient and modern, a meshing of ideas and action. Using both sacred and secondary sources, you will be exposed to the breadth of Jewish thought, belief, and practice.
Discovering Judaism is ideal for non-Jews considering conversion to Judaism, non-Jews engaged or married to Jews wishing to learn more about Jewish culture, and Jews looking to amplify what they learned about Judaism as children. We’ll explore the Life Cycle (events and rituals), the Holidays, Jewish History, Jewish Prayer, Torah, Talmud and Sacred Texts, Israel, Ethics, and much more.
Who can attend?
Non-Jews who want to learn more about Judaism for general knowledge
Non-Jews engaged or married to Jews and wishing to learn more about Jewish culture
Non-Jews considering conversion to Judaism
Jews looking to amplify their knowledge of Judaism.
All people, perspectives, and questions are welcome!
When do classes meet?
Our classes meet on Sunday mornings online, live, and interactive. We are looking forward to publishing our Fall 2023 schedule soon.
Please note that, because we partner with congregations in California, the class times will change with Daylight Savings time.
What will I learn?
Graduates will acquire a foundational, working knowledge of Judaism focusing on the core areas of the Life Cycle, calendar, holidays, Torah, Israel, practice, values, and Jewish history
Graduates will become familiar with Jewish culture
Graduates will be aware of and able to participate in Jewish home practices
Graduates will have the necessary knowledge to decide whether they wish to convert
Who are our teachers?
In order to bring multiple perspectives and experiences to our students, Temple Emanuel of Tempe is again partnering this year with both a Reform and a Reconstructionist synagogue out of San Diego, CA. Along with our own Rabbi Cookie Lea Olshein, we are proud and grateful to partner with the following spiritual leaders to lead as course instructors;
Rabbi Devorah Marcus, Temple Emanuel of San Diego, CA
Rabbi Benj Fried, Temple Emanuel of San Diego, CA
Rabbi Yael Ridberg, Congregation Dor Hadash, San Diego, CA
Additionally, Temple Emanuel sponsors a local cohort meeting, after each session, for our registrants which is facilitated by our Discovering Judaism Cohort-Coordinator, Shelley Stern. In addition to processing what was learned in class online we will also be offering in-person experiences throughout the year,
Is there a fee?
Yes, the class fee varies depending on membership and affiliation.
Temple Emanuel Members - Pricing coming soon
Non-Members - Pricing coming soon
*Registration fee includes access for 1 additional person who resides in the same household.
Please check back next fall for our next Discovering Judaism course!