Building Your Jewish Community: A Practical Guide to Creating Meaningful Connections

Course Description: In this 8-week interactive course, Rabbi Andy Kahn, Executive Director of the American Council for Judaism, and Liana Wertman, Executive Director of the Torah Studio, will guide you through the tools, principles, and inspiration you need to build a thriving Jewish community rooted in shared values and meaningful connections. 

Whether you're starting from scratch or nurturing an existing group, you’ll gain practical strategies and explore the universalist Jewish values that can form the foundation of your community. 

Sliding Scale Structure: In alignment with our commitment to the founding principles of American Jewish Reform, we are committed to solving “on the basis of justice and righteousness, the problems presented by the contrasts and evils of the present organization of society.” We acknowledge the vast class discrepancies throughout the American Jewish community as reflected through the following structure: 

Subsidized ($240): For those who are unable to afford the true cost of the class 

True Cost ($360): 

Contribution ($480): For those who are financially able to support with off-setting the cost of the subsidized 

Note* If the cost remains prohibitive for you, please reach out directly to akahn@acjna.org and we will work to find a solution! 

Application Process: Application for the course can be found here. We will be accepting applications on a rolling basis until Friday, March 14th. We will follow-up to confirm payment & registration next steps. The class will have a total of 20 participants. 

Course Outline: 

Week 1: Introduction & Building Connection {March 24, 2025} 

Participants explore course themes, build relationships, and discuss the key elements of meaningful Jewish gatherings. 

Week 2: Gathering the Community {March 31, 2025} 

Focuses on intentional gathering, defining purpose, finding the community, curating inclusive spaces, and designing invitations that create meaningful experiences. 

Week 3: Blessings as Intention-Setting {April 7, 2025} 

Examines the role of blessings in Jewish tradition and how they can set intentions for gatherings through personal and communal rituals. 

Week 4: Understanding the Siddur {April 14, 2025} 

A deep dive into the structure of Jewish prayer, focusing on the Amidah as the core of spiritual connection and communal worship. 

Week 5: Torah Study as a Tool for Connection {April 21, 2025} 

Introduces Torah study as a communal practice that fosters meaningful dialogue, reflection, and learning.

Week 6: Gathering for Holidays {April 28, 2025} 

Explores Jewish holidays as opportunities for building community through ritual, reflection, and celebration. 

Week 7: Where Do You Build Community? {May 5, 2025} 

Encourages participants to reimagine Jewish spaces—homes, online platforms, and public places—as sites for intentional gatherings. 

Week 8: Project Presentations & Closing Reflections {May 12, 2025} 

Participants present their community-building projects, receive feedback, and reflect on their learning journey in a meaningful closing session.