Supporting newcomers to Judaism and helping them find belonging is one of Rabbi Marina Yergin's greatest joys in her work at Temple Beth-El in San Antonio, Texas where she has served since 2015. Known affectionately to her students as the "Resource Queen," Rabbi Yergin designed a dynamic Introduction to Judaism program where each spring, students learned "Stepping Stones to Basic Jewish Knowledge" followed in the fall by "Choosing Judaism," a discussion-based class geared specifically for those working to become Jewish.

Three years before the COVID-19 pandemic response sheltered millions of people at home and drove us to do all things virtual, the URJ was crafting online communities of learners as they journeyed together through our 21 sessions of Introduction to Judaism Online.   

The URJ is excited to introduce Learn to Read Hebrew for Adults, a 10-session online course to teach participants to learn the shapes and sounds of the Hebrew alphabet,

Participants are invited to join Rabbi Rebecca Dubowe for this engaging, online course for Deaf adults who wish to gain a deeper understanding of Jewish life through a Reform lens. 

Amidst the urgent pastoral and practical needs of this moment, congregations have committed to the crucial engagement work of Intro to Judaism and A Taste of Judaism®, work that is necessary now more than ever.

As you begin to emerge from the rush of the High Holiday season, start off 5781 by setting an agenda for change in partnership with the URJ. Here are a few ways that you can connect to the URJ.

The URJ has long created opportunities to learn about Judaism through A Taste of Judaism® and Introduction to Judaism classes, making Jewish learning accessible to those seeking to learn more.

Introduction to Judaism online enables people across North America and beyond to connect and reconnect with Judaism – regardless of where they’re physically located.

This is a well-planned class with amazing staff, and I feel like a completely different person from when I started it.