Program
- Education Series
- Streaming
Introduction to Judaism Beyond Nationalism Cohort 3
Introduction to Judaism Beyond Nationalism is a broad-stroke survey of Jewish life, culture, belief and non-belief, and the major ideas that have shaped Jews and Judaism across time. The course offers participants a grounding in the practices, philosophies, and expressions of Jewish life from the ancient world to the present.
The course is divided into two 8-week modules. A third module, focused on personal Jewish development and practice-building, will be offered after the conclusion of Module 2.
Recordings will be provided for anyone who cannot attend live. We encourage regular participation, while recognizing that life happens. The course pairs well with either Judaisms by Aaron Hahn Tapper or Jewish History: A Very Short Introduction by David Meyer.
Course Pricing
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Module One: $300
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Module Two: $300
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Modules One & Two Together: $550
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Scholarships available by application
Module 1: History and Ideas
January 6 – February 24, 2026
This module traces the historical development of Judaism from biblical times to postmodernity, with attention to key philosophical questions, diaspora as a civilizational framework, the advent of Zionism, and Jewish responses to nationalism.
Weekly Topics
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January 6 — Introduction: What is a Jew?
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January 13 — The Jewish Timeline, Pt. I: From Abraham to Maimonides
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January 20 — The Jewish Timeline, Pt. II: From Ramban until Today
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January 27 — Torah: From the Bible to the Talmud and beyond
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February 3 — Jewish Belief
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February 10 — What Is Zionism?
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February 17 — Antisemitism
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February 24 — The Jews in America: Movements & Secularism
Module 2: Practices and Lifecycle
March 3 – April 21, 2026
This module explores Jewish practices, lifecycles, and rituals. Grounded in lived experience rather than nationalist narratives, it introduces the rhythms and symbols that shape Jewish religious and cultural life.
Weekly Topics
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March 3 — Introduction to Shabbat
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March 10 — The Jewish Lifecycle: Birth, Bar/Bat Mitzvah, and Marriage
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March 17 — The Jewish Lifecycle: Divorce, Death, and the Afterlife
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March 24 — Prayer: An Introduction
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March 31 — Fall Festivals: Elul, Slichot, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur
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April 7 — Sukkot, Passover, and Shavuot: Harvest Festivals
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April 14 — Purim and Chanukah
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April 21 — Jewish Symbols and Ritual Objects: Their Meaning and Use
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All classes via Zoom, December 22nd, 29th, and January 5th from 6:30-8pm Eastern
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The Four Cubits: Building Your Own Jewish Practice
This 8-week guided journey is designed for those seeking to build a meaningful Jewish practice on their own terms. Grounded in the ACJ’s historic commitment to Judaism beyond nationalism, this course explores Jewish spirituality, practice, ethics.
Each week, we will engage with foundational Jewish practices while allowing space for personal interpretation, shared study, and integration. Participants will be encouraged to shape their own evolving Jewish path through intentional learning, reflection, and action.
Whether you are discovering Judaism for the first time or reclaiming traditions in a way that aligns with your values, this course provides a flexible and inclusive framework for deepening your Judaism.
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