Fifteen week course meets once a week usually on Sunday.

 

Week 1 -4 : G-d or Jewish theology 101

 

Week 5-8 : Torah –  Tanach, Talmud, Halachah, Mussar and Chasidut

 

Week 9-16 : Being a Jew – Jewish history overview (Biblical, first and second temple, the stateless Jew, the holocaust, the state of Israel)

 

Holidays, Shabbat, Kashrut, movements in Judaism contemporary Jewish issues

 

 

The course for conversion to Judaism will be based on the following three concepts in reverse order.

 

 

Israel/the Jewish People: Belonging to a "people". Judaism is not only a religion or ethnic group or nationality but transcends those definitions. A Jew feels a sense of belonging to a unique people. She /he shares a feeling of connectedness with other Jews and is aware of and part of various cultural traits. A Jew should possess an awareness of Jewish history. A Jew takes pride in the great accomplishments of other Jews and feels responsibility and shame when other Jews disappoint. The process of education for conversion to Judaism aids in developing this aspect of belonging to the Jewish people both intellectually and emotionally.

 

Torah: To actualize ones Judaism a process of learning is of utmost importance. In Judaism knowledge is not to be the exclusive province of a special priesthood. All Jews are encouraged to learn. The study of the written and oral Torah and the countless commentaries and mystical and ethical works enable a Jew to effectively understand how to practice Judaism's observances and life ways. The study of Torah offers vital and practical instruction in living a more ethical, spiritual and meaningful life. Some of the greatest Torah scholars have been converts to Judaism.