Now, more than ever, people are seeking meaning in their lives. Many are curious about Judaism and want to learn more in a caring, open environment. A young person may want to learn the basics of Judaism because their partner is Jewish; a longtime seeker might wish to explore what draws them to our ancient faith; a non-Jewish grandparent may want to support their child who is raising Jewish kids.
A Taste of Judaism® class may be the right opportunity for your congregation to welcome curious newcomers who wish to deepen their understanding of Judaism.
Designed for people who have little or no Jewish background but are interested in learning about Judaism, A Taste of Judaism® is offered by URJ member congregations throughout North America. In addition to introducing the basics of Judaism to participants, the three sessions – commonly taught over three consecutive weeks by a congregation’s clergy or educators – offer numerous benefits to host congregations.
Here are five ways hosting a Taste of Judaism® course can help you strengthen your congregation:
1. YOU’LL BROADEN YOUR REACH.
A Taste of Judaism® class will help you engage newcomers, spiritual seekers, “nones,” and unaffiliated Jews.
Rabbi Andrew Oberstein at Temple Israel in Boston, MA, reflected: “A Taste of Judaism® has consistently been one of the most rewarding classes to teach. It’s been amazing to help people at the beginning of their Jewish journeys begin to discover meaning and personal connection to our tradition. The class creates an accessible, inclusive, welcoming on-ramp to further engagement in Jewish life.”
Students of all backgrounds participate in Taste of Judaism® programming: disenfranchised Jews, curious individuals from other faith backgrounds, people interested in conversion, and interfaith couples.
As Rabbi Gregory Marx of Congregation Beth Or in Maple Glen, PA remarked: “this class brings in Jews on the edge of our community [and] others who are curious and eager to learn.”
2. YOU'LL HELP CREATE A WONDERFUL COMMUNITY.
Many participants continue to stay in touch long beyond the class’s timeline and the confines of the classroom. If you also provide an Introduction to Judaism class, students will often choose to continue their learning together.
Rabbi Paula Feldstein of Hebrew Tabernacle Congregation noted: “There is a lot of interest in Intro and the fact that I’m teaching a new cohort definitely piqued their interest.”
Whether or not students continue learning together, A Taste of Judaism® can be a wonderful chance for them to make lifelong connections within your community.
Cantor Allen Leider, director of Lifelong Learning at Temple Rodef Shalom in Falls Church, VA has been a facilitator for 12 years. He shared: “I love the interactive nature of this course and the way it focuses on what is most important about Judaism.”
3. YOU'LL INTRODUCE STUDENTS TO YOUR CONGREGATION.
Though students are under no obligation to affiliate with the host congregation, the class is a great way to introduce them to opportunities within your community.
Rabbi Dena Feingold of Beth Hillel Temple in Kenosha, WI has been teaching A Taste of Judaism® on and off for decades. She has found, “a number of our most active members found their way to Judaism and to our congregation through [A Taste of Judaism®].”
At Congregation Rodeph Shalom in Philadelphia, PA, Rabbi Eli Freedman explained that, “ [A Taste of Judaism®] is a great outreach tool that helps us connect with interfaith couples and Jewish-adjacent family members in the community.”
4. YOU’LL HAVE A LITTLE HELP FROM YOUR FRIENDS AT THE URJ.
Because curricular materials and marketing templates are provided to all instructors, you don’t have to spend tons of time planning what to teach or how to teach it. Our extensive library of resources for A Taste of Judaism® is available to all congregations for free as part of their membership in the URJ. In addition, the URJ provides digital marketing support, refers local students to your program, and offers grants for additional marketing and experiential engagement.
5. YOU'LL DEMONSTRATE YOUR COMMUNITY’S COMMITMENT TO BELONGING.
These classes provide incomparable opportunities to highlight your congregation’s work and its commitment to creating a vibrant community of belonging. Here are just a few comments from students who found deep meaning through their class participation:
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“The class warmed my soul. I love the community aspect of Judaism.”
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“The rabbi created a lot of curiosity during classes. I also attended a worship service and found people very friendly.”
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“I am now more interested in learning more about the temple and getting involved.”
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“I got a good overview and confirmation that I need to be re-connected to my Jewish faith through taking classes and joining a synagogue. This is my religion and I have always loved it, even though I have been away from it for a long time.”
Thinking about running A Taste of Judaism® in your community? Reach out to Learning@urj.org for more information. Ready to list your class on ReformJudaism.org and receive the support outlined above? Share information about your upcoming A Taste of Judaism® program with this online form.
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