The goal of URJ’s Introduction to Judaism program is to give seekers a strong foundation for participation in the Jewish community and to empower them to further explore Judaism. Weekly classes are augmented by Shabbat programs and additional experiential components. Introduction to Judaism courses are a minimum of 30 learning hours, including experiential components. 

PARTICIPANTS

Participants are diverse and all are welcome. Participants include singles and couples, Jews and those from various faith backgrounds. The LGBTQ-friendly class is also perfect for individuals raising Jewish children, those who never had a Jewish education, individuals who want to explore their Jewish roots or those who or want to explore Judaism on an adult-level.  

IMPACT

After completing the Introduction to Judaism course, student surveys show that:

  • 87 percent are more likely to create a Jewish home
  • 76 percent of those who came to the class from other faith, family, and cultural backgrounds are more likely to choose Judaism as a religion
  • 96. percent feel more likely to engage in Jewish practice in their home
  • 97 percent feel more likely to attend Shabbat or holiday services
  • 97 percent are more likely to celebrate Jewish life cycle events

SUPPORT AVAILABLE

Introduction to Judaism classes are sponsored by URJ-affiliated congregations with extensive support from URJ staff. 

For each congregational Introduction to Judaism program that meets for a minimum of 30 learning hours, URJ staff will:

  • Post the congregation’s course offerings on ReformJudaism.org, a site with 300,000 monthly visitors
  • Provide customizable marketing materials
  • Offer paid digital marketing support
  • Respond directly to all inquiries from prospective students, including those who express interest through our website pop-up boxes, and as appropriate, refer them to congregational clergy and/or staff
  • Provide a customizable digital template for the Introduction to Judaism Certificate of Completion
  • Offer curricular resources, including materials designed for online teaching, and one-on-one consulting to faculty and congregational leadership

For courses that meet for less than 30 hours, URJ staff will:

  • Post the congregation’s course offerings on ReformJudaism.org as an “Other Adult Jewish Learning Class.”
  • Respond directly to all inquiries from prospective students, including those who express interest through our website pop-up boxes, and as appropriate, refer them to congregational clergy and/or staff
  • Offer curricular resources, including materials designed for online teaching.

In addition, through the generosity of the National Center to Encourage Judaism (NCEJ), URJ congregations that meet minimum requirements can receive a microgrant of up to $1800/year for one course or program and up to $2500/year for two or more courses. Congregations and communities may use the funds in a variety of designated ways that serve to help participants find a home in Jewish community, such as advertising, security costs, expenses for experiential engagement, and more.

CONTACT US

Share your congregation’s course details with us.

For additional information, please email us.