Interfaith couples, non-Jews considering conversion, and Jews looking for an adult-level introduction to the basics of Jewish thought and practice will benefit from Introduction to Judaism: a hands-on course that introduces beginners to the basics of Jewish thought and practice. This course is offered under the auspices of the URJ (Union of Reform Judaism) and is offered across the country.

In Orange County, the Introduction to Judaism class is an 18-session course taught by Rabbi Stephen Einstein. Rabbi Einstein is the author of two of the textbooks used as the standard teaching tools for beginning "Introduction to Judaism" classes in Reform synagogues and institutions throughout North America: Introduction to Judaism: A Sourcebook, and Every Person’s Guide to Judaism.

The class meets in the social hall of Temple Beth Sholom, 2625 N. Tustin Avenue, Santa Ana (one block south of the Garden Grove freeway) on Monday evenings from 7:30pm to 9:30pm. (Map to Temple Beth Sholom)

Tuition for the 18-week course is $240. A non-refundable $50 registration fee is included. The tuition fee allows for either one or two people to attend, and we encourage couples to attend together or singles to invite an interested friend. If you are yourself a member of a URJ-affiliated Reform congregation, the tuition is $170. You will also have to purchase the required textbooks for the class (appr. $150).   You may register online through the URJ website; click here.

No one is kept out of the class because of finances. If you require special financial arrangements, please contact Rabbi Sabine Meyer, Coordinator of the Introduction to Judaism Program, at (818) 907-8740 .

You may begin the course on any of the following dates:
 

October 18, 2010                      November 29, 2010                         February 7, 2011