Do you want to learn more about Judaism? If so, this class is for you. You could be Jewish and wanting to deepen your knowledge, exploring Judaism, or just curious about Jewish traditions and practices.
The series will cover Jewish holidays, Jewish texts, history, prayer, denominations, and more. Each session will include 45-60 minutes of presentation on a topic and 15-30 minutes for questions and answers.
Participants are encouraged to attend the Center for Small Town Jewish Life’s Fall Shabbaton, November 8-9 at Colby College in Waterville.
The class is limited to 23 participants, ages 18 and older, and will take place entirely on Zoom. Priority is being given to those who were waitlisted for a previous series of Intro to Judaism classes. Preference will be given to Maine registrants.
Those who register should be able to attend all or most of the classes.
For those interested in conversion to Judaism, this series will be one part of the process.
Tuition: $180
Required Text:
Jewish Literacy by Rabbi Joseph Telushkin. Participants must obtain their own copies of this book. Please plan so to have it by the end of August. A syllabus with the readings will be sent out at that time.
Schedule:
Class will be held on the following Thursdays, 7-8:15 p.m.
September 5, 12, 19, 26
October 10
November 7, 14, 21
December 5, 12, 19
January 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
February 6, 13, 20, and 27
March 6
Questions? Contact Rabbi Erica Asch or Melanie Weiss.
The High Holidays are special because they have a nusach, a melody that is only used during this liturgical season. In this class you will learn how to sing specific liturgical pieces with the High Holidays nusach. Participants will practice live. Media materials will be provided. Class is offered on Zoom.
Tuition: $18-$54
Classes are offered on the following three Tuesdays:
Session 1
Sept. 10, 7-8:15 p.m.
Hamelech, Nishmat Kol Chai, Barchu
Session 2
Sept. 17, 7-8:15 p.m.
Amidah: Avot, Gevurot, Kedusha
Session 3
Sept. 24, 7-8:15 p.m.
Chatzi Kaddish (for Arvit, Shacharit, and Musaf. Yes, they are all different!), Kaddish Shalem
In this class, participants will learn all the Torah trope phrases needed to be able to chant Torah. Class will include lively instruction and time for participants to practice live. All participants will prepare and present three verses of Torah trope in the last class. Media materials will be provided. Class is offered on Zoom.
Tuition: $18-$54
Add-on tutoring: Would you like to have additional one-on-one tutoring sessions with an experienced tutor? You can sign up for three 30-minute sessions for an additional cost.
Classes are offered on the following four Sundays:
Session 1
Oct. 27, 9-10:15 a.m.
Etnachta phrases, Sof Pasuk phrases, Katon phrases
Session 2
Nov. 3, 9-10:15 a.m.
R’vii phrases, T’vir phrases, Katon phrases, Kadma, Yitiv phrases
Session 3
Nov. 10, 9-10:15 a.m.
Special tropes, Segol phrases, Sof pasuk for the end of the aliyah
Session 4
Nov. 17, 9-10:15 a.m.
Review and presentation of verse
The Amidah, also known as Standing Prayer, is the central prayer of all Jewish worship experiences. It is recited morning, afternoon, and evening, both when we pray in community and when we pray alone. In this class, we will turn specifically to the opening three prayers of the Amidah, the Avot, Gevurot, and Kedusha. We will unpack their meaning by looking at the history of the prayers, their connection to text from the Torah, as well as contemporary reflections and commentaries. Class is offered on Zoom.
Tuition: $18-$54
Classes are offered on the following three Mondays:
Session 1
Dec, 2, 7-8 p.m.
Avot (V’imahot)
Session 2
Dec. 9, 7-8 p.m.
Gevurot
Session 3
Dec. 16, 7-8 p.m.
Kedusha
Interested in learning the mechanics of reading Hebrew, including letters and vowels? Looking to improve your technical reading fluency? Already participated in Intro to Judaism or one of our Shlichei Tzibur cohorts? This could be the class for you! Priority registration will be given to people who have taken Intro to Judaism or completed the Shlichei Tzibur training program. The class is limited to 15 participants and will take place entirely on Zoom. Registration is for those 18 and older. Those who register should be able to attend all or most of the classes.
Required Text:
Learn Hebrew Today: Alef-Bet for Adults. Participants must obtain their own copies of this book, although scans will be made available during class time.
Classes are offered five consecutive Tuesdays beginning April 1, 2025.
