As this year draws to a close, we are already starting to plan for next year: 5770.  In my two years here, I have fielded many questions that were introduced with “I know that I should know this …” or “Rabbi, I hope that you do not think less of me for asking such a simple question …”  Judaism encourages us to be lifelong learners.  As many people often realize from the answer, the question was not so simple.

  After Simhat Torah I plan to offer Judaism 101 for my evening Adult education class.  The course will focus on Jewish history, the Jewish life cycle, and the Jewish calendar.  Woven into the mix will be sacred text (Bible and Midrash), theology, ethics, values, and philosophy; however, we are going to try to keep it basic, on a 101 level, even though all of that is in the eye of the beholder.  With G-d’s help we will have the opportunity to learn more.

Some might say, “Oh, Judaism for Dummies !”  On the contrary in spite of the catchy title and the book of the same name, I would never want people who wish to learn be labeled “dummies,” even in jest.  I hope that answering students’ questions will be a priority of the course, because those questions serve as gateways to understanding who we are.

So,

if you have little idea what your Religious School student is learning because it’s all Greek Hebrew to you or

you have trouble answering your child’s questions or

you have said, “Someday I will learn more about Judaism to contemplate conversion,” or

non-Jewish family members ask questions for which you can not begin to formulate an answer or

you have always wanted to know more about Judaism

perhaps the new year will present an opportunity to take that step.  For those who are contemplating conversion, I will be including in the course many components of an Introduction to Judaism course for Jews by choice.  So, if one wishes to use this course to study for conversion, one can receive credit.  In addition I will meet individually with Jew by choice candidates to discuss any personal issues.

              More details will be out after the summer.  When the final schedule is set, students may opt for some modules, and not others to tailor the course to one’s individual needs.  However, the course will be offered on Wednesday evenings, so check your calendars now; and if you are looking for a summer read to start early, let me suggest Jewish Literacy by Rabbi Joseph Telushkin.

            Have a great summer and I still hope to “See you in schule,” on occasion.