What You’ll Learn
You’ll study the Torah, Talmud, and Jewish law, Explore and Understand Shabbat, festivals, and the Jewish calendar. Uncover the meaning behind practices like keeping kosher, prayer, and daily ritual life.
Together, we’ll examine the cycle of life—birth, coming of age, marriage, mourning—and how Judaism infuses each moment with depth and sanctity.
Introduction to Judaism
A 20-Week Journey Into Jewish Life, History, and Meaning | Starting October 15, 2025
Curious about Judaism? Whether you’re exploring conversion, sharing in your partner’s faith, or simply looking to deepen your understanding, this course offers a comprehensive and engaging pathway into the Jewish experience.
Over 20 weeks, you’ll encounter the richness of Judaism through its beliefs, sacred texts, rituals, history, and values.
We begin with the foundational questions—What is Judaism? How do belief, peoplehood, and practice shape Jewish identity? From there, we journey through the ancient story of Abraham and the Temple, the birth of rabbinic tradition, the growth of Jewish life in the Diaspora, and the rise of modern Judaism, the Holocaust, and the State of Israel.
The Big Ideas of Faith, Meanings and Ethics
During the Journey, we will reflect on Judaism’s great ideas: God, ethics, justice, mysticism, and spirituality.
Judaism in Today's World
We’ll discuss contemporary issues, from antisemitism and Jewish identity today to Judaism’s relationship with other faiths. The course concludes with a focus on conversion, commitment, and living a Jewish life, offering guidance for those who wish to formally join the Jewish people.
The Learning Experience
Taught by a team of passionate rabbis and educators, this course is both accessible and comprehensive in a welcoming environment for questions, conversations, and discovery.
Open to all backgrounds and levels of knowledge.
Marci Bloch
Brad Boxman
Michelle Goldsmith
Andrew Jacobs
Cheryl Jacobs
Uri Romano
Arnie Samlan
Adina Sharfstein
Stephen Sniderman
Enroll in Introduction to Judaism
Enroll in Introduction to Judaism or Join IJKL and get the benefit of our full breadth of courses. IJKL members get Introduction to Judaism for free as part of their membership.
Best Value
Introduction to Judaism
50
Every month
A 20-Week Online Journey Into Jewish Life, History, and Meaning | Starting October 15, 2025
Valid for 5 months
Best Value
IJKL Monthly Membership
45
Every month
Attend all the classes you wish, every month including access to our archive of classes.
Valid until canceled
You're Invited to Begin Your Jewish Journey
Whether you’re starting fresh or deepening your connection, this course is your gateway to the wisdom, practice, and beauty of Judaism.