HYBRIDJudaism 101 at The Boston Synagogue

This Judaism 101 course offered annually at The Boston Synagogue is designed for individuals and couples wishing to learn more about Judaism or who are considering becoming Jewish. Interfaith couples are encouraged to enroll together.

This 26 hybrid format learning opportunity is for those who want to better understand key elements of Judaism. It is taught at a college level.

Classes meet in-person and/or on Zoom. Wherever you are, you can access this unique learning opportunity!

Topics include: Jewish history and culture; beliefs; similarities/differences with other religions; rituals and holidays; laws of kashrut (kosher); lifecycle events and celebrations; and Jewish denominations. Some readings will be suggested but are not mandatory. There is no homework. FYI: This course does not include Hebrew language lessons or detailed teaching about the Jewish prayer liturgy.

Testimonials:

“I just wanted to thank you sincerely for the incredible Judaism 101 course at the Boston Synagogue. It far exceeded my expectations. The course was exceptionally well-researched and thoughtfully structured, with each week building on the last in a way that kept me engaged and inspired. Your personable and knowledgeable teaching style brought Jewish history to life — making it not only informative, but also deeply relevant in the context of today’s rising antisemitism. This course is a gift to anyone seeking a deeper connection to their Jewish identity, whether they are just beginning their journey or have grown up with a strong foundation. I walked away feeling more empowered, better informed, and equipped to engage meaningfully in conversations about Judaism and to respond with clarity and confidence in the face of antisemitism.”

“Thanks to the class, I feel a deeper connection to Jewish history and a renewed sense of pride and belonging. My favorite part of this class was the tidbits you included with each subject about something that most people who grew up Jewish with an average Jewish education wouldn’t know. For example, I still can’t believe I grew up Jewish in Boston and didn’t know that the Israeli flag was created in Boston in the image of a Talit!”

“As a Jew by birth, I was raised as a cultural Jew without any formal religious education. I’ve attended services and lifecycle events for decades without the foundation of knowledge that I want to have… I was surprised at both how little I knew and at how much I knew, and at how the class notes helped fill in some of the cracks that I have in my understanding or knowledge. The fact that you didn’t seem to assume what any or all of us knew made it a more open learning experience, and I enjoyed that piece of the atmosphere.”

“This is the best class I have ever taken on Judaism. I learned about its history, its beliefs, and about where it stands today. I learned facts from this class that I could not find anywhere else. The best thing about the class is your erudition and your biblical exegesis.”