Core Jewish Values | Introduction to Judaism (In Person)

The world of Jewish learning is vast, and it’s not always easy to know where to begin! This year-long course led by Rabbi Vanessa Harper offers an overview of major topics in Jewish life and learning—from holidays to history to home life—taught in sync with the Jewish calendar.

Classes begin with an assumption of no prior knowledge, and equip learners with the foundations to be able to explore topics of interest in greater depth. These January through June sessions are a repeat of the first semester of the course (held Winter 2023), but are new for those who started in the second semester (Fall 2023). All are welcome to join at any point in the series, whether for one class or a whole semester; prior attendance is not required!

Dates: Mondays, January 8 & 22, February 5 & 26, March 11 & 25, April 8, May 6 & 13, June 3 & 10

January 8 – What is Jewishness?
January 22 – Jewish Calendar and Shabbat
February 5 – Tanakh
February 26 – Rabbinic Literature
March 11 – Purim
March 25 – Jewish Life and Home
April 8 – Passover
May 6 – Holocaust and Antisemitism
May 13 – Israel and Zionism
June 3 – Core Jewish Values
June 10 – Siyyum (conclusion)

Fee: Members: $0 | Non-members: $90/individual or $135/couple

Registration: Click the purple registration bar above to register for the second semester. To register for an individual session, or if you have questions, please email Rabbi Harper at vharper@tbewellesley.org.